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^2d^^Congkes8-| house of REPRESENTATIVES j ^""-^l^^P 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA 



LETTER FROM 
THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE AND LABOR 

TRANSMITTING IN RESPONSE TO HOUSE 
RESOLUTION No. 73, INFORMATION RELAT- 
ING TO THE SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA 



July 19, 1911. — Referred to the Committee on Expenditures in the 

Department of Commerce and Labor and ordered 

to be printed with illustrations 



WASHINGTON 
19U 



V- 



62d Congress \ HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES \ ^^^^^^^f^ 

Ut Session \ (No. 93 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA 



LETTER FROM 
THE SECRETARY OF CO^MMERCE AND LABOR 

TRANSMITTING IN RESPONSE TO HOUSE 
RESOLUTION No. 73, INFORMATION RELAT- 
ING TO THE SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA 



I 



July 19, 1911, — Referred to the Committee on Expenditures in the 

Department of Commerce and Labor and ordered 

to be printed with illustrations 



WASHINGTON 
1911 




n. ftf n. 



.'V 



\ 



o^^^v 



^^ 



.»^ 



LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL. 



Depaetment of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, June ^4, 1911. 

Sir : By direction of the President, and in response to House reso- 
lution No. 73, Sixt3^-secpnd Congress, first session, I have the honor 
to transmit herewith for the use and information of the House of 
Representatives copies of all letters, reports, and documents received 
from agents of the department in charge of the seal islands of Alaska, 
together with copies of all instructions given to such agents, which 
relate to the condition and management of the fur-seal herd, the con- 
duct of the officers of the Government in charge of it, and the conduct 
of the work of the lessees on the seal islands aforesaid, since January 
1, 1904, to date. 

Since every written communication from the seal agents to the 
department may be said to be included in the phrase "all letters 
received, reports, and documents," and since every communication 
from the department to the agents may be regarded as an ''instruc- 
tion" to such agents, I considered that it was the intention of the 
House that I should exercise no discretion in selecting the matter 
to be furnished on the basis of its materiality or usefulness in any 
inquiry which may be contemplated, and those assigned to the task 
of searching the files of the department for the past seven years or 
more were instructed to omit no communication of either sort men- 
tioned from the papers to be gathered, copied, and transmitted. If I 
did not feel justified in withholding any paper, however unimportant, 
which seemed to be called for, neither did I feel warranted in trans- 
mitting anything which had not been requested. The result is that 
the , documents submitted may possibly contain, on the one hand, 
much material of no value, and may fail to include, on the other hand, 
some material which would prove useful to a full understanding of the 
department's course of action in the premises. Such further material 
I may add, as well as all the files of the department relating to the 
administration of matters concerning the Alaskan seal fisheries, is at 
the disposal of the House, or any Member or committee thereof 
interested in the subject. 

With reference to comniunicati'ins received from the seal agents 
relative to their ordinar\' expense accounts, including vouchers for 
salaries and expenses for traveling, subsistence, and incidentals, it 
is to be noted that the originals are not in the custody of this depart- 
ment, haxing been lodged with the Auditor for the State and Other 
Departments in regulnr course. With reference to such matters, 
the department retains only duplicates, memoranda, supplemental 
correspondence, occasional subvouchers, and the like. These are 



4 ■ LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL. 

transmitted intact, in order to avoid the expense of copying, arid it 
is desired that they should eventually be returned to the department, 
unless their retention by the House is considered necessary. With 
reference to all other papers, except such as have been printed in 
public documents, photographic copies have been made, in order 
to save both the time and expense incident to copying by ordinary 
methods. The copies transmitted are made from the original or 
the original copy as contained in the department's files,^ except 
where such originals were too faint to photograph, in which case 
typewritten copies were made and photographed, as indicated in each 
instance. 

Respectfully, Charles Nagel, 

Secretary. 

The Speaker of the House of Representatives. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



1904r. 

Part I. Instructions to Agents and Agents' Reports. 

July 1, 1903. 
To wliom it may concern: 

It is liereb}' ordered tliat the appropriations for "Salaries and 
traveling expenses of agents at the seal fisheries in Alaska, 1904," 
"Supplies for native inhabitants of Alaska, 1904," and "Expenses, 
inspectors of pelagic sealskins, 1904" (Sundry civil act. Mar. 3, 1903), 
shall be expended under the immediate direction of the chief clerk of 
the department, subject to the supervision of the Secretary. 

Geo. B. Cortelyou, 

Secretary. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Division of Alaskan Fisheries, 

Washington, January 8, 1904. 
Mr. F. H. Hitchcock, 

Chief Cleric, Department of Commerce and Lahor. 
My Dear Mr. Hitchcock: I have to acknowledge the receipt of 
your letter of the 8th instant, wherein you remind me of a former 
request for an inventory of the various papers and documents in 
rooms 301-2, and to reply truthfully that I have no recollection of a 
request to inventory the entire contents of the room. I remember 
your asking me to make a list of some papers which came recently 
from the Treasury, relating to the leasing of fox islands, which I 
made in due time and have in my room ready for the typewriter. 

The inventory of the remainder of the rooms' contents will be made 
at once. 

Very truly, yours, W. I. Lembkey. 



January 8, 1904. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent Alaskan Fur-Seal Service, 

Department of Commerce and Lahor. 
Dear Sir : Tliis is to remind you of the request I made some time 
ago regarding an inventory of the various papers and documents 
deposited in the rooms you now occupy (Nos. 301 and 302), so far as 
these papers and documents relate to the Alaskan Fur-Seal Service. 
I am anxious to have such an inventory prepared as promptly as 
is feasible. 

Very truly, vours, F. H. Hitchcock, 

Chief Clerk. 

5 



6 seal islands of alaska. 

Januaey 9, 1904. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent Alaskan Seal Service, 

Department of Commerce and Labor. 
Dear Sir: Inclosed herewith is a copy of a letter, with certain 
omissions, that was addressed to the Secretary under date of the 8th 
instant by Mr. Henry W. Elliott, of Cleveland, Ohio, on the subject 
of the Alaskan fur seals. 

I shall be obliged if you will examine critically the data presented 
by Mr. Elliott and let me have your opinion as to their accuracy and 
as to the force of the arguments on which they are based. As the 
fur-seal question is now a matter of considerable urgency, owing to 
the radical nature of certain legislation now pending, such statements 
as you have to make covering the points raised in Mr. Elliott's letter 
should be submitted as promptly as possible. 
Very truly, yours, 

F. H. Hitchcock, 

Chief Cleric. 

January 8, 1904. 
The Secretary of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C. 

Sir : I respectfully submit the following statements of fact, without 
adding any opinions of my own, as the basis of a proper request for 
prompt action on your part in order that the fur-seal species of Alaska 
shall not be completely destroyed, root and branch, on the Pribilof 
Islands during the coming season, under existing rules and regulations. 

The commercial ruin of our fur-seal herd was effected at Paris, August 
16, 1893. I will not advert to the errors of our own agents in charge 
of our case which led to this humiliating result. I should say at this 
point that I did all in my power in 1890 and 1891 to prevent the course 
mapped out and followed to defeat by these agents. My protests in 
November, 1890, and in January, 1891, to Mr. Blaine were in vain and I 
had nothing to say or do with the management of that case after the 
6th day of January, 1891 ; my knowledge and understanding of the sub- 
ject were ignored, and save the tardy and forced adoption of the modus 
Vivendi of 1891-1893, which I urged in November, 1890, no argument or 
wish of mine prevailed in the preparation of this case. I am in no way 
responsible for the wretched conduct of that case of our Government 
before the Paris tribunal and its resultant shame and misery, to say 
nothing of the immense loss of public property also following. 

Again in 1896-97 I urged Dr. Jordan not to make the serious and 
mischievous blunder of asserting that no excessive land killing of male 
seals could be done by the lessees; this sad error was first made at 
Paris by our agents; for him to repeat it later was inexcusable. 
To-day Dr. Jordan is confronted on these islands by the overwhelm- 
ing evidence of his mistake — the land killing on the islands has been 
far more deadly to the existence of the fur-seal herd than has been 
the pelagic hunters' work; the following indisputable figures prove it. 
Dr. Jordan's " trampled-pup " theory and his hallucination over the 
idle work of branding the female seals, so as to destroy the value of 
their skins for the pelagic hunters, and his unfortunate joint agree- 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 7 

ment of November 17, 1897, with his British associates, were and are 
great blunders which have attracted much uncomplimentary attention 
and have stirred the deep regret of his friends. 

The figures and facts wliich I heremth present for your information 
and use declare that the bitter sequel of commercial ruin for our 
interests on the seal islands of Alaska is right at hand; that sequel is 
the immediate extermination of this anomalous, valuable, and won- 
derful marine hfe which must exist on the Pribilof group ; but it can 
not and -will not exist by its own law of life anywhere else. 

By way of introduction to the following tabulated statements 
showing the rapid decline of the fur-seal herd since 1872 permit me 
to say that I am, fortunately, in possession of the complete and indis- 
putable proof of my statement that 4,500,000 fur seals — cows, bulls, 
and pups — were in existence on the rookeries and hauling grounds of 
St. Paul and St. George Islands, in fine form and condition, during 
the seasons of 1872-1874, inclusive. I am fortunate in holding afl 
of this indisputable and self-asserting evidence just as it was secured 
and recorded in 1872, 1873, and 1874; the original records, surveys 
in detail, and notes are mine. That point of departure in 1872-1874 
enables me to authoritatively and clearly express to you the real loss 
of life wliich the Government has sustained in this ruin of its industry 
on the seal islands of Alaska; without it no adequate expression of 
the truth could be made by myself or anyone else which would be 
credible and accepted by the judicial mind. The first point to which 
I desire to draw your attention is the following official record of the 
loss of life on the seal islands of Alaska from 1872 down to 1903, 
inclusive : 

Number of fur seals — males, females, and young. 

1872-1874. The survevs of Elliott and Maynard ; act approved Apr. 22, 1874 . 4, 500, 000 

1890. The survey of Elliott; act approved Apr. 5, 1890 1, 059, 000 

1891. The Canadian- American Joint Commisson survey, "about" 1, 000, 000 

1896. The Jordan-Thompson Joint Commission survey (p. 22 of Jordan's 

preliminary report. Treasury Department Doc. No. 1913) 440, 000 

1897. The Jordan-Thompson Joint Commission survey declares that "the 

rookeries on which the pups were counted show a reduction of 14.4 

per cent" (i. e., 14.4 per cent fewer seals than in 1896) 376, 640 

1898. Report Secretary of the Treasm-y, page xxxiv, Dec. 6, 1898: "The 

conditions of the rookeries show a most apparent decrease in the 
numbers of seal? frequenting the islands." No estimate of per- 
centage of loss is made, but it can not be "most apparent" unless 
that loss of life is at least 12 per cent of the figures agreed upon in 
1897, or 331,000 

1899. Report Secretary of the Treasury, page xxxi, Dec. 5, 1899: "The 

condition on the rookeries shows a continued decline in the herd." 
("The agent in charge reports a decline of 20 per cent" from the 
figures of 1898. — Report Secretarv of the Treasury, p. xxxii, Dec. 4, 
1900) . This gives us ."^ ". 264, 962 

1900. Report Secretary of the Treasm-y, page xxxii, Dec. 4, 1900: "The 

agent in charge reports that the seal life on the islands in 1899 was 
20 per cent less than in 1898." "The rookeries were examined dur- 
ing the past season by an agent of the Fish Commission." "He 
reports a decrease in the seal life on the rookeries as compared with 
former years." "Smaller seals were taken this year than ever 
before." Report United States Fish Commission, 1900, page 165: 
"The seals have been diminishing upon the breeding grounds for 
many years, the annual decrease during the past few years amount- 
ing to about 20 per cent." This testimony reduces the herd in 
1900 to 233, 962 



8 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

1901. Report Secretary of the Treasury, page 38, Dec. 2, 1901: "The enume- 

ration of live pups shows a marked falling off from the previous 
years." A "marked falling off" in the number of pups would not 
be noticed as such unless the percentage of lose was at least 12 per 
cent, or 204, 887 

1902. Report Secretary of the Treasury, page 30, Dec. 3, 1902: No mention 

or hint of any decrease in the herd in this report; but a set of errone- 
ous figures is given for the pelagic catch of the year; only one- 
third of this catch is announced. Upon this false return of that 
catch is based an allegation that the pelagic hunter is retiring from 
business, and this retirement puts the "herd in a more stable con- 
dition," and that "it is not decreasing now as rapidly as here- 
tofore." Also no reference whatever is made of the new "Japa- 
nese " sealing fleet which joined the Canadian fleet this season and 
has been busy all around the islands inside of the "60-mile zone;" 
no reference is made of this new power for destruction, although 
the department on Sept. 25, 1902, received an official report 
declaring that 16 of these vessels were thus engaged. Therefore, 
since the same forces of destruction which have been at work on 
the herd since lcS96 have again been all actively employed with 
the addition of the "16 Japanese" vessels, it is only reasonable to 
declare a reduction of at least 12 per cent from the number allowed 
for 1901, and this gives us at the close of the season of 1902 not to 

exceed 180, 000 

Also, in this report of the Treasury Department for 1902 is 
omitted the statement of the special agent in charge of the islands 
in his report for this year, that "a careful count of harems made 
this year shows a falling off of 25 per cent of breeding bulls." The 
reason why this important fact is omitted is evident to any intelli- 
gent reader; it would utterly deny the Secretary's assertion that 
"the herd is in a more stable condition;" it is therefore suppressed. 

1903. The Government agent declares that at the close of the season of 1903 

• the number of seals alive does not exceed 150, 000 

The season he refers to closes Aug. 1, 1903. 

A recapitulation of the foregoing official record of the rate and 
progress of the decline of the fur-seal herd of Alaska shows, concisely, 
that there were in — 

Males, females, 
and voimg. 

1872-1874 4, 500, 000 

1890 1,059,000 

1891 1,000,000 

1896 440,000 

1897 376,000 

1898 331,000 

1899 264,000 

1900 233, 000 

1901 204,000 

1902 180, 000 

1903 150,000 

Also, a census of the fur-seal cows alone has been officially recorded 
since 1896, as follows: 

1896 (Jordan's Report) 157, 405 

1897 (Jordan's Report) 134, 582 

1900 (United States Fish Commissioner's Report) 100, 000 

1901 (Special Agent, Treasury Department, Report) 91, 236 

1902 (Special Agent, Treasmy Department, Report) ' 94, 882 

Certainly true it is that these bulls are "falling off." They are 
dying of old age on these rookeries and no new blood has been per- 
mitted to reach these breeding grounds since 1896, so as to fill the 

' This increase of some 5 per cent in cows over the figures of 1901 is a self-evident blunder, because its 
author in his report of 1902 says: "A careful count of harems made this year shows a falling off of 25 per 
cent of breeding bulls." 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 9 

vacancies thus created; and it is equally certain and true that the 
same annual loss of cows has taken place in 1903 which has marked 
the preceding seasons, since tliere has been no cessation of the work 
of slaughter on land and in the sea in all of those years, and there is 
none to-day. 

The next point in order is the following analysis of the status of 
the male life on the rookeries or breeding grounds, which clearly shows 
the total elimination of this life by 1907 under existing rules and 
management. 

In 1872-1874 there were some 90,000 breeding bulls and 1,250,000 
cows (primipares, multipares, and nu'biles), showing a birth rate of 
1.125,000 pups. 

In 1890 this herd was reduced to some 14,000 breeding bulls and 
about 420,000 cows (primipares, multipares, and nubiles), showing a 
birth rate of 380,000 pups. 

In 1896 this herd v^as still further reduced to some 5,000 bulls and 
about 144,000 cows (primipares, multipares, and nubiles). showing a 
birth rate of 130.000 pups. 

In 1903 this herd is reduced to some 2,200 bulls and about 75,000 
cows (primipares, multipares, and nubiles). showing a birth rate of 
68,000 pups. 

These 2,200 breeding bulls of 1903 are the survivors of those young 
males which were spared in 1890 and b}^ the modus vivendi of 1891- 
1893, and thus allowed to grow up to the age of 6 years, and then take 
their places in 1894, 1895, and 1896 on the rookeries as 6 and 7 year 
old "seecatchie." 

In 1894 and in 1895 a few hundred 4-year-olds may have escaped 
the club on the killing grounds and thus came in as 6-year-olds in 1896 
and 1897. 

But in 1896 no 3-year-okl seal was passed over the killing grounds 
which was not killed in 1897 as a 4 year old. 

And in 1897 and 1898 no 3-year-old seal escaped the killer's club, 
except to die on the killing grounds as a 4-year-old in 1898 and 1899. 

And in 1899 no 2-year-old seal was permitted to escape on these 
grounds unless to die as a 3-year-old in 1900. 

And in 1900 no well-grown yearling seal was spared on these 
slaughter fields except to j^erish as a 2-year-old in 1901. 

And in 1901 every j^earling that came ashore was taken, and if a 
few escaped they met the club in 1902 sure, as 2 year olds. 

And in 1902 every young male seal that landed was taken, so that 
out of 22,199, 16,875 were ''long" and average yearlings, or " 5- 
pound" or "eyepl aster" skins. 

In this clear light of the close killing of the young male life as given 
above, it will be observed that no young or fresh male blood has been 
permitted to mature and reach the breeding grounds since 1896. 

The average life of a breeding bull is from 15 to 18 years; he does 
not keep his place longer for good and obvious reasons. The youngest 
bulls to-day upon that breeding ground are not less than 12 years 
old — most of them older. They are now rapidly dying of old age — 
witness the following: 

An official report in 1902 declares that these breeding bulls had 
decreased in number from 1901 to the end of 1902 at least 25 per cent. 

An official report in 1903 again declares a decrease from 1902 to 
the end of this season (1903) -of 17 per cent; 42 per cent since 1901. 



10 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



The close of the season of 1904 will show at least 20 per cent reduc- 
tion again; and in 1905 again 20 per cent at least, to entirely cease 
by 1907 unless steps are taken at once to stop the run on this life by 
land (and sea killing) clubbing in 1904 of the choice young male 
seals, yearlings and upward, to the end of the season of 1906 — stop 
it entirely. 

I now submit a tabulated statement, which is in the form of a 
prophecy, based upon the foregoing figures of fact, with the reasons 
guiding my forecast. 

A table which shows the annual rate of progress in the extermina- 
tion of the fur-seal herd of Alaska which will take effect under existing 
rules and regulations by 1907 unless checked in 1904: 

Pribilof Island seals on the islands. 



Class. 



1905 



1908 



Old bulls (youngest to-day 12 years) ... 2, 200 

Pupping cows, Aug. 1 C5, 000 

Virgin cows, Aug. 1 10, 000 

Pups, born June and July 65, 000 

Male yearlings, Aug. 1 1, 000 

Female yearlings, Aug. 1 10, 000 

Total 1.53,200 

Land catch to Aug. 1 ' 19, 252 

Pelagic catch to Nov. 1 ' 25, 000 

Total i 44, 252 



1,650 
56,250 

5,000 

56, 250 

500 

6,000 



125, 650 



16, 000 
20, 000 



1,165 
37,885 

3,000 

37,885 

300 

4,000 



400 

22,825 

2,800 

20, 000 

300 

2,000 



150 
15, 000 

500 
10, 000 

(?) 
500 



84,235 



48, 625 



26,250 



8,000 
15,000 



(?) 
12, 000 



None. 
10,000 



36,000 



23, 000 



12, 000 



10. 000 



(?) None. 

5,000 3,000 
None. 

5, 000 None. 
None 

(?) None. 

10,000 ! 3,000 

'6,'666'i"'None.' 
6,000 ' (?) 



Owing to the fact that the youngest of these old breeding bulls is 
at least 12 years old in 1903, and that the service imposed upon 
it, as a rule, ends in the sixteenth and eighteenth year of its age, 
this life is rapidly dying off and will entirely go by the end of the 
season of 1907; 42 per cent of its form in 1901 "disappeared by 1903. 

No young male seal above 2 years of age will appear next season 
(1904) on the hauling grounds, unless an order prohibiting the 
killing of all choice male seals above 10 months of age shall be made 
for the seasons of 1904, 1905, 1906, and 1907, on the seal islands 
of Alaska; no fresh young male blood can mature quickly enough 
to come onto the breeding grounds and save the birth rate from 
total collapse in 1907. Even if this is done, it will be a close call 
for that life anyhow. To postpone such an order to 1905 would 
be too late, if the species itself is to be saved from complete extirpa- 
tion. This result will ensue as sure as fate, unless the killing is 
at once held up on the seal islands. 

The full number of old bulls carried on this table from 1903 to 
1907 represents all that will be seen in those years and alive on 
the breeding grounds; but this number is greater every season 
than the real number of virile or potent sires; for instance, in 1903 
we count 2,200 old bulls, but a large number of them lay upon the 
rookery without cows. Why do they thus lay idle when the bulls 
in active service around them have more than twice as many cows 
in 1903 as they should have were the service normal on this field? 
These bulls were somnolent and idle in 1903 wlien the cows in the 
harems around them increased horn a normal ratio of 22 females 
to 1 male sire to 44 cows to the bull. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



11 



They were thus idle because they had lost throu,2,h ag'e the vigor 
to attract and control a harem. I saw this state of affairs on these 
breeding grounds in 1890 and raised the note of alarm then, for the 
first time; stopped the killing on July 20, when only 19,000 of 
the 60.000 quota had been taken, and forced my modus vivendi 
through, which took effect in 1891, 1892, and 1893. 

And these bulls which w^e see alive on the breeding grounds now, 
and will continue to observe until 1907, are the survivors of the 
young male 2, 3, and 4 year olds which were saved in 1890, 1891, 
1892, and 1893, plus a few 3 and 4 year olds which may have slipped 
through in 1894 and 1895. 

Since 1896 no fresh young male blood has been permitted to 
pass the club on the killing grounds of St. Paul and St. George, 
and the effect of utterly shutting off the birth rate by 1906 and 
1907 is plainly exhibited in the analysis tabulated above. 

In further explanation and justification of the foregoing anticipa- 
tion of the complete extermination of the male life on the Pribilof 
Islands by 1907, I submit the following table made up from the annual 
record of London sales, where all of the Pribilof fur-seal skins have 
been sold since 1870, which shows how completely the young male 
fur-seal life has been and is being eliminated; the very dregs of that 
life composed nine-tenths of the catch of 1902 and fully nine-tenths 
of the catch of 1903. 





"Prime" or 


"Short" or 


"Eveplas- 






Year. 


8 to 9 pound 
skins (3 and 


5* to 6 pound 
skins (2-year- 


ter," 4?, to 5 
pound skins 


Total. 


Remarks. 




4 year olds). 


olds). 


(1-year-olds). 






1872 


100,000 


None. 


None. 


100,000 


Secured in four working weeks, June 
and July. 


1890 


3,588 


10,048 


7,314 


20,950 


Lessees tried to get 60,000 prime skins; 
could not; killing stopped July 20. 


1891 


2,251 


10,000 




12,251 


Modus Vivendi; killing restricted to 


1892 


5,549 


2,000 




7,549 


7,500. 
Do. 


1893 


7,500 
12,000 






7, .500 
16,031 


Do. 


1894 


4,031 




Lessees tried to get 30,000 prime skins; 
could not. 
Do. 


1895 


10,500 


4,500 




15,000 


1896 


8,000 


16,000 


6,000 


.30,000 


Lessees take full quota, but fail in prime 

skins. 
Lessees refuse full quota of 30,000; no 


1897 


5,000 


12,960 


3,000 


20, 960 












prime skins and does not pay to take 












small ones. 


1898 


3.000 


8,000 


7,031 


18,031 


Prices advance 15 per cent in December. 


1899 


2,700 


5,500 


9,000 


16,812 


Prices advance in London market 20 per 
cent, so small skins are taken. 


1900 


2,200 


6.000 


14,000 


22, 470 


High prices warrant taking "eye- 
plasters." 


1901 


1,826 


4,886 


16,000 


22,672 


Do. 


1902 


1,311 


3,903 


16,878 


22,092 


Do. 


1903 


646 


1.500 


13,034 


15.180 


Only 15,180 skins out of 19,212 taken this 
year were sold Dec. 17, 1903. A de- 
cline of 10 per cent in the price caused 
the balance of the catch to be held over 
for the March sales, 1904. 



Observe that the '•prime" or 3 and 4 year old niale skins run down 
from 12,000 in 1894 to 1,311 in 1902, while the "eyeplasters" or year- 
ling males run up from nothing in 1894 to 16,878 in 1902. These 
figures show beyond contradiction or argument that nothing of the 
male life is left on the seal islands of Alaska worth notice, except the 
pups born last summer, and which will be killed by the lessees in 
1904 as '''e\'eplasters." 



12 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

In the light of the foregoing statements of fact, am I not warranted 
in asking that you at once suspend all killing on the islands by the 
lessees for the seasons of 1904, 1905, and 1906; and that only such 
young males as may be necessary for natives' food be killed thereon 
during those seasons, solely under the direction of your agents, the 
skins of which can be carefully preserved and sold by the Govern- 
ment — the proceeds thereof turned into the public Treasury ? 

You can not divide the authority for killing on the islands in the 
present condition of affairs between your agents and the agents of the 
lessees, without scandal, confusion, and failure. 

You have full and ample power to suspend all killing of seals by the 
lessees under the distinct terms of their lease, whenever the preserva- 
tion of that life is at stake, and which a^ou are especially charged by 
Congress to preserve; the lessees have no recourse on the Government, 
under existmg conditions, if you suspend their operations mdefuiitely, 
b}^ the express terms of this lease, and which was drawn by Mr. Win- 
dom in March, 1890, for the very purpose of meeting just such a con- 
tingenc}' as now arises. I know it, because I was consulted by him 
when he was drafting it. 

Again, the lessees have no ground of complaint, legally or morally, 
if you entirely suspend their work; they have made an enormous 
profit annually since 1890, even through the short-killing of the modus 
vivendi in 1891-1893. The entire amount of their capital invested 
in the plant on these islands is only $67,000. 

I have detailed figures which declare their annual profits since 1900 
to have been simply enormous from a commercial standpoint; the fur 
trade has recognized the fact that the end of supply from the seal 
islands is near at hand; and since 1897 a steady, immense rise in price 
per skin, no matter how small, has taken place up to date, making the 
profits on the island catches and the pelagic catches way beyond the 
figures of greatest values ever known to the business since 1900. 

This step which I ask you to take is provided for by existing law; 
there are other steps which I think you ought to take, but which you 
can not take until Congress acts ; of them and about them I desire very 
much to confer personally with you. 

I am, very respectfulty. 

Your friend and servant, 

Henry W. Elliott, 
1228 Uth Street NW., Washington, D. C. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Division of Alaskan Fisheries, 

Washington, January 19, 1904- 
Mr. F. H. Hitchcock, 

Chief Cleric, Bepartment of Commerce and Labor. 
]\Iy Dear Mr. Hitchcock: As requested in your letter of the 9th 
instant, I take pleasure in inclosing herewith memoranda containing 
a critical analysis of a letter addressed to the Secretary of this depart- 
ment on the 8th instant by Mr. Henry W. Elliott urging the cessa- 
tation of killing on land of fur seals on the Pribilof Islands. 

In my desire to make the analysis as succinct as possible, I have 
been forced to pass over with brief mention statements in his letter 
that would seem to demand much more ample treatment 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 13 

While I have dealt with his communication in detail from the 
standpoint he assumes — that faulty land killing has been the cause 
of the decrease of the herd — I desire to state that no argument which 
alleges this cause of diminution can be substantiated. The killing 
of female seals at sea is the true reason for the diminution of seal life, 
and any argument based on any otlier hypothesis must necessarily 
succumb to the laiown facts at hand. 

"S^ery truly, yours, W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge of Seal Fisheries. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C. 

Memoranda, of comments on statements in letter of Henry W. Elliott, 
regarding seal life on Prihilof Island. 

On page 1, paragraph 3, Mr. ElHott states at the outset that he 
has "complete and indisputable proof" of the existence of 4,500,000 
seals during 1872-1874. That this statement is not accepted without 
challenge is shown by the analysis of Mr. Elliott's estmiate in Dr. 
Jordan's report. (Fur wSeal Inves. Com., pt. 1, pp. 77 et seq.) 

Dr. Jordan states (p. 78) that Elliott's estimates were based on 
"two important assumptions." First, that all animals were present 
on land between July 10 and 20, and second, that tlie breeding seals 
were equally distributed on the several breeding grounds. He there- 
fore measured the breeding area, allotted 2 square feet for each 
animal and reached his conclusion. 

Both of tliese assumptions Dr. Jordan states, were "incorrect." 
As the seals are never all present on land at once and the allotment 
of 2 square feet for a female seal 4 feet long with a spread of 
4 feet, and A\dthout any provision for the space occupied by her 
pup, is absurd. Dr. Jordan enters into detailed analysis of the esti- 
mate and finally concludes (p. 89) tliat there was a total of only 
about 2,000,000 seals of all classes in the herd of 1871-1880, instead of 
4,500,000. 

On page 2 his estimate of 1,059,000 seals in 1890 is stated by 
Dr. Jordan (idem, p. 84) to be "as bad if not worse" than his estimate 
of 1870. Although there are only one-fourth the number of animals 
stated to be present in 1890 as compared to 1872, Mr. Elliott more 
than doubles all the breeding areas in 1890 on St. George and also 
portions of the rookery space on St. Paul. As a result of this increased 
space occupied, Mr. Elliott concludes that the seals on St. Paul liave 
been decreased to one-fourth and on St. George to one-half. (Jordan, 
idem, p. 84.) 

At the time that Mr. Elliott made his estimate of 4,500,000 seals 
in 1872, his collaborator, Lieut. Maynard, United States Navy, esti- 
mated 6,000,000 seals present. A million or two one way or the 
other seemed to make no difference. (Jordan.) 

The table of diminution of seal life in pages 2 and 3 of Mr. Elliott's 
letter is apparently a series of deductions, based partially on state- 
ments in official reports and partially on inferences of the author. 
By itself it lacks any value. 

For example, in arriving at the number of seals present in 1898, 
he quotes the 1898 report of the Secretary of the Treasury, which 



14 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

states that "a most apparent decrease in the number of seals fre- 
quenting the islands is shown." Mr. Elliott concludes that this loss 
can not be "most apparent" without being at least 12 per cent less 
than the figures given in 1897. His arbitrary selection of 12 per cent 
decrease gives a criterion of the value of the whole table. This 
method is repeated for the year 1901, when the term ''marked falling 
off" is also translated to mean 12 per cent. 

For the year 1902 no mention of decrease is made in the Secretary's 
annual report, from which Mr. Elliott concludes that the herd has 
decreased 12 per cent, as usual. 

Mr. Elliott intimates (p. 3) that certain information contained in a 
letter received by the Treasury Department on September 25, 1902, 
that 16 Japanese vessels were engaged in pelagic sealing inside the 
60-mile zone, was suppressed. A search in the files of the department 
shows a letter received from the Secretary of State on the date men- 
tioned, containing a copy of a letter from the governor of Alaska. 
The inclosure mentions two Japanese vessels fully equipped having 
been boarded by the revenue cutter Manning, but does not mention 
the locality in which they were found nor that any Japanese vessels 
were found within the 60-mile zone. Mr. Elliott appears, therefore, 
to be in error in asserting that the department on that date was 
informed of sealing inside the zone by "16 Japanese vessels," and for 
some reason suppressed the information. 

Mr. Elliott states further (p. 3) that in the Secretary's report for 
1902 no mention is made of the statement in the special agent's report 
that "a careful count of harems made this year shows a falHng off of 
25 per cent of breeding bulls," and that the reason for this omission 
is that it would utterly controvert the Secretary's assertion that "the 
herd is in a more stable condition." It was, therefore, according to 
Mr. Elliott, suppressed. 

From this it would appear that Mr. Elliott does not believe these 
two statements to be compatible, or, in other words, that a falHng off 
in the number of bulls and an increase in the number of cows does not 
argue a more "stable condition of the rookeries." In this Mr. Elliott 
either assumes a false position for the purpose of proving his case, or 
shows a lack of knov/ledge of actual conditions of seal life as demon- 
strated by the opinions of scientists competent to speak with authority. 

Because of the highly polj^gamous character of the fur seal and of 
the fact that the sexes are divided on the breeding rookeries in various 
ratios from 1 to 50 or more, it has long been decided that the 
presence of but a small number of bulls is necessary in proportion to 
the cows present. It is also true that, given a sufficiency of bulls, 
the more breeding females present the greater the increase of the herd, 
and vice versa. 

If the number of breeding bulls on the islands was vastly increased, 
it would not result in the birth of a single pup more than is born with 
the same number of cows and the present ratio of bulls. 

The criterion, therefore, of the rise or fall of the herd must be the 
increase or decrease of cows and not of bulls. 

That a large surplus of breeding bulls is a detriment, rather than 
an advantage, is abundantly proven. Dr. Jordan states that- — 

Owing to the polygamous habit of the fur seals, the greater portion of the male life 
born is superfliious. For the 130,000 breeding cows found on the rookeries of St. 
Paul and St. George Islands in the season of 1897, 4,418 bulls were adequate, or at 
least out of fully 10,000 adult bulls, ready and willing to serve harems, only this num- 



SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 15 

ber were able to obtain them. Therefore only 1 bull to 30 is absolutely necessary 
under present conditions. That this limit could be materially lowered without pos- 
itive danger to the herd is conclusively shown by, etc. (Fur Seal Inves. Com., pt. 
1, p. 119.) 

The removal of this surplus male life is not only possible, but is really beneficial 
to the herd. When the number of adult males and females was practically equal, 
the destruction, both among the cows and among the pups, must have been enormous. 
(Idem, p. 120.) 

' Dr. Stejneger says: 

On the Pribilof Islands the undesirable abundance of superfluous males is due to 
the mistaken policy of limiting the number of fur seals to be taken. (Idem, pt. 4, 
p. 221.) 

If, therefore, the number of pups born on the islands in 1902 shows 
no decrease in cows from the preceding year, and the number of these 
surplus and objectionable bulls is shown to have been decreased dur- 
ing the same period, it would seem proper for the Secretary of the 
Treasury to have reported a "more stable condition of the herd." 

On page 4 Mr. Elliott's summary of seal life of all grades, from 
1872 to 1903, is appended. As the figures therein have alread}'' been 
shown to consist mainly of mere deductions and inferences, the sum- 
mary as a whole is unreliable. 

On page 4 of Mr. Elliott's letter occurs a census of breeding cows 
made by the Fur Seal Investigation Commission and by Treasury 
agents. These figures, with the exception of those in 1900, quoted 
from the report of the Fish Commission for 1900, were the result of 
actual counts and are as nearl}' correct as possible. 

To the count for 1902, however, which shows an increase of cows 
over that of the preceding year, Mr. Elliott attaches the following 
note: 

This increase of some 5 per cent in cows over the figures of 1901 is a self-evident 
blunder, because its author in his report of 1902 says: "A careful count of harems 
made this year shows a falling off of 25 per cent of breeding bulls." 

It is rather a blunder on the part of Mr. Elliott to assume these 
figures to be incorrect when he was not in possession of the evidence 
upon which the statistics in question are based. The census of 
breeding cows on the two islands in 1901 showed 90,236 present; that 
for 1902 showed the presence of 94,882, an increase of nearly 4 per 
cent. During that time the breeding bulls decreased from 3,160 to 
2,381, or 24.65 per cent. This is simply a statement of the actual 
conditions found on the island as disclosed by a careful count. If any 
explanation of this condition is required, it is that the surplus male 
life on the rookeries had been diminished during this period by close 
killing, Vthile the bulls occupied with cows had satisfactorily per- 
formed this function, and the birth rate had exceeded by this small 
margin the ravages of nature and pelagic sealing. Describing this 
condition, the agent's report for 1903 says: 

We find, therefore, that during the four years from 1900 to 1903, during which close 
killing has been in vogue on the islands, the breeding bulls decreased 42 per cent, the 
bachelor herd decreased 14 per cent, and the breeding cows increased 9 per cent. It is 
evident from this 9 per cent increase that the closer killing of bachelors has not, to say 
the least, injured the herd of breeding cows. 

Mr. Elliott's intimation, therefore, that an increase in the herd of 
cows can not exist contemporaneously with a decrease in the number 
of bulls on the islands, is positively disproved by the actual finding 
of that condition on the islands during the years mentioned. 



16 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



On page 5 Mr. Elliott states that "these bulls are fallmg off — they 
are dying of old age on the rookeries, and no new blood has been 
permitted to reach the rookeries since 1896." 

That no new blood has gone to the rookeries since 1896 is a mis- 
statement. 

The summary of the records of killings for 1897 appear on page 210 
of part 1 of the report of the Fur Seal Investigation Commission. 
From this it will appear that the rejections from the killing grounds 
of young seals too large for killing purposes, but too young to serve 
on the rookeries, were as follows: 



1897 


Large 
rejects. 


1897 


Large 
rejects. 


1897 


I^arge 
rejects. 


1897 


Large 
rejects. 


June 15 

June 18 

June 23 

June 26 

June 30 

July 1 

July 2 


144 
130 
556 
402 
376 
288 
107 


July 5 

July 6 

Julys 

July 9 

.July 12 

July 14 

July 16 


229 
301 
355 
97 
140 
216 
391 


July 17 

July 19 

July 22 

July 23 

July 24 

July 26 

July 27 


180 
377 
500 
161 
352 
491 
221 


.July 29 

July 30 

July 31 

Aug. 2 

Aug. 5 

Aug. 7 


298 
383 
118 
350 
159 
200 



In the annual report of 1899 of Mr. J. M. Morton, agent in charge 
of the islands, are gathered the statistics of large 3^oung seals rejected 
from the kilKng grounds in 1898 and 1899, as follows: 



1898 


I-arge 

rejects. 


1898 


lyarge 

rejects. 


1898 


Large 
rejects. 


1898 


Large 

reject?. 


June 1 

Do 

June 10 

June 18 

June 22 

June 25 

June 28 

June 29 


12 
28 
75 
95 
102 
221 
178 
151 


June 30 

Julyl 

July 2 

July 4 

July 7 

Julys 

July 13 

July 14 


199 
201 
219 
116 
189 
177 
94 
66 


July 15 

.July 16 

July 18 

July 20 

July 21 

July 22 

July 23 

July 25 


40 
101 
35 
65 
67 
151 
203 
85 


July 27 

July 28 

July 29 

July 30 

Aug. 1 

Aug. 4 

Aug. 6 

Aug. 10 


502 
54 
317 
135 
213 
72 
120 
42 



The statistics for 1899 follow: 



1899 


Large 

rejects. 


1899 


Large 
reject.s. 


1899 


Large 
rejects. 


1899 


Large 
rejects. 


June 15 

June 22 

June 29 

June .30 

July] 

Do 

Julys 


76 
31 
1.53 
211 
1.33 
75 
113 


JulyO 

July 7 

Julys 

July 10 

July 12 

July 13 

July 14 


90 
34 
31 
48 
69 
61 
90 


July 17 

July 19 

July 20 

July 21 

July 22 

July 24 

July 27 


94 

11 

18 

161 

43 

324 

132 


July 28 

July 29 

July 31 

Aug. 3 

Aug. 5 

Aug. 8 


25 
147 
121 

69 
106 
113 



The statistics of killing for 1900 are contained in the report of 
Agent Judge. The number of large young seals turned away from 
the killing grounds for that year follows: 



1900 


Large 
rejects. 


1900 


Large 
rejects. 


1900 


Large 
rejects. 


1900 


Large 
rejects. 


June 14 

July 2 

JulyO 

July 9 

July 10 

July 11 


71 
39 
18 
48 
43 
10 


July 14 

July 15 

July IS 

July 19 

July 21 


20 
37 
42 
53 
112 


July 23 

July 24 

July 25 

July 27 

July 29 


37 
53 
94 
124 
57 


July 30 

July 31 

Aug. 1 

Aug. 6 

Aug. 10 


114 
89 
66 
34 
46 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



17 



The statistics of killing on St. Paul for 1901 are found in the report 
of Agent Lembkey as follows : 





Dis- 


1901 


missed, j 




large, i 

i 


June 10 


25 


June 14 


117 


June 17 


93 


June 18 


59 


June 19 


114 


June 20 


87 


June 21 


127 


June 24 


397 


June 25 


394 



1901 



June 26 
July 2 . 
July 3.. 
July 5.. 
July 6.. 
July 9.. 
Do. 
July 10. 
July 11. 



Dis- 
missed, 
large. 



107 
322 
131 
174 
60 
46 
28 
13 
84 



1901 


Dis- 
missed, 
large. 


July 13 

July 16 

Do 

July 17 

July 18 

July 19 

July 23 

Do 

July 24 


148 
69 
25 
45 

101 
85 
85 
23 

184 



1901 



Dis- 
missed, 



July 25. 
July 26. 
July 29. 
Do. 
July 30. 
July 31. 
Aug. 5. 
Aug. 8. 
Aug. 10 



127 

116 

48 

35 

128 

141 

58 

15 

53 



The statistics of killing for 1902 are found in the report for that 
year of Agent Lembkey, as follows: 



1902 


Large 
rejects. 


1902 


Large 
rejects. 


1 , 
joQo Large 
^^"- I rejects. 


1902 


Large 
rejects. 


June 14 

June 23 

June 24 

June 26 

June 27 


37 
99 
162 
204 
48 
61 
88 
51 


Julys 

July5 

July 7 

July9 

Do 


167 i 
45 I 
70 
8 


July 16 

July 17 

July 18 

July 21 

July 22 

July 24 

July 26 

Do 


53 
45 
38 
125 
108 
125 
35 
9 


July 28 

July 29 

July 31 

Do 

Aug.2 

Aug. 4 

Aug. 10 


72 
83 
107 
S 
20 


June 30 

July 2 

Do 


July 10 

July 11 

July 15 


16 

41 I 
38 1 


32 
18 



The killing statistics for 1903, as stated by Agent Lembkey in his 
report, follow: 



1903 


Large 
rejects. 


1903 


Large 
rejects. 


1903 


Large 
rejects. 


1903 


Large 
rejects. 


June 5 

June 17 

June 22 

June 23 

June 25 

Do 

June 27 

June 29 

July 1 


47 
34 
62 
47 
59 
14 
34 
30 
74 


July 2 

Do 

Julv3 

July 6 

July 8 

"Do 

July 10 

July 11 

July 13 


19 
34 
31 
15 
31 
12 
16 
15 
6 


July 13 

July 15 

July 16 

July 17 

July 18 

July 21 

July 22 

July 23 

July 24 


26 
13 

7 

6 
11 
23 

2 
18 

6 


July 25 

July 27 

Do 

July 28 

July 29 

July 30 

July 31 

Aug. 4 


9 
54 

4 
12 
15 
44 
24 
18 



It is thus apparent that during the time that Mr. Elliott states that 
"no new blood has been permitted to reach these breeding grounds" 
a great number of large young seals, wliich have passed the size of 
value to the lessee, has constantly been turned away from the killing 
grounds to swell the ranks of breeding bulls. How many reached the 
breeding rookeries that did not appear on the Idlling grounds at all is 
uncertain. That there are some prime killables each year which do 
not reach the kilhng grounds is proven by these tables of rejections, 
which represent seals which were ''prime" the year before and wliich, 
had they appeared even once on the kilhng ground during that period, 
would have been slaughtered. Their existence a 3^ear or two later 
proves that they passed the "prime" stage without getting into the 
drives. 

2403— H. Doc. 93, 62-1 2 



18 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

In the face, therefore, of the statistics shown, Mr. ElUott's state- 
ment that -"no new blood has been permitted to reacii the breeding 
grounds since 1896" has no vahie. 

On page 5 Mr. Elhott gives an "analysis of the status of male Hfe 
on the rookeries or breeding grounds," which he states "clearly shows 
the total elimination of this life in 1907." 

To obtain an idea of the value of the figures given for 1872-1874 
and 1890, Dr. Jordan is quoted: 

In his (Elliott's) final summary of the rookeries of the two islands (report of 1872- 
1874) Mr. Elliott finds a total of 3,193,420 "breeding seals and young." This includes, 
according to his subsequent statement, all adult breeding bulls and coavs, the virgin 
2-year-olds, and the pups of the year. On page 102 he tells us that 1,000,000 of these 
were pups, and by his calculation in the same connection of the survival of 2-year-old8 
we find that 225,000 of this class are included. For the million pups there must have 
been an equal number of breeding cows, or in all 2,225,000 cows and pups. The differ- 
ence between this- figure and 3,193,420, or 868,420, must have been breeding bulls. 
Mr. Elliott does not give an estimate of breeding bulls in connection with this report, 
but in 1890 he tells us that there were 90,000 breeding bulls in 1872-1874. Mr. Elliott 
would not himself accept what his figures necessarily show. Such a proportion of 
breeding bulls coidd not have existed on the islands. These discrepancies and others 
show conclusively that Mr. Elliott's figures are only guesses, multiplied by assump- 
tions, and his inexact use of them declares that he himself attached no greater value 
to them at the time they were made. (Seal and Salmon P'isheries, vol. 3, pp. 697-698.) 

We have here another illustration of the loose use Mr. Elliott makes of figures. He 
now states that the population of fur seals, "'male and female," is 2,500,000 to 3,000,000. 
On page 308 it is between 4,000,000 and 5,000,000, which agrees with his completed 
census — 4,700,000. In our judgment this latest estimate is very near the truth, though 
unintentionally so. It would, however, be of no more value than the others did it 
not correspond better to the known history of the herd. We cite it here simply to 
show the erratic way in which Mr. Elliott uses figures. (Idem, p. 699.) 

Page 5. Mr. Elliott gives the number of the herd in 1890 to be 
"some 14,000 breeding bulls and about 420,000 cows." Of this esti- 
mate Dr. Jordan says: 

Mr. Elliott gives us here in parentheses his estimate of bulls for 1890, without details 
as to how it was obtained. The total is 12,500. We may infer that this was an esti- 
mate, and in the frame of mind in which his investigations have been carried out, 
must be taken as a minimum. There are then 12,500 bulls for 400,000 cows, 1 bull to 
about 33 cows, or just the proportion which holds good on the rookeries to-day, when 
only one-half of the able-bodied adult bulls can obtain harems. It is true that Mr. 
Elliott charges that these bulls are impotent and worthless. The history of subse- 
quent years shows plainly enough that this was not true. The condition of the 
rookeries in 1896 and 1897 shows that no dangerous proportion between males and 
females existed in 1890. (Idem, p. 709.) 

The most important piece of work which Mr. Elliott or anyone else in studying the 
seals has had to do is the making of a census of the breeding herd. That his estimate 
of 1872-1874 is inaccurate and more than twice too great finds some excuse in the 
magnitude of the problem then involved. But no such excuse exists for his work of 
1890. The herd had been greatly reduced, and parts of it at least were within the 
reach of exact enumeration. Notwithstanding, his survey and estimate of 1890 are 
much less satisfactory then the earlier one. (Idem, p. 714.) 

Page 5. Mr. Elliott estimates the herd in 1896 to consist of "5,000 
bulls and about 144,000 cows — primipares, multipares, and nubiles." 
The actual number of breeding cows, exclusive of yearlings and 
2-year-olds, found by the connnission in 1896 is stated to be 157,405, 
while the number of bulls having cows is stated as 4,932. (Fur Seal 
Inves. Com., pt. 1, p. 95.) In addition to this number of breeding 
bulls it is stated that there were over 5,000 active and idle bulls 
(idem, pt. 1, p. 119), of which latter Mr. Elliott makes no mention. 
Mr. Elliott's estimate of both cows and bulls is shown, therefore, to 
be far below the actual number. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF* ALASKA. 19 

Page 5. Mr. Elliott asserts that in 1903 the herd consisted of some 
2,200 bulls and about 75,000 cows, including virgins. Our census 
in that year showed 97,296 breeding cows alone, exclusive of virgins; 
1,979 engaged bulls and 418 idle bulls on St. Paul, and some 400 
bulls of all classes on St. George, or 97,296 breeding cows and 2,897 
bulls. In addition, there were perhaps some 15,000 virgin 2-year-old 
females and some 22,000 yearlings. Mr. Elliott's estimate of cows 
in 1903 is about 60,000 too low; his estimate of bulls is about 600 
too low. 

On page 5 Mr. Elliott states that the subjoined analysis clearly 
shows the total elimination of seal life in 1907. How he reaches 
that conclusion is absoluteh^ inexplicable. With a herd of 97,000 
breeding cows and approximately 2,380 active bulls present in 1903 
it is shown that, on the estimated minimum normal ratio of 1 bull 
to 40 cows, not counting idle bulls, the- required conditions to indefi- 
nitely perpetuate the seal herd are unmistakably demonstrated. 
This ratio, in the opinion of scientists, can be very greatly increased. 

On page 5 Mr. Elliott asseits that "these 2,200 breeding bulls of 
1903 are the survivors of those >oang males which were spared in 
1890 and by the modus vivendi of 1891-1893." He' admits in the 
next paragraph, however, that ''in 1894 and 1895 a few hundred 
4-year-olds may have escaped the club on the killing grounds and 
thus came in as 6-year-olds in 1896 and 1897." 

This is vague. He asserts, in other words, that the bulls in 1903 
are the survivors of a vast herd let go in 1890-1893, and follows the 
statement immediately by another that perhaps onl}^ a few hundred 
of those released in 1890-1893 escaped the club. This rather argues 
a doubt in his own mind as to the position he assumes. 

The series of statements on page 6 to the effect that no young seals 
escaped the club to reach the rookeries as breeders is negatived 
by the series of tables of rejections from the killing fields already 
given. 

His statement on page 6 that the bulls are now dying rapidly of old 
age is probably true of the herd at any time. It is a fact that the 
bulls have decreased 42 per cent since 1901. This decrease, however, 
affected the accumulation of surplus bulls, which was useless and 
injurious to the herd. There still was, in 1903, a surplus of 17 per 
cent of idle bulls on St. Paul. 

His "prophecy" on page 7 of further reductions of bulls may easily 
be true, as a steady decrease has been the rule for several 3^ears, due 
to close killing. His statement, however, of the actual percentage of 
such reduction can not be proved until the proper time arrives. 

The "tabulated prophecy " on page 7 is based on the incorrect postu- 
late that no new male blood has reached the rookeries since 1900. 
It might, therefore, easily be considered as disposed of by the facts 
herein given. 

The tables on pages 9 and 10 of London sales of sealskins, while 
compiled in a manner which leaves classifications of skins according 
to age dependent wholly upon the author's opinion of the matter, 
yet are useful in refuting certain of his statements on page 6 con- 
cerning the total annihilation on land of certain classes of young males. 

He asserts, on page 6, that all the 2-year-olds in 1900 perished on 
the killing field. There should, therefore, be no 3-year-olds in 
existence in 1901. On page 10, however, we have a record of 1,826 



20 SEAL ISL\iSIDS OF ALASKA. 

3 and 4 year old seals having been sold in London in 1901. To 
have been killed in 1901 these 3-year-olds must surely have escaped 
the club as 2-year-olds in 1900. How many more escaped to reach 
the rookeries Mr. Elliott does not say, but an idea of their number 
may be obtained by consulting the table of large rejects in 1902. 

The same may be said of his statements on page 6 regarding the 
years 1901 and 1902, as the sales for both of those years show the 
presence of 3 and 4 year old skins. 

On page 10 the statement that the catches for 1900 to 1903, both 
inclusive, are composed in bulk of yearlings is incorrect. The 
majority of the skins he calls "yearlings" are 2-year-olds. The year- 
lings are not present on the islands in numbers until the middle of 
July, and the majority of those appearing then are dismissed from the 
drives as being too small. 

On page 11 of Mr. Elliott's letter the proposition that all killing 
by the lessees be suspended for the seasons of 1904, 1905, and 1906, 
in support of which he has adduced the foregoing more or less con- 
fusing data, is reached. Before treating his proposition in detail, it 
is important to recall the dissenting analysis of his assertions arrived 
at by a critic of his premises. That there are also obvious fallacies 
in Ills conclusions, which have been shown to be based upon a distor- 
tion of facts forming a supposititious basis for them, will be made 
apparent also. 

It may be stated with certainty that neither the recognized facts 
of the case nor Mr. Elliott's presentation of them justify the remedy 
proposed for such evils surrounding the preservation of the seal herds 
as may be admitted to call for a remedy. 

That there has been a sad diminution of the seal herd since Mr. 
Elliott first viewed that magnificent mass of animal life in 1872 is 
only too true. That that diminution has been constant from 1880 
to 1900, as marked by the lessened number of breeding cows found 
-on the rookeries, is also true. Since 1900, however, the herd of cows 
on the islands not only has remained stationary, but has shown a 
slight increase. This fact has been proven by yearly censuses made 
by the most careful counts; and this increase has occurred in the 
very face of the close killing which Mr. Elliott asserts to be the 
primary cause of the decline of the herd. 

In his entire argument Mr. Elliott has completely ignored the real 
and universally accepted cause of the depletion of seal life — the killing 
of mother seals in the sea by pelagic hunters. Had he ascribed the 
decrease to this weU-known fact he woidd have arrived at the true 
solution of the problem — the stoppage of deep-sea killing. In at- 
tempting to prove, however, that faidty land killing is the cause of 
the decline he has had to resort to figures based on assumption, 
"prophecies" which have no value, and to cast aside as untrust- 
worthy facts which prove his conclusions utterly unfounded. He has 
had to stigmatize the idle bidls on the islands as "somnolent" and 
impotent, as otherwise liis theory would be ])roved fallacious. Had 
he seen in 1890, as is alwa^'s to be seen, these "somnolent" and 
impotent bulls charging wildly over the breeding grounds and tearing 
cows to pieces in their efforts to steal them from more fortunate bulls 
he would be forced to admit that, although idle, they were neither 
"somnolent" nor impotent. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 21 

That Mr. Elliott is not in ignorance of the true cause of the herd's 
decline, and that he has given it at other times and places its true 
value can be easily proven. In liis statement before the Ways and 
Means Committee on February 18, 1902, he states the dechne of the 
herd to be due to pelagic sealing, and makes no mention of land 
killing except to pomt out the fallacy of breeding seals on land for 
the pelagic sealers to kill at sea. That he shoidd claim before the 
committee that sea killing is the destructive agent and assert so 
positively before this department that land killing alone is the cause 
of the herd's decrease does not, to sa.j the least, argue well for the 
stability of his opinions. 

When Mr. Elliott incpures, therefore, in the light of his foregoing 
statements of fact (p. 11), whether he "is not warranted in asking 
you to at once suspend all killing on the islands by the lessees for the 
seasons of 1904, 1905, and 1906." he might well be answered in nega- 
tive, as his facts adduced distinctly do not prove that land killing 
has been the cause of the loss of seal life. A compliance v/ith his 
request, furthermore, to suspend all killing on land would be an 
admission on the part of the Government that it has receded from its 
w^ell-known position of assuming, as it well may, that pelagic sealing 
is the true cause of this loss. 

His further request that only a few young males be killed for 
natives' food by the Government agents, the skins to be marketed by 
the Government, would, if complied with, have no warrant in law, 
and would at once involve the Government in a suit for damages. 
The Government has neither the facility nor the autliority for taking 
sking and selling them during the existence of the lease, and outside 
of the possibility of being sued would require special legislation for 
the matter. 

Mr. Elliott's statement that "you can not divide the autliority for 
killing on the islands in the present condition of affairs without 
scandal, confusion, and failure" is as incorrect as the converse is 
true — that the killing has been done for years by the lessee under 
the supervision of tlie Government agents without any scandal, con- 
fusion, or failure whatsoever. All regidations imposed upon the lessee 
by the GoA^Brnment have been and will be carried out to the letter 
without an}' conflict of authorit}'. 

Mr. Elliott's statement that the Secretary has power to suspend all 
land killing and that in that event the lessee has no recourse is a 
matter that can be decided only in a court of law. Indeed the cir- 
cuit court of appeals for the first circuit, in the case of the United 
States against the North American Commercial Co., held that the 
company, the lessee of the sealing right, had a valid claim against 
the Government in 1893 (when sealing was suspended by the modus 
vivendi) for the value of skins which it could have taken at that time, 
but which it was prevented from securing by the terms of the modus. 

Mr. Elliott's assertion tliat the lessee has no ground of complaint 
if you deprive it of the right to take seals, as its profits have been 
"enormous," is poor logic, since, no matter what its profits have been, 
they w^ould not deter the company from insisting upon its privileges 
under its lease. 

Mr. Elliott's final statement that the step he proposes the depart- 
ment should take — the deprivation of the lessee of its right to take 
seals, and the taking of the same by the Government — is provided for 



22 SEAX. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

by existing law, is seriously doubted. As said before, no warrant of 
law exists for the sale of skins by the Government at any time, surely 
none during the existence of a lease to a private corporation to take 
the same skins. The taking and selling of these skins by the Govern- 
ment would amount to a termination of this lease without just cause, 
which action assuredl}^ can not be sanctioned by law. 

It may be stated finally that the condition of tlie herd on the 
islands does not call for any such drastic treatment as Mr. Elliott pre- 
scribes. In view of the close killing of the last four years it may be 
well to place some restriction upon the killing of bachelors on land, - 
such as limiting the kilhng to seals having skins of a certain size. This 
would be designed to provide against any future contingency of a lack 
of breeding bulls, and to forestall any future charge b}^ the British, 
such as has just been made by Mr. Elliott, that too close land killing 
has wrought an injury to the herd. To totally suspend Idlling, how- 
ever, is useless and uncalled for, and, besides getting the Government 
into numberless cliflEiculties, would be an encouragement to the pelagic 
hunter for which no doubt he would be truly grateful. 



March 5, 1904. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent Alaskan Seal Service, 

Department of Commerce and Labor. 
Dear Sir: The chairman of the Committee on Appropriations, 
House of Representatives, has requested me to procure for the infor- 
mation of his committee a statement of the manner in wliich the 
appropriation of $15,000, "to enable the Secretary of Commerce and 
Labor to furnish food, fuel, and clothing and other necessaries of life 
to the native inhabitants of the islands of St. Paul and St. George, 
Alaska/' was expended during the past season and also the grounds 
on which Congress is requested to increase tliis appropriation to 
$19,500 for the fiscal year encUng June 30, 1905. 

Please prepare as promptly as possible a memorandum giving the 
information desired by the committee. 

Very truly, yours, F. H. Hitchcock, 

Chief Cleric. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Chief Clerk, 

Washington, March 7, 1904- 
Mr. F. H. Hitchcock, 

Chief Cleric, Department of Commerce and Lahor. 
My Dear Mr. Hitchcock: Acknowledging the receipt of your let- 
ter of the 5th instant, wherein I am requested to prepare a memoran- 
dum of the manner in which the natives' appropriation of $15,000 on 
the seal islands is expended and the grounds on which the Congress 
is requested to increase this appropriation to $19,500, I take pleasure 
in stating that the appropriation for natives' supplies is expended in 
the following manner: 

(1) From the whole amount appropriated by Congress a sum is 
deducted sufficient to pay for the annual supply of coal for both 
islands purchased by the department for use of the natives. 



SEAL ISLANDS OP ALASKA. 23 

(2) The remainder is apportioned between the two ishinds on a 
basis varying with the condition whether the natives' earnings from 
seal and tox skins on either island are greater or less than usual. 

(3) The amount apportioned for either island is then added to the 
amount realized from natives' earnings on that island and the total 
sum is allotted as follows: 

(a) An amount of, say, $1,000 is deducted for an "emergency fund," 
and the remainder is divided into 12 ecjual parts, representing 
months in the year, or for greater accuracy mto 52 equal parts, rep- 
resenting weeks. This determines the amount which may be ex- 
pended each week or month, as the case may be, for the whole island. 

(b) The total number of natives to be supported by the Govern- 
ment is then ascertained from the census — two children being con- 
sidered equal to one adult — and divided into the weekly or monthly 
allotment for the whole island, thus establisliing a per capita allowance 
for the week or month. 

(c) The number of natives in each family is then ascertained from 
the census, and the per capita amounts are combined to give a basis 
for the expenditure for each family for the week or month. 

{d) It having been demonstrated that a large family can live more 
cheaply per capita than a small one, a rearrangement of amounts is 
made, deducting a certain sum from the large family allotments and 
adding it to those for the small families, and a final adjustment is 
reached, giving— as in the fiscal year 1903 — from about $5.50 per week 
for a family of two to about $8.50 or $9 a week for a family of seven. 

(e) Having thus established the amount to wliich each family is 
entitled, the issues of food and clothing are then made on Saturday 
of each week to the heads of famihes, each head being given an order 
for supplies on the lessee by the Government agent, which is filled at 
the lessee's store. Tliis order must not exceed the family weekly 
allowance unless sickness or other unusual circumstance intervenes. 

(/) In case of sickness, death, childbirth, marriage, or other un- 
usual condition requiring an expenditure not contemplated in the reg- 
ular allowance, the emergency fund is drawn upon. 

(g) No expenditure from the appropriation has been allowed until 
the native head of family has expended his earnings from the taking 
of skins. 

(h) Ledger accounts, both of his earnings and the expenditures 
from the appropriation, are kept on the islands with each head of 
family, which is credited with his weekly allowance and debited with 
the amount of his weekly order. Should the native require a suit of 
clothes Or other necessary article representing more money than his 
weekly allowance, he is encouraged to save a small amount from each 
week's allowance until the requisite amount for the purchase of this 
article has been amassed. 

The grounds on which Congress is requested to increase the islands' 
appropriation from $15,000 to $19,500 can be stated briefly as 
follows : 

First. The certainty that the seal catch on the islands next year 
will be much smaller than last year, resulting in a corresponding 
reduction of the natives' earnings. 

Second. The fact that there will be no fox skins taken next year on 
St. Paul, and conse(|uently no income therefrom. 

Third. The fact that the amount at present available from their 
earnings, as well as the appropriation, re({uires rigid economy to fur- 



24 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

nish support for an entire year, and that a further radical reduction 
of this sum will result in hardship to the natives. 

Fourth. That the appropriation made for these natives can not in 
any sense be regarded as a gratuity to them, when it is considered that 
through their efforts a revenue of approximately $200,000 per annum 
from sealskins is turned into the Treasury. 

I regret that the account books containing a detailed record of these 
expenditures are on the islands and not available. The stubs of orders 
issued during the last fiscal year were transmitted to the department 
in due season, as were also the orders for supplies. 

I shall be pleased to amplify this statement in any w^ay should it 
be desired. 

Very truly, yours, W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Seal Islands. 



March 5, 1904. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent Alaslcan Fur-Seal Service, 

Department of Commerce and Labor. 

Dear Sir: Under the contract by wliich the Government granted 
to the North American Commercial Co. the right to take seals on the 
Pribilof Islands the company agreed, among other things, to "pro- 
vide the necessaries of life for the widows and orphans and aged and 
infirm inhabitants of said islands who are unable to provide for 
themselves." 

The regulations of the Treasury Department, as embodied in the 
last annual letter of instructions to the agent in charge, do not seem 
to fix a definite basis on which to secure the compliance of the com- 
pany with the terms of the agreement, nor does it appear that any of 
the regulations previoush^ issued have established such a basis. So 
far as I can gather from a careful reading of the regulations, the man- 
ner of enforcing tliis obligation on the part of the company is left 
entirely to the discretion of the agent. Such an arrangement is 
hardly businesslike. The enforcement of the contract could undoubt- 
edly be accomplished with greater certainty if the regulations pre- 
scribed definite amounts to be contributed annually by the company 
for the support of the several classes of persons mentioned. The 
annual amount per individual that is suflicient to provide "the neces- 
saries of life" for these classes should be determined in order to fix a 
proper rate of charge against the company. As the expense of pro- 
viding for adults is naturally considerably greater than for infants, it 
would be equitable to adopt a scale of charges, the several rates to be 
based on the ages of persons to be provided for. If a provision of this 
nature is incorporated in the regulations, specifying the exact amounts 
to be contributed in given cases, the enforcement of the company's 
agreement mil be a much simpler matter, as an accurate account of 
the "widows and orphans and aged and infirm inhabitants," coupled 
with certain information as to ages, will show the exact extent of the 
expenditure to be required. 

in determining w^hat amounts can be properly demanded of the com- 
pany under the agreement it will be necessary to compute the average 
annual cost of living for persons of difl'erent ages on the islands. The 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 25 

available statistics regarding tiie earnings of and contributions to the 
native population other than the classes to be provided for will 
undoubtedly furnish sufficient data for such a computation. 

I shall be obliged if you will let me have your views as to the desira- 
bility of changing the regulations so as to provide in the manner sug- 
gested for the enforcement of the company's agreement to care for 
"the widows and orphans and aged and infirm inhabitants." 
Very truh^, yours, 

F. H. Hitchcock, 

Cliief Clerk. 



Depaktment of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Chief Clerk, 

WasMngton, March 7, 1904. 
Mr. F. H. Hitchcock, 

Chief Cleric, Department of Commerce and Labor. 

My Dear Mr. Hitchcock: Replying to your letter of the 5th 
irfstant, wherein you request an expression of my opinion as to the 
desirability of changing the regulations at present in force regarding 
the obligation of the North American Commercial Co., under the 
terms of its lease of the right to take seals on the Pribilof Islands, to 
provide the necessaries of life for the widows ^nd orphans and aged 
and infirm inhabitants ol said islands who are unable to provide for 
themselves, in such manner as to fix a definite expenditure which the 
company shall be required to make in furnishing supplies to each 
indi\'idual it is obliged to support under this clause of this lease, I 
take pleasure in making the following statement: 

In the execution of this particular provision in the lease the com- 
pany has adopted a system of issues of food and clothing on tlie 
islands, regulated in accordance with the number of individuals in 
the families to be supported. These families are divided into large, 
medium, and small grades, and an issue of staple articles of food is 
made each week to the families on this basis. 

Each family receives a weekly ration of tea, sugar, milk, butter, 
candles, bread, crackers, etc. A monthly issue is made of such 
bulkier articles as flour, lard (in 5 and 10 pound tins), coal oil, etc. 
A periodical issue is made of clothing, boots and shoes, household 
utensils, and cotton stuffs. 

By a ruling of the Treasury Department made in the early part of 
the company's lease, and, as I understand it, on the representations 
of the Government agents, the company's charges were allowed to 
participate in the issues of coal from the natives' supply, as a means 
of preventing hardship to the indigents and of removing a fruitful 
source of bickering and strife between the compaii}^ and the agents. 

Owing to the peculiar social conditions existing on the islands, a 
small native child left an orplian is almost immediately adopted into 
some family, the head of which is a relation of the orphan in some 
degree or other. In cases of this character the natives almost with- 
out exception have declined, with some show of pride, the offer of 
the small amount of food necessary for the support of this child, 
stating that they had food enough for it in the family. In such cases 
and because of these peculiar circumstances the company was not 



26 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

required to provide food for the orphan, but furnished it with 
clothing. 

When the eldest son of a widow whose famil}" has remained intact 
becomes of the proper age to be placed upon the sealing gang and to 
participate in the division of the natives' earnings, it has been the 
practice to take the entire family from the list of company charges 
and give it the status of a self-supporting family, the son becoming 
the head of the family. This practice is based upon a construction 
of the clause in the lease which requires the company to furnish the 
necessaries of life to the persons named "who are unable to provide 
for themselves," and the family having an able-bodied workman in it 
is not considered as coming within this class. 

In the absence of any regulation on the subject the whole matter 
of the support of indigents by the company has been left to discretion. 
While the company has almost invariably dealt fairly witli the natives 
whom it is called upon to support, this element of discretion is and 
always has been objectionable, and one which under different circum- 
stances might result in hardship and abuse. The company's em- 
ployeeS; in certain instances, have shown a tendency to resent inter- 
ference on the part of the Government agent with their methods of 
feeding and clothing the widows and orphans, and I have felt some- 
times that they might make a native suffer for any complaint against 
them made to the Government agent. I can positively state that I will 
welcome an}^ regulation which will leave as little as possible to the dis- 
cretion either of the Government agents or the company's employees, 
and which will reduce the feeding and clothing of this class of the popu- 
lation of the islands to afixed basis. I believe that the plan suggested 
of agreeing upon a definite rate of expenditure per capita to be re- 
quired of the company in the discharge of its obligation to support the 
several classes of persons mentioned in the contract would be a great 
improvement upon the loose method now practiced. 
Very truly, yours, 

W. I. Lembkey, 
Agent in Charge Seal Islands. 



March 5, 1904. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent Alaslcan Fur-Seal Service, 

Dejyartment of Commerce and Labor. 
Dear Sir: After a careful study of the fur-seal problem as it now 
presents itself to the department I am inclined to the opinion that 
measures of a somewhat radical nature should be adopted to allay the 
apprehension that apparently exists in certain quarters as regards the 
condition of the seal herd. As you are doubtless aware resolutions 
have been introduced in the Senate and in the House of Representa- 
tives calling upc)n tlie department to suspend altogether the killing on 
the islands. During the consideration of these resolutions in com- 
mittee it is not improbable that the department will be called upon to 
express an opinion as to the necessity of the measure suggested. It 
therefore seems desirable to reach a decision regarding the measures 
the department should recommend in substitution for the proposed 
cessation of killing. It has occurred to me to suggest the adoption 
of the following regulations as regards the taking of seals during the 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 27 

coming season, and I shall be pleased to have an expression of your 
judgment as to the desirability of these regulations and their probable 
effectiveness : 

(1) Prohibit the taking of 4-year-old seals. 

(2) Cull out from the drives a given number of 3-year-old seals, 
say, 1,000 in all, marking them in such a manner as to prevent re- 
counting. 

(3) Prohibit the taking of yearlings — that is to say, seals under the 
age of 2 years. 

As regards the marking of the seals, I have written you another 
letter of even date making a suggestion, regarding which I desire your 
opinion. 

I shall be obliged if you will let me have your responses to both 
letters as promptly as possible, for it is probable that the department 
will be called upon in the near future for a statement of its views 
regarding the proposed seal legislation now pending in Congress. 
Very truly, yours, 

F. H. Hitchcock, 

Chief Clerk. 



March 5, 1904. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent Alaskan Fur-Seal Service, 

Department of Commerce and Lahor. 

Dear Sir : After a careful study of the statistics presented in your 
last annual report, compared with the records for previous years, I 
am of the opinion that positive measures should be taken during the 
coming season to see that bachelor seals are reserved from the killing 
in such numbers as will remove all possible danger of the ultimate 
depletion of the herd from an insufficiency of male life. 

It seems to me that the most feasible method of accomplishing the 
desired result is to cull out from the first drives of the season a given 
number of males and allow them to escape, but in order to be certain 
that the full number decided upon has been released it is obvious 
that some means of identifying such of these seals as reappear in sub- 
sequent drives must be devised, for otherwise they would be counted 
more than once. 

While endeavoring to hit upon a plan by which seals once counted 
can be so marked as to make them readily distinguishable it has 
occurred to me that possibly the purpose can be obtained by shear- 
ing off a strip or patcli of fur on the upper portion of the back, where 
the mark left will be most conspicuous. 

It would seem that this plan of marking could be carried out quite 
readily, without any injury to the seal, by employing a pair of modern 
clipping shears, such as are used for shearing sheep and for clipping 
dogs, or possibly with shears made upon the same principle, but with 
longer handles. The removing of a patch of fur with such shears 
would leave a mark that could be easily discerned throughout the 
season, thus making it possible to identify the seals that reappeared 
in later drives after havnig been once counted and allowed to escape. 

The general opinion now seems to be that it is impracticable to 
employ branding as a method of marldng seals, particularly when 
they have attained any considerable size, but the objections that 



'28 SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

hold in the case of branding do not seem to apply to the proposed plan 
of shearing out a mark in the fur. 

I shall be glad to have your judgment as to the feasibility of marking 
the seals after the manner suggested. 
Very truly, yours, 

F. H. Hitchcock, 

Chief Olerk. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Chief Clerk, 

Washington, March 8, 1904- 
Mr. F. H. Hitchcock, 

Chief Clerk, Department of Commerce and Labor. 
My Dear Mr. Hitchcock: I have to acknowledge the receipt of 
your letter of the 5th instant, wherein you outline certain regulations 
governing the taking of seals on the Pribilof Islands, which, you sug- 
gest, may be dictated by present conditions, and request an expression 
of my opinion as to the desirability of these regulations and their 
probable effectiveness. 

In reply, I beg to say that the regulations as proposed by you are 
all designed to insure the immunity from slaughter on land of such 
number of young male seals as will be adequate to maintain the 
requisite supply of breeding bulls, and are as follows : 

(1) Prohibit the taking of 4-year-old seals. 

(2) Cull out from the drives a given number of 3-year-old seals. 
Bay, 1,000 in all, marking them in such a manner as to prevent 
recounting. 

(3) Prohibit the taking of yearlings — that is to say, seals under the 
age of 2 years. 

As to the desirability of such regulations, I will state that the closer 
killing on the islands of the last few years and the reduction of 42 per 
cent in the number of breeding bulls on St. Paul Island within the 
last three years, renders imperative the adoption of some regulation 
which will insure beyond conjecture against the further depletion of 
this necessary element on the breeding rookeries. The measures 
proposed by you, in my judgment, are amply sufficient to accomphsh 
tliis end. 

Treating them in detail, the regulations suggested in your letter 
will have the followmg effect: 

(1) The prohibition of the killing of 4-year-olds will result in the 
immunity from land slaughter of all seals which have passed the 
3-year-old stage, allowing them to grow up as breeders without 
further molestation on land. 

(2) The culling out from the drives of a certain number of 3-year- 
olds and marking them so as to prevent recounting will insure the 
certainty that there are at least that number of 3-year-olds in exist- 
ence at the close of the killing season, and thereafter immune fi'om 
land killing. 

(3) The prohibition of the killing of yearlings, while good policy, 
will have no effect upon the present practice on the islands. No year- 
lings are killed on land on either island. In view, however, of the 
positive statements by certain persons that such practice exists, a 
formal prohibition thereof by the department will be the best method 
of negativing these criticisms. The killing of yearlings, in my judg- 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 29 

ment, would be an economic waste, and were it a fact should be pro- 
hibited if for no other reason. 

The general effect of these regulations, if promulgated, will be to 
limit the killing on land entirely to 2 and 3 year olds, and will leave 
a sufficient number of the latter class to escape to guard against any 
undue reduction of the supply of breeding bulls. The number of 
3-year-olds to be marked for escape, suggested in your letter as 1,000, 
is, in my opinion, ample. Beyond the actual provision of enough 
males to serve as breeders it would be unwise to go, in my ^opinion, 
in view of the activity in the vicinity of the islands of both the 
Canadian and Japanese sealing fleets. 

Very truly, yours, W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Seal Islands. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Division of Alaskan Fisheries, 

Washington , March 28, 1904. 
Mr. F. H. Hitchcock, 

Chief Cleric, Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C. 
Dear Sir: I have to report that the following amount of coal will 
be required on the seal islands of Alaska during the coming year: 

Tons. 

For Government houses 20' 

For natives' use 155 

For natives' use, furnished free under lease 80 

Total 255 

This should be divided between the two islands as follows: 

For St. Paul: 

For Government house 10 

For natives' use 80 

For lease coal, free 50 

Total 140 

For St. George: 

For Government house 10 

For natives' use 75 

For natives' use, free 30 

Total 115 

This should be paid for from the following appropriations : Twenty 
tons for Government houses, appropriation "Fuel, light, and water, 
1904'': 1.55 tons from appropriation for "Food, fuel, and clothing for 
native inhabitants, 1904"; SO tons, free, to be furnished by lessee. 

Tlie coal for which payment is to be made by the Government 
has heretofore been furnished by the company at the rate of $20 a 
ton, to include delivery on the beach at the respective islands. As 
it usually has been taken by the company on the first trip of its 
steamer sailing from San Francisco, about May 15, it is suggested 
that the lessee be requested as soon as practicable to submit bids for 
the deli\ery of the coal in question. 

Very truly, yours, W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Seal Islands. 



30 seal islands of alaska. 

March 28, 1904. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent Alaskan Fur-Seal Service, 

Department of Commerce and Labor. 
Dear Sir: I have received your letter of the 2Sth instant, relative 
to the amount of coal that will be required during the coming year 
on the seal islands of Alaska. 

In accordance with your suggestion, the North Anierican Com- 
mercial Co. will be requested to submit bids for the dehvery of that 
portion of the coal to be purchased by the Government at the earliest 
practicable date. 

Very truly, yours, F. H. Hitchcock, 

Chief Cleric. 



April 1, 1904. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent Alaskan Fur-Seal Service, 

Deimrtment of Commerce and Labor. 
Dear Sir: In a letter dated March 23, 1904, the chief clerk of the 
Treasurv Department transmits an invoice of ordnance and ordnance 
toi;ores issued to you by that department and requests to be fur- 
nished with a receipt for the articles enumerated thereon, as follows : 
Eighteen magazine rifles, caliber .30; 18 cartridge belts, infantry, 
caliber .30; 18 gun slings; 18 small-arm oilers; 4 screw drivers; 1 
arm chest; 1,500 rifle ball cartridges, caliber .30. 

I shall be obliged if you wiU inform me if these stores were received 
by you. 

Very truly, yours, F. H. Hitchcock, 

Chief Clerk. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Division of Alaskan Fisheries, 

Washington, April 4, 1904- 
Mr. F. H. Hitchcock, 

Chief Clerk, Department of Commerce and Labor. 
Dear Sir: Aclaiowledging the receipt of your letter of the 1st 
instant, in which you request information whether certain arms and 
ammunition, mentioned in a letter dated March 23 last, from the 
chief clerk of the Treasury Department, were receiA-^ed by me, I will 
state that the articles enumerated were all received on tlie islands in 
June, 1902, and distributed as follows: 

St. Paul Island: Twelve magazine rifles, caliber .30; 18 cartridge 
belts, infantry, caliber .30; IS gun slings; 12 small-arm oders; 3 screw 
drivers; 1 arm chest; 1,000 rifle ball cartridges, caliber .30. 

St. George Island : Six magazine rifles, caliber .30; 6 small-arm oilers; 
1 screw driver; 500 rifle ball cartridges, caliber .30. 
Very truly, yours, 

W. I. Lembkey, 
Agent Alaska Seal Fisheries. 



seal islands of alaska. 31 

April 12, 1904. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge of the Seal Islands, 

Department of Commerce and Labor. 

Dear Sir: In compliance with an application received from the 
North American Commercial Co. in a letter dated the 4th ultimo, 
the Treasur}^ Department has been this day requested to instruct 
the collector of customs at San Francisco to permit the company 
named to ship from said port to the Pribilof Islands during the cur- 
rent fiscal year liquors, for medicinal purposes only, and ammuni- 
tion, in the follo\\'ing quantities: 

St. Paul Island (population — native 160, white 10; total 170): Four 
barrels beer; 2 cases whisk}^; 6 kegs whisky (30 gallons); 1 keg brandy 
(5 gallons); 1 keg rum (5 gallons); 1 case gin; 4 cases stiU wine; 2 
kegs port mne (5 gallons each); 2 kegs sherry (5 gallons each); 15 
gallons alcohol; 1 case champagne; 1,000 cartridges, .22 short; 1,000 
cartridges, .22 long; 500 cartridges, .38 caliber; 250 cartridges, .30 cali- 
ber; 250 cartridges, .44 caliber. 

St. George Island (population — native 92, white 8; total 100) : Three 
barrels beer (pints); 2 kegs whisky (5 gallons each); 1 case whisky; 
2 kegs brandy (5 gallons each); 3 cases still wine; 1 keg port wine 
(5 gallons); 1 keg sherry (5 gallons); 1,000 cartridges, .22 long; 
1,000 cartridges, .44 caliber; 150 pounds powder. 

It appears from the records of the fur-seal service, transferred 
to this department, that the quantities of spirituous liquors and ammu- 
nition above specified are the same as those covered by permits 
granted annually for a number of years past by the Treasury Depart- 
ment in response to similar applications received fi'om the company. 
Very truly, yours, 

F. H. Hitchcock, 

Chief Clerk. 

April 13, 1904. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent Alaskan Seal FisTieries, 

Department of Commerce and Labor. 
Dear Sir: Your letter of the 4th instant, stating in reply to my 
inquiry that certain arms and ammunition, mentioned in a letter 
from the chief clerk of the Treasury Department under date of the 
23d ultimo, were all received by you on the Pribilof Islands in June,' 
1902, came duly to hand. 

Very truly, yours, F. H. Hitchcock, 

Chief Clerk. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Division of Alaskan Fisheries, 

Washington, April 25, 1904. 
Mr. F. H. Hitchcock, 

Chief Clerk, Department of Commerce and Labor. 
Dear Sir : I have a letter from the president of the North Ameri- 
can Commercial Co., San Francisco, stating that the company's 



32 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

steamer is expected to sail for the Pribilof Islands from the last- 
named port on May 21, proximo. In view of this information, it 
will not be necessary for me to leave Washington before May 12. 
Very truly, yours, 

W. I. Lembkey, 
Agent Seal Islands. 



April 25, 1904. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, ' 

Agent for the Seal Islands, 

Department of Commerce and Lahor. 
Dear Sir: I have received your letter of the 25th instant, stating 
that in view of the fact that the North American Commercial Co.'s 
steamer is not expected to sail from San Francisco for the Pribilof 
Islands until May 21 it will not be necessary for you to leave Wash- 
ington before May 12. 

Very truly, yours, F. H. Hitchcock, 

(Thief Cleric. 



April 27, 1904. 
Mr, W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent for the Seal Islands, 

Department of Commerce and Lahor. 

Dear Sir : I inclose herewith a copy of a letter that was addressed 
to the North American Commercial Co., Mills Building, San Francisco, 
Cal., under date of the 26th instant, relative to the coal supply for the 
seal islands during the coming season. 

You will please note the conditions under wliich tliis coal is to be 
delivered and will take such steps as are necessary to have them 
enforced. 

In view of the impracticability of weigliing the coal at the time of 
dehvery or for some time thereafter, you are authorized to give the 
company's agent receipts, subject to weigliing, for the full quantity 
of coal as soon as the last load thereof is landed, the company agreeing 
to make good from its own supply any deficiency in weight that may 
be disclosed when the coal is finally weighed. The receipts given 
should state specifically that they are "subject to weighing." The 
assistant agent in charge on St. George Island shovdd be instructed, 
'accordingly. 

Very truly, yours, F. H. Hitchcock, 

Chief ClerJc. 



Department or Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Chief Clerk, 

Washington, A^ml 26, 1904- 
North American Commercial Co., 

Mills Building, San Francisco, Cal. 
Gentlemen: I have received your letter of the 16th instant, stat- 
ing that you "agree to deliver during the season of 1904, on th& 
beach at St. Paul Island, 90 tons of coal, and at St. George Island 
85 tons of coal, at the rate of S20 per ton; provided: (1) That per- 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 33 

mission be granted to land a sufficient number of extra laborers and 
that none of the conditions under which tliis company has hereto- 
fore handled coal upon the islands be altered; also (2) that the Gov- 
ernment agent in charge at each island shall give our agent proper 
receipts and warrants for the full quantity of coal, as above specified, 
as soon as the last load thereof is landed and before the coal has been 
weighed, it being agreed between our agents and your agents that 
this company will make good from its own supply any deficiency in 
weight, should any there be, when the coal is finally weighed." 

As regards the landing of extra laborers to assist in handling the 
coal, you are advised that the department vnll grant the desired 
permission under similar conditions to those imposed by the Treas- 
ury Department last season, but it is suggested that a formal appli- 
cation for the permit be made, stating the maximum number of 
persons the company wishes to land. 

In accordance with the practice established by the Treasury'' Depart- 
ment two seasons ago and continued last season, the Government 
agent in charge at each island will be instructed to give your agent 
proper receipts, subject to weighing, for the full quantity of coal, as 
above specified, as soon as the last load thereof is landed and before 
the coal has been weighed, with the understanding, however, that if 
any deficiency in weight is disclosed when the coal is finally weighed, 
your company will make good from its own supply any" such defi- 
ciency. As stipidated in the department's letter of April 2, the coal 
to be delivered must be first quality. 

With reference to the coal delivered by your company under its 
contract last season, for which you say no payment has been made, 
I find upon inquiry at our disbursing office that no bill appears to 
have been received at this department for such coal. It is possible 
that the bill went to the Treasury Department and was not for- 
warded to the Department of Commerce and Labor. If you will be 
good enough to submit to this department a duplicate bill, steps will 
be taken to have payment made as promptly as possible. 
Very truly, 3'ours, 

F. H. Hitchcock, 

Chief Clerk. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Division of Alaskan Fisheries, 

Washington, April 29, 1904. 
Mr. F. H. Hitchcock, 

CTiief Cleric, Department of Commerce and Lahor. 
Dear Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 
27th instant, wherein I am informed of the action taken in contracting 
for the supply of coal to be used on the Pribilof Islands during the 
coming year, and the conditions under which receipts for such coal 
are to be given. 

Very truly, yours, W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent for the Seal Islands. 

2403— H. Doc. 93, 62-1 3 



34 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

IklAY 1, 1904. 
Mr. James Judge, 

Assistant Agent for Seal Islands, 

Columbus, Ohio. 
Sir: You are directed to proceed from your home in Columbus, 
Oliio, to San Francisco, Cal., where you will report in person, on the 
20th instant, to Mr. W. I. Lembkey, agent in charge of the seal 
islands, in order that you may sail with Mm on the steamer of the 
North American Commercial Co. which is to leave San Francisco on 
or about May 21 for the seal islands, Alaska. 
Respectfully, 

Geo. B. Cortelyou, 

Secretary. 



May 10, 1904. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge of Seal Islands, 

Prihilof Group, Alaslca. 
Dear Sir: I forward herewith department letter of the 17th 
instant, which has just been received at my office, prepared to trans- 
mit to you the 10 Government requests for transportation you desire 
for use in travehng on official business during the present season. 

I understand that the requests in question, Nos. 1596-1605, have 
been already dehvered to you. 
Very truly, yours, 

F. H. Hitchcock, 

Chief Clerk. 



Office of Agent in Charge of 

Alaska Seal Fisheries, 
St. Paul Island, Alaslca, July 28, 1904. 
Mr. F. H. Hitchcock, 

Chief Cleric, Department of Commerce and Labor. 
My Dear Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt yesterday of 
your letter of the 10th of May last, inclosing department letter of 
the 17th instant, transmitting requests for transportation Nos. 
1596-1605 for use of myself and the assistant agents on the seal 
islands. 

As inferred in your letter, the requests were delivered to me in 
person under emergency at the department, and a portion of them 
have already been used in the transportation of myself and the 
assistant agents in traveling to and returning from the islands. 
Very truly, yours, 

W. I. Lembkey, 
Agent in Charge of Seal Fisheries. 



seal islands of alaska. 35 

October 20, 1904. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge of Seal Islands, 

St. Paul Island, AlasTca. 
Dear Sir: The letter you addressed to Mr. Hitchcock, under date 
of the 2Sth of July last, stating that transportation requests Nos. 
1596-1605, for the use of yourself and the assistant agents on the 
seal islands, were delivered to you in person under emergency at 
the department, has been received at this office, 
very truly, yours, 

F. H. Bowen, 

Chief Cleric. 

May 12, 1904. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge of Seal Islands, 

Department of Commerce and Labor. 
Dear Sir: I inclose herewith department letter of May 1, 1904. 
embodying your instructions for the coming season as agent in charge 
of the seal islands. 

Three copies of the letter of instructions are also inclosed, one of 
which you ^vill please deliver to each of the assistant agents at the 
islands. 

By to-day's mail I shall forward a copy of the letter of instructions . 
to the North American Commercial Co., Mills Building, San Fran- 
cisco, Cal. 

Very truly, vours, F. H. Hitchcock, 

Chief Clerl\ 



Mat 1, 1904. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge of Seal Islands, 

Department of Commerce and Lahor. 

Sir: You are directed to proceed as soon an practicable to the 
seal islands, Alaska, and resume charge of the interests of the Gov- 
ernment thereon. Assistant Agent James Judge, who is now at 
his home in Columbus, Ohio, will be instructed to accompany you, 
and both of you should take passage to the islands on the steamer 
of the North American Commercial Co. leaving San Francisco on 
or about the 21st mstant. 

You will make such assignment of the assistant agents during the 
comuig sealing season as in your opinion will subserve the best 
interests of the service and the welfare of the native inhabitants, 
notifying the department of your action in this regard. 

At the close or the sealing season Assistant Agents Ezra W. Clark 
and H. D. Chichester are to return to their respective homes unless 
in your opinion the exigencies of the service require either or both 
of them to remain on the islands during the coming winter, in which 
event you will instruct them accordingly. 

Inclosed herewith are copies of the contract between the United 
States and the North American Commercial Co., and it will be youi 
duty and that of your assistants to see that its provisions are enforced 



36 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

and that the rights of the Government and those of the lessees are 
duly protected. 

Should a difference of opinion arise at any time between yourself 
and the representatives of the company in respect to a matter of 
admmistration on the islands, your decision must govern; but in all 
such cases you should request the superintendent of the company to 
furnish a written statement of his views on the question involved, and 
this statement should be transmitted to the department, with an 
expression of your own views, at the earliest practicable moment. 

QUOTA. 

If the condition of the herd will permit, the lessees may be allowed 
to take during the season of 1904 as many as 13,000 male seals of the 
proper age on the island of St. Paul, and as many as 2,000 on the 
island of St. George, but not more than the number specified in either 
case. The numbers to which the quotas of the two islands are thus 
limited shall be inclusive of any skins accepted by the company from 
food drives made prior to the present sealing season. (No seals shall 
be taken that are over 4 years of age, nor shall any seals be taken that 
are under 2 years of age.) 

In order to remove all doubt as to the reservation of a sufficient 
number of male seals for the perpetuation of the herd, you are in- 
structed to release from among the best seals appearing in the first 
drives of the season not less than 1,000 3-year-old males and not 
less than 1,000 2-year-old males. Of the 3-3^ear-olds and 2-year- 
olds to be reserved, 800 of each shall be released on the island of St. 
Paul and 200 of each on the island of St. George. The seals thus re- 
leased are to be marked in such a manner as will make them readily 
recognizable throughout the season, and under no circumstances are 
they to be taken by the lessees. 

KILLING SEASON. 

The killing season should begin as soon after the 1st of June as the 
rookeries are in condition for driving. Seals shall not be killed by the 
lessees later than July 31. No seals whatever shall be taken during 
the stagey season. The killing of pups for food for the natives or for 
any other purpose is not to be permitted. 

SEALS FOR FOOD. 

The number of seals to be killed by the natives for food during the 
fiscal year beginning July 1, 1904, shall not exceed 1,700 on the island 
of St. Paul and 300 on the island of St, George, and no seals shall 
be taken for this purpose that are over 4 years of age or under 2 years 
of age, nor any of the 3-year-olds or 2-year-olds reserved during 
the lessees' killing season under the instructions given above. 

DRIVING. 

The representatives of the company on the islands should be 
required to give notice on the day preceding that on which they desire 
to make a drive of the seals, stating the name of the rookery selected. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 37 

such notice to be subject to your approval. A representative of 
the Government should be present on the killing grounds in each 
instance to superintend the killing. If at any time the methods em- 
ployed in driving or killing appear in your judgment to be faulty 
or detrimental to the seal herd, you should see that such methods are 
immediately corrected, indicating to the representatives of the com- 
pany what changes are to be made. 

KILLING GROUNDS, 

As heretofore, you should establish on each of the islands killing 
grounds that can be reached by the shortest possible drive, provided, 
however, that such killing grounds must be at places sufficiently 
distant from the rookeries to prevent .annoyance from the decaying 
carcasses. 

ACCEPTANCE OF SKINS. 

In an opinion dated March 8, 1902, it was held by the Solicitor of 
the Treasury that the lessees have no right to reject any of the skins 
taken from the seals they have selected for killing. You will therefore 
see that all such skins, regardless of condition, are accepted. 

COUNTING SKINS. 

All the sealskins should be carefully counted in the salt houses 
in the presence of the department agent and of the representative of 
the company, and a receipt in duplicate in the following form should 
be prepared and signed by said agent and by the representative of 
the company : 

St. — Island, 

, 190~. 

We certify that there have been placed in the salt house in our 
presence sealskins. 



Agent United States Department of Commerce and Labor. 

Agent North American Commercial Co. 

The original of the above receipt should be retained by the depart- 
ment agent and the duplicate given to the representative of the North 
American Commercial Co. 

At the close of the season, wlien the sealskins are again counted 
and sliipped on board the company's steamer, the usual annual 
receipts should be signed by the captain of the steamer and the repre- 
sentative of the department. 

TRADING IN SKINS. 

The North American Commercial Co. has the exclusive privilege 
under the contracts of taking sealskins and fox skins on the islands 
of St. Pa\il and St. George, and you should see that no other company 
or person is allowed to trade with the natives for such sldns. 



38 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

MEASURES TO PREVENT SHIPMENT OF SKINS BY NATIVES. 

To avoid the possibility of sealskins or fox skins being surrepti- 
tiously shipped from the islands, you are directed to continue the 
practice of examining all goods to be sliipped by the natives, includ- 
ing baggage and personal effects, and where barrels, casks, boxes, or 
other receptacles are used they should be closed under your super- 
vision, after an examination of their contents, before being placed in 
the warehouse. No person shall be admitted to the space reserved 
for such merchandise in the warehouse without your consent. Any 
skins found concealed in packages to be shipped by the natives 
should be seized and held subject to instructions from the department 

CENSUS OF SEAL HERD. 

You are expected to make a thorough examination into the con- 
dition of the seal herd during the coming season and to make a careful 
count of the number of breeding seals, male and female, on the 
islands, and also a computation as accurate as possible of the number 
of seals not breeding, including idle bulls, half bulls, bachelors, and 
virgin females. A careful enumeration should also be made of the 
pups found dead at the close of the season, and such information as 
can be had regarding the causes of death reported. 

SEALSKINS TO BE WEIGHED. 

You are instructed to have the skins of the seals taken by the 
lessees during the coming season carefully weighed and to keep a 
record of the weights for the information of the department. You 
should also weigh the skins of seals that are killed to supply food 
for the natives and record the weights. The natives may be required 
to assist as far as practicable in the work of weighing. 

TAKING OF FOXES TO BE RESTRICTED. 

Proper restrictions should be placed upon the taking of foxes 
during the coming season. You are directed to see that the number 
killed is not in excess of the yearly increase in these animals. If 
there seems to be danger of extermination on either of the islands, all 
killing on that island should be stopped. 

KILLING OF SEA LIONS TO BE LIMITED. 

The preservation of the sea-lion rookeries on the islands is highly 
important. The Idlling of these animals should be limited to such 
number as is absolutely necessary in providing for the construction of 
"bidaras," or skin boats. Sea-lion pups should not be killed for any 
purpose. 

CARE OF THE NATIVES. 

The care and welfare of the natives should receive your cl6se atten- 
tion, and you are directed to see that the lessees perform all of the 
obligations of their contract toward such natives. You should 
ascertain the prices charged at the company's stores, compare them 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 39 

with the prices at San Francisco, and report any instances where the 
natives are compelled to pay unfair prices. You should also inspect 
the articles supphed as to quality and quantity, and if they are in any 
manner deficient you should report the fact to the department. 

COMPENSATION TO NATIVES FOR TAKING SEALSKINS. 

The compensation to be paid by the company for killing, salting, 
curing, bundling, and loading the sealskins on the company's steamer 
will be 50 cents for each skin. The money thus earned is to consti- 
tute a community fimd for distribution among the natives according 
to their respective classes. At the close of the seahng season, after 
a conference with the native chiefs, you will make such division of 
the fund among the natives, according to their classification, as is 
deemed fair and just and submit a report of such division, showing 
the amount apportioned to each native participating in the fund, 
which report snould be accompanied by an indorsement from the 
native chiefs and the company's agent certifying that such funds 
have been credited to such natives on the books of the company. 

RETURNS TO NATIVES UNDER FOX CONTRACTS. 

Under the contract executed between the Secretary of the Treas- 
ury and the North American Commercial Co. on May 2, 1900, the 
company named was granted the right to propagate the fur-bearing 
animal kno'svn as the blue fox on the islands of St. Paul and St. 
George for a term of five years, the company to pay $5 for every 
blue fox skin and $1 for every white fox skin obtained, these pay- 
ments to be entered as a credit on the books of the company in favor 
of the natives and to be available for their support on orders drawn 
in their favor by the Government agent. 

The amounts accruing to the natives under this contract are to be 
added to and form a part of the community fund and are in the same 
maimer to be credited to the natives on the books of the company. 

PAYMENT OF NATIVES' EARNINGS. 

The amounts that are earned from the company by the natives for 
labor other than sealing and foxing are to be paid to them in cash, 
and you will instruct the representatives of the company accordingly. 
The fimds earned in sealing and foxing, however, are to be disbursed 
upon order, as heretofore. 

The payment to the natives of money from the appropriation for 
their maintenance, upon the orders of the Government agent, is 
strictly prohibited. 

Articles that do not properly come within the term "necessaries" 
should not be exposed for sale in the company's stores, nor sold to 
the natives for the money they earn by labor. 

SUPPORT OF NATIVES. 

Congress has appropriated the sum of $19,500 "to enable the Secre- 
tarA^ of Commerce and Labor to furnish food, fuel, and clothing to the 
native inhabitants on the islands of Saint Paul and Saint George, 
Alaska," during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1905, and the greatest 



40 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

care and economy should be exercised in the expenditure of this 
appropriation. Articles of strict necessity only should be issued. 
No expensive dress goods, boots or other articles are to be provided. 
The natives should be restricted to one pair of dress shoes each year, 
and the women to one good dress. Ginghams, calicoes, muslins, and 
similar inexpensive dress goods may be issued in reasonable quantities. 

The supply of fuel for the use of the natives is paid for from this 
appropriation, and the cost of such fuel should not be overlooked in 
determining how much of the appropriation is available for other 
purposes. 

In the distribution of the supplies no distmction is to be made be- 
tween persons without means and those having small savings from 
previous years, but the earnings for the current year should be ex- 
pended for necessaries, other than food, fuel, and clothing, before 
any allowance is granted from the appropriation. 

You will continue the plan adopted under previous instructions of 
issuing orders upon the company for such supplies as are required by 
the native inhabitants after they have expended their current yearly 
earnings. At the end of the season, as heretofore, you will submit to 
the department the stubs of the orders given, for use m verifying 
the accounts of the company. 

COAL SUPPLY. 

In a letter to the department dated April 16, 1904, the North 
American Commercial Co. has agreed to furnish during the coming 
season 175 tons of coal for use on the islands at $20 per toQ, 
including delivery on the beach, 90 tons to be delivered on St. Paul 
Island and 85 tons on St. George Island. This coal, with the 80 tons 
additional the company is required to furnish under the terms of its 
contract, will make available for all purposes a supply of 255 tons, 
and in its distribution the widows and orphans and aged and infirm 
inhabitants of the islands of St. Paul and St. George are to be included. 

Of the 175 tons purchased from the company, you may make the 
following distribution : 

St. Paul Island: Tons. 

For the Government house 10 

For the use of the natives 80 

St. George Island: 

For the Government house 10 

For the use of the natives 75 

Total 175 

Of the 80 tons furnished by the company without charge under its 
contract, 50 tons may be distributed to the natives of St. Paul and 
30 tons to the natives of St. George. 

DWELLINGS FOR NATIVES. 

The agreement of the company in its contract to furnish the native 
inhabitants of the islands a sufficient number of comfortable dwellings 
and to keep such dwellings m proper repair should be strictly en- 
forced. You are instructed to obtain from the representatives of 
the company, as soon after the close of the current fiscal year as 
practicable a statement of the amount expended during the year in 
carrying out this requirement of the contract. 



I 



SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 41 

SCHOOLS FOR THE NATIVES. 

You will require the schools for the native children to be main- 
tained from September 1 to May 1, and to be opened five days in 
each week, the school hours to be from 9 o'clock a. m. to 3 o'clock 
p. m., with 1 hour recess at noon and 15 minutes recess in the forenoon. 

It will be your duty to see that the teachers appointed by the 
company are competent to teach the English language and that they 
faithfully perform this duty. None but the English language shall 
be taught in the schools. 

If the parents of the children on the islands desire to send them to 
the Jessie Lee School at Unalaska the department has no objection, 
provided no expenditure of public money is mvolved in their trans- 
portation to Unalaska or their maintenance and schooling while there. 
This course will also be permitted under the same conditions in the 
case of orphan children for whom provision is now made by the com- 
pany under its contract. 

The amount expended b}^ the company during the fiscal year for 
the maintenance of schools in accordance with the requirements of 
its contract sJiould be ascertained and reported to the department. 

HOUSE OF WORSHIP AND MEDICAL ATTENDANCE. 

You will also ascertain the company's expenditures during the 
year in mamtainmg a suitable house for religious worship and in pro- 
viding competent ph3^sicians and necessary medicines and medical 
supplies. 

WIDOWS, ORPHANS, AGED, AND INFIRM. 

The companv is required by its contract to provide the necessaries 
of life for the widows and orphans and aged and infirm inhabitants 
of the islands who are unable to provide for themselves, and you will 
see that this obligation is fully discharged. As soon as practicable 
after the close of the current fiscal year you will procure from the 
representatives of the company a statement showing the number of 
such inhabitants provided for during the year, and also the amount 
expended in making such provision. 

Widows and orphans liaving small sums of money to their credit 
should not be compelled to spend them and become wholly dependent 
before the}' are allowed to draw supplies under this provision in the 
company's contract. Such sums, as well as similar accounts held by 
other natives, may be drawn upon from time to time, however, with 
the consent and under the direction of the Government agent, for 
such reasonable articles as will contribute to the comfort of the 
persons supplying the funds. 

NATIVES TO RENDER SERVICE. 

In consideration of the support gratuitously afforded the natives 
by the Government, you are directed to utilize their services, when 
not required by the compan}^, in repairing roads, guarding the rook- 
eries, and performing such other duties as seem desirable. This 
instruction is not to be regarded, however, as rehe^-ing the company 
from its obligation to employ the natives, at a fair and just compen- 
sation, for all such work as they are fitted to perform. 



42 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

ELECTION OF NATIVE CHIEFS. 

No interference should be permitted in the selection of their cliiefs 
by the native inhabitants of the islands. If it should transpire, how- 
ever, that persons manifestly unsuitable for the position are chosen, 
it will be your duty to interpose in the interest of good government 
and require the selection of proper persons, but such action should 
be taken only in extreme cases. 

SALE OF INTOXICANTS PROHIBITED. 

The company agrees in its contract that it will not permit any of 
its agents to keep, sell, give, or dispose of any distilled spirits or spir- 
ituous liquors or opium on either of the islands or the waters adjacent 
thereto to any of the native inhabitants, such person not being a phy- 
sician and furnisliing the same for use as a medicine. This obligation 
is to be rigidly enforced. 

MANUFACTURE OF INTOXICANTS PROHIBITED. 

The brewing or distilUng of intoxicating beverages on the islands 
is prohibited. In the enforcement of this provision you are author- 
ized to discontinue the sale from the company's stores of sugar or of 
other articles entering into the manufacture of intoxicants to any 
person who violates this order or who is found to be intoxicated. 
Should intoxication become so general among the people as to inter- 
fere with good government and jeopardize the peace, you are author- 
ized to discontinue altogether the sale of sugar and of other articles 
entering into the manufacture of intoxicants for such length of time 
as may appear wise. 

REMOVAL FOR CAUSE. 

Should natives or other persons become so unruly or immoral in 
conduct as to endanger the peace and good government of the people 
they should be removed from the islands, and the Revenue-Cutter 
Service will be instructed to render such assistance as may be necessary 
for that purpose. 

LANDING ON THE ISLANDS RESTRICTED. 

No persons other than Government officers, representatives and 
employees of the North American Commercial Co., and duly accred- 
ited representatives of the Russian Church shall be allowed to land on 
the islands except by written authority from the department. The 
permission granted representatives of the Russian Church to visit the 
islands may be suspended, however, where its exercise is attempted 
by an improper person. Visitors to the islands should not be per- 
mitted to inspect the rookeries except under your supervision. 

INFORMATION REGARDING AFFAIRS ON THE ISLANDS. 

No information regarding the seals or as to any other matter per- 
taining to the seal islands is to be given out by you or by any of the 
assistant agents. All applications for such information should be 
referred to the department. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 43 

CONCLUSION. 

Should questions arise involving matters not covered by these 
instructions it will be your duty to report the facts to the department, 
and to await instructions, except in cases requiring immediate decision, 
when you '\\^11 take such action as sound judgment directs. 

A copy of these instructions should be furnished by you to each of 
the assistant agents on the seal islands for their information and 
guidance. 

Respectfully, Geo. B. Cortelyou, 

Secretary. 



Columbia University Hospital, 

May 12, 1904. 
Dear Mr. Hitchcock: It has just occurred to me that if that 
large camera be sent to the islands it will be necessary to have sent 
with it some plates of suitable size. 

Hastily, ' W. I. Lembkey. 



Office of the Chief Clerk, 

May 12, 1904, 
Ikir. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge of Seal Islands, 

Department of Commerce and Labor. 

Dear Sir : Dr. Alfred G. Mayer, curator in chief of the Museum of 
the Brooklyn Institute of Arts and Sciences, Brooklyn, N. Y., has 
applied to the department, on behalf of his museum, for the privilege 
or securing for scientific purposes six skins of fur seals meeting death 
through accident during the coming season on the Pribilof Islands. 
The specimens desired are as follows: One old bull, one immature 
bull, two cows, two pups. 

If the specimens can be furnished mthout interfering in any manner 
with the duties of the agents or the rights of the lessees, you are 
authorized to reserve for the museum the skins specified, provided 
they are obtainable from seals that have met death through accident 
or from natural causes. The museum will be informed, however, 
that any services performed by the natives in preparing specimens 
are to be properly remunerated, and that it will also be expected to 
defray the expenses of transportation from the islands. 

In the museum's apphcation it was requested that Mr. Arthur M. 
Aten, who has been commissioned by the institution to collect birds 
and mammals in Alaska during the coming summer, be permitted to 
obtain the sealskins mentioned above, but this would necessitate the 
granting to Mr. Aten of a permit to visit the islands, wliich the 
.department does not think advisable. 
Very truly, yours, 

F. H. Hitchcock, 

Chief Cleric, 



44 seal islands of alaska. 

May 12, 1904. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge of Seal Islands, 

Care of North American Commercial Co., 

Mills Building, San Francisco, Cal. 
Dear Sir: Please send me word before sailing as to whether or not 
the four weighing instruments that were sent from here by registered 
mail on the 11th instant reached San Francisco in time to be taken 
with you to the seal islands. 

Also please let me know if you received the various photographic 
supplies that were forwarded to San Francisco this morning by 
registered mail. 

Very truly, yours, F. H. Hitchcock, 

Chief Cleric. 



May 12, 1904. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge of Seal Islands,^ 

Department of Commerce and Labor. 
Dear Sir: With reference to the provision in your instructions 
prohibiting the lessees from killing any seals during the coming season 
that are under 2 years of age, you are directed in the enforcement of 
this requirement to fix upon 5^ pounds as a minimum limit of weight 
for the skins to be taken. 

It will be your duty to see that every possible precaution is exer- 
cised to prevent the killing of seals that yield skins under the weight 
mentioned. 

Very truly, yours, F. H. Hitchcock, 

Chief Cleric. 



May 14, 1904. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent for the Seal Islands, 

Care North American Commercial Co., 

Mills Building, San Francisco, Cal. 
Dear Sir: The desirability of having the rookeries photographed 
this summer at the height of the season has besn brought to your 
attention and you are requested to accomplish what you can in this 
direction; provided, however, that the work of taking the photo- 
graphs shall not be allowed to interfere with more imperative duties. 
In addition to the camera and outfit, with which you were provided 
before your departure for San Francisco, there will be furnished in 
time for use at the height of the season a large "Carlton" camera (6^ 
by 8^) with tlie necessary equipment. Arrangements will be made to 
forward this latter camera by one of the revenue cutters. 

It is possible that the plan of having topographic photographs, 
made of the rookeries during the summer by employees of the Coast 
and Geodetic Survey can be carried out, in which event it will not be 
necessary for you to devote much time to photographic work. 
Very truly, yours, 

F. H. Hitchcock, 

Chief Cleric. 



seal islands of alaska. 45 

May 14, 1904. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent for the Seal Islands, 

Care of North American Commercial Co., 

Mills Building, San Francisco, Cal. 
Dear Sir: Pending the arrival on the islands of the clipping appa- 
ratus that is to be provided for experiment in marking the 2-year- 
old and 3-year-old seals to be reserved from the Idlling, it is 
expected that you will employ the method agreed upon of singeing 
out a spot in the fur on the top of the seal's head with the branding 
irons. In marking the fur by this method care should be taken not 
to burn into the skin of the animal. 

Upon the receipt of the clipping apparatus you will please give it 
a sufficient test to determine its practicability, and if it proves to be 
successful it should be substituted for the branding irons. 
Very truly, yours, 

F. H. Hitchcock, 

Chief Cleric. 



[Copy — original too faint for reproduction.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Chief Clerk, 

Washington, May I4, 1904- 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent for the Seal Fisheries, 

Care North American Commercial Co., 

Mills Building, San Francisco, Cal. 

Dear Sir: I desire to remind you of the wish of the department to 
have a record kept for the coming season of the number of sealskins 
taken on the islands, as distinct from the number of skins shipped. 
You may please have separate records made for each island of the 
number of skins taken from seals killed by the lessees during the 
season, and also of the sldns taken from seals killed in food drives. 

The importance of securing fuller statistics regarding the seals on 
the island of St. George has been already impressed upon you. The 
assistant agents on that island should be required to exert every pos- 
sible effort during the coming season to make their counts of seals as 
accurate and complete as the conditions will permit. The number of 
idle bulls on the island should be counted, as well as the bulls having 
harems, and as accurate returns as possible should be made as to the 
number of breeding cows, and also as to the number of immature 
seals, including half-bulls, bachelors, and virgin cows. 

For the proper enforcement of the regulation prohibiting the IdUing 
of seals during the coming season that are under 2 years of age, it is 
desirable that the work of weighing skins called for by your instruc- 
tions be done with great thoroughness and care, one of the objects of 
such weighing being to see that no skins are taken that weigh less than 
5h pounds, which is the minimum limit to be fixed upon in the enforce- 
ment of the regulation. Your assistants on St. George should be ad- 
vised as to the importance of this work and directed to comply strictly 
with the instructions. You will please see that at least two of the six 



46 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

weigliing instruments with wliich you have been provided are phiced 
in the hands of your assistants on St. George. 
Very truly, yours, 

F. H. Hitchcock, 

Chief Clerk, 

May 14, 1904. 
Mr. James Judge, 

Assistant Agent for Seal Islands, 

Care of North American Commercial Co., 

Mills Building, San Francisco, Col. 
Dear Sir: Your letter of the 12th instant, inclosing stub of trans- 
portation request No. 1596, Columbus, Oliio, to San Francisco, C, C, 
C. & St. L. Kailway, dated May 9, 1904, has been received. 
You inadvertently neglected to fill in the amount. 
Very truly, yours, 

F. H. Hitchcock, 

Chief Cleric. 



May 14, 1904. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent for Seal Islands, 

Care of North American Commercial Co., 

Mills Building, San Francisco, Cat. 
Dear Sir: I have received your note of the 12th instant, written 
at the Columbian University Hospital, this city, in which you suggest 
the necessity of procuring plates for the large camera that has been 
obtained from the Coast and Geodetic Survey for use on the seal 
islands this summer. 

Care will be taken to have a supply of plates, as well as other neces- 
sary equipment, forwarded with the camera. 
Very truly, yours, 

F. H. Hitchcock, 

Chief Cleric. 

May 14, 1904. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent for Seal Islands, 

Care of North American Commercial Co., 

Mills Building, San Francisco, Cal. 
Dear Sir: Your letter of the 12th instant, inclosing stubs of trans- 
portation requests Nos. 1597, railway fare, Philadelphia to San Fran- 
cisco, and 1598, Pullman fare, Philadelphia to Chicago, has been 
received. 

Note is made of your statement that the Pennsylvania Railroad, 
over which Hne you travel, charged you $80.25, against your protest, 
for a ticket from Philadelphia to San Francisco, whereas last fall you 
paid $77.50 for a ticket from San Francisco to Philadelphia, which 
latter fare you consider the proper one. 

The disbursing office will be instructed to look into the matter and 
ascertain if the charge of $80.25 was excessive; 
Very truly, yours, 

F. H. Hitchcock, 

Chief Clerh 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 47 

San Francisco, May 20, 1904. 

Dear Mr. Hitchcock: I have received tliree letters dated the 
12th instant and five letters dated the 14th instant, all in relation to 
the island business. While I have not the opportunity to acknowl- 
edge them in detail, I beg to say that their contents have been 
thoroughly digested and proper action will be taken toward their 
enforcement. 

I received on the 17th instant five registered packages containing 
the photographic supplies purchased before my departure. The 
scales arrived to-day and their arrival removed a potent cause of 
anxiety lest they be delayed until after my sailing. 

Upon receipt I communicated the contents of your letter of the 
12th instant, fixing a minimum weight on skins, to Mr. Taylor, where- 
upon he entered an immediate and vigorous protest. When I pointed 
out that my instructions were not discretionary, he stated that he 
w^ould at once protest to the department. He requested that I 
inform liim by official letter of the requirement, which I did, and, at 
his urgent request, inclosed a copy of your letter. I have taken pains 
to explain to him the situation that existed in Washington last wmter, 
and tnat the attitude of the department is not one of hostility to the 
company but necessary to avoid sinister results. While admitting 
in one breath a knowledge of the Elliott campaign and anathemizing 
that individual, he states that the company will lose money this year 
because of the restriction of his business, and thinks the department 
has been ''hard" on him. Nevertheless, he will realize the situation 
when he thinks twice, and he has been informed firmly but pleasantly 
that your instructions will be carried out to the letter. 

Will it be too much trouble, Mr. Hitchcock-, to have a files case con- 
taining private letters, left on my desk on the third floor, wrapped 
up and placed where it will not be lost ? I overlooked it in the rush 
of departure. 

I will say that we look forward to a pleasant season of hard work 
and that we will work together to make this season's efforts satisfac- 
tory in every detail. 

Very truly, yours, W. I. Lembkey. 



May 28, 1904. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge of Seal Islands, Pribilof Group, Alaslca. 

My Dear Mr. Lembkey: The note you sent me from San Francisco 
under date of the 20th instant duly arrived, and I was glad to learn 
that the scales and also the photographic supplies reached you before 
your sailing. 

The company's protest regarding the department's decision to fix 
the minimum weight of skins at 5^ pounds was brought to our atten- 
tion here at Washington before the sailing of the steamer and was 
filed for future reference. 

In accordance with your wish, the file case of private letters you 
inadvertently left on your desk has been securely wrapped up, 
properly labeled, and deposited in the file room of the department, 
where it will be in safe keeping until you return. 

It is my purpose to ship to the islands by the revenue cutter Perry 
which is expected to leave Seattle on June 15, the fur-clipping appa- 



48 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

ratus, with a truck on which to mount it, and two Carlton 8 by 10 
camera outfits. One of the camera outfits is to-be used on St. Paul 
and the other on St. George. I shall also send you a No. 7 Remington 
typewriter for official use on the islands. 
Very truly, yours, 

F. H. Hitchcock, 

Chief Clerk. 



[Telegram.J 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Chief Clerk, 

Washington, May 18, 1904. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Care Nortli American Commercial Co., 

Mills Building, San Francisco, Cal. 
By telegram of to-day North American Commercial Co. has been 
authorized to land temporarily on seal islands 12 extra laborers to 
discharge coal, taking precautionary measures hitherto required 
against contagion. In event a certain number of native laborers are 
incapacitated by epidemic, company may land an equal number of 
temporary laborers, not exceeding 50 in all. 



Chief Clerk, Department of Commerce and Labor. 

May 18, 1904. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge of Seal Islands, Prihilof Growp, Alaska. 
Dear Sir: This is to confirm my telegram of this afternoon, which 
was as follows : 

By telegram of to-day North American Commercial Co. has befen authorized to land 
temporarily on seal islands 12 extra laborers to discharge coal, taking precautionary 
measures hitherto required against contagion. In event a certain number of native 
laborers are incapacitated by epidemic, company may land an equal number of tem- 
porary laborers, not exceeding 50 in all. 

Very truly, yours, F. H. Hitchcock. 

Chief Clerk, 



Office of Agent in Charge of 

Alaska Seal Fisheries, 
St. Paul Island, Alaska, July 28, 1904. 
Mr. F. H. Hitchcock, 

Chief Clerk, Department of Commerce and Labor. 
My Dear Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt yesterday, by the 
Thetis, of 3'our letter of May 18 last confirmatory of your telegram 
of the same date containing authority for the North American Com- 
mercial Co. to land a certain number of laborers temporarily on the 
seal islands. 

In the exercise of this authority the company landed eight laborers, 
who assisted the native force on this island in bringing: ashore the 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 49 

cargo of the company's vessel Krvger, and six of whom departed on, 
that vessel for Unalaska, where they reside. The remaining two were 
kept on St. Paul Island to perform laboring work during the employ- 
ment of the natives on the sealing field, and will return to Unalaska 
on the Kruger when that vessel arrives here in August for the skins, 
Ver}^ truly, yours, 

W. I. Lembkey, 
Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries^ 



[Copy of original too faint for reproduction.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Chief Clerk, 

Washington, October 17, 1904^ 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge of Seal Fisheries, St. Paul Island, Alaslca. 

Dear Sir : The department has received your letter of July 28 last 

to Mr. F. H. Hitchcock, stating that in accordance with the authority 

granted, the North American Commercial Co. landed eight laborers on 

St. Paul Island for service in assisting the native force employed there. 

Very truly, yours, 

(Signed) F. H. Bowen, 

Chief Cleric. 



Office of Special Agent Treasury Department, 

St. Paul Island, AlasJca, June 7, 1904^ 
Mr. F. H. Hitchcock, 

Chief Cleric, Department of Commerce and Labor. 
Sir: I have to report my arrival here on the 6th instant, after a stay 
of a few hours on St. George. 

Wliile badly handicapped for time, I found opportunity on the 
latter island to explain to Maj. Clark the novel features involved in the 
current instructions, and to furnish him with extracts from such 
letters from you as relate to the weight of skins, the marking of 
bachelors, and the importance of obtaining full statistics on St. George 
during the coming summer. Mr. Judge and myself also counted the 
bulls on two rookeries on St. George during our stay there. 
I found the record of seals on St. George to be as follows : 

Left over, Sept. 1, 1903 1 

Food killings. Oct. 19, 1903, to Mav 31, 1904 497 

Killing by lessee, June 1, 1904 ' 26 

Total - 524 

Average weight, 6^ pounds. 

Foxes killed on St. George, winter of 1903-4: 

Blues 471 

Whites 15 

486 
2403— H. Doc. 93, 62-1—4 



50 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



The total native population on St. George on my arrival was 94. 
There have been five births and three deaths during the current fiscal 
year, an increase of two. 

Count of seals on St. George, June 5, 1904: North rookery, 102 
bulls, 8 immature bulls, 7 bulls in the surf not landed, and 10 
bachelors; Staraya Artel, 30 bulls, 18 bachelors, 1 half bull. 

On June 10, 1903, there were: North rookery, 109 bulls, 8 holu- 
stiaki; Staraya Artel, 32 bulls, 20 holustiaki. 

Our counts on St. George would lead us to believe that little or no 
diminution will appear in the number of breeding bulls. L/ater 
developments may change this opinion, however. 

Since our arrival yesterday we have counted the followmg seals on 
St. Paul: 



Reef 

Ardiguen 

Gorbatch cliflf 

Gorbatch 

Ketovl 



Bulls. 


Bulls not 
stationed. 


179 
9 
10 

104 
36 


42 


3 
11 
11 



Amphitheater 

Lukanin 

Lagoon 

Tolstoi clifl . . 
Tolstoi 



Bulls. 



5 
41 
16 
30 
120 



Bulls not 
stationed. 



On June 10, 1903, the following counts were made: 





Bulls. 


Half 
bulls. 




Bulls. 


Half 
bulls. 




15 
113 
13 




Ketovl 


53 
6 
51 








Amphitheater 


3 






Lukanin 


3 











It is probable that there will hs a decrease noted in the breeding 
bulls on St. Paul, but, perhaps in a smaller degree than noted last 
year. 

There were killed for food on St. Paul last winter, 2,065 seals, and 
this spring, for quota, 179. These, with 312 on hand from last year, 
make a total of 2,556 in the salt house. 

Last winter 15 blue and 5 white foxes were taken on St. Paul. 
There will be no foxing there the ensuing winter. 

I regret the lack of time necessary to make a more complete state- 
ment. I have delayed this until within an hour of the ship's sailing 
in order that I might include additional seal data which Mr. Judge 
has been collecting. Mr. Chichester will be on St. George for the 
summer, and I have informed him thoroughly regarding the necessity 
for good work on St. George. 

With the promise of a good season's work, I am, believe me. 
Very truly, yours, 

W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent, Seal Islands. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 51 

Mr. W. I. Lembkey, ^^^^ ^' l^O'^- 

Agent in Charge of Seal Islands, St. Paul Island, AlasJca. 

Dear Sir: The letter you addressed to me from St. Paul Island, 
under date of June 7, 1904, is received, and I have noted with inter- 
est what you say regarding conditions on the islands. 

On June 30, as you have probably learned fi'om other corre- 
spondents, Hon. George B. Cortelyou resigned the position of Secre- 
tar}' of Commerce and Labor to become chairman of the Republican 
national committee. The new Secretary is Hon. Victor H. Metcalf, 
of California. He took charge of the department on July 1. This 
change in Secretaries made it impracticable for me to carry out my 
plan of visiting the seal islands during the present season. I gave up 
the trip with great reluctance. 

I am glad to note that you are taking such pains to have the new 
instructions thoroughly understood by your assistants. I shall await 
with great interest such further news as you may send me regarding 
the season's work. 

Very truly, yours, F. H. Hitchcock, 

Chief Cleric. 

June 8, 1904. 
Mr. W . I. Lembkey, ' 

Agent in Charge of Seal Islands, PribilofGrouj), AlasTca. 

Dear Sir: In response to an inquiry regarding his experience in 

photogra])hing the rookeries on the seal islands, Mr. Charles H. 

Townsend, director of the New York Aquarium, sends me word that 

the photographs should be finished before July 18 and that they 

should be taken from the same stations as hitherto. 

With the reasons for these suggestions you are doubtless familiar, 

but as a measure of precaution I bring to your attention what Mr. 

Townsend says. 

Very truly, yours, F. H. Hitchcock, 

Chief Cleric. 

Office of Agent in Charge 

Seal Fisheries, Alaska, 
St. Paul Island, Alaslca, July 28, 1904- 
Mr. F. H. Hitchcock, 

Chief Cleric, Department of Covfimerce and Lahor. 
My Dear Sir : I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 
the 8th of June last, which arrived yesterday by the Thetis, wherein 
is stated the belief of Mr. C. H. Townsend that photographs of the 
rookeries should not be taken later than the 18th of July. 

This belief is well founded on the fact that after the 15th or 16th 
of July the harem formations lose their compactness, the cows spread 
out over an area not previously occupied, and that photographs taken 
after the date mentioned would be misleading in showing the seals to 
cover a greater area than the}^ do at the height of the breeding season. 
Unfortunately, however, the camera and supplies did not reach 
this island until the 27th instant, long after the seals have spread out. 
It will, therefore, be impossible to take any photographs of the rook- 
eries this year, much to my regret. 

Ver}^ truly, yours, W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries. 



52 seal islands of alaska. 

October 17, 1904. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge of Seal Fisheries, St. Paul Island, AlasJca. 
Dear Sir: The department has received your letter of July 28 
last to Mr. F. H. Hitchcock, stating that the camera and supplies did 
not reach you in time to permit the taking of photographs of the 
rookeries this year. 

Very truly, yours, F. H. Bowen, 

Chief Cleric. 

June 8, 1904. 
Mr. H. D. Chichester, 

Assistant Agent for Seal Islands, 

St George Island, Prihilof Group, AlasTca. 
Dear Sir: In response to an inquiry regarding his experience in 
photographing the rookeries on the seal islands, Mr. Charles H. 
Townsend, director of the New York Aquarium, sends me word that 
the photographs should be finished before July 18 and that they 
should be taken from the same stations as hitherto. 

With the reasons for these suggestions you are doubtless familiar 
but as a measure of precaution I bring to your attention what Mr. 
Townsend says. 

Very truly, yours, F. H. Hitchcock, 

Chief Cleric. 

June 18, 1904. 

Sir: You are authorized to proceed as soon as practicable to the 
Pribilof Islands, Alaska, for the purpose of supervising the enforce- 
ment of the regulations prescribed by the department for the con- 
duct of the fur-seal service during the present season and also for 
the purpose of inquiring into the condition of the fur-seal herd and 
of aifairs in general on the islands. If it seems desirable, you are 
authorized to return to Washington by the way of San Francisco in 
order to confer with the officials of the North American Commercial 
Co. at that city regarding the enforcement of the company's con- 
tract with the Government. 

You are also authorized, if the opportunity is presented, to visit 
Victoria, British Columbia, for the purpose of gaining information 
regarding the present status of the pelagic sealing industry. 

Your necessary traveling expenses will be paid from the appro- 

Eriation for contingent expenses, Department of Commerce and 
labor. 

Respectfully, , 

Secretary. 
Mr. Frank H. Hitchcock, 

Chief Cleric, Department of Commerce and Labor, Washington, D. C. 

July 26, 1904. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge of Seal Islands, St. Paul Island, Alaslca. 
Dear Sir: Mr. Garfield, Commissioner of Corporations, informs 
me that owing to a recent death that has occurred in the family of 
Mr. Harry D. Chichester^ one of the assistant agents, there are good 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



53 



reasons for permitting him to return to his home as promptly after 
the close of the season's work as a proper discharge of his duties in 
connection therewith will permit. 

While the circumstances do not appear to be such as to warrant 
his leaving before the active operations of the season are brought to 
a close, you may allow him to start homeward as promptly there- 
after as in your judgment appears to be wise. 
Very truly, yours, 

F. H. Hitchcock, 

Chief Clerk. 



Office of Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries, 

St. Paul Island, Alaska, August 12, 1904. 
Mr. F. H. Hitchcock, 

Chief Clerk, Bepartment of Commerce and Labor. 
Dear Sir: I have to make the following summarized report of 
the condition of affairs on the seal islands of Alaska during the sealing 
season ended July 31, 1904: 

The following number of seals was killed during the season by the 
lessee on its quota: 

St. Paul 8, 732 

St. George 1, 500 



10, 232 



The following number of seals was killed for food before and after 
the regular sealing season or left on hand from previous seasons: 

St. Paul 

St. George 



2, 545 

496 

3,041 

The figures for St. Paul include 140 skins taken for food on August 
9, 1904. 

The following shipment of skins will be made by the company 
this fall: 

St. Paul 11, 132 

St. George 1, 996 



13, 128 



The lessee's quota of 15,000 skins was not filled for the reason that 
a sufficient number of seals of proper size was not present. 
The following number of bachelors was branded this spring: 





2-year-olds. 


3-year-olds. 


4-year-olds. 


St. Paul 


800 
200 


800 
200 


50 


St. George 








Total 


1,000 


1,000 


50 







Branding was completed on St. Paul on June 25 and on St. George 
July 2. 



54 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



The number of breeding bulls with harems, and idle bulls, found 
this summer on both islands was as follows: 





Harems. 


Idle. 


Total. 


St. Paul 


1,790 
312 


232 
62 


2,022 


St. George 


374 






Total 


2,102 


294 


2,396 







The counts of pups on both islands at the end of the season of 
1904, with a comparison of the counts for the season of 1903, follow: 





1904 


1903 


Decrease. 


St. Paul 


21,309 
13,583 


24,801 
14,647 


3,492 
1,064 


St. George 





The census of breeding cows and of bulls breeding and idle on the 
two islands for the seasons of 1903 and 1904 follows: 





Bulls. 


Cows. 




1903 


1904 


Decrease. 


1903 


1904 


Decrease. 


St. Paul 


2,402 
J 415 


2,022 
374 


382 
41 


82,649 
14,647 


74,002 
13,583 


8,647 
1,064 


St. George 


Total 




2,396 


423 


97, 296 


87,585 


9, 711 







I Estimated. 

The average harem during the past season (1904) was 39.83, as 
compared with 40.29 during the season of 1903. The lessening of 
the average harem is caused by the fact that the decrease in breeding 
cows during the interval between the seasons of 1903-4 was greater 
than the decrease in bulls. 

On the area on which pups were counted on St. Paul Island the 
decrease in harems was found to be 13.99 percent, while the decrease 
in pups or breeding cows was 14.9 per cent. 

During the season of 1904 there occurred in the various drives ot 
the season, and including the food drive on the 9th of August, 641 
large rejections, 4,794 small rejections, and 1,888 rejections of branded 
seals. During the same period in 1903 the rejections were as follows: 
912 large and 1,185 small. The increase in rejections from drives 
in 1904 was the result of the regulations restricting the killing to a 
minimum of 5+ pounds. 

All skins taken on St. George during the seaUng season, as reported 
by Agent Clark, were weighed. On St. Paul all but 145 skins taken 
during the seahng season were weighed, the latter number being 
overlooked by the natives who gathered up the skins on the field 
for weighing. The bulk of the company's catch is skins of 2-year- 
olds, but a fair number of 3-year-olds also were taken. No yearlings 
were included in the catch, and but few were seen in the drives. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 55 

One yearling was killed by me during the summer to determine 
the weight of that class of skins. The entire animal — a female — 
weighed 33 pounds, and its pelt weighed 3| pounds. 

A detailed report of the season's work will be made as soon as 
practicable after the departure of the company's vessel. 
Very truly, yours, 

W. I. Lembkey, 
Agent in CJtarge Seal Fisheries. 



[Copy of original too faint for reproduction.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Chief Clerk, 

WasMngton, October 17, 1904^ 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in CJiarge of Seal Fisheries, St. Paul Island, AlasTca. 
Dear Sir: The department has received your letter of August 12 
last, to IVIr. F. H. Hitchcock, making a summarized report of the 
condition of affairs on the seal islands of Alaska during the sealing 
season ended July 31, 1904. 
Very truly, yours, 

(Signed.) F. H. Bowen, 

Chief Clerl\ 



Office of Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries, 

St. Paul Island, Alaslca, August 13, 1904. 
Mr. F. H. Hitchcock, 

Chief Cleric, Department of Commerce and Labor. 
Dear Sir: I have to inclose with this letter, for the information 
of the department, certificates of the shipment from the sea islands 
this summer, by the North American Commercial Co., of 13,128 fur- 
seal skins, representing the quota of the lessee of the sealing right on 
the Pribilof Islands for the season of 1904. 

Very truly, yours, W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries, 
Two inclosures. 



[Inclosure 1.] 

Island of St. Paul, 
Bering Sea, Alaslca, August, 1904- 
This is to certify that eleven thousand one hundred thirty-two 
(11,132) fur-seal skins have this day been shipped on board the 
North American Commercial Co.'s steamer W. H. Kruger, con- 
signed to the North American Commercial Co., San Francisco, Cal. 

W. I. Lembkey, 
Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries. 

K. A. Ahlin, 
Master, Steamer " W. H. Kruger.'^ 



56 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 



(Inclosure 2. 



Island of St. George, 
Bering Sea, Alaska, August 8, 1904. 
This is to certify that one thousand nine hundred and ninety-six 
(1,996) fur seal skins have this day been shipped on board the North 
American Commercial Co.'s steamer Kruger consigned to the North 
American Commercial Co., San Francisco, Cal. 

Ezra W. Clark, 
Assistant Treasury Agent. 

K. A. Ahlin, 
Master, "W. H. Kruger.'' 



October 17, 1904. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge of Seal Fisheries, St. Paul Island, Alaska. 
Dear Sir: The department has received your letter to Mr. F. H. 
Hitchcock, dated August 13 last, without signature, inclosing 
certificates of shipments from the seal islands this summer by the 
North American Commercial Co. of 13,128 fur-seal skins, representing 
the quota of the lessee of the sealing right on the Pribilof Islands for 
the season of 1904. 

Very truly, yours, F. H. Bowen, 

Chief Clerk. 



Office of Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries, 

St. Paul Island, Alaska, August 13, 1904- 
Mr. F. H. Hitchcock, 

Chief Clerk, Department of Commerce and Labor. 
Dear Sir: I have to transmit herewith, for suitable action thereon, 
my account for salary and expenses for the month of June, 1904, the 
expense representing the cost of my transportation from Columbus, 
Ohio, to St. Paul Island, Alaska, in pursuance of instructions con- 
tained in department letter of May 1 last, a copy of which is inclosed 
also. 

Very truly, yours, James Judge, 

Assistant Agent Alaska Seal Fisheries. 



[Copy— original too faint for reproduction.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Chief Clerk, 

Washington, October 17,1904. 
Mr. James Judge, 

Assistant Agent Alaska Seal Fisheries, St. Paul Island, Alaska. 
Dear Sir: The department has received your letter of April 13 
last to Mr. F. H. Hitchcock, inclosing 3^our account for salary and 
expenses for the month of June, 1904. 

Your voucher will be aj^proved and forwarded to the disbursing 
derk for action. 

Very truly, yours, 

(Signed) F. H. Bowen, 

Chief Clerk. 



seal islands of alaska. 57 

Office of the Chief Clerk, 

August 16, 1904. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge of Seal Islands, St. Paul Island, Alaska. 

Dear Sir: Mr. Henry L. Ward, custodian of the Milwaukee Public 
Museum, Milwaukee, Wis., has applied to the department for a group 
of fur-seal specimens to be deposited in his museum, and it has been 
decided to grant his request, provided the desired skins can be ob- 
tained from seals meeting death from natural causes or through 
accident. 

If the s])ecimens can be furnished without interfering in any manner 
with the duties of the agents or the rights of the lessees, you are 
authorized to reserve for the Milwaukee Museum one old bull, one 
immature bull, two cows, and two pups, or such of these specimens 
as can be found to have met death from natural or accidental causes. 
The museum vvill^be advised that any services performed by the natives 
in preparing specimens are to be properly remunerated and that it 
will also be expected to defra}' the expenses of transportation from 
the islands. 

It is to be understood, of course, that the request of the Milwaukee 
Museum is not to be com})lied with until the specimens desired by the 
museum of the Brooklyn Institute of Arts and Sciences, the prior 
apjilication of Avhich was brought to your attention in my letter of 
May 12, 1904, have been reserved. 

Very tnily, vours. F. H. Hitchcock, 

Chief aerlc. 

Office of Agent in Charge Seal Islands, 

St. Paul Island, Alaska, May 31, 1905. 
Mr. F. H. Hitchcock, 

Chief Clerk, Department of Cormnerce and Labor. 
My Dear Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter 
of August 16 last, containing authority to furnish the Milwaukee 
Public Museum with the skins of one bull seal, one immature male, 
two cows, and two pups, should such seals be found dead on the 
rookeries. 

I wdll state, in reply, that should specimens of this character be 
found, they will be collected by us, and will be shipped to the institu- 
tion mentioned, provided the lessee of the islands is willing to under- 
take the cost of their preparation and shipment and to look to the 
museum for reimbursement. 

Very truly, yours, W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Seal Islands. 



[Telegram.] 

San Francisco, Cal., August 26, 1904- 
F. H. Hitchcock, 

Care Republican National Committee, 

1 Madison Avenue, New York. 
I arrived here to-day. 

H. D. ClIICHESi 



58 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

[Telegram.) 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

San Francisco, Cal., August £6, 1904- 
Secretary Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C. 
Arrived here to-day. Kindly note my letter this date. 

Ezra W. Clark, 

Assistant Seal Agent. 



[Copy— original too faint for reproduction.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Chief Clerk, 

Washington, August 27, 1904. 
Mr. Ezra W. Clark, 

San Francisco, Cal. , 

Dear Sir: The department has received your telegram of the 26th 
instant, reporting your arrival at San Francisco, Cal., and referring 
to a letter addressed by you to the Secretary on the date named. 
Very trulv, yours, 

(Signed) F. H, Bowen, 

Acting Chief Cleric. 

San Francisco, August 26, 1904. 
Hon. Victor H. Metcalf, 

Secretary Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C. 
Sir: I have the honor to report my arrival by the North American 
Commercial Co.'s steamer Kruger, which reached this port at 8 a. m. 
tliis day. 

The Kruger brought the season's take of sealskins, being 11,132 
from the island of St. Paul and 1,996 from the island of St. George; a 
total of 13,128. The passage was attended with good weather and 
was a quick one. All the people on both islands were well at date 
of steamer's sailing. 

I have the honor to request of the department permission to return 
to Washington by way of Seattle, Wash., which is my legal residence, 
and to stop at that city for two or three weeks if not inconsistent with 
the pubhc business. 

Very respectfully, Ezra W. Clark, 

Assistant Agent. 

[Copy — original too faint for reproduction.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Chief Clerk, 

Washington, Septemher 1, 1904- 
Mr. Ezra W. Clark, 

Assistant Agent in Charge AlasJcan Seal Fisheries, 

San Francisco, Cal. 
Dear Sir: Your letter to the Secretary, under date of the 26th 
ultimo, reporting your arrival at San Francisco on that date by the 
North American Commercial Co.'s steamer Kruger, has been received. 



SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 59 

Your statement that 11,132 sealskins were taken this season from the 
island of St. Paul and 1,996 skins from the island of St. George is also 
noted. 

By direction of the Secretary you are granted permission to stop at 
Seattle, Wash., on your way to Washington, for a period of three 
weeks. 

Very truly, yours, (Signed) F. H. Bowen, 

GUef Glerk. 

Office of the Chief Clerk, 

August 29, 1904. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge of Seal Islands, St. Paul Island, Alaska. 
Dear Sir: I am inclosing herewith for verification, so far as it 
relates to property in your possession, a statement from the War 
Department of ordnance and ordnance stores turned over to the 
Department of Commerce and Labor. Please return the statement 
with your reply. 

Very truly, yours, F. H. Bowen, 

Acting Chief Cleric. 

[Senate Document No. 98, Fifty-ninth Congress, first session.] 

Annual Report to Department of Commerce and Labor, 1904, 
of W. I. Lembkey, Agent Alaskan Seal Fisheries. 

St. Paul Island, Alaska, 

Septemher 7, 1904. 
Dear Sir: I have to submit the following report of the operations 
on the seal islands of Alaska during the year ended August 1, 1904: 

ARRIVAL AT ISLANDS. 

In conipany with Assistant Agent James Judge, on the lessee's 
steamer W. II. Kruger, sailing from San Francisco May 24, 1904, I 
reached St. George Island June 5 and St. Paul Island the following 
morning, June 6. Agent Chichester, who had passed the preceding 
winter on St Paul, was requested to take passage for St. George, there 
to assist Agent Clark in the season's work. At the close of the summer 
both these gentlemen took passage on the company's steamer Kruger 
for San Francisco en route for their homes. Agent Judge remained 
with me on St. Paul during the summer and on August 14 took passage 
on the Kruger for St. George, where he will be in charge during the 
ensuing winter. 

BRANDING OF BACHELORS. 

The marking of the number of young male seals required by the 
department's instructions occupied my attention at once upon arrival 
at the islands. 

These instructions required the marking and releasing of 1,000 three- 
year-old males and 1,000 two-year-old males, in the proportion of 800 
of each class from St. Paul and 200 of each from St. George. Because 
of statements made last winter before the Ways and Means Committee 



60 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 

and differing analyses of the classification of sizes of Pribilof Islands' 
sealskins exposed for sale in London last year, some doubt existed 
in my mind whether a greater number of 3-year-old males existed 
than were required to be marked and released. In order to secure the 
number of 3-year-old seals to be reserved on St. Paul, therefore, I 
considered it necessary to obtain them before the company began to 
kill for its quota. 

I therefore notified the representative of the company, Mr. Redpath, 
that I would be obliged to witlihold permission to drive for skins until 
drives had been made from the several hauling grounds and the requi- 
site number of each class of bachelors obtained and marked. 

I was required to take this action also from the fact that by the 
department's instructions the seals so to be marked were to be of the 
best animals appearing in the first drives of the season. As the first 
seals to reach the hauling grounds are always the strongest and finest 
in appearance, it was obvious that the seals to be branded should be 
from this class. 

DRIVES FOR BRANDING. 

The drives for branding were made as expeditiously as the presence 
of seals on the hauling grounds justified. On June 11a small drive 
was secured from the reef, from which were branded 15 two-year-olds, 
63 three-year-olds, and 5 four-year-olds. On June 16 another drive 
from the same rookery was made, from which 188 two-year-olds and 
273 three-year-olds were branded, or a total from that rookery of 544 
seals, including those branded previously — 203 twos, 336 threes, and 
5 fours. As that was considered a sufhcient number to be branded 
from the reef the branding apparatus was brought to the village. 

Our next object was to brand at Zapadni, and to take the forges 
there in boats. As the landings continued too rough to take boats to 
that point it was determined, for the sake of expedition, to bring what 
seals could be found on the hauling ground at Zapadni overland as 
near to the village as possible, and to brand them there. Accordingly, 
drivers were sent overland on the evening of June 20 to Zapadni, from 
which })lace they made a drive and brought it during the night to the 
head of the lagoon, about a mile from the village, and on the morning 
of June 21 the gang was taken there on foot, the forges being hauled by 
a team and wagon belonging to the company. As the result of a 
morning's work 274 two-year-olds and 130 three-year-olds were 
branded from Zapadni. 

While the main party was working on these seals, a few drivers 
were sent to Tolstoi hauling ground near by, and a small drive secured 
from that rookery. They were kept separate from the Zapadni seals, 
and after the latter were branded, work on tlie Tolstoi seals was begun. 
But a heavy rain began to fall about this time, and after branding 
31 two-year-olds and 8 three-year-olds from Tolstoi the seals' fur 
became so saturated with water that the hot irons made no impression 
on it. We accordingly had to cease branding, and what remained of 
the Tolstoi drive of a killable size were knocked down and skinned. 
The branding apparatus and the skins taken, 33 in number, were left 
on the field, and brought in next day by the company's team. 

The only remaining hauling ground on the island was Northeast 
Point, and it was determined to secure the remainder of our quota of 
branded seal from that place. We were delayed in so doing by the 
rough weather, which made it impossible- to use our boats to take up 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



61 



the branding outfit and the natives, and especially by the reports 
from the watchmen that only a meager supply of seals was there. 
Mr. Redpatli, the company's agent, objected to delaying the com- 
pany's business of taking seals at the point by the branding, but I had 
no other alternative, being still short over 300 seals of the quota of 800 
three-year-olds. He then offered the use of the teams to take the gear 
to the point, hoping thereby to expedite the work of the company by 
disposing of the branding. 

On June 22 the watchmen at Northeast Point reported only 200 
seals there. As we needed over 600 it was thought best to defer until 
more seals had hauled up. On June 23 only 200 were reported pres- 
ent. On June 24 no increase was reported, but it was determined not 
to wait longer and to go up and get what was there and to make 
another drive at that place if necessary to fill the branding quota. 

On June 24, therefore, with three teams, a start was made to North- 
east Point, and early the following morning a drive was secured. I 
was agreeably surprised to find nearly 1,000 seals in the drive instead 
of onl}' the 200 reported by the watchmen. 

On June 25 we commenced branding at 7.30 in the morning. It 
being a warm, dry day, by 10 a. m. the seals were so warm as to show 
exhaustion and to make it decidedly unwise to work them further. 
They accordingly were turned into a small lake to cool off and kept 
there until 3 p. m., when they were driven out. By 4 p. m. they were 
dry enough to be branded, and the work commenced and continued 
until 7 p. m., when a total of 292 two-year-olds and 326 three-year-olds 
had been branded, filling the quota of 800 of each class for this island. 
As an experiment, 45 four-year-olds were branded and 2 seven-year- 
old bulls from those of that class found in the drive. The necks of the 
bulls were so large in proportion to the size of their heads that much 
trouble was experienced in keeping the snares from slipping over their 
heads; but they were finally secured and branded, just to show what 
the gang could do. The four-year-olds were branded because they 
were of killable size and might, if not marked, be inadvertently 
clubbed during the season. 

After finishing branding I notified Mr. Allis, one of the company's 
agents, that I had branded the number of seals required of this island 
by the department, and that I would, therefore, turn over the business 
to the compan}^ to get what skins they could for their quota. As a 
small number of seals was still left in the drive after branding all that 
were necessary, such as were of Idllable size were clubbed and skinned 
and the pelts left on the ground till morning, to be then weighed and 
salted, it, being too late to do any more work that day. 

The next morning it was found that 141 skins had been secured 
the previous evening. 

The tabulated result of the branding operations on St, Paul 
follows : 



Date. 


Rookeries. 


2 years. 


3 years. 


4 years. 


1904. 
June 11 


Reef 


15 
188 
274 

31 
292 


63 
273 
130 
8 
326 


5 


16 


do 




21 






21 


Tolstoi 




2.5 


Northeast Point 


4.5 




Total 






800 


800 


50 









62 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



METHODS USED IN BRANDING. 

The method of driving bachelors for branding was similar to that 
used in driving for skins. When the drive reached the appointed 
place small pods were successively cut out, as in clubbing. The 
detached pod was surrounded by men provided with poles about 7 feet 
long, at the end of which was a loop of rope, with both ends fastened 
to the pole. This noose of rope was passed over the head of the ani- 
mal and enough turns taken to twist it tight around the seal's neck. 
The animal was then dragged by means of the noose and pole away 
from the pod and its head held down securely by a long pole or yoke 
laid across its neck, the yoke held down by a man on either end. On 
many occasions, when the animal was especially large or vigorous, it 
was further secured by having its hind flippers grasped and held off 
the ground by an extra man, who also put a foot on either fore flipper, 
rendering the seal incapable of twisting its head clear from the yoke. 

The animal was then ready for branding, wliich was done by means 
of a red-hot iron bar, heated in a forge, passed quickly between the 
eyes to the back of the head, and then across the head forward of the 
ears, at right angles to the first brand, the whole mark resembling a 
letter T. 

BRANDING ON ST. GEORGE. 

On St. George, as reported by Agent Clark, branding was begun on 
June 7, when a drive of 17 seals was secured, out of which 8 three-year- 
olds and 1 two-year-old were branded. From this date the branding 
was continued by selections made from the drives. Hot irons were 
used. On the 21st of June rain was falling, rendering the use of the 
hot irons impossible. Some sheep shears in the possession of the com- 
pany were then tried for clipping the hair and fur, and, according to 
Maj . Clark, it was found that an effective mark could be made with the 
shears even more conspicuous than that made with the hot iron. It 
was found further that by the use of the shears the work of branding 
need not be delayed for wet weather, as they could be used with equal 
facility on wet as on dry seals. The branding on St. George subse- 
quent to June 21, therefore, was done with shears. The entire quota 
on St. George of 200 two-year-olds and 200 three-year-olds was 
obtained by July 2. 

The list of brandings on that island as reported to me follows : 



Dates. 


3-year- 
olds. 


2-year- 
olds. 


June 7 


8 

4 

45 

25 

122 


1 


June 11 


13 


June 16 


21 


June 21 


13 


June 23 


41 


June 28 


68 


July 2 




43 










Total 


204 


200 







SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 63 



DRIVES DURING BRANDING. 



During the period necessary to obtain the quota of branded seals 
two small drives were made from Tolstoi to furnish food.for the natives, 
from wiiich 119 skins were secured. On June 20, having obtained all 
the seals it was thought advisable to brand from the reef, the company- 
was authorized to make a drive for skins from that rookery, from which 
247 skins were taken. The meat from the carcasses of seals killed on 
this drive was a welcome addition to the natives' supply of fresh meat, 
of which they had had but little since the vessel arrived. 

DRIVES MADE BY THE COMPANY. 

As soon as 'branding was finished the company began killing for 
skins, and killed as often during the summer as the numbers of bache- 
lors on the hauling grounds would justify. 

Since the 1st of June, 1904, up to and including July 31 following, 
33 killings of bachelors were made, including the two on June 21 and 
25 from drives made for branding. Of these June killings, however, 
one was made on Sea Lion Rock on June 4 by the Government officer 
to furnish food for the natives. As the company by its contract 
is not allowed to drive from that place, and as the two drives for 
branding mentioned were made also by direction of the Government 
agent, and can not, in justice, be charged to the company, it may be 
said that the company made 30 drives for skins on St. Paul during the 
period from June 1 to July 31. 

The company's killing season, however, actually did not commence 
on St. Paul until after June 25, on which date branding was finished. 

NUMBER OF FOOD DRIVES BY GOVERNMENT AGENTS. 

During the fall of 1903 and spring of 1904, 13 drives were made by 
the Government agent on St. Paul to supply food for the natives 
and the foxes. Adding to these the 2 killings from drives made for 
branding, and 1 drive made on August 9 for food during the stagey 
season, and a total is had of 16 drives under the "management of the 
Government officers on St. Paul. 

NUMBER OF SKINS TAKEN. 

During the drives on St. Paul by Government agents 2,586 skins 
were taken. During the drives made by the company 8,379 skins 
were taken, or a total of 10,965 skins taken on St. Paul since the close 
of the last season. Adding to this number 312 skins left on hand from 
previous seasons gives a final total of 11,277 skins in salt on arrival of 
the company's vessel on August 11, 1904. 

Of these, 11,132 skins were shipped from St. Paul Island, as evi- 
denced by the shipping receipt forwarded in ni}^ letter of August 13. 
This would leave 145 skins in the salt house to be applied toward the 
catch of next season. 

On St. George 1 skin was left in the salt house from the preceding 
season. From October 19, 1903, to May 31, 1904, there were 15 



64 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

drives made for food by the Government agents, exclusive of 5 killings 
of 2 skins each by the watchmen at Zapadni. A total of 496 skins 
was thus secured, including the 1 skin left over. From June 1 to July 
31, 1904, 22 drives were made by the company for skins, excluding 
one killing of 2 seals made at Zapadni for watchmen's food. A total of 
1,500 skins was secured during the period allowed the company to kill. 
At the end of the season 1,996 skins were in salt on St. George, all of 
which were shipped by the lessee toward its quota of 2,000 for that 
island. 

WEIGHTS OF SKINS. 

On St. Paul Island all skins taken in every killing made since my 
arrival there this spring were weighed on the scales provided by the 
department, with the exception of 145 skins overlooked by the natives 
in gathering up the skins on the field for the purpose of weighing. 
A detailed summarv of the weights for St. Paul is appended, marked 
''Exhibit 4." 

On St. George, as reported by Agent Clark, all skins taken after 
the 1st of June last were weighed. His list of weights, marked 
"Exhibit 16," is attached also. 

Agent Clark reports that the greatest care was exercised in keeping 
the weights within the limits specified by the department. A series 
of measurements was made by Mr. Chichester, showing the average 
length of a seal the skin of which weighed a given number of pounds. 
When doubt arose on St. George as to the eligibility of an animal, it 
was hauled out of the drive by a snare, measured, and killed or rejected 
as the measurement showed the skin to be within the acceptable class 
or otherwise. Notwithstanding these precautions, over 5 per cent of 
the skins taken on St. George, as reported to me by Agent Clark, were 
under the limit of 5^ pounds. 

On St. Paul, where sometimes two-thirds as many seals were 
handled in one day as were killed on St. George during the whole sum- 
mer, it was not feasible to measure seals or to delay the killing wliile 
the seal in question was under debate. Dependence was had solely in 
the judgment of the clubbers to select seals having skins over 5^ 
pounds. Of the 8,408 skins weighed on St. Paul, 634, or 7 per cent, 
were under 5^ pounds. These include the road skins, or skins of seals 
becoming exhausted on the drive and clubbed by the drivers before 
death in order to save the skins from overheating. They include also 
seals struck accidentally in clubbing and dispatched to avoid the risk 
of the animal's dying at sea from the effects of the chance blow. 

Of the 519 skins taken on St. Paul between 5 and 5^ pounds it may 
be said that they represent the impossibility of accurately determining 
in every instance the weight of a skin on a live seal to within a frac- 
tion of a pound. 

Note should be taken also of the different metliods of skinning prac- 
ticed by the native workmen. Some skinners shave the sldn to the 
very pelt, leaving no blubber adhering. Others leave more or less 
blubber on the skin, requiring, in some cases, the skin to be "blub- 
bered" or reflensed. A difference in weight of from an ounce to 2 
pounds thus can be made in skinning. A clean 5-pound skin shows 
underweight, but had half a pound of blubber been left on it it would 
have been within the limit and its appearance remained unaltered. 



SEAL. ISLANDS OP ALASKA. 65 

WET SKINS. 

The weight of a sealskin depends hirgely upon the amount of mois- 
ture present at the time of kilhng. A skin will absorb from half a 
pound to a pound of water. If the killing is done in a wet place, or in 
wet grass ^vith the rain falling, or if the animals are driven through 
water to cool them off, the skins will retain enough moisture to make 
the weights greater than if dry. On days when absolutely dry seals 
are killed the weights of the same sized skins will be lighter than on 
other days when moisture is present and the skins become wet. 

MEASURES TO AVOID UNDERSIZED SKINS. 

While I was cognizant of the fact that some skins of necessity must 
appear in the killings that were outside the prescribed limits, yet I 
thought it best, for a proper observance of the instructions, to bring 
to the notice of the clubbers on every kilhng the existence of the regu- 
lations and to request caution to avoid killing too small or too large 
seals. 

On June 29, owing to the presence of small sldns in the catch, I had 
a conference with the company's general agent, Mr. Redpath, in 
wliich I asked for instructions to the clubbers enjoining particular 
care in clubbing to avoid the killing of these smaller animals. These 
instructions were given cheerfully and in my presence. On July 19, 
subsequent to a drive made that day from the Reef and Gorbatch, 
when 76 per cent of the whole number of seals driven were killed and 
14 per cent of the skins were either under or over the prescribed 
weights, I had another conference with Mr. Redpath. I showed him 
the table of weights compiled from those taken during the various 
drives made this summer and called liis attention to the number of 
undersized skins weighed. I stated that I was forced to protest 
against the presence of these skins in the killings, and had it in mind 
to make tlie protest in writing in order that a record of my action 
may be made. Mr. Redpath in reply expressed his surprise that that 
number of small skins was present and assured me that thereafter 
the greatest care in clubbing would be exercised. 

The next morning, in the Idlling from Zapadni, Mr. Redpath made 
a short but forceful speech to the clubbers, cautioning them to avoid 
killing any undersized seals at all hazards and instructing them, if 
there was any doubt as to the size of an animal, to allow the seal to 
escape. I have no hesitancy in stating that on that and subsequent 
killings seals were released which would have furnisJied 5^-pound 
pelts. 

On the 25th of July I had another talk with Mr. Redpath on the 
occasion of the appearance of 28 undersized skins in the killing from 
Zapadni. On this date I furnished liim with a detailed statement of 
the weights of skins taken since our conference of the 19th. He stated 
that it was impossible to avoid the killing of some seals in the pro- 
liibited classes without allowing the escape of a number of eligible 
seals, but that he would make every effort to keep the weights at the 
proper standard. He then took from the clubbing gang several young 
clubbers, leaving the clubs in the hands of old and experienced men 
only. 

2403— H. Doc. 93, 62-1 5 



66 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



These facts are not cited for the purpose of charging tlie company 
with any attempt to exceed the regulations, as notliing of that kind 
was done, but to show that, with all proper care taken, ineligible skins 
were unavoidably present. 

On St. Paul, to guard against the killing of 4-year-olds, I placed 
a limit of 8J to 9 pounds as the maximum weight of skins. Against 
this action Mr. Redpath, for the company, protested. During the 
season, however, 171 skins were taken over 9 pounds in weight, wMch 
is due, so far as I am able to say, to errors in judgment in clubbing 
and to the other causes which led to the presence of underweight skins 
in the killings. 

REJECTIONS FROM DRIVES. 

The true test, however, of the efficacy of the regulations designed 
to prevent too close killing is found in the record of seals dismissed 
as ineligible from the drives made on St. Paul since the time when the 
regulations were given effect. 

In order to insure as great accuracy as possible, Mr. Judge and I 
divided the work of counting the seals dismissed, he keeping a record 
of the branded seals turned away, wliile I took note of the number 
of those dismissed that were not branded. Our record of dismissals, 
therefore, is as nearly accurate as could be made. 

In 1903, when no restriction was placed on killing, there were 912 
large and 1,185 small rejections. Of these small rejections only 723 
were made during the lessee's sealing season, the remainder, 426, 
occurring during the two food drives made by the Government agents 
on August 4 and 10. During the period of killing by the lessee in 

1903, therefore, its agents turned away only 723 small seals as 
ineligible. 

In 1904, after the enforcement of the regulations requiring brand- 
ing and the establishment of a 54-pound minimum limit of weight, 
there were 641 large dismissals, 4,794 small dismissals, and 1,888 dis- 
missals of branded seals. As the latter are composed of 2 and 3 year 
olds — immature seals — they may properly be added to the list of small 
rejections. There actually occurred, therefore, during the summer of 

1904, 641 large and 6,682 small rejections on St. Paul. 

As only one food drive was made in August, 1904, on St. Paul, 
when 5 large and 302 small and 11 branded seals were dismissed, it 
will be seen that the greater portion of the rejections occurred during 
the lessee's sealing season and were turned away by its agents. 

The dismissals by the lessee's agents during the lessee's sealing 
seasons of 1903 and 1904 on St. Paul follow: 



Years. 


Ivarge. 


Small. 


1903 


884 
636 


723 


1904 


fi 3fia 




1 


The whole record of dismissals for the two seasons is as follows : 


Years . 


Large. 


Small. 


1903 


912 
641 


1,185 


1904 


6,682 







SEAX. ISLANDS OP ALASKA. 



67 



The decrease in 1904 in large rejections is due to the lessened num- 
ber of that class of males on the hauling ground, caused by close 
killing. The increase in 1904 of 5,497 small dismissals over the pre- 
ceding year shows at a glance that the condition sought to be allevi- 
ated has been met. 

I regret to state that I have been unable to find among the otherwise 
complete statistics furnished me by Agent Clark of the season's work 
on St. George a list of seals dismissed. I have taken such steps as I 
was able, however, to have the data furnished this fall by Agent Judge. 

Note should be made in passing of the number of branded seals 
appearing in this summer's drives on St. Paul. The whole number 
branded on that island was 1,650, composed of 800 two-year-olds, 800 
three-year-olds, and 50 four-year-olds. Of the rejections of branded 
seals, 1.320 were of the two-year class and 568 of the three-year class. 
Knowing that 800 of the two-year class were in existence, it would 
appear that there were 520, or 65 per cent, more rejections in that 
class than the whole number known to exist. Of the 800 three-year- 
olds branded, only 71 per cent of the whole number returned and were 
dismissed during the summer. As tliis is the first opportunity given 
to experiment Avith the percentage of return of a given number of 
seals, the information is interesting, and shows that the 2-year-old 
seals haul much more frequently than the 3-vear-olds. 

A number of wSt. George brands appeared in the drives on St. Paul. 
The St. Paul brands, as reported by Agents Clark and Chichester, were 
also present in some number on St. George. It was not thought to 
keep a record of these seals from the other island until late in the 
season. It would go to prove, however, that a greater fluctuation 
exists among bachelors than before supposed. 

WORK ON ROOKERIES. 

Counts of seals. — Agent Judge and I made as many intermediate 
counts of seals on the various rookeries as was possible during the 
summer, in addition to the regular counts of harems at the height of 
the season and the count of pups at the end of July. 

The harem count, which includes idle bulls, and mature young bulls 
giving ground on our approach, termed by us "quitters," as well as 
regular bulls occupied with cows, follows: 





Harems. 


Idle. 


Total 
idle. 


Total 


Kookeries. 


Sta- 
tioned. 


"Quit- 
ters." 


bulls. 


Lukanin 


51 

09 

12 

24 

38 

149 

46 

100 

250 

12 

1.51 

286 

IS 

454 

21 

40 

72 


7 
6 


7 
3 
2 
1 
3 


14 
9 
2 
6 
7 

20 
8 

10 

35 
1 

15 

32 
1 

40 
4 
6 

22 


65 




78 


Amphitheater 


14 


Ligoon 


5 
4 

20 
4 

10 

31 
1 
9 

22 
1 

31 
2 
2 

17 


30 


Tolstoi Clifls 


45 


Tolstoi 


169 


Zapadni Ueef 


4 


54 


Little Zapadni 


110 


Zapadni 


4 


285 


Gorbateh Cliffs : 


13 


Gorhatch 


r> 

10 


166 


Reef 


318 


Ardiaiucn . 


16 


Northeast Point 


9 

4 
5 


494 


Little I'olovina 


25 


Folovina Clifls 


46 


Polovina 


94 






Total 


1,790 


172 


CO 


232 


2,022 







68 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



The number of idle bulls enumerated does not include "hauling- 
ground" bulls, or those young bulls found apart from the cows on the 
areas frequented by the bachelors. Some idea of this class of animals, 
constantly fluctuating in numbers, may be gathered by a reference to 
the number of large rejected seals marked in the statistics of kilUng 
for this year. This record of rejected seals does not contain an accu- 
rate count of all large seals found on the hauling grounds, as it is the 
object of the drivers to cut out or dismiss as many large seals as pos- 
sible between the time when the drive is made and the time it reaches 
the killing ground. 

An attempt was made by me this summer to classify the large 
rejected seals according to their ages. As the seals were turned from 
the killing ground to make their way back to the rookery, in addition 
to counting them I made as careful an estimate as I could of the ages 
of the large seals. As considerable difference of opinion has always 
existed regarding the ages of bulls and half bulls — and in fact bach- 
elors — the /classification made by me is given simply as my personal 
opinion of the ages of the large seals turned away. The table follows: 



Date. 


Rookeries. 


4 years. 


5 years. 


6 years. 


7 years. 


8 years 
or over. 


1904. 


Tolstoi 


7 
4 

18 
6 
3 
6 

25 
5 

21 
6 
3 

18 


5 
1 

14 
8 
9 
6 

23 
3 
9 
5 
4 


2 
2 

3 
11 

4 
10 

1 

3 
13 

2 






15 


do 


2 
6 
3 
3 

8 
9 
2 

1 
8 




20 


Reef .... 




21 


Tolstoi 




25 




2 


26 






27 


Reef 




29 






July 1 
2 






Tolstoi 


2 


4 


Reef 




5 








7 




3 

8 


1 
2 
2 
1 


4 

2 




8 


Tolstoi 


2 
7 
2 
10 
2 
5 
6 




9 


Reef 


4 


11 


Northeast Point... . 


2 


2 

1 
3 




14 




2 


15 


Reef 


5 

1 
2 


7 
1 
4 


1 


16 




3 


18 


Tolstoi 






19 


Reef 






20 




4 
12 
3 
6 
8 
2 
6 
4 
12 
4 
5 
2 






1 
3 




22 


Notheast Point 


7 
1 
2 
7 
1 
8 
4 

12 
3 
3 


6 


1 


23 


Tolstoi 




25 




i3 

11 

4 

4 

2 


1 

4 
2 
8 
4 


3 


26 


Reef and Gorbatch. 


12 


27 




2 


27 




9 


28 


Tolstoi 


2 


29 




1 


30 




5 

7 


2 
1 




31 




6 


Aug. 9 




3 


Total 












224 


156 


128 


80 


53 









While the question may be open to discussion whether a seal is 6 
or 7 years old, there can be no doubt, at least in my mind, of the 
fact that the seals marked in the table above as being less than 8 
years of age are young animals and not superannuated wrecks, too 
old to perform the necessary funtions in a harem. 

Counts of pups. — Beginning July 29, counts of pups were made on 
the rookery spaces where similar counts have been made for several 
years. The following table shows the counts so made, with those of 
1903 inserted for purposes of comparison: 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



69 





1903 


1904 


Per cent 
decrease 

of 
harems. 


Per cent 


Rookeries. 


Harems. 


Pups. 


Average 
harem. 


Harems. 


Pups. 


Average 
harem. 


decrease 
of pups. 




74 
26 
44 
44 
52 
15 
56 

57 

31 

24 
85 
22 


2,350 
1,202 
1,786 
1,320 
1,540 
575 
2,453 

2,855 

993 

1,067 
4,472 

690 
2,923 

515 


31.75 
48.53 
40.59 
30.00 
29.61 
38.33 
43.80 

50.08 

32.03 

44. 46 
52. ()1 
31. 36 

" ".39.'6i' 


69 
24 
38 
46 
40 
15 
51 

48 

19 
21 
72 
12 

12 


2,147 
1,084 
1,571 
1,091 
1,412 
565 
2,020 

2,312 

831 

941 
3.691 

481 
2,705 

458 


31.11 
45. 16 
41.34 
23.71 
35.30 
37.66 
39.60 

48.16 

43.73 
44.80 
51.26 
40.08 


0.067 
.076 
.136 

1.045 
.23 


0.086 




.141 


Tolstoi Cliff 


.12 


Zapadni Reef 


.173 


PoTovina Cliff 


.083 




.017 




.089 

.157 

.387 
.125 
.152 
.454 


.176 


West side Northeast 
Point 


.19 


East side Northeast 
Point 


.193 




.118 


Polovina 


.174 


Gorbatch Cliff 


.302 


Sea Lion Rock 


.074 


Amphitheater. . . . 


13 


38. 16 


.077 


.110 






Total.... 


543 


2-1,801 


40.29 


467 


21,309 


39.83 


.1399 


.149 







' Increase. 



The count of rookeries made from time to time during the season 
^\'ill be found appended as Exhibit 7. 



DECREASE IN ROOKERY LIFE. 

Bulls. — The count of bulls this summer on St. Paul, as shown on 
page 16, was 2,022 bulls, consisting of 1,790 harem masters and 232 
idle, while that of the previous season (1903) was 2,402 bulls — 1,984 
harems ami 418 idle. Their comparison shows a decrease of 380 
bulls of all classes, or 15.8 per cent, as well as a decrease of 194 
harem masters^ or 9.7 per cent, and a decrease of 186 idle, or 44.5 
per cent. 

Cows. — As shown by the preceding table, a decrease of 3,492 
breeding cows, or 14.9 per cent, on the rookery space on which pups 
were counted has occurred since 1903 on St. Paul. 

Counts on St. George. — A summary of tiie counts of breetling bulls 
made on St. George this summer by Agents Clark and Chichester, as 
reported to me by Agent Clark, follows : 



Rookeries. 


Bulls. 


Harems. 

128 
50 
21 
18 
39 
56 


Idle. 


North 


141 
67 
24 
19 
53 
70 


13 


East Cliffs 


17 


East Reef 


3 


Little East 


1 


Staraya Artel. . . 


14 




14 






Total 


374 


312 


62 







Estimating 415 bulls — 364 harem masters and 51 idle bulls — on St. 
George in 1903, there would seem to be a decrease of 41 bulls there 
since that time. 

Pups on St. George.^ A\\ actual count of pups on that island in 1904 
disclosed 13,583 pups — 13,312 live and 271 dead. By comparison 
with the count for 1903 — 14,582 live and 65 dead — a tlecrease of 1,064 
breeding cows, or 7.2 per cent, is found. 



70 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

CENSUS OF BREEDING COWS AND BULLS. 

The number of breeding seals on St. Paul Island in 1904, as deter- 
mined by the count of all the harems except those on Sea Lion Rock, 
where an estimate is made on the basis of the average harem of 39.83, 
and a count of pups on over one-fourth the rookery area (from which 
is determined the average harem, on which an estimate of seals on 
the remaining area was made), was 1,857 active and 232 idle bulls, 
and 74,002 adult females. 

On St. George an actual enumeration of all bulls and pups shows 
312 active and 62 idle bulls and 13,583 cows. This gives a total for 
both islands of 2,169 bulls with harems, 294 adult idle bulls, and 87,585 
breeding cows. 

COMPUTATION OF HALF BULLS. 

In estimating the number of lialf bulls existing, reference is had to 
the table of Idllings, which shows 588 rejections of seals under 8 years 
of age, consisting of 224 four-year-olds, 156 five-year-olds, 128 six- 
year-olds, and 80 seven-year-olds. The rejections of branded seals 
this year shows that the older the bachelor the less often he will visit 
the hauHng grounds. In the case of the branded 3-year-olds, not 
enough returned to the hauling grounds to make the number of sub- 
sequent rejections equal to the whole number branded. The actual 
number of rejections in this class was 568, or 71 per cent of the 800 
branded. By this we know that in the 3-year-old class the whole 
number existant is greater than the whole number of rejections, even 
allowing that the same animal was driven twice in many cases. 

That the frequency with which young males visit the hauling 
grounds becomes less as the age of the animal increases is but natural, 
for as the animal finds an attraction in the female increasing with its 
age, it assuredly would devote more and more of its time to seeking 
her. In the case, therefore, of the 4, 5, 6, and 7 year old classes, it is 
safe to assume that a greater number than 30 per cent was not present 
on the hauling grounds at any time during the season when drives were 
made, and that the addition of at least 50 per cent to the number of 
rejections would be a conservative estimate of the number of that class 
of animals. This method of computation would increase the number 
of rejections of young bulls found on the hauling ground on St. 
Paul — 588 — to 882, as the whole number of that class present on that 
island. While I have not, at present, a list of the rejections for St. 
George, it would be safe to estimate the half bulls on that island at 
one-fifth of the number found on St. Paul, or 176. For the two 
islands, therefore, according to this method of estimation, we have 
1,058 half bulls between the ages of 4 and 7 years, which is more than 
likely below the number actually in being. 

NUMBER OF BACHELORS AND VIRGIN COWS. 

In 1902 the census of breeding cows showed 94,882 to be present on 
both islands. The offspring of these females are presumed to be 
equally divided as regards sex. The pups born that year therefore 
would consist of 47,441 males and an equal number of females. 

Owing to their extreme youth and their inability to withstand the 
hardships of their migratory journey and the assaults of their natural 
enemies, a death rate of 50 per cent is accepted as occurring among 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 71 

the pups from the time they leave the islands until they return the 
following year as yearlings. Assuming this condition to exist, there 
were, in 1903, 47,441 yearling seals, of which one half, or 23,720, were 
males and the remaining half females. 

These seals, having survived the vicissitudes of the winter's jour- 
ney and being inured to the hardships of the sea, were subject to a 
much smaller death rate during their migration as yearlings than they 
were as pups. This diminished death rate would be in the neighbor- 
hood of 30 per cent. Deducting 30 per cent from the number of year- 
lings in 1903 to allow for casualties at sea would bring 16,604 two- 
year-old cows and the same number of 2-year-old bachelors to the 
islands in 1904. 

As, approximately, 9,000 two-year-old bachelors were killed this 
summer by the company, there would be left, at the close of the sea- 
son of 1904, by this method of computation, 7,604 bachelor 2-year- 
olds and 16,604 two-year-old females. 

Account has been taken heretofore only of casualties at sea from 
natural causes. No deduction has been made for decrease from 
pelagic sealing. What allowance to make from this cause is mere 
conjecture. 

We know that, practically, 6,500 rejections of 2-year-old males 
occurred on the islands this summer. In the case of the 2-year-old 
branded rejects, the number of those turned away from the drives 
exceeded the whole number branded by 65 per cent. Applying this 
rule to the whole number turned away of the islands, the 6,500 dis- 
missals would represent practically 4,500 animals. If 7,604 two-year- 
old males were in being, as shown by the previous computation, it 
would mean that there were 3,000 of this class that did not haul 
on the islands at all, or were present on Sea Lion Rock, Otter Island, 
Zapadni Point, and the other isolated hauling grounds, from which 
no drives were made. 

While I know that seals were present on these places last mentioned, 
the fluctuation shown this summer among branded seals raises a doubt 
in my mind whether as many as 3,000 animals could avoid being 
driven at least once (hiring the season. To avoid overestimation, I 
would rather place this number not driven at all at 1,000, leaving the 
difference of 2,000 to be accounted for as having been destroyed by 
the sea hunters. 

If 2,000 is deducted from the previous estimate of the number of 
2-year-old males, it must be taken also from the same estimate of the 
number of 2-year-old females (16,604), leaving 14,604 of that class in 
existence this summer. 

FINAL ESTIMATE OF 2-YEAR-OLDS, 

It is, therefore, estimated that 5,500 two-year-old males and 14,604 
females of the same class were present this summer on the islands at 
the close of the sealing season. 

YEARLINGS PRESENT IN 1904. 

The census of 1903 showed 97,296 pups born. By the method of 
computation already used, one half, or 4S.64S, were males, and the 
other half females. "^ As tliey would be reckiced 50 per cent by their 
first winter's migration, 24,324 females and 24,324 males would return 



72 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

to the islands in 1904 as yearlings, not counting the effects of j)elagic 
sealing. The latter cause, during this spring and summer, probably 
destroyed 3,000 of each class, leaving 21,324 yearling males and 21,324 
yearling females remaining at the close of the summer of 1904. 

NUMBER OF 3- YEAR-OLD BACHELORS. 

One thousand of this class of animals were branded this summer on 
the islands. The killings on St. Paul this summer, as nearly as I can 
determine, contained 1,037 skins of 3-year-olds, or those above 7^ 
pounds and under 9 pounds. Approximately 200 were killed on vSt. 
George. There were, therefore, at least 2,200 three-year-olds handled 
this summer on both islands. The dismissals of branded 3-year-old 
seals show only 71 per cent of the whole number present in the drives. 
It would be proper, therefore, to increase the whole number found 
present by 30 per cent, or 660, making a total of 2,860 to represent the 
number of 3-year-olds present this summer. As 1,200 of these were 
killed, there would be 1 ,660 still in existence. 

SUMMARY OF SEAL LIFE. 

A summary of all seal life on the islands, at the close of the season 
of 1904, based upon such counts as were made, and the preceding 
calculations, show the following: 

Active bulls with harems 2, 169 

Idle bulls 294 

Half bulls 1, 058 

Three-year-old bachelors 1, 660 

Two-year-old bachelors 5, 500 

Yearling bachelors 21, 324 

Breeding cows 87, 585 

Two-year-old cows 14, 604 

Yearling cows 21, 324 

Newborn pups 87, 585 

Total 243, 103 

SHRINKAGE IN ROOKERY SPACE. 

From the data given it will be seen that a decrease in pups born 
has occurred since last year of 8,647 on St. Paul and 1,064 on vSt. 
George, the first marked decrease in pups occurring in the census for 
several years. 

This decrease is not due to imperfect fertilization by bulls, but to 
an actual shrinkage in breeding females. This is apparent in the 
abandonment of certain portions of rookery space. 

This shrinkage has occurred on the extremities of the rookeries 
marked, leaving the central portions as densely populated as here- 
tofore. 

For example, that portion of Ketovi rookery consisting of bowlder 
beach from Black Bluffs to Ketovi Point last year contained 14 
harems. This year it contained 4 harems, in all of which were 10 
cows. These 4 harems were located immediately adjacent to the 
point. The remainder of the rooker}^ space mentioned was deserted. 

The north half of Lukanin rookery is practically deserted. The 
high soyth portion was as densely populated as heretofore, but that 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 73 

portion under the low bluffs — a favored spot of observation for years 
past — contained only 5 straggling harems of 1 or 2 cows each. At 
the north end of tlie breeding area several harems of 10 and 12 cows 
each occurred, but in the whole area mentioned the absence of cows 
was sadly apparent. 

On tlie occasion of the landing of freight and passengers from the 
Thetis on July 27 — the first vessel to visit the islands since the spring 
trip of the Kruger — it was not safe to take the boat back to East 
Landing. It was therefore brought around to Lukanin, and landed 
under the low bluffs mentioned, without disturbing a seal, where sev- 
eral years ago a succession of thriving families would have been found. 

Gorbatch Cliffs is the narrow, outlying north end of Gorbatch rook- 
ery. This summer there were 12 harems there at the height of the 
season, and 481 pups. Last summer there were 22 harems and 690 
pups, showing that a decrease of 30 per cent in cows occurred there. 

The east side of Northeast Point, from No. 1 to and including Sea 
Lion Neck, to a mere observer, showed a decided shrinkage in seals. 
In 1903, 31 harems and 989 pups were counted here. In 1904 only 
19 harems were found, and 831 pups. In this case the diminution in 
harems is more pronounced than in other localities. In 1903 the 
average harem in this space was 31 + , while in 1904 it was 43 + . 

On the west side of Northeast Point a most visible shrinkage was 
noted, the area from the extreme west end to No. 94 being without 
any seals whatever. The average harem on the west side to No. 84 in 
1904 was 48 + , as against 50+ in 1903. Here the decrease in cows 
was greater than in bulls, hence the lowering of the average harem. 

It is probable that in several years there will be no seals east of Sea 
Lion Neck at Northeast Point. 

These instances, typical in their character, show that by no means 
the same number of cow^s was present in 1904 as in 1903, and that the 
decrease in pups noted on St. Paul Island occiuTed from a lack of 
adult females and not from a failure on the part of bidls last season to 
impregnate the cows. Had the latter been the case the same number 
of cows would have been noted, and the first evidence of diminution 
would have been met with in the count of pups. But the decided 
visible contraction in space occupied by cows this year shows that a 
much smaller number of cows was present, and that to this fact alone 
must be laid the absence of the usual number of pups. 

PRESENCE OF IDLE BULLS. 

With the decrease in adult bulls on all the rookeries of 382, or 15.8 
per cent, from the number present last year, there were still 232 bulls 
on the rookeries this year that had no cows at the height of the season 
out of the 2,022 present, or 11 per cent. These were not superannu- 
ated bulls, "impotent and somnolent," as they have been stigmatized, 
but active bulls, eager for the cows that did not come, and much more 
aggressive and fierce than the bulls which had secured large harems 
and which had been doing duty as harem masters since the arrival of 
the females. 

Our observations have led us to believe that bulls will return to the 
same position from year to year. If these positions are on rookery 
areas which are frequented by cows, the bulls occupying them will 
have large harems. If, on the other hand, the bulls chance to have 



74 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

selected spots more or less deserted by cows, their harems will be small 
or they will have no harems at all. These positions are held by the 
bulls until at least the height of the season, even if they have been 
without cows. Then they probably leave their stations for a few days 
in the water, during which they rest and feed, to return, and, if possible, 
pick up a harem from the virgin cows and the broken-up harems of 
other bulls. By the 15th of August the rookeries may be said to be 
abandoned to these idle bulls, which, even at that late date, show con- 
siderable energy in the discharge of their duties as breeders. 

DIMINUTION GREATER AMONG COWS. 

On the rookery space on St. Paul on which pups were counted as 
well as bulls and harems — and from the count of which the average 
harem was established — the decrease in harems was found to be 13.99 
per cent, while the decrease in pups was 14.9 per cent. This demon- 
strates that in this area there was 1 per cent greater decrease in cows 
than in bulls, with a result of decreasing the average harem from 40.29 
in 1903 to 39.83 in 1904. The census of breeding cows for the whole 
island of St. Paul — using the average harem for estimation on the 
large rookeries where no count of pups could be made — shows 74,002 
cows in 1904 as against 82,649 for 1903, a decrease of 8,647 cows, or 
only 10.4 per cent. As this whole census, however, involves the ele- 
ment of estimation noted, the percentage of decrease, obtained from 
its comparison with the census of the previous year, should, in my 
judgment, defer to the percentage obtained from an actual count only. 

CAUSE OF DECREASE IN COWS. 

As before shown, the diminution in pups was not caused by any 
insufficiency of adult male life, and that it must be laid to a lessened 
number of cows present. As absolutely no evidence of an epidemic or 
unusual death rate among cows or pups was found, the cause must be 
sought in the onl}'' remaining factor destructive to the herds, namely, 
pelagic sealing. 

While I have no means of determining with accuracy what was the 
catch of the Canadian and Japanese sealing fleets last season and this 
spring, I am inclined to believe that during those periods their activity 
in connection with the Pribilof lierd was unusually destructive. If 
the exact figures of the pelagic catch for the last two seasons could be 
obtained they would probably show an unusual mortality among seals. 

FIGHTING AMONG BULLS. 

During the period of my observations of the islands I have never 
been able to reconcile existing relations between adult bulls to the 
statements in the early reports of incessant and deadly fighting among 
them. 

The reader of these reports would be led to believe that the landing 
of an. adult bull is the occasion of desperate fighting between himself 
and the bulls already stationed, or those coming later; that he must 
rout other bulls to make place for himself, and, after having obtained 
this location, he must constantly repel invaders seeldng to land and 
possess themselves of his preemption. 



SEAL ISLANDS OP ALASKA. 75 

While seals were not present in nearly the same numbers during the 
period of my stay on the islands as they were in the time of the Alaska 
Commerciaf Co.'s lease, they occupied a much smaller space dur- 
ing my time than they did when there were thousands more present. 
Within this smaller area their actions must have been practically the 
same as they were when there was a greater number present and the 
space cov^-ed by them was much larger. 

My observation has been that the first bull to arrive laid down on 
the spot where he landed and immediately went to sleep, and slept 
continuously for a week or more unless disturbed by man. If sur- 
prised by the latter, the bull generally retreated hastily into the water, 
swimming out a hundred yards from shore, and there waiting until the 
departure of the disturbing element, when it would return and haul 
up at the same spot. This occurs in the cases of all early arrivals. 

While on St. George, in the spring of 1901, I noted one bull that 
took up his station on top of a sheet of soft ice several feet thick, 
formed by surf spray splashing over snow, beneath which was a table 
of lava rock. The bull at once went to sleep, and continued sleeping 
until the heat of his body had melted the ice beneath him to the solid 
rock, leaving him in a shallow pit, the sides of which were from 2 
to 3 feet high. This shows that the bull had not moved from his 
original position for some days at least. 

The other bulls arriving take up their positions among the bulls 
already there, there being generally enough space between them to 
allow for another without crowding or disturbance of vested rights. 

As indicated before, the bulls on first arrival are usually wary and 
timid, and instead of looking for a fight will slip into the water when 
alarmed by the approach of man. 

After being on shore awhile the bulls lose the timidity shown at their 
landing, and, while hard fighting is not a usual thing to be seen among 
them, a bull may be noted here and there with a cut hide, the compli- 
ments of a surly neighbor. 

But even after the greater number of bulls is stationed, a new bull 
occasionally can haul up among them, take a favored spot, and meet 
with little or no opposition. The following quotation from my notes 
of June 9, 1900, will illustrate this fact: 

Lukanin perfectly quiet when I approached. Two bulls finning close to shore. 
One lands, and is savagely attacked by five bulls at once and literally thrown back 
into the water. He resumed his finning. The incident started a roaring here and 
there, being taken up by others in the distance, just as the howling of a dog at night 
is answered by another canine a mile away. It started 10 or 12 bulls to bluffing, 
but no fighting, and all was quiet in three minutes. 

The other bull in the water landed while I was counting. He waddled leisurely 
up among the other bulls and calmly took up a position in their midst. He was 
challenged by but one bull and met the bluff in a leisurely way without coming to 
blows. Shaking his mane, he settled himself — resting on his fore flippers — and 
gazed out at the sea. He soon starts to bluffing his nearest neighbor on his own 
account. He is large and fat, and e\adently an accomplished beachmaster. 

It can thus be seen that of these two bulls one landed without ques- 
tion while the other was repulsed. The latter was probably a young 
bull. It may be said of these young bulls, or those seeking positions 
on the rookeries for the first time, that they are subjected to nauch 
rougher treatment than the older bulls give each other. This is 
natural, for the young ones lack the courage and assurance necessary 
to breast up to a rival and make a bold showing, which is really half 
the battle between bulls. On the contrary, the 3^ounger upon being 



76 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

challenged generally turns to retreat or loses his courage and lowers 
his guard after the other has taken a nip at him. He is then, of course, 
an easy victim and is severely handled before he reaches the winter or 
fights back with the desperation of the frightened animal. 

The timorous landing of a young bull on the water's edge is a signal 
for the bulls in that vicinity to rush at him, some even following him 
into the water in his hasty flight. These younger bulls usually land 
at one or the other ends of a rookery and travel along its rear to the 
portion of the rookery having the greatest number of cows, where 
they station themselves far enough back to be out of range of the 
nearest harem. If the youngster's bravery is equal to it, he will 
approach near enough to be set upon by the nearest bull, from which 
encounter he will probably retire with more than one bloody gash in 
his sleek coat. 

Sometimes a young bull, either through fright at the approach of 
man or pther cause, is stampeded, and seeks the water by plunging 
through the rookery. His coming is a signal for the bulls in his neigh- 
borhood to gather in a common cause to repel the invader. The latter 
is set upon by two or three bulls at once, and does not reach the water 
without a terrific mauling, if he is not killed outright. 

It is not intended to intimate that these adult bulls pass an entire 
summer witliout friction between each other or without — in certain 
cases, at least — serious conflicts. It is simply desired to demonstrate 
that fighting is not an immediate and necessary consequence of the 
arriv 1 of these bulls on the islands. While these old males sleep dur- 
ing tjie greater portion of their time before the arrival of the cows, 
more or less irritation occurs as the rookery s])ace is filled up and the 
bulls are brought closer together. This usually finds a vent in bluff- 
ing, or approaching each other and, just beyond reach, making a 
feint by striking with the head and emitting several loud "coughs" 
in the nature of battle cries. These are either treated with uncon- 
cern by the one on the defensive or answered in kind. 

Occasionally they come together, but after a bite or two at each 
other in which fur is pulled out, and perhaps a gasli made, each retires 
to his position and very likely soon go6s to sleep jigain. 

A desperate battle sometimes occurs, but is distinctly the exception 
rather than the rule. Then the teeth are locked in the neck or fore 
flipper, and the animal having the advantage of superior strength or 
position "breasts" the other one, seeking to push him over and thus 
take him at a disadvantage. This sometimes results in a draw, and 
sometimes in tlie defeat of one, who probably is driven to the water 
line and leaves the rookery to haul up somewhere else if his wounds 
are not serious. 

Very rarely, by reason of some special animosity, bulls keep up a 
fight for hours. Last summer, on Lukanin, I noted two fine bulls 
that were covered with wounds when I first saw them, and so ex- 
hausted and sore that moving about seemed a torture. Yet every 
few seconds one or the other, with a puff of rage, would make a 
lightning like pass at his antagonist seeking to get another piece of 
flesh from him. Both had high courage, and both had fought to a 
standstill. One of these bulls was so badly injured that, while he 
did not quit the position he held on the rookery, it was not until a 
month afterwards that his wounds allowed him any freedom of 
movement. 



SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 77 

While the above incident is extreme as representing the fighting 
between bulls, yet at one time or another during the summer prob- 
ably every bull on the rookeries has some disagreement Math his 
neighbor that leaves its mark, either superficial or otherwise, on his 
hide. 

The cows of course are the disturbing element on the rookeries, 
and the height of the breeding season shows the greatest amount of 
fighting among the males. 

PRESENCE OF YOUNG BULLS APPARENT. 

Among the bulls regularly stationed on the rookeries there was a 
fair proportion of yo'ung adult males. It was my purpose to make a 
canvass of the rookeries for the express purpose of judging the age 
of each bull present, but after attempting it I was obliged to give it 
up because of the amount of conjecture involved in classifying middle- 
aged bulls. 

From my examination, however, I can sa}^ with assurance that all 
bulls stationed vv'ere vigorous and virile. Probably 4 per cent of them 
showed signs of being advanced in years, but even these had harems 
and were as assiduous in discharging their duties as heads of families 
as any others. The greatest portion of tlie bulls were of middle age, 
in the lusty prime of their maturity. Young bulls were present at 
all times — on the rookeries with cows, back of the rookeries, waiting 
for cows, and on the bachelors' hauling grounds where they rest after 
futile attempts to secure a station on a rookery. The bulls present 
last summer were of the best quality, and as a class as good as could 
be found on the rookeries five years ago when the idle bulls present 
made it perilous to count the seals. 

YEARLINGS IN DRIVES. 

Special attention was paid by me to the presence of yearlings in 
drives. The first seen was on June 28 in a drive from Za])adm. It 
was so small tliat it M^as killed to determine its weight. It was a male 
and weighed only 26 J pounds. It, undoubtedly, was a small example 
of its class. It was saved for a specimen, and the weight of its skin 
could not be taken. 

On July 1 there were 3 yearling seals in the drives at Northeast 
Point. One of them, a typical specimen, was knocked down at my 
direction to ascertain the weight of the skin. It was found to be a 
female. The carcass before sticking weighed 34 pounds, and the 
skin taken ofi^ hurriedly, with considerable loose blubber adhering, 
weighed 4} ]>ounds. The removal of this loose blubber left the skin 
weighing onh' 3| pounds. 

While no further effort was made to determine the weight of year- 
ling skins, tliis instance shows that the skins of this class of animals 
are far below the hmit of weight now prescribed by the department, 
and are too small to have appeared in the company's catch at any 
time, except by an accident in clubbing. 

On July 5, at Zapadni, 5 yearlings appeared in the drive. On July 
25, at Zapadni, several yearlings were noted while kilhng. As the 
season reached its close more of these yearhngs were noted, but it was 
not possible to enumerate them, in addition to segregating the 2-year- 



78 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

olds, branded seals, and half bulls. On the last drive made, on August 
9, for food, a larger number of these yearlings was seen than at any 
time heretofore, and among them was a sprinkling of very small cows, 
undoubtedly yearlings also. 

These young animals ap])eared in such small numbers, however, 
during the killing season, with the exception of the last few drives, 
that the company's catch would have been augmented but slightly had 
all been killed. 

ABSENCE OF COWS IN DRIVES. 

The comparatively few cows in the drives this year was a matter of 
note by myself and Agent Judge. On the last drive of the season, 
August 9, 25 cows were seen. On the drive made on August 10, 1903, 
179 cows were counted. During tlie preceding drives this season, the 
cows found in the drives of bachelors were unusually few. 

Why this was the case I am unable to state definitely, but my 
belief is that the bachelors, this year, hauled so far apart from the 
cows that few of the latter were picked up when the drives were 
started. 

PELAGIC SEALING AND PATROL. 

The patrol tliis summer by the revenue cutter McCulloch has been 
as thorough as it was possible to be made with one vessel. During 
the patrolling season the cutter called a number of times at the island 
and a number of times besides was sighted cruising. Capt. Hodgers, 
of the McCulloch, is entitled to his full measure of commendation for 
the vigorous manner in wliich the patrol was maintained. 

Only one instance of pelagic sealing came under our notice on St. 
Paul this summer. On August 13, wliile the company's vessel was 
about to leave the village for Northeast Point to sliip the skins in salt 
there, a telephone message was received from the watchmen at North- 
east Point reporting the presence of a schooner there, about half a 
mile from shore. Mr. Judge at once went on board the company's 
vessel, taking with him a revenue flag, wliich he requested the captain 
of the Kruger to hoist and pursue the marauder. The company's 
agent, Mr. Redpath, however, refused to take this action, on the 
ground that it would result in a forfeiture of the insurance on the ves- 
sel. Mr. Judge made the trip to the point on the Kruger, and, on 
arriving there, coidd barely make out the schooner with glasses, sail- 
ing to the northeastward. A patrol of the rookery failed to show 
any evidence of landing. 

That evening the cutter McCulloch anchored on the east side. As 
the natives were all on board the Kruger, or in boats landing her cargo 
on the west side, I could not take a boat out. I therefore hoisted 
code signals to inform the cutter of the schooner's approach that 
morning. I was unable to attract the attention of the cutter, how- 
ever, for nearly an hour, during wliich time I fired a number of shots 
from a rifle to call attention to the signals. When I finally did get an 
answer it was nearly dark, and after I had hoisted my second set the 
officers of the cutter replied that my flags could not be made out. 

The next morning, after boarding the Kruger several miles from the 
island and learning from her of the schooner's proximity, the cutter 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 79 

steamed to the northward, presumably in search of the marauder. I 
learn that no schooner was encountered, and that the cutter's officers 
were inclined to doubt the fact that a seahng vessel was present. 

On September 16 I patrolled Ketovi and Lukanin rookeries, looking 
for a dead seal w^th a skin that might be used in experiments to arrive 
at a suitable clipping device for marking bachelors. I found no dead 
adult seals. I counted, however, on Ketovi alone 12 pups dead from 
starvation, each being emaciated to the last degree and exliibiting the 
tarry faeces incident to death from that cause. I could see also among 
the live pups a number of starvelings. On the nortli end of Ketovi I 
found five starving pups together in a little pod back from the beach. 
They were all lean and wasted, but particularly vicious when handled. 
Two of them, more vigorous than the others, rushed for the water. 
The others remained and, soon becoming oblivious to our presence, 
sat \vdth half-closed eyes, their noses held high and their heads slowly 
moving from side to side. One of them, hardly able to move, was 
dispatched at my direction and the skin preserved. 

I found the organs in tliis animal to be normal, except that the lungs 
were partially congested. The stomach and intestines were empty, 
the lower intestine only containing a liighly ofl'ensive matter, nearly 
black in color. The carcass was without fat. 

These pups die among the loose rocks of the rookery and can be 
found only on close search. The finding of 12 dead and at least as 
many star\ang on one rookery in my hasty examination would indi- 
cate that the mortality from pelagic sealing tliis summer has been 
quite large and that a correspondingh^ large death rate among pups 
from starvation this fall will be encountered. 

EXPERIMENTS IN WEIGHTS OF SALTED SKINS. 

In connection with the weigliing of individual sldns on the killing 
field, it was thought wise to determine whether or not skins gained or 
lost weight after being salted. Should any discrepancy of this kind 
occur, the weights of these skins in London would not coincide with 
those taken on the islands. 

On July 17, 107 skins taken at Tolstoi were weighed individually, 
and, after being immersed in salt water to keep them moist during the 
journey from the field to the salt house, were salted. Their aggregate 
w^eight on the field before wetting was 705 pounds. On July 23 they 
were taken out of salt and reweighed, when their aggregate weight 
was 759| pounds, a gain of 54h pounds on 107 sldns, or h pound a 
skin. As the salt was thorouglily shaken off these skins, the accretion 
of water from dipping them in the lagoon may be represented by the 
gain in weight. 

On July 26 I weighed 100 skins, nearly dry, on a platform scales at 
the salt house, finding them to weigh 644^ pounds. The}^ were then 
salted. On July 30 they were hauled out of salt and reweighed, when 
their combined weight was 643^ pounds, a loss of 1 poimd on 100 
skins. These may be taken as t3^pical to show the effect of salt and 
v/ater upon skins. I was not able to experiment with perfectly dry 
skins after the date mentioned, but I believe the latter will show a 
slight loss of weight after being in salt for a period. 



80 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

BRANDING MACHINES. 

The clipping machine, sent to this island to be used for marking the 
bachelor seals reserved for breeding, arrived here by the Thetis on 
July 27, a month after the quota of seals to be branded on tliis island 
was obtained. I was not able to test it until July 30, when a drive 
was made from the reef — in a pouring rain. The seals rejected from 
this drive were herded together, and, a,fter the killing was over and 
the skins wei^licd, several young bachelors were snared from the band 
of rejects and brought up to be clipped. 

The clipping machine, I regiet to state, was found to be not a suc- 
cess on wet seals. The fur of the animal was thoroughly moist and 
laid down flat on the seal's body. When the clipper was applied it 
was able to take off only a few stray hairs, leaving no nuirk whatever 
of its use. After being tried at varying rates of speed it was jammed 
down hard into the animal's fur, so that the teeth of the cHpper could 
be filled. The result was to cramp the plates, breaking oif four teeth 
from the lower plate and pulling out a line of hair and fur the wdtli 
of the clipper blade. 

After testing it in every possible manner it was proved to be of no 
value in marking wet seals. 

To determine its capabilities under more favorable conditions, on 
September 16 1 drove up a few dry seals on Zoltoi and used the clip- 
per on them. The result was little, if anyj better than that of the 
former trial. 

On the first animal secured I worked four minutes before I could 
get OiT of its head enough hair and fur to make a. mark faintly per- 
ceptible to a "clubber." This was not clipped off regularly, as would 
be done in the case of a horse or a dog, but was gouged out in small 
bunches by the corner of the clipper, after it had cramped on the 
mass of fur. 

At the end of the four minutes, with only an indistinct mark made, 
I found that the seal under experiment was nearly strangled from 
being held down by the bar of wood laid across its neck to keep its 
head steady. It was released at once, and, after about two minutes 
of gasping, recovered and made its way to the water, apparently none 
the worse for being choked. Had I prolonged the experiment, how- 
ever, sufficiently to have made a satisfactory mark on its head — if even 
it were possible to make a satisfactory mark at all — the seal would 
have been dead from strangulation. 

Another seal was then secured and held down just long enough to 
prevent its being choked into insensibility. In that time I was not 
able to get off enough fur to make any perceptible mark on its head. 

These trials were sufiicient to determine, to my mind, the fact that 
the methods used in clipping domestic animals having hair of ordi- 
nary thickness are of no value when used on the thick fur and hair of 
the fur seal. 

I learned recently that during the time of the Alaska Commercial 
Co.'s lease, when pups were killed for food and pup skins were quite 
common on the islands, a number of attempts were made to dress 
pup skins by clipping off the long hair with ordinary hair clippers 
worked by hand. I understand that none of these attempts were 
successful, and that every pair of clippers used was wrecked by hav- 
ing its teeth broken off while they were clogged in the thick fur. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 81 

The hair and fur of the seal are exceptionally close and thick and 
seem to form a mass between the thin teeth of the clippers, which the 
latter are not strong enough to cut through. To make the machine a 
success it will be necessary to have constructed specially made clip- 
pers with teeth short and thick on both upper and lower plates. 

In order that the department, if it wishes, may carry the experi- 
ment further, I send with this mail an air-dried pup skin, which, it is 
suggested, might be sent to the manufacturers of the clipping machine 
with a request for information whether they have in stock or can 
construct a set of plates for clippers that will cut through both the 
hair and fur on the skin submitted. I feel sure that clippers can be 
made to meet the requirements of this case. 

It must be remembered that the skin on the live seal is not rigid, 
such as is the dried specimen submitted, and that on the live animal 
the skin will pull and wrinkle before the clippers, making it difficult 
for them to get a satisfactory ''bits" on the hair. 

CLIPPING SEALS ON ST. GEORGE. 

On St. George this summer, finding that wet seals could not l)e 
branded with a hot iron, a couple of ordinary sheep shears that were 
on the station were used on the wet fur to good advantage. The irons 
afterwards were discarded and the sheep shears used to mark the 
remainder of the quota on St. George. Messrs. Clark and Chichester 
both speak with favor concerning their use. 

PROTESTS FROM THE COMPANY. 

While the North American Commercial Co. complied in every 
particular this summer with the regulations of the department, I 
received from its officers several protests against the department's 
action in restricting the catch of the company. 

Upon receipt of 3^our letter of May 12 last, prescribing a 5^-pound 
limit on 2-year-old skins, I notified Mr. Taylor, the president of the 
company, of the contents of the letter. He at once entered a vigorous 
protest. Upon nw informing him that I had no option in the matter, 
he appealed directly to the department, and held the company's ves- 
sel in Sausalito for half a day until the receipt of the department's 
reply. With that matter, however, you are familiar. 

Upon arrival at the islands, while discussing the coming season's 
work with Mr. Redpath, the company's general agent, I mentioned 
the prohibition against the Idlling of 4-year-olds, and stated that, to 
give effect to this prohibition, I would place a limit on large skins of 
from 8^ to 9 pounds. Mr. Redpath at once expressed surprise at 
the existence of this prohibition and entered a vigorous protest 
against any interference with the killing of 4-year-olds. He produced 
a copy of the department's instructions to me and quoted from the 
clause relating to the restriction of killing in support of his argument. 

The exact language of that portion of the instructions is as follows: 
''No seals shall be taken that are over 4 years of age." 

Mr. Redpath claimed that a seal could not be over 4 years old 

without bemg at least 5 years of age; that the phraseology of the 

instructions could have but one meaning, which was to prohibit the 

killing of seals 5 years old and over and to allow the killing of 4-year- 

2403— H. Doc. 93, 62-1 6 



82 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

qlds. He insisted, tl;ierefore, that my ipjunction against killing 4- 
vearTolds was beyond the scope of the department's instructions, and 
therefore arbitrary and unjustifiable. 

I replied that, while there might be a seeming ambiguity in the 
language of the instructions on this point, I v/as perfectly convinced 
of the intention of the department to prevent the killing of 4-year- 
olds. I based this conviction on a knowledge of the department's 
policy outlined last winter before the Committee on Ways and Means. 
In fact, I had in my possession a letter from yourself, stating tha,t it 
was the intention of the department to ''prohibit the kilhng of 4-yeAr- 
olds." I was sure, therefore, that the restriction was not on my 
personal responsibility, and therefore arbitrary and unjustifiable, but 
in strict accord with the wish of the department. 

I stated, further, that the animals mentioned in the instructions as 
''seals over 4 years of age" were simply animals that had reached and 
passed the 4-year point, and were, therefore, "over" that age. J 
pointed out to him that a person who had, for instance, reached his 
twenty-eighth birthday would be "over" that age the number of 
succeeding days he lived following that birthday until he reached 
his twenty-ninth. 

It was also plain, by inference, that 4-year-olds were to be exempted 
from killing by the fact that it would be useless to save 2 and 3 year 
olds by branding, only to have them killed when they returned to the 
islands as 4-year-olds. 

Mr. Redpath replied that he was convinced that I was making a 
wrong interpretation of the department's instructions, and that he 
considered such action arbitrary and liighly injurious to the interests 
of the company. I offered to reduce the matter to writing in the form 
of a letter to him, to which he could make a formal protest to the 
department, if he so desired, but he declined, and the argument closed. 

In this connection I desire to request, if it is the wish of the depart- 
ment to prohibit the killing of 4-year-old males, as I understand it 
is, and should be, that a maximum limit of 8^ pounds be placed on the 
skins to be taken hereafter. This, in my judgment, includes all, or 
nearly all, the 3-year-olds, but leaves the 4-year-olds practically 
untouched. 

VITAL STATISTICS OF NATIVE POPULATION. 

The general health of the native population during the year ended 
June 30, 1904, has been good. On St. Paul 4 deaths and 7 births 
occurred during that period; on St. George 3 deaths and 6 births 
occurred. 

On June 30, 1904, on St. Paul there were 161 natives actually resi- 
dent, 80 males and 81 females, an increase of 2 over the preceding 
year. On St. George, on the same date, there were 95 actual residents, 
48 males and 47 females, an increase of 3 during the year. 

The native population on the two islands on June 30, 1904, was 
256, composed of 128 males and 128 females. 

DIVISION OF natives' EARNINGS. 

On St. Paul, S5,566 was received by the natives at the close of the 
season of 1904 as their compensation for securing 11,132 sealskins 
(the number shipped from that island), at 50 cents each. Credits 
amounting to this sum were divided among them according to their 
classifications as sealers, and will be expended for their maintenance 



SEAL ISLANDS OP ALASKA. 83 

on orders issued by the Government agent. The division of their 
earnings will be found appended as an exhibit hereto. 

On St. George, $998 was earned by the natives for taking 1,996 
sealskins for the North American Commercial Co. during the past 
season, and $2,370 for taking 471 blue-fox skins, at $5 a skin, and 15 
wiiite-fox skins, at $1 a skin, their total earnings from these sources, 
as above stated, being $3,368. This amount has been divided 
according to the statements of division furnished by Agent Clark, 
hereto appended also as exhibit. 

APPORTIONMENT OF GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATION. 

The appropriation of $19,500, made by the Government for the 
support of the seal-island natives, after deducting $3,500 to pay for 
coal to be delivered on the islands in the spring of 1905, was appor- 
tioned between the two islands by allowing St. Paul $9,750 and St. 
George $6,250. This will be disbursed during the commg winter 
and spring on orders by the Government agents for food, fuel, and 
clothing, and in extreme cases for other necessaries of life. 

DEPORTATION FROM ISLANDS. 

Upon my arrival at St. Paul this spring I was furnished by Agent 
Chichester with information of an attempt on his life by Alexander 
Melovidoff, a native of that island, while the latter was resisting arrest 
by Mr. Chichester for having committed an alleged assault with a 
knife upon another native. I immediately called the native in 
question, with the witnesses, to the Government house and held a 
hearing. 

It was developed in the examination that on the night of February 
22, 1904, Mr. Chichester was called upon to arrest Alexander Melovi- 
doff for an alleged assault with a knife on Jacob Kochutm. After 
finding his man Mr. Chichester, with the assistance of a native, put 
him in jail, not mtliout a struggle. The prisoner then broke out of 
the jail and went at once to his home, where he loaded his double- 
barreled shotgun and placed himself in a dark corner where he could 
command the door, threatening to shoot Mr. Chichester when the 
latter should come to rearrest him. The gun, however, was wrested 
from Melovidoff by his wife and another woman after a desperate 
struggle, and when Mr. Chichester appeared he was able to handcuff 
the prisoner and place him in jail. 

The showing made at the hearing was such that I felt it fitting to 
order Melo^'idoff to leave the islands, which he did on the company's 
vessel Kruger, going to Unalaska. 

company's expenditure under LEASE. 

Complying with that portion of department's instructions to me 
which directs me to ascertain from the company and report the 
amounts of its expenditures for the supjjort of widows and orphans, 
aged and inlirni on the islands, for maintenance of schools, houses 
of worsliip, physicians and medical supplies, and native dwellings, 
under the appropriate provisions of its contract with the Government, 
I made the request, while in San Francisco, of Mr. Taylor, the presi- 
dent of the company, for suitable instructions to the company's 
agents on the islands to furnish me with the statistics desired. He 
ajrreed to do so. 



84 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

On August 10 I requested this information of Mr. Redpath, and 
on August 12 received a letter from Mm inclosing a statement of 
expenditures for the items in question, with a verbal statement that 
the amounts were expended during the company's fiscal year — ending 
May 31 — and that it was not feasible, in the short time given, to pre- 
pare the statement to cover the fiscal year ending June 30, A request 
is made in the letter of Mr. Eedpath that the information therein 
given be considered confidential. 

Maj. Clark obtained also and forwarded to me a statement of 
similar expenditures on St. George. 

A summary of these expenditures, as furnished me, follows : 

St. Paul— year ended May 31, 1904: 

For widows and oi-phans $1, 943. 35 

For physicians and medical supplies 2, 373. 86 

For repairs to native dwellings 49. 42 

For teachers and school supplies 2, 179. 85 

Total 6, 546. 48 

St. George — year ended June 30, 1904: 

For widows and orphans 946. 98 

For physicians and medical supplies 1, 767. 58 

For repairs to native dwellings '. 5. 00 

For teachers and school supplies 1, 340. 13 

Total 4, 059. 69 

As can be seen, the statement for St. George covers the fiscal year 
ended June 30, 1904. The number of indigents supported by the com- 
pany on St. Paul, as stated in the company's communication, is 8 
widows, 2 spinsters, and 20 orphans. Of the 20 orphans, 10 have been 
adopted into families of sealers and receive only clothing from the com- 
pany. On St. George, according to the statement of Agent Clark, the 
average number of persons supported by the company under this 
clause of its contract is 13. 

The company's statement of these expenditures on St. Paul is at- 
tached as an exhibit. The communications received from Agent Clark 
on the subject are submitted also. 

Attention is called to the fact that on St. Paul a charge is made of 
$13 a week each for board of physician and school-teacher, while on 
St. George a charge of only $7 a week each for these employees is 
made. The reason for this difference in these charges is not known. 

The Russian Church edifices on these islands were, I understand, 
built by funds contributed by the natives and have never been an item 
of expense to the company. 

FOXES. 

On St. George, during the last winter, 486 blue foxes and 15 white 
foxes were taken in house and box traps. Agent Clark reports that 
the apparent condition of the fox herd on that island is favorable. 

It will be observed that while $2,370 was received on St. George 
for taking fox skins only $998 was earned by those natives for tak- 
ing seals. These figures form a striking commentary on the value of 
preserving and cultivating the fox herd on St. George, and, as well, 
on the minor part played by the seal herd in furnishing subsistence to 
the natives of that island. 

On St. Paul, last winter, the natives were allowed to trap foxes for 
one week, during which the}^ were able to take only 15 blue and 5 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 85 

white foxes. The trapping party at Northeast Point during that 
week caught only one fox, a wliite one. 

The foxes sent from the Semedi Islands at the instance of Mr. Byron 
Andrews, in exchange for an equal number sent from St. George, 
arrived at Dutch Harbor just after the company's vessel left for the 
islands on her second spring trip. They were required to wait at 
Dutch Harbor, therefore, nearly a month, or until the arrival of the 
company's vessel from San Francisco, on her last trip, during which 
time all but five died. Three of these died on the vessel before reach- 
ing St. Paul, and the remaining two were set at Uberfcy on that island. 
What proportion of the St. George foxes survived the journey to the 
Semedis is not known, but the transaction, I am sure, was a losing 
one for the Pribilofs. 

SEALS FOR BROOKLYN MUSEUM, 

In our visits to the various rookeries on the island, Mr. Judge and 
I picked up, from time to time during the summer, such dead seals as 
we found having skins suitable for museum purposes, and brought 
them to the village, to be sent to the museum of the Brooklyn Institute 
of Arts and Sciences, under the permission contained in your letter of 
May 12 last. In the height of the season's work no attention was 
paid to the number of carcasses thus brought in, but at the end of the 
season I was informed by the native making the specimens that he had 
10 skins in salt and ready for shipment. The list he furnished me was 
as follows : One large buU, two half buUs, two j^oung males, two adult 
females, three black pups. 

The large buU and one of the half bulls died of exhaustion in drives 
made from the Reef and Northeast Point, respectively. The other 
half bull was found dead on the tundra several days after a drive from 
Tolstoi. The two young males were found dead by us on Ketovi 
while we were counting pups on that rookery. Both had their skulls 
crushed. While the idea seems improbable, the only explanation of 
their presence to be arrived at was that a landing had been made on 
the rookery by some outsiders and these seals kiUed by them. An 
undeveloped fetus, probably 8 months old, was found near the 
same place also with its skull crushed. These facts were at once re- 
ported to the captain of the McCuUoch, then lying at anchor off the 
island. The three black pups, dead from natural causes, were also 
found on this occasion. One of the cows was found on Zapadni Reef 
by Mr. Judge, having died in giving birth to her pup, as evidenced 
by the uterus turned inside out and protruding. Another cow, dead 
from the same cause and exhibiting the same evidence of death, was 
found on July 29, on Tolstoi Cliffs, while we were counting pups. 

All of these sldns, with the exception of the black pups, were 
offered to the agent of the company, Mr. Redpath, who refused to 
accept them as part of the company's quota. 

This list, as will be noted, was four in excess of the number requested 
and stated in your letter. 

While I had no intention of exceeding the number called for and 
authorized, we had unwittingly collected this number and the native 
had performed service in preparing them. It would have been useless 
to throw them away, neither did I desire to do so, and pay for the 
jabor out of my own funds. To clear up the matter, the whole collec- 



86 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

tion was packed in a barrel and shipped to the museum, the company 
advancing the charges of the native for his labor. I trust my action 
will be approved. 

EVIDENCE OF EPIDEMIC AMONG FOXES. 

In my supplementary report on foxes, made last winter, I stated it 
as my opinion that an epidemic of some nature occurred among the 
foxes on St. Paul and St. George, during the spring of 1903, from the 
effects of which a number died. I had no eviclence to support my be- 
lief save an unusual death rate. I was unable to ascribe the cause to 
starvation, a theory advanced by others on the islands, as on St. Paul 
a quantity of salt salmon was freshened and tlirown out for them, but 
was not eaten. 

I find recently, however, in the Report on Introduction of Domestic 
Reindeer into Alaska, 1903, page 57, a statement in the report from 
Dr. H. R. Marsh, of the Point Barrow reindeer station, that a sick- 
ness called ''mullo-kully," or crazy, existed among all animals there 
during the period when the large death rate was noted among foxes 
on the Pribilof Islands. The report states that "dogs died by scores. 
* * * People out trapping walked around knocking sick foxes on 
the head." 

Taken in connection with the loss of so many foxes on the islands, 
some of which on St. Paul exhibited symptoms of mania, as I noted 
at the time, this quotation would seem to go toward proving that a 
sickness or epidemic of some character affected animals in Alaska dur- 
ing the winter of 1902-3, and that it had a specially mortal effect on 
the foxes on the Pribilof Islands. 

The following hst of exhibits attached to this report for fm'ther 
reference is appended : 

No. 1. Certificate of shipment of skins, St. Paul. 
No. 2. Annual statement, fur seals killed, St. Paul. 
No. 3. Annual statement, fur seals killed, St. George. 
No. 4. Weights of sealskins, St. Paul. 
No. 5. Statistics of killings, St. Paul. 
No. 6. Census of breeding seals, St. Paul. 
No. 7. Counts of rookeries, St. Paul. 
No. 8. Division of natives' earnings, St. Paul. 
No. 9. Census of native inhabitants, St. Paul. 

No. 10. Statement expenditures of North American Commercial Co., for natives, 
St. Paul. 

No. 11. Report of Assistant Agent Chichester, St. Paul. 

No. 12. Certificate of shipment of skins, St. George. 

No. 13. Agent Cla,rk's report on year's business, St. George. 

No. 14. Agent Clark's report on branding bachelors, St. George. 

No. 15. Agent Clark's report on company's expenditures, St. George. 

No. 16. Weights of sealskins, St. George. 

No. 17. Rookery counts, St. George. 

No. 18. Count of pups, St. George. 

No. 19. Foxing memoranda, St. George. 

No. 20. Native census, St. George. 

No. 21. Seal division, St. George. 

No. 22. Fox division, St. George. 

No. 23. Report of food killings, St. George. 

No. 24. Memoranda of expenditures, St. George. 

No. 25. School report, St. George. 

Very truly, yours, W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries. 
Mr. F. H. Hitchcock, 

Chief Cleric, Department of Commerce and Labor. 



I 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 87 

Exhibit No. 1. 
certificate of shipment of skins, st. paul. 

Division Special Agents. 1 Island of St. Paul, 

Form 17. J Bering Sea, Alaska, August 14, 1904. 

This is to certify that 11,132 fur-seal skins have this day been shipped on board 
the North American Commercial Co.'s steamer W. H. Kruger, consigned to the North 
American Commercial Co., San Francisco, Cal. 

W. I. Lembkey, 
Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries, 

K. A. Ahlin, 
Master, Steamer W. H. Kruger. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 






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SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



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SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 
Exhibit No. 3. 



Annual statement of fur seals killed on St. George Island, Alaska, during the year ended 

July 31, 1904. 



Date. 


Rookeries. 


Number of seals 
killed for na- 
tives' food. 


Number 
of seals 
killed by 
lessees for 
skins (ac- 
cepted). 


Total 
number 


Large 
young 
seals. 


Skins ac- 
cepted by 
lessees. 

1 

40 
68 

2 
26 

C 
36 
82 
01 

2 

2 
54 
22 
11 
42 

2 

2 

'I 

20 
2 


of seals 
killed. 


1903. 
Aug. 31 


Miscellaneous, left over 


1 
40 
68 

2 
26 

6 
36 
82 
61 

2 

2 
54 
22 
11 
42 

2 

2 
13 

4 
20 

2 




1 


Oct. 19 


Staraya Artel 




40 


20 


North 




08 


21 


Zapadni watchmen 




o 


22 


East 




26 


24 


Zapadni 




(> 


26 


Staraya Artel ■ 




36 


29 


North 




82 


31 


East 




61 


Nov. 2 


Starava Artel 




'-> 


4 


Zapadni watchmen 




■-> 


5 


North 




54 


8 


Zapadni 




o> 


9 


East 




11 


11 


Staraya Artel 




42 


11 


Zapadni watchmen 






16 


do 




o 


17 


East and North 




13 


22 


North 




4 


25 


East 




20 


1904. 
May 31 


Zapadni watchmen 




2 


June 1 


Starava Artel 


26 
5 


26 


7 


do 








11 


Zapadni watchmen 


2 


2 


<> 


11 


Starava Artel and East . . .' 


22 

29 

15 

116 

209 

92 

144 

46 

70 

66 

73 

18 

129 

111 

25 

99 

93 

23 

82 

5 


22 


16 


Starava Artel and North 






29 


21 


Zapadni 






15 


23 


North, East, and Staraya Artel 






116 


28 


do 






209 


30 








92 


July 2 


North, East, and Staraya Artel 






144 


6 


do '. 






46 


7 


Zapadni 






70 


9 








66 


13 


do ■ 






73 


14 








18 


16 


North, East, and Staraya Artel 






129 


20 


do 






111 


21 


Zapadni 






25 


23 








99 


26 


do 






93 


28 








23 


30 


North, East, and Staraya Artel 






82 


31 


Zapadni 






5 




Deduct 2 skins (see note) 










500 

2 


500 




1,498 


1.998 






Total 








498 


498 


1,498 


1,996 









SUMMARY. 

Number on hand at end of season 1, 996 

Deduct left from previous season 1 

Killed during season of 1904 1, 995 

Killed for natives' food by Government agents 498 

Killed by company 1, 497 

Note. — A discrepancy of two skins was found this spring between the North American Commercial 
Co.'s record of skins taken and those recorded by me and duly receipted for. The acting company agent 
claimed that he had by mistake given duplicate receipts on November 4, 1903, for two skins taken by 
watchmen at Zapadni. A recount of all the skins in salt was made on May 20, 1904, when only 494 skins 
were found, as against 496 by this record and the receipts. In view of all the facts I think there was an 
error, as claimed and admitted by the company, and will deduct two skins acoordinglv. — Ezra W. Clark. 
assistant agent. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 
Exhibit No. 4. 



91 



Weights oj sealskins taken on St. Paul Island during the sealing season ending August 1, 

1904. 

[Weights in pounds and quarters of pounds.] 



Date. 


Rookeries. 


4 


4} 


4i 


4f 


5 


5i 


« 


5f 


6 


6i 


61 


1904. 


Tolstoi 










1 1 


4 

2 

36 

1 


4 
2 

20 


2 

22 

3 

2 

23 

1 

45 
44 
85 
10 
45 
41 
89 
20 
26 
26 
32 
46 
54 
11 
20 
17 
34 
3 
3S 
50 
45 
2 

34 
13 
54 


7 
""26' 





1.5 


..do 










2 


20 


Reef 










21 


20 






.... -- 
2 


1 




3 




21 


Tolstoi 




1 
9 
2 
33 
39 
3S 
8 
28 
33 
66 
10 
16 
32 
33 
37 
48 
15 
21 
20 
38 
3 
30 
19 
41 

■■■"4' 

27 
i'2 
59 




25 








2 


8 


9 


9 

1 

11 

14 

n 

5 

9 
10 
10 

3 
10 

4 
11 
12 
32 

1 
14 

1 
10 


19 
2 
21 
49 
38 

58 
30 
70 
10 
30 
If 
34 
34 
56 
11 
17 
21 
21 
1 
35 
26 
33 


22 

4 

32 

52 

48 

6 

41 

30 

70 

7 

30 

19 

44 

28 

43 

12 

18 

15 

16 

1 

25 

28 

29 

1 

4 

39 

44 


8 


26 








4 


27 


Reef 










2 
12 
14 

6 
21 

7 
24 

6 
10 

1 
20 

9 
24 

4 

6 

2 

2 


40 


29 


Zapadni 




1 


1 
1 

1 
5 


5 
3 

1 
5 


44 


July 1 


Northeast Point 




55 


2 


Tolstoi 




1 


10 


4 


Reef 


4 


48 


5 




48 


7 


Northeast Point 






2 


7 
5 
3 

1 

10 
5 
4 


66 


8 


Tolstoi 






17 


9 


Reef 






2 


28 


1] 


Northeast Point 






24 


14 






2 


'3' 


46 


15 


Reef 


33 


16 








52 


18 


Tolstoi 


\ 




7 


19 


Reef 


1 


2 

1 


2 

"i' 


20 


20 


Zapadni 




36 


22 


Northeast Point 




48 


23 


Tolstoi 


■ 1 




6 


25 






1 
2 
1 


2 

7 


12 
14 
3 


12 
16 
14 


31 


26 


Reef and Gorbatch. 


j 


50 


27 


Northeast Point 




64 


27 


Polovina 


1 


2 


28 


Tolstoi 








1 

4 

3 

13 


2 
20 

8 
27 


5 
17 
15 
53 


5 


29 


Zapadni 


1 






39 


30 


Reef 


' 


1 



" "s 


41 


31 






48 




Total 








5 li 


32 


72 


233 


286 


770 


741 


951 


754 


949 













Date. 


Rookeries. 


6i 


7 


'i\ 


n 


7f 


8 


Si 


8i 


H 


9 


1904. 


Tolstoi 


6 
6 
15 
1 
1 
10 
3 

27 
35 
41 
5 
27 
40 
49 

22 
41 
30 
32 
55 
11 
16 
18 
46 
4 
32 
33 
40 
1 
4 
23 
23 
27 


4 
4 
17 


4 
2 

14 


3 
5 

15 


3 

5 
9 


6 

6 

10 


1 
6 


5 


9 

ii 
3 


3 


15 


do 


1 


20 


Reef 


4 


20 


Road skias 




21 


Tolstoi 


4 

5 

4 

26 

31 

39 

7 

29 

43 

45 

8 

19 

34 

20 

20 

47 

8 

12 

20 

40 

3 

25 

36 

55 

2 

7 

22 

30 

31 


5 

5 

7 

21 

20 

22 

4 

16 

22 

21 

5 

14 

25 

27 

24 

41 

6 

8 

20 

36 

5 

19 

23 

39 

1 

4 

21 

17 

14 


3 

16 
12 
24 

2 
13 
16 
27 

3 

14 
20 
16 
21 
33 

5 

5 

22 
36 

5 
14 
25 
35 

1 

2 
19 
16 
19 


"""4' 

2 
10 

9 
13 

3 
12 
12 
16 

4 
14 

6 
15 
12 
29 

3 

4 
10 
16 

4 

2 
10 
21 

7 
12 
10 


4 
2 
16 
10 
16 
4 

10 
18 
16 
3 

10 

18 

8 

8 

22 

4 

4 

12 

25 

3 

11 

14 

21 

3 

6 

5 

11 

3 


2 
2 

6 
6 
3 
2 
2 
3 
1 
2 
6 
8 
9 

11 
3 
1 
9 

11 
3 
4 
9 

11 

""\ 

4 
6 
4 


2 
1 
1 
9 
5 

\ 
9 
9 
15 
2 

""2 
3 

5 
2 
2 
4 
6 
2 
1 
6 
8 
1 
2 
10 
6 
5 


2 


2 


25 


Northeast Point 


• 


26 


Polo^'^na 


2 

7 

3 

5 

""'5 

1 

"h' 

4 
2 
1 
3 

...... 

4 
3 
2 

6 

7 

"'i' 

1 




27 


Reef 


6 


29 




5 


July 1 
2 


Northeast Point 


7 


Tolstoi 


1 


4 


Reef 


2 


5 


Zapadni 


5 




Northeast Point 


3 


8 


Tolstoi 


1 


9 


Reef 


4 


11 


Northeast Point 


1 


14 
15 
16 


Zapadni 

Reef 

Northeast Point 


2 
5 


18 


Tolstoi 


1 


19 


Reef 


1 


20 


Zapadni 


1 


22 


Northeast Point 


7 


23 


Tolstoi 


2 


25 


Zapadni 




26 


Reef and Gorbatch 


2 


27 


Northeast Point 


5 


27 


Polovina 


2 


28 


Tolstoi 


2 


29 


Zapadni 


1 


30 
31 


Reef 

Northeast Point 


3 

1 




Total 






731 


697 


512 


455 


280 


318 


147 


130 


82 


80 



•92 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



Weights of sealskins tahen on St. Paul Island during the sealing season ending August 1, 

1904— Continued. 



Date. 


Rookeries. 


9-1 


9J 


9i 


10 


lOi 


lOJ 


lOf 
""2 


11 

2 
1 
2 


m 


lU 


1904. 
June 10 


Tolstoi 


2 

1 
1 
2 

1 
3 






3 


1 


1 
1 






15 


do 


2 
1 

1 


1 






20 


Reef 




1 






21 


Tolstoi ■. 


1 


2 
1 
1 
3 










25 


1 


1 










27 


Reef 


2 
3 

1 


""2 








1 


29 


Zapadni 


2 


1 

2 


1 








July 1 
2 




4 
1 
5 
2 
2 
1 
2 
2 








Tolstoi 














4 


Reef 


■"3" 

1 


2 
1 


1 
2 

















Zapadni. 




1 




1 






7 


Northeast Point 




1 


8 


Tolstoi 


















9 


Reef 




1 






1 










11 


Northeast Point 


1 












14 




1 


















15 


Reef 

Northeast Point 


1 
7 
3 


2 
3 


















16 


1 


2 




2 




1 






18 


Tolstoi 






19 


Reef 


i 

1 
4 


















20 




i 

2 

1 








1 

1 










22 


Northeast Point 


1 


7 


2 


1 








23 


Tolstoi 








25 




2 
2 

1 


















26 




1 
4" 


2 

1 
1 

1 


2 


"'i' 


1 




1 






27 


Northeast Point 






27 














28 


Tolstoi 




















29 




1 


2 
3 
















SO 


Reef 


2 


4 




2 


1 




1 








Total 








63 


35 


19 


25 


10 


14 


4 


9 




2 



Exhibit No. 5. 
Statistics oj killings, St. Paul Island, 1904. 



Date. 


Rookeries. 


Animals 
killed. 


Dismissed. 


Branded. 


Per cent 


Large. 


Small. 


2 years. 


3 years. 


killed. 


1904. 
June 10 


Tolstoi 

do 

Reef 

Tolstoi 

Northeast Point 


71 

48 
247 

33 
141 

38 
366 
414 
477 

89 
400 
386 
621 
124 
270 
281 
375 
349 
588 
107 
180 
258 
423 

50 
297 
387 
483 

17 

61 
301 
245 
426 
140 


14 

9 
45 
20 
. 28 
24 
67 
11 
34 
34 

9 
18 

8 
14 
13 

7 
13 
18 
10 
12 


4 

4 

8 

3 

53 

15 

100 

110 

204 

28 

147 

194 

245 

70 

66 

164 

154 

135 

271 

18 

43 

185 

442 

17 

221 

392 

559 






79 


15 






78 


20 
21 


92 


41 
1 

10 
3 

30 

28 

90 

1 

22 

11 

38 

6 

8 

13 

23 

15 

43 

8 

1 

5 

20 


57 
57 


25 


18 


56 


26 


Polo Vina 

Reef 

Zapadni 

Nortlieast Point 


47 


27 

29 

July I 

2 

.4 


09 
57 
194 

3 
33 
36 
61 
11 
34 
39 
52 
50 
88 
14 
11 
23 
72 

6 
48 
60 
85 


58 
66 
47 


Tolstoi 

Reef 


57 
65 


5 


Zapadni 


59 


7 


Northeast Point 


64 


8 


Tolstoi 


55 


9 


Reef 


69 


11 


Northeast Point 


55 


14 




50 


15 


Reef 


61 


16 


Northeast Point 


58 


18 


Tolstoi 


61 


19 


Reef and Gorbatch 


76 


20 


Zapadni 


5 
29 

4 
25 
42 
35 
11 
16 
25 
14 
22 

5 


54 


22 


Northeast Point 


42 


23 


Tolstoi 


64 


25 


Zapadni 


14 

20 

44 

1 

4 

26 

18 

20 

4 


49 


26 


Reef and Gorbatch 


42 


27 


Northeast Point 


40 


27 




58 


28 


Tolstoi 


is 

249 
133 
245 
302 


5 
49 
37 
66 

7 


61 


29 




46 


30 


Reef and Gorbatch 


54 


31 


Northeast Point 


55 


Aug. 9 


Reef and Gorbatch 

Total 


30 




8,693 


641 


4,794 


1,320 


508 











SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Exhibit No. 6. 
Census of breeding bulls and cows, St. Paul Island, 1904. 



93 



Rookeries. 



Harems 
(bulls). 



Zapadni 

Little Zapadni. 
Zapadni Reef. . 

Tolstoi 

Tolstoi Cliffs... 

Lagoon 

Ketovi 

Amphitheater. 

Lukanin 

Little Polovina 



250 
100 
46 
149 
38 
24 
69 
12 
51 
21 



Cows 
(pups). 



Rookeries. 



Polovina Cliffs.. 

Polovina 

Gorbatch Cliffs. 

Gorbatch 

Ardiguen 

Reef 

Northeast Point 
Sea Lion Rock ' 

Total 



Harems 
(bulls). 



40 

72 

12 

151 

15 

286 

454 

67 



Cows 
(pups). 



1,412 
3,691 
481 
6,014 
565 
11,391 
18, 557 
2,705 



74, 002- 



1 Harems were estimated on basis of average harem, 39.83. Pups actually counted on Sea Lion Rock. 

Exhibit No. 7. 
Counts of rookeries, St. Paul Island, season of 1904. 

ARDIGUEN. 



Date. 


Bulls. 


"Quit- 
ters." 


Harems. 


Cows. 


Date. 


Bulls. 


'^^ Harems. 


Cows. 


1904. 


9 
10 
10 
11 
12 
12 
12 
14 


3 






1904. 
July 3 


12 
13 
13 
16 
14 
15 
15 


2 


12 
13 
13 
15 
14 
13 
14 


200 








July8 


328 


June 13 


1 






July 12 

July 15 

July 17 

July 23 

July 25 


339 


June 15 


1 




June 18 

June 19 

June 23 

June 29 


i' 

4' 


3 
3 
9 
12 


3 

4 

20 

96 


293 
220 
190 



AMPHITHEATER. 



1904. 

June 7 

June 8 

Jiuie9 

June 10... 
June 11... 
June 12... 
June 13... 
June 15. . . 
June 16... 
June 17... 
June 18. . . 
June 19... 
June 20... 
June 21... 
June 22... 
June 23. . . 
June 24... 
June 26... 
June 27... 
June 28... 
June 29... 
June 30... 



5 
5 
5 
8 
9 
10 
10 
10 
10 
10 
10 
10 
10 
10 
10 
10 
10 
10 
10 

11 

10 

11 


2 
2 
3 

1 
1 
















































1 
1 


6 
8 
7 
8 
9 


1 
1 
1 
1 
1 
2 
4 
5 
14 
27 
32 
51 
53 



1904, 
Julyl... 
July 2. . . 
Julys... 
July 4... 
July 5... 
July 1 ... 
Julys... 
July 9... 
July 10.. 
July 12. . 
July 13 . . 
July 14.. 
July 17.. 
July 18.. 
July 19.. 
July 20.. 
July 22.. 
July 24.. 
July 27.. 
July 29.. 
July 31 . . 



11 




9 


11 


1 


10 


10 


2 


10 


10 


2 


10 


11 




10 


11 


1 


10 


12 


1 


11 


12 


1 


11 


12 


1 


11 


12 


1 


11 


12 


2 


12 


12 


1 


12 


12 


2 


11 


13 


1 


11 


14 


2 


12 


13 




13 


13 


i 


12 


14 




13 


13 




13 


13 




11 


10 

1 




10 



sr 

103' 
115 
137 
155 
214 
244 
265 
281 
267 
303 
296 
234 
221 
218 
220 
112 
125 
147 
105 
146 



GORBATCH. 



1904 
June 6. . . 
June 13.. 
June 19.. 



104 
117 
128 


11 




13 




11 21 


25 



1904. 
.Tune 23... 
July 15... 




137 



94 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



Counts of rookeries, St. Paul Island, season of 1904 — Continued. 
GORBATCH CLIFFS. 



Date. Bulls. '[^^}^r 


Harems. 


Cows. 


Date. 


f 


Harems. 


Cows. 


1904. 
June 6 10 3 






1904. 
Julys . . . . 


12 
10 
13 
13 
13 
10 


1 

i' 


12 
10 
12 
11 
13 
11 


267 


June 13 11 






July 12 

July 15 

July 17 

July 23 

July 25 


249 


June 19 11 1 

June23 1 12 2 

June29 i 11 3 

July3 j 11 1 


2 

4 

10 

10 


2 

9 

59 

122 


247 

168 
135 



KETOVI. 



1904, 

Juno 7 

June 8 

June 9 

June 19... 



36 
39 
42 
51 


11 
18 
15 
10 




1 










6 


6 



1904 
June 22.. 
June 28.. 
July 9... 
July 13.. 



54 


12 


58 


6 


70 


6 


75 


3 



LUKANIN. 



1904. 

Jime 7 

June 8 

June 9 

June 10... 
June 11... 
June 12... 
June 13... 
June 15... 
June 16... 
June 17... 
June 18... 
June 19... 
June 20... 
June 21... 
June 22... 
June 23... 
June 24... 
June 26... 
Jime 27 . . . 
June 28... 
June 29... 
June 30... 



1 

1 

4 

8 

16 

23 

42 

51 

106 

145 

178 

260 

293 



1904 
Julyl... 
July 2... 
Julys... 
July 4... 
July 5... 
July 7... 
Julys... 
July 9... 
July 10... 
July 12.. 
July 13.. 
July 14.. 
July 17. . , 
July 18.. 
July 19... 
July 20.., 
July 22.., 
July 24... 
July 27.., 
July 29... 
July 31.., 
August 9. 



1 57 


8 


33 


j 55 


6 


38 


56 


7 


40 


58 


3 


40 


60 




39 


i 60 


7 


44 


59 


7 


46 


58 


2 


46 


57 


9 


45 


61 


5 


50 


58 


/ 


51 


58 


fi 


50 


61 


5 


57 


60 


4 


54 


59 


5 


52 


59 


4 


51 


61 


2 


57 


58 


2 


53 


56 


5 


50 


52 


3 


49 


48 


2 


46 


26 











LAGOON. 



1904 

June 7 

June 14... 
June 19... 



16 
24 
26 


9 
2 
2 










2 


2 



1904 
July 4... 

July 8. . . 
July 13.. 



27 


2 


28 


2 


29 


1 







MORJOVI, EAST SIDE NORTHEAST POINT 








1904. 
June 16 


17 
17 
21 


3 
3 
3 






1904. 
July 6 ... 


20 
22 





19 
19 


308 


June 24 

June 30 


5 
12 


6 
46 


July 16 





VOSTOSHNI, WEST SIDE NORTHEAST POINT. 



1904. 

June 16 

June 24 

June 30... 



99 


6 
8 






36 


is 


23 


42 


3 


27 


190 



1904. 

July 6 

July 16... 



48 


8 


42 


52 




48 



NORTHEAST POINT. 



1904. 
June 16 



376 



45 



1904. 
July 17.... 



454 



SEAL ISLiANDS OF ALASKA. 



95 



Counts of rookeries, St. Paul Island, season of 1904 — Continued. 

POLO VINA. 



Date. 


Bulls. 


'^"'Harexns. 


Cows. 


Date. 


Bulls. 


"Quit- 
ters." 


Harems. 


Cows. 


1904. 
June 13 Cv2 


5 




1,904. 
July 1 


72 
89 


19 
5 


39 
72 




June 24 


" 


5 17 


70 


July 16 





POLOVINA CLIFFS. 



26 
29 
33 


9 


1 


7 1 4 
10 24 

1 


5't 

139 ; 



1904. 



July ■ 
July 16. 



491 



LITTLE POLOVINA. 



16 
21 


4 




1 


9 


26 


20 


3 


14 


1,46 



1904. 
July 7 



356 



REEF. 



179 


42 


1 





1904. 
July 15... 



308 



286 



TOLSTOI. 



120 


4 






136 


1 


1 



1904. 
June 19.. 
July 13. . . 



150 


6 


18 


169 




149 



33 



TOLSTOI CLIFFS. 



30 


2 






33 




' 


34 

1 


4 


4 


7 



1904. 

July 4 

Julys 

July 13. . . . 



390 

704 

1,201 



ZAPADNI. 


1C04. 
June 14 


201 


9 


2 


2 


1904. 
July 14 


281 


4 


250 










LITTLE ZAPADNI. 


1904. 
June 14 


73 


10 


1 


1 


1904. 
July 14 


110 




100 


















ZAPADNI REEF. 


1904. 
June 14 


37 
50 


7 
2 


1 1 


1904. 
July 14 


50 


4 


46 




July 5 


38 


350 







96 SEAL ISLANDS OP ALASKA. 

Exhibit No. 8. 

Division of natives' earnings, St. Paul Island, Alaska, season of 1904. 

By 11,132 fur-seal skins, at 50 cents $5, 566. 00- 



I 



To 21 first-class shares, at $174.50 each 3, 664. 50 

To 6 second-class shares, at $139.65 each 837. 90 

To 4 third-class shares, at $104.70 each 418. 80 

To 5 fourth-class shares, at $69.80 each 349. 00 

To 7 special shares 295. 80 

5, 566. 00 

First-class shares. — Twenty-one men, at $174.50 each, as follows: Nicoli Bogadanoff, 
Karp Buterin, Jacob Kochutin, Nicoli Krukoff, Simeon Melovidoff, Simeon Nozekoff, 
Theodore Sedick, Dorafay Stepetin, John Stepetin, Peter Tetoff, A. Bourdukofsky, 
George Kotchergin, John Kochutin, Alex. Merculieff, Parfiri Pankoff, Necon Shabolin, 
Elary Stepetin, Neon Tetoff, Rev. John E. Orloff, John Krukoff, George Shisenikoff. 

Second-class shares.- — Six men, at $139.65 each, as follows: Peter Bourdukofsky, 
Nicoli Gromoff, Metrofan Krukoff, John Fratis, jr., Innokenty Sedick, Zahar Tetoff. 

Third-class shares. — Four men, at $104.70 each, as follows: Michael Kushin, Trefan, 
Kochutin, Stepan Rookavishnikoff, John Merculieff. 

Fourth-class shares. — Five men, at $69.80 each, as follows: John Fratis, sr., Michael 
Kozloff, Paul Koshevnikoff, Alex. Galaktioneff, Constantine Buterin. 

Special-class shares. — Seven men, as follows: Nicoli Kozloff, $30; Vlass Pankoff, 
$30; Yvanally Kozeroff, $30; Fedor Kochutin, $30; Alexander Melovidoff, $75. SO; 
Nicoli Krukoff (first chief), $50; Jacob Kochutin (second chief), $50. 

St. Paul Island, August 10, 1904. 
I hereby certify that the above division was made by me in the manner detailed 
above, after conference with the representative of the North American Commercial 
Co. and the native chiefs on this island. 

- W. I. Lembkey, 
Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries. 



St. Paul Island, August 10, 1904- 
I hereby certify that the amounts as above stated, representing the division of St. 
Paul Island for the season of 1904, will be placed to the credit of the respective natives 
on the books of the North American Commercial Co. 

J. C. Redpath, 
Agent North American Commercial Co. 



St. Paul Island, August 10, 1904- 
We hereby approve the division for St. Paul Island for the season of 1904, as above 
detailed, for and on behalf of the natives of this island. 

Nicoli Krukoff, First Chief. 
Jacob Kochutin, Second Chief. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



97 



Exhibit No. 9. 
Census of St. Paul Island, June 30, 1904. 



Name. 



BogadanofF, Nicoli 

Bogadanoff, Uleta 

BogadanofF, Agraflna. . . 
Bourdukofsky, ApoUon. 

Bourdiikofsky, Peter 

Bourdukofsky, Uleta. . . 

Buterin, Karp 

Buterin, Parascovia 

Buterin, Constant ine 

Mazeekin, Wassalisa 

Fratis, John 

Fratis, Akalina 

Fratis, John, jr. (by for- 
mer wife). 

Fratis, Agrafina 

Fratis, Simeon 

Fratis, Ou'.iana 

Fratis. Martha 

Galaktionefl, Alexander. 
Galaktionell, Lukeria. . . 

Galaktioneff, Anna 

Galaktionefl, Mary 

GalaktioneflF, Matrona. . . 

Gromoff, Nicoli 

GromofI, Ouliana 

Stepetin, Pavla 



Volkoff, Tecon 

Stepetin, Elary, jr 

Kochutin, Jacob 

Kochutin, Alexandra. . . 
Kochutin, Theodore. . . . 

Kochutin, Larion 

Mandregan, Imiokenty.. 

Mandregan, Nekifer 

Koshevnikoff, Paul 

KoshevnikofF, Mary 

Kochutin, John 

Kochutin, Claudia 

Kochutin, Nicanor 

Kochutin, Erena 

Vickiloff, Alexander 

Kochutin, Trefan 

Kochutin, Parascovia... 

Kochutin, Eupheme 

Kotchergin, George 

Kolchergin, Agafia 

Emanoff, Mary 

Kozloff , Michael 

Kozloil, Parascovia 

Kozloff, Nicoli 

Serabrinikofl, Ripsimia. 

Krukoff , John 

Dyakanoii", .Andrew 

Krukoff, Nicoli 

Krukoff, Catherine 

Krukoff, Metrofan 

Krukoff, Eustinia 

Emanoff, .\lexai 

Xushin, Michael 

Kushin, Mary 

Kushin, Nestor 

Hanson, John 

Hopoff, Nekita 

Melovi'loff, Alexander. . 

Meloviloff , Salome 

Melovi cloff, Antone 

Melovidoff, Alexandra. . 

Melovidoff , Alfai 

Melovidoff, Simeon 

Melovidoff, Alexandra. . 

Melovidoff, Margaret 

Melovidoff, Christopher. 



Relation. 



Husband . 

Wife 

Niece 

Father.... 

Son 

Daughter. 
Husband. 

Wife 

Son 

Orphan. . , 
Husband. 

Wife 

Son 



Daughter 

Son 

Daughter 

do 

Husband 

Wife 

Stepdaughter. . 

Daughter 

do 

Husband 

Wife 

Ado p t e d 

daughter. 
Adopted son . . . 

do 

Husband 

Wife 

Son 

do 

Orphan 

do 

Husband 

Wife 

Husband 

Wife 

Son 

Daughter 

Stepson 

Husband 

Wife 

Son 

Husband 

Wife 

Cousin 

Son 

Mother 

Brother 

Cousin 

Widower 

Stepson 

Husband 

Wife 

Son 

Daughter 

Nephew 

Son 

Mother 

Nephew 

do 

Orphan 

Husband 

Wife 

Son 

Daughter 

Son 

Husband 

Wife 

Daughter 

Son 



Age 
(years). 



32 



36 



Name. 



Melovidoff, Alexander. . 
Melovidoff, Simeon, jr. . . 
Melovidoff, Alexandra. . 
Merculieff, Alexander... 

Merculieff, Agafia 

Merculieff, Paul 

Merculieff, Auxenia 

Merculieff, Terenty 

Merculieff, Paul 

Nozekoff, Simeon 

Nozekoff, Avdotia 

Nozekoff, Mar\' 

Kozeroff, Ivanally 

Ko^eroff, Sandulia 

Kozeroff, .Alexandra. . . . 

Pankoff , Parfiri 

Pankoff, Vlass 

Pankoff. Martha 

Rookavishnikoff, Stepan 
Rookavishnikoff, Eliza- 
beth. 

Sedick, Theodore 

Sedick, Martha 

Sedick, Innokenty 

Sedick, Mary 

Sedick, Matrona 

Sedick, John 

Shabolin. Necon 

Shabolin, Foecla 

Shabolin, Agrafina 

Shabolin, Varvara 

Shabolin, Matrona 

Shabolin, Daniel 

Shane, Elifery 

Stepetin, Dorofay 

Stepetin, Luboft" 

Stepetin, Chionia 

Stepetin, Auxenia 

Stepetin, Catherine 

Stepetin, Elary 

Stepetin, Anna 

Stepetin, Agnes 

Stepetin, Nicoli 

Stepetin, John 

Stepetin, Vera 

Stepetin, Vassili 

Stepetin, Vassili 

Shisen koff, George 

Shisenikoff, Ouliana. . . . 

Shisenikoff, Mary 

Tetoff , Neon 

Tetoff, Agrafina 

Tetoff, Simeon 

Tetoff, Mary 

Tetoff, Demetri 

Tetoff, Irena 

Tetotr, Agrafina 

Tetoff, John 

Tetoff', Peter 

Tetoff, Mary 

Kochutin, Varvara 



Nedarazo, Mary 

Tetoff, Zahar 

Tetoff, Daria .•.. 

Tetoff, Peter 

Orloff. Rev. J. E 

Orloff, Nicoli 

Orloff, Alexandra 

Nedarazoff , Catherine . . 

Merculieff, John 

Merculieff, Avdotia 



Relation. 



Son 

....do 

Niece 

Husband 

Wife 

Son 

Daughter 

Son 

Brother 

Husband 

Wife 

Daughter 

Half-brother. . . 

Half-sister 

...do 

Father 

Son 

Daughter 

Husband 

Wife 



Husband 

Wife 

Son 

Daughter 

....do 

Son 

Husband 

Wife 

Daughter 

do 

....do 

Son 

Stepson 

Husband 

Wife 

Daughter 

do 

do 

Husband 

Wife 

Daughter 

Son., 

Husband 

Wife 

Son 

Nephew 

Husband 

Wife 

Daughter 

Husband 

Wife 

Son 

Daughter 

Sou 

Daughter 

. do 

Son 

Husband 

Wife 

Adopted 

daughter. 

Orphan 

Husband 

Wife 

Son 

Father 

Son 

Daughter 

Widow 

Husband 

Wife 



Age 
(years). 



23 



40 



2403— H. Doc. 93, 62-1- 



98 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Census of St. Paul Island, June 30, 1904 — Continued. 
WIDOWS AND ORPHANS. 





Relation. 


Age 
(years). 


Name. 


Relation. 


Age 
(years). 


Name. 




35 

"38 

7 

17 

38 

'"26 
'"44 


"3 


"a 


Kochutin, Zenobia 


Spinster 


Seduli. Elizabeth 

Mazeekin, John 






63 


Kochutin, Irmokenty. . . 


Son 


1 
9 


Orphan 

Granddau g h - 
ter. 


14 




Kochutini Mark. . . ." 

KrukofF, Anna 


Nephew 

Widow . 


Stepetin, Marena 

Artomonoff, Alexandra. 


6 


Krukoff, Mary 


Daughter 




5n 




Orphan 






Adopted 

daughter. 




q 


Krukoflf, Feotesta.. . 


Widow 




Balakshin, Matrona 

Rookavishnikoff, Paras- 

00 via. 
Shaposhnikoff, Paras- 

00 via. 




Krukoff, Condrat 


Son 


14 


54 


Rmanofl, Mary 


Widow 






15 


EmanofT, Eneka 

Emanoff, Peter 


Son 

do 


3 






37 


Peeshnikoflf, Wassalisa.. 


Widow 

















RESIDING ELSEWHERE. 



Krukoff, Lukeria. . 
Mandregan, Mary. . 
Melovidoff, Marcia. 
Sedick, Avdotia. . . 



Zaharoff, Fedosia. . 
Popofl, Alexandra. 
Tetoff, Sophia 



RECAPITULATION. 



Number of males. . 
Number of females. 



Total number of residents. 
Deaths during fiscal year. . 

Departures 

Births during fiscal year. . 
Arrivals 



SO 

81 

161 
4 
2 
7 
1 



Exhibit No. 10. 



statement of expenditures of north american commercial co., for natives, 

st. paul island. 

North American Commercial Co., 

St. Paul Island, August 12, 1904. 
Dear Sir: In compliance with your verbal request of August 10, 1904, we submit 
you the accompanying statement of amounts expended for maintenance of widows and 
orphans for year ending May 31, 1904, number of widows and orphans so supported, 
amounts expended for physician, amounts expended for medical supplies, number 
of native dwellings, amount expended for repairs of same, amounts expended for 
maintenance of school, and amount expended for maintenance of place of religious 
worship. 

The church building on this island has always been the property of the Russian 
Church, and that body has always maintained their building. 

We have made the statement as complete as the time and data at hand will permit, 
but we believe the figures to be incomplete, and for further information refer you to 
the North American Commercial Co. at San Francisco. 
The figures submitted are given the department in confidence. 
Very respectfully, 

J. C. Redpath, Agent. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Seal Islands, St. Paul Island, Alaska. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 99 

Statement to Mr. W. I. Lembkey of expenditures by North American Commercial Co. on 
St. Paul Island for the following accounts, for the year ending May 31, 1904. 

Widows and orphans: 

Amount expended for support of 8 widows, 2 spinsters, and 20 orphans. |1, 927. 35 
40 pounds mixed candy, 1 pound each to each of the 20 orphans on 

name days and birthdays, at 20 cents 8. 00 

40 pounds mixed nuts, 1 pound each to each of the 20 orphans twice 

a year, i. e., on name days and birthdays, at 25 cents 10. 00 

Physicians and medical supplies: 

Salary of physician 1, 200. 00 

Board and lodojino; for physician, 52 weeks, at $13 a week 67G. 00 

Medical supplies consumed (at San Francisco cost) 430. 94 

SjVt'o ^oi^s coal consumed by dispensary, at $20 a ton 66. 92 

Native dwellings: 

Materials expended for repairs of native dwellings (at San Francisco 
cost), exclusive of cost of labor and materials derived from demolish- 
ing a building . 49. 42 

School supplies consumed (San Francisco cost) 19. 34 

Slh^i tons coal consumed by school, at S20 a ton 75. 85 

Salary and mess allowance to school-teacher. (The regular teacher 
was in San Francisco from Aug. 17, 1903, to June 6, 1904, on vaca- 
tion) 950. 00 

Salary substitute school-teacher for 9 months and 13 days 471. 66 

Board and lodging substitute teacher from Aug. 8, 1903, to May 31, 

1904, 51 (sic) weeks, at $13 per week 663. 00 

Recapitulation: 

Expended for widows and orphans 1, 943. 35 

Expended for physician and medical supplies 2, 373. 86 

Expended for repairs, native dwellings 49. 42 

Expended for school supplies and teachers 2, 179. 85 

Total 6, 546. 48 



Exhibit No. 11. 
report of assistant agent chichester, st. paul. 

St. Paul Island, Alaska, June 5, 1904. 

Sir: I have the honor to submit my report of the condition of affairs on St. Paul 
Island during the period of mv administration, which extended from August 17, 
1903, to June 5, 1904. 

Arrival and departure of ressels. — After the departure of the company's steamer on 
August 17 a number of vessels called at the island. 

On August 20 H. M. S. Shearwater arrived, and her commander, Capt. Umfreville, 
in behalf of himself and officers, asked permission to \dsit a rookery. They were 
shown a portion of Gorbatch. 

On August 25 U. S. S. Thetis landed Senator Dietrich, of Nebraska, and Mr. Ham- 
ilton, assistant commissioner of education for Alaska. They remained a day and a 
night, and were shown as much of the rookeries and island as their brief stay would 
permit. 

By the U. S. S. Bear on her August visit there returned here, with your permission, 
for permanent residence Mr.-. Alexander Artomonof, who has been absent for several 
years. As she is a widow I at once informed the company's agent that she would 
have to be supported by the company. He agreed to do so, but filed the following 
protest with the request that the matter be carried to the department for settlement. 
This letter I sent you per last mail, November 1, 1903. 

St. Paul Island, August 29, 190S. 

Dear Sir: As regards matter of the arbitrary return and placing the burden of sup 
port upon the company of Mrs. Alexander Artomonof (widow), I hereby enter pro- 
test for following rea;sons: 

First. Said -widow (not native of this island), against the wishes of this company, 
left their support, took all her belongings with her with the avowed purpose of spend- 



100 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



ing her remaining years elsewhere. (Approved at your office.) After being reported 
destitute she is returned to us by you. 

Second. It seems to me under this ruling all natives (former residents) as they 
become infirm and destitute in other parts of the world may return to the support of 
the company at will, thereby imposing an unexpected and unjust burden. 

Third. In my reading of the terms of our lease I am unable to determine on what 
grounds this action has been taken and desire to be enlightened. We have no desire to 
evade any of our obligations to the Government, or the people, as therein applied. 
Yours, faithfully, 

North American Commercial Co., 
W. C. Allis, Agent. 
Mr. H, D. Chichester, 

Treasury Agent. 

In addition to a considerable amount of household stuff, Mrs. Artomonof brought 
back with her $220 in cash. 

Special thanks are due Capt. Wild, commanding U. S. S. Bear, for many courtesies 
received. 



Date of 
arrival. 


Names of vessels. 


Date of 
depar- 
ture. 


Date of 
arrival. 


Names of vessels. 


Date of 
depar- 
ture. 


1903. 
Aug. 20 
25 


H. M. S. Shearwater 


1903. 
Aug. 21 
26 
27 


1903. 
Sept. 21 
Oct. 21 
Nov. 1 


U. S. S. Bear 


1903. 
Sept. 22 
Oct 23 


U. S. S. Thetis 


U. S. S. Manning 


26 


U. S. S. Bear 


U. S. S. Bear.. 


Nov. 1 











Branding pups. — Having previously arranged everything for branding, on October 
12 I made a drive of pups from the Reef and secured about 700. Work at once began 
and was pushed forward as rapidly as possible, but when 274 pups had been branded 
a heavy storm of wet snow and rain came on, soaking the remaining pups and render- 
ing them unfit for branding. They were reluctantly turned into the sea. From this 
time on the weather was so wet and unfavorable for branding and the reaching of 
the more distant rookeries by boat that further operations were abandoned for the 
season. 

Count of dead pups. — Late in the fall the rookeries were thoroughly gone over for dead 
pups, and the following is the result: 



Date. 



1903. 
Oct. 29 
29 
29 
29 
29 
30 
30 
30 



Rookeries. 



Little Zapadni 
Zapadni Reef. . 

Zapadni 

Tolstoi Cliffs... 

Tolstoi 

Ketovi 

Amphitheater. . 
Lukanin 



Number 
of dead. 



1 

22 

152 

121 

234 

17 

8 

71 



Date. 



1903 
Nov. 



Rookeries. 



Gorbatch 

Ardiguen 

Reef 

Polivina 

Little Polivina 

Total 



Number 
of dead. 



213 
13 

236 
54 
18 



1,160 



Killinr/ pups by the natives. — While overhauling Ketovi rookery for dead pups I ran 
across unmistakable signs that some one had been killing pups on that rookery. Re- 
turning to the village I called in the chief, told him what I had seen, and turned over 
to him two pups' heads I found hidden in a crevice of the rock. The skulls were 
broken and the skin neatly trimmed in a circle behind the ears. There followed a 
meeting of the people, and later on a committee waited on me, and I was informed that 
Alexander Galaktenof and Mike Kushin, on the night of October 27 (just one day 
after a food kill of 150 seals had been made), visited the rookery and killed the pups. 
Galaktenof and Kushin were both called in and admitted their guilt. They would 
give no reasons except that they wanted meat. Further questioning soon developed 
that pup killing has been a common practice with all the natives, and has gone on for 
years. 

With one or two exceptions, every native man on the island admitted of having 
killed from one to two pups each year. None over two. Their testimony was 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 



101 



extremely conflicting, and being satisfied that the whole truth was not being told, and 
wishing to obtain accurate information of the amount of damage done, I endeavored 
to put'^them on oath. They refused to make any sworn statement whatever, were 
insolent and rebellious. Having no method at my command by which I could punish, 
them all, except stopping their sugar, I adopted this weak measure. A few days 
later four men came and asked to be sworn, and a month later the rest fell into line and 
were put on oath, but as for determining the actual number of pups killed the infor- 
mation thus obtained was of no more value than that already secured. 
The following is the number of pups killed by each individual, as stated under oath: 



Names. 


Pups 
killed, 
1903. 


Pups 
killed, 
1902. 


Names. 


Pups 
killed, 
1903. 


Pups 
killed, 
1902. 










2 
3 
1 
2 
2 


1 




2 

2 
2 


2 
1 
1 


John M. Krukof 


2 




Mike Kozlof 






Trefan Xockooten 






Stepan Kookavislmikof 

Alexander Galaktenof 

ZacharTetof 






2 
2 

1 


2 

1 
2 
1 

1 


1 




1 




Nekon Shabolin 


2 




Poriflri Pankof 


1 




Ilarv Stepetin 






1 

2 
2 

1 

1 
1 


Peter Tetof 




Alexander Merculif (second 


1 
3 
2 

1 
1 
2 




2 


George Shaisnikof 


3 




Jolm Merculif 


2 




Fedor Sedick 






Total 








43 


36 













School. — The school opened promptly on September 1, 1903, and was maintained 
until May 1, 1904. Twenty-three boys and 17 girls were in attendance. Mr. Lambert, 
who conducted the school this year, was painstaking and earnest in his work, and 
the scholars made good progress under his guidance. 

I inclose herewith Mr. Lambert's report. 

Foxing. — Pursuant to your verbal instructions, foxing was allowed for the period of 
one week and resulted in an entire failure. Fifteen blue and five white skins were 
obtained. 

The trapping season opened on November 23 with every condition most favorable 
for a successful catch. That it was a failure is entirely due to the fact that the blue 
fox on this island is practically exterminated. What the causes are that led to this 
extermination I am unable to say. I have tried in every way to obtain information 
that would throw some light on the subject but to no purpose. 

After the close of the trapping season up to the present time not a week has gone 
by without natives visiting nearly all parts of the island, and during this time but 
two foxes have been seen. They were at Northeast Point. Some tracks have been 
observed on the Reef and Tolstoi as well as at Zapadni. 

Fox Division, St. Paul Island, season 1903. 



Names. 


Localities. 


White. 


Blue. 


Amount. 






1 




$1.00 






1 

1 
1 
1 
2 
2 
1 
1 


5.00 




.do 


5.00 




Village 


5.00 




do 




5.00 




do 




10.00 




do 


1 


11.00 




do 


5.00 




Noith Shore 




5.00 


Mike Kozlof 


Southwe.st Bay 


1 
1 


1.00 






1.00 






2 


10.00 


Sim. Nozekof 


Southwest Bay 


1 


1.00 


2 

1 


10.00 


Neon Tetof 


Northwest Point 




5.00 










Total 




5 


15 


80.00 









102 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Improvements. — In accordance with your instructions, I moved the Government 
boathouse. As you left the selection of a new site to me, I placed it alongside of the 
company's Point warehouse on the south side. This is the best possible place that 
could be found for it, as it is amply protected from the sea by the warehouse and wharf. 
I have also built wooden launching ways from the house to deep water, by means of 
which the boat can be launched at any tide and with little or no difficulty. 

Government house has been thoroughly renovated ai:id painted inside and out. 
The boathouse and boat No. 2 have also received a coat of paint. 

A new calador was also constructed at the rear of the coal house. 

Early last fall the natives built a substantial addition to their club and library to 
accommodate a billiard table. Both the materials for the room and the table are a 
gift from Mr. Taylor of the North American Commerical Co. 

General health. — The general health of the natives has been remarkably good. No 
epidemics have occurred, and there has been but four deaths during tlie entire year. 
■ Three of these were old chronic cases. 

Births have outnumbered the deaths by 3, 7 children having been born, 3 males 
and 4 females. 

I inclose herewith report of the resident physician. 

Seals. — Seals were scarce during the fall and early winter. Nine drives for food were 
made from the various rookeries and 1,853 seals killed. Q^lite a number of carcasses 
were frozen and put away at Northeast Point, and during the winter this supply of 
meat was steadily drawn upon. 

After each killing large numbers of gulls visited the ground and anytliing that was 
left by the natives in the shape of meat Avas speedily eaten. In fact I was astonished 
at the short time required for these voracious birds to completely clean up a killing 
field. 

A small bunch of bachelors hung about the island all winter despite the fact that 
the ice shut us in completely for a week. 

Estates. — By the death of Keonia Bourdukofsky and Zachar Sedick, two estates are 
to be divided. That of Zachar Sedick, amounting to |109 and interest for one year 
at 4 per cent, I have divided equally between his two sisters, Elizabeth Rookavishnikof 
and Avdotia Sedick. Elizabeth having a bank account, her portion has been added 
to it, while Avdotia 's share has been placed to her credit on the company's books as 
an open account, they having refused to receive any more interest accounts. 

Quass.— The usual amount of quass has been brewed this winter — that is to say, nine- 
tenths of the sugar, three-fourths of the jelly, and one-third to one-half of the flour 
issued to the natives has gone into the manufacture of intoxicating liquor. The result, 
as usual, has been deplorable. AVomen have been cruelly beaten, children inhu- 
manly treated, interior of houses wrecked and endangered by fire from overturning 
lamps and stoves, and the life of the Government officer jeopardized. In fact, it was 
by the merest chance that I was not deliberately shot down by a drunken native as I 
entered his house to take him into custody for a murderous assault upon a neighbor. 
The following is a detailed account of the affair: 

I was called out at 1 o'clock in the morning of February 22 by Mrs. Jake Kochooten. 
She was decidedly drunk and incoherent, but I managed to gather from her wild 
talk that her husband had either been killed or was being killed by Alexander Meleve- 
dof. Dressing hastily, I ran to the house and found Jake alone. He had a nasty 
cut over his eye, was covered with blood and bruises, and presented a sorry -looking 
spectacle. The house was in the greatest disorder, chairs and tables overturned 
and broken, lamps smashed, and carpet torn. Jake was exceedingly drunk, and all 
I could learn from him was that Alex. Melevedof had attempted to kill him with a 
knife. I immediately went in search of Melevedof, and with the aid of the second 
chief, who was also drunk, but could walk, I found him at the house of Vasalisa Peesh- 
nikoff . I attempted to handcuff him, but he resisted so stoutly that in self-defense 
I was forced to use vigorous measures. During the struggle one of the handcuffs 
became locked, and in my hurry I had left the key at home. I was therefore able 
to put the handcuff on one arm only. We then set out with him for the building 
used as a jail. Stopping a moment at the company's house for the key, I left the 
prisoner in charge of the second chief. He promptly hit the second chief over the 
head with the handcuff, broke away, and went home, where he loaded up his double- 
barreled shotgun, and, placing himself in the dark back room, where I could not 
see him as I came through the door, swore he would kill me the moment I entered the 
house. Melevedof's wife, who was also drunk, endeavored to take away the gun, but 
couldn't. Mary Koshenikof then came in, and between them the two women managed 
to get the gun away, and set it in the calador just as the second chief and myself came 
in. I again took Melevedof in charge, handcuffed his loose arm, and locked him up 
in the temporary jail. He was no sooner left alone than he kicked the sash out of the 



SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 103 

window and made his escape. I then handcuffed him with his hands behind him, 
secured his legs, and locked him up, and had no further trouble. In the morning I 
sentenced him to 21 days on bread and water for drunkenness and fighting. His 
sugir hxd been previously stopped for the same cause. 

It was not until some days later that I learned of the attempt upon my life. The 
matter had been carefully hidden from me by the chiefs. I held an investigation 
and took the testimony of Melevedof's wife, son, and Mary Koshevnikof. All three 
tell substantially the same story. 

When drunk Ihis man is perfectly lawless and filled with an insane desire to kill. 
He is a constant source of danger to the Government officer and the people, and I 
respectfully request that he be removed from the island permanently. 

This island stands in great need of a substantial jail. The building kindly loaned 
by the company for the purpose is entirely inadequate. 
Respectfully, 

H. D. Chichester, 
Assistant Agent in Charge St. Paul Island. 
Mr. Walter I. Lembkey, 

Special Agent, Department of Comn\erce and Labor, in Charge of Seal Islands. 



report of resident physician, st. paul, 1904. 

North American Commercial Co., 
St. Paul Island, Alaska, June 1, 1904- 

Sir : In compliance with your request, I respectfully submit the following medical 
report for St. Paul Island for the year beginning June 1, 1903, and ending May 31, 
1904: 

The general health has been very good, especially when you consider the care, or 
rather the lack of care, the natives take of themselves, as they will stand bareheaded 
in a snowstorm to cool immediately after taking a steam bath. 

During February and March of 1904 there was a slight epidemic of bronchitis, and 
one new case of pulmonary tuberculosis developed, aside from which there has been 
no contagious diseases on the island for the past year. 

Of all cases treated 75 per cent were gastrointestinal, due to the irregular habits of 
the natives, while the majority of the remaining 25 per cent were of bronchial origin. 

The record of births and deaths for the year is, respectively, as follows: 

Births. — Salome Melovidov, son, Alfa, June 13, 1903; Daria Tettoff, daughter, 
Sophia, September 27, 1903; Maria Emanoff, son, Peter, October 11, 1903; Lukeria 
Galactionoff, daughter, Martha, October 17, 1903; Luboff Stepetin, daughter, Cath- 
erine, December 6, 1903; Parascovia Kotchooten, son, Eupheme, January 7, l904; 
Oulianna Shisenikoff, daughter, Mary, February 25, 1904; Agrifina Tetoff, son, John, 
May 21, 1904. Total, 8: 4 males, 4 females. 

Deaths. — Rufus Bourdakofsky, 1 year, acute gastroenteritis, June 8, 1903; Zahar 
Sedick, 18 years, pulmonary tuberculosis, March 11, 1904; Kionia Bourdakofsky, 43 
years, uremia with carcinomatous degeneration of large uterine fibroid and hemorrhage, 
May 12, 1904; Sophia Tetoff, 8 months, enterocolitis. May 29, 1904; Ellen Krukoff, 
28 years, pulmonary tuberculosis. May 31, 1904. Total, 5; 2 males, 3 females. 
Respectfully, 

Mark A. Williamson, M. D. 

Mr. H. D. Chichester, 

Agent, Department of Commerce and Labor, in Charge St. Paul Island. 



104 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



SCHOOL REPORT. 

St. Paul Island, Alaska, April 29, 1904. 
Dear Sir: Following is the report of St. Paul Island School for the eight months 
commencing September 1, 1903, and ending April 29, 1904, inclusive: 



Class. 



Pupils' names. 



Fourth 

do 

do 

Third 

do 

do 

Second 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

First 

do 

do 

do 

do 

First primer... 

do , 

do 

do 

do 

do 

Second primer. 

do 

do 

do 

do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

Alphabet 

....do 

....do 



Nicoli Kozloff 

Theodore Kochooten 

Nekita Hopofl 

Condrat KriikoflE 

Elifery Shane 

Vlass Pankoff 

Agraphena Fratis 

Matrona Sedick 

Pavla Stepetin 

Parascovia Rookovishnikofl. . 

Sandulia Kozeroff 

Ustenia Krukofl 

Antone Melevidov 

Paul Murculieff No. 1 

Simeon Fratis 

Alexandra Kozeroff 

Repsemia Seerebrinikoff 

John Meezekin 

Larion Kochooten 

Nestor Kushin 

Andrew Diakanofl 

Mark Kochooten 

Necoli Orloff 

Nekifor Maudregan 

Paul Murculieff No. 2 

Alexandra Vekoloff 

Auxenia Murculiefl 

Agnia Stepetin 

Chionia Stepetin 

Mary EmanoS 

Marv Nedarezoff 

Mary Tetoff 

Oulianna Fratis 

Vassa Meezekin 

John Hanson 

Simeon Tetoff 

Vassely Stepetin 

Euphiially Kozeroff 

Innokentv Ma'idregan 

Techan Volkoff 



155 
155 
153 
152 
152 
148 
151 
156 

152 I 
151 I 

77 I 
93 ! 
156 I 

153 I 
155 
137 
1-16 
153 
156 
154 
152 

65 
146 
137 
145 

76 
152 
156 
149 
139 
149 
155 
153 
153 
142 
154 
156 
158 
152 
148 



Total 15,740 



484 I 91 



Character of pupils' recitations: Marked good, 3; medium, 2; poor, 1; very poor. 0. 



GENERAL SUMMARY. 

Number of pupils enrolled (males 23, females 17) 40 

Average daily attendance 36-^4 

Average daily ab.senecs S-M, 

Average attendance 92 

Number of cases of tardiness 91 

Average age of pupils 11 j 

Number of v/ceks of school [...[[[.".[ 31i 

Number of days of school ..[..[.[[....[.[ 156 

The following is the statement of time of tuition and study throughout the eight 
school months: 9 o'clock a. m., calling the roll, 5 minutes; time for study, 25 
minutes; arithmetic, 25 minutes; spelling, 15 minutes; recess, 15 minutes; fourth 
reader, 25 minutes; third reader, 25 minutes; second reader, 25 minutes; first reader, 
20 minutes. 1 o'clock p. m., primer class, first, 25 minutes; primer class, second, 25 
minutes; alphabet, 20 minutes; calisthenics, 10 minutes; slate work, 40 minutes. 



SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 105 

Monday and Wednesday, spelling, 40 minutes; Tuesday and Thiursday, writing, 40 
minutes; Friday, reviews. 

Ncnnes ofbools wsed.— Baldwin's Reader, John H. Walsh and Robinson Arithmetics, 
Sheldon's Speller, California Vertical Copy Books. 
Respectfully, 



W. C. Aelis, 

Agent North American Commercial Agent. 



W. E. Lambert, Teacher. 



Exhibit No. 12. 

certificate shipment sealskins, st. george, 1904. 

Division Special Agents."! Island of St. George, 

Form 17. j Bering Sea, Alaska, August 8, 1904- 

This is to certify that 1,996 fur-seal skins have this day been shipped on board the 
North American Commercial Co.'s steamer Kruger, consigned to the North American 
■Commercial Co., San Francisco, Cal. 

Ezra W. Clark, 
Assistant Agent, St. George. 
K. A. Ahlin, Master "W. H. Kruger." 



Exhibit No. 13. 

AGENT Clark's report on year's business, st. george. 

Office of Special Agent, 
Department of Commerce and Labor, 
St. George Island, Alaska, August S, 1904. 

Dear Sir: I forward this day under several covers the following-mentioned reports 
concerning the business conducted on this island under my supervision during the 
past year, to wit: Abstract of sealskins taken (in duplicate); weight of each sealskin 
taken during season; report of food seals killed during year; fox division, commu- 
nity fund, 1904; seal division, community fund, 1904; census of St. George natives, 
June 30, 1904; harem counts and rookery statistics, 1904; counts of live pups and 
dead pups, current season; report of branding of young bachelor seals, 1904; state- 
ment of expenditm'es of North American Commercial Co. maintaining school for 
native children the past yeai-; expenditures of North American Commercial Co. 
for physicians and medicines, 1904; statement of expenditures of North American 
Commercial Co. in providing for widows, orphans, and infirm, 1903-4; statement of 
expenditures of North American Commercial Co. for repairs of native dwellings and 
house of religious worship, 1903—1 ; shipping receipt for sealskins shipped (in duplicate). 

In transmitting these reports I beg to say that the data embraced in them embodies 
about all the facts which I would embody in an extended report were I to make one. 
When I saw you in June I handed you some memoranda regarding the foxing of last 
winter, and to that I may add here that we were happily disappointed in getting a 
^eater number of foxes than we expected to obtain, and especially gi-eater than the 
indications early in the foxing season led us to expect. The foxes appeai-ed in the 
autumn to be in an especially healthy and good condition, and that has characterized 
the condition of the fox herd for the whole year. Very few dead foxes have been 
observed, although especial attention has been given during the whole year to gath- 
ering information of casualties to these animals. 

My own observations and those of the natives, so far as I can ascertain, have been 
that the young foxes of this year ai-e healthy, and that the litters are larger than were 
those of the year last passed. Yet in this connection it is proper to add that the 
number of foxes breeding near the village is fevvcr than last year. This is doubt- 
less owing to the fact that our first catch and killing of last year was of village foxes, 
so to speak, and those bun-owing near the village. Also the access to the burrows 
which they formerly used under the salt house (and other buildings grouped with 
it) was cut off and the foxes occupying them were killed. The gi-eat majority of the 
foxes branded last winter, I believe, have their habitat and breeding grounds at 
remote places on the island. 



106 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

The young foxes — 10 pairs in niimber — which were desired for transfer to Kadiak 
or the islands near there were gotten without difficulty. Of the natives, 19 were 
engaged in catching them under the direction of the chief and second chief. The 
company agent paid these natives $20 in cash for the 20 foxes taken. 

The sealing season was concluded without notable incident after the completion 
of the branding of this island's quota of 200 bachelor 3-year-olds and 200 bachelor 
2-year-olds. Every effort was made to adhere in our taking of skins to the limit of 
5^ pounds for skins. Naturally the company agent was desirous of getting the full 
quota allowed the company for the year, but I did not observe on his part any dis- 
position to do so in disregard of the limit as to size and weight. All tried to keep 
the selection of the seals knocked down to the limit of 5i pounds; but it was not 
until near the close of the sealing season that I was able to so manage the selection 
as to avoid killing any under the size limited. Evidently the com})any would not 
have gotten its allowance of 2,000 skins on this island had the limit been strictly 
adhered to. This fact is significant in considering the steady diminution of the seal 
herd and in connection with the fact that this year's quota was less than two-thirds 
of the number taken here last year. It is fair to remember, however, that food skins 
were taken from July 31 to Avigust 10, whereas no seals were killed this year after 
July 31. 

The counts of pups and harems, tabulated statements of which are forwarded, fur- 
nish mournful evidence of the diminution of the breeding herd, irrespective of the 
falling off in young bachelors or killables. 

The great scarcity of breeding bulls on this island and the steady falling off in 
their number is particularly noteworthy. The action of the department in provid- 
ing, through the branding of 3'oung male seals, for new blood to draw upon to replen- 
ish the stock of breeding bulls is timely. Yet if the pelagic sealers are permitted 
to continue their depredations, this measure will fail utterly to accomplish the purpose 
and will serve only to enrich the spoilers of our industry. 

The rookeries on this island were driven twice a week during the past season, with 
the exception of Zapadni. It is a question if this is not too often, especially with the 
fast driving which the natives are likely to make in rainy weather or when the seals 
from any cause are lively. On our last drive, which was made in a rainstorm, several 
of the seals were observed with abraided flippers and testes. This condition was 
observed by both Mr. Chechester and myself, and he ascribed it at the time to frequent 
driving. I mention it here to suggest inquiry and the remedy. I will add that the 
condition named was not noticed until our very last sealing. 

I must beg you to excuse these hastily prepared remarks. I would cheerfully have 
made an extended report had I thought it would aid you any in yours. 
Very respectfully, yours, etc., 

Ezra W. Clark, Assistant Agent. 

W. I. Lembkey, Esq., Agent Seal Fisheries. 



Exhibit No. 14. 

AGENT Clark's report on branding bachelors, st. george island. 

Office of Special Agent, 
Department of Commerce and Labor, 

St. George Island, Alaska, August 8, 1904. 

Dear Sir: The branding of seals under department's letter of instructions requir- 
ing the branding on this island of 200 three-year-old and 200 two-year-old seals, to be 
selected from the early drives of the season, was begun on June 7, when a drive of 
17 seals was obtained, of which 8 three-year-olds and 1 two-year-old were branded, the 
others in the drive being too large. Hot irons were used for burning off the hair and 
into the fur on the head; the irons were used by myself. From this date the branding 
was continued by selections made from the drives. On June 21 rain was falling, 
rendering the use of hot irons difficult and slow work. Some sheep shears in possession 
of the company were now tried for clipping the hair and fur, and it was found that an 
effective mark could be made with the shears, even more conspicuous than that made 
with the hot irons, also that the wet weather did not interfere with the use of the shears. 
The subsequent branding was therefore done with shears, this method being deemed 
a substantial compliance with your directions on this subject. 

The entire quota of this island was obtained by July 2. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 
Appended is a memorandum showing the number branded by dates: 



107 



Dates. 


Three- 
year-olJs. 


1 
Two- 
year-olds. 


Dates. 


Three- 
ycar-oLIs. 


Two- 
year-olds. 


June 7 


8 

4 

45 

25 

122 


1 
13 

21 ' 

13 

41 


June 28 




68 


June 11 


July 2 




43 




Total 






June 2! 


204 ! 200 


June 23 

















The marks remained conspicuous during all the season's drives. Quite a number 
of seals with the St. Paul brand ( + ) appeared in our drives. 
Respectfully submitted. 

Your obedient servant, Ezra W. Clark, 

Assistant Agent in Charge. 
W. I. Lembkey, Agent Seal Fisheries. 



Exhibit No. 15. 

AGENT Clark's report on company's expenditures, st. george. 

Office of Special Agent, 
Department of Commerce and Labor, 
St. George Island, August 8, 1904- 
Dear Sir: Referring to the provision in department's letter of instructions dated 
May 1, 1904, in which it is required to ascertain from the North American Commercial 
Co. its expenditures for maintaining schools for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1904, I 
beg to state that the agent of the company on the island of St. George has reported, in 
response to my inquiry on the subject, as follows, to wit: 

Expense of coal for heating school building $80. 00 

Repairs of building, labor, lumber, etc 100. 50 

Books, etc 15. 63 

Salary of teacher 780. 00 

Board, etc 364. 00 

Total 1, 340. 13 

The agent states further that "all the above statements are incomplete, as the office 
has charges that do not appear on our books," meaning the office in San Francisco. 

I have nothing to add to the statement save that the teacher, Mr. C. R. Edson, who 
is also the company's bookkeeper, appears to me to be a competent and efficient man. 

Referring to that portion of department's letter of instructions of May 1, 1904, which 
requires a statement from the North American Commercial Co. showing the expendi- 
tures made bj' said company during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1904, in providing 
medical attendance for the residents on the seal islands, I beg to present below the 
statement furnished by the company agent for this island, in reply to my request to 
him in the matter, viz : 

Dispensary: 

Doctor's salary $1, 200. 00 

Board, etc., of doctor 364. 00 

Drugs expended 203. 58 

Total 1, 767. 58 

"All the above statements are incomplete, as the office has charges that do not 
appear on our books." 

"The company's statement is all the information in my possession on the subject. 

In compliance with that part of the letter of instructions of the department dated 
May 1, 1904, which directs that a statement of the North American Commercial Co. 
be iurni.shed in which shall be shown the expenditures of said company in furnishing 
and keeping in proper repair the dwellings occupied by the natives on the seal islands, 
and a like statement of expenditures incurred by said company in maintaining a house 
of religious worship for the natives. I have respectfully to report that in response to 



108 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



my request made to the company agent on St. George Island with respect to these two 
items, he has informed me that the expenditures for repairs to native dwelling houses 
have been about $5 for the year, which is considerably less in amount than the average 
annual cost of such repairs. 

He stated further that the company has done nothing toward maintaining a house 
of religious worship for the natives. 

The native church has been painted and kept in repair by the church authorities 
and the natives. 

Referring to the requirement of department's letter of instructions of May 1, 1904, 
that a statement be obtained from the North American Commercial Co. showing the 
number of widows, orphans, and infirm natives cared for under the terms of its lease, 
for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1904, and the expenditures in making such provision, 
I present below the statement furnished upon m}^ request by the company agent here: 
Widows and orphans: 

Number of persons, 18 for 2^ months. 
Number of persons, 12 for 9| months. 
Average, a little over 13 individuals, $946.98. 

"All the above statements are incomplete, as the office has charges that do not 
appear on our books." 

I respectfully submit the above for the information of the department. 
Yours, respectfully, 

Ezra W. Clark, 
Assistant Agent in Charge. 
W. i. Lembkey, Esq., 

Agent for Seal Fisheries, St. Paul Islands. 



Exhibit No. 16. 

Weights of sealskins, St. George Island, 1904. 



Weights. 


Num- 
ber. 


Weights. 


Num- 
ber. 


Weights. 


Num- 
ber. 




5 
4 
12 
18 
42 
135 
136 
181 
151 
160 
133 


7 pounds . . 


155 
80 
75 
44 
58 
24 
18 
14 
22 
6 
11 


9 J pounds 


6 








2 




7J pounds 

7 J pounds 


lOJ pounds 


1 




101 pounds 

lOf pounds 


4 




8 pounds. . ... 


1 




8i pounds 


1 1 pounds 


2 






114 pounds 

11| pounds 

Total 


1 




8 J pounds 


1 




9 pounds 




expounds 


1,502 















Exhibit No. 17. 
Daily counts of rookeries, St. George Island, season 1904. 

NORTH ROOKERY. 



Dates of count. 


Harems. 


Cows. 


Bulls in 
place. 


Idle 
bulls. 


Bulls 
quitting. 


June 10 






107 
122 
SO 
68 
68 
52 
32 
19 




17 


June 17 ... 


9 

45 
49 
59 
66 
92 
111 
117 
128 


10 

93 

130 

2S1 

640 

1,415 

2,382 

2,825 

3,133 




1 


June 23 




12 


June 24 




20 






16 






29 


July 2 . 




35 


July 6 . . . 




31 


Julys 


17 
13 




July 12 . 




(2) 









1 These include young bulls or half bulls. 

2 Idle hulls with holustiak not counted this day. 

3 Several bulls in water. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



109 



Daily counts of rookeries, St. George Island, season 1904 — Continued. 

EAST CLIFFS.i 



Dates of count. 


Harems. 


Cows. 


Bulls in 
place. 


Idle 
bulls. 


Bulls 
quitting. 


June 10 


1 


42 
37 
32 
21 
16 
13 
14 
6 




25 




5 
11 
23 

27 
35 

38 
40 
40 
49 
50 


10 

47 

163 

313 

522 

941 

1,090 

1,432 

1,422 

1,486 




2 20 


June 20 . 




^20 


June 24 




^14 


June 27 .... 




2 20 


June 29 




2 15 


July 2 




29 


Julv 4 




2 16 


July 7 




2 15 


July 9 . 


.......... 


11 
17 




July 13 







EAST REEF. 



June 10 






16 
20 
20 
9 
5 
2 
2 




*3 


June 17 








«7 


June 20 








*6 


June 24 


12 
16 
20 
19 
18 
20 
21 
20 


19 
41 
63 
138 
213 
337 
381 
395 




*4 


June 27 




43 


June 29 




*2 


July 2 




*2 


July 4 




«7 


July 7 






41 


July 9 

July 13 - 




3 

1 











LITTLE EAST. 



June 10 






16 
17 
13 

7 
7 
4 

2 
2 






June 17 










June 20 


4 

10 
10 
14 
15" 
16 
17 
17 
18 


4 

17 

23 

60 

138 

210 

313 

351 

320 






June 24 






June 27 




1 


June 29 






July 2 




1 


Julv 4 




1 


July 7 


2 
3 

1 




July 9 






July 13 s 













I Cliffs very difficult to count; cows lie in among the rocks; count is generally under rather than over. 
' These at hauling grounds of the holustiak. 
3 Four in place on rookery at holustiak ground. 

* At the hauling ground. 

* Harems disintegrating. 

Staraya Artel Rookery. — The harems on this rookery are so massed together that it is 
impossible to get among them for counting. An attempt was made on June 13 to count 
the harems and cows, and 39 harems were found, estimated to contain 1,600 to 1,700 
cows. There were 14 idle bulls. 

Zapadni Rookery. — This rookery is in the same case as Staraya Artel last mentioned. 
The harems are very much massed. On July 14 tried to count harems and cows. I 
counted fairly well 28 harems, in which were found 1,162 cows. There were 56 bulls 
with harems. Giving to the remaining 28 harems a number of cows equal to those in 
the 28 actually counted, we have 2,324 cows all told, which is the best estimate to be 
made under existing conditions. There were 14 idle bulls. 





Recapitulation. 










Harems. 


Cows. 


Idle 
bulls. 


North Rookery 




128 
50 
21 
18 
39 
56 


3,133 
1,486 
395 
351 
1,650 
2,324 


13 


East ReefCliffs 


17 


East Reef 


3 


Little East 


1 


Staraya Artel 


14 


iJapadnl 


14 








Aggregates 


312 


9,339 


62: 







110 



SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



Exhibit No. 18. 
Rookery counts of live pups, dead pups, cows, etc. 



Date of 


Name of rookeries. 


Number of— 


Number of 
dead- 


count. 


Live 
pups. 


Dead 
pups. 


Cows. 


Bulls. 


July 28 
31 




3,151 
540 

002 
2,291 
4,284 
2,384 


82 
C 
5 

45 
101 

32 


4 

4 
2 

1 


2 


Little East 




31 


East Reef .... 




31 


East Cliffs 




Aug. 1 
1 


North 




Staraya VrteL. 






Total 






13,312 


271 


12 


2 









1 Falling off is very startling. 

The counting: of East Cliffs is always unsatisfactory. The rocks under which the 
pups lie or hide themselves are close to the earth, while at the same time large, so 
that the refugees are difficult to reach. The count is apt to be under rather than 
over the true number. A few new-born pups were seen on each rookery. 
Very little trouble from bulls was met with 

Very ie.«pectfully, Ezra W. C\auk, 

Assistant Agent in Charge. 
August, 1904. 



Exhibit No. 19. 
St. George Island, Alaska, foxing season of 1903-4 



No. of trapping. 



First.... 
Second. . 
Third . . . 
Fourth.. 
Fifth.... 
Sixth . . . 

Seventh. 



Eighth... 
Ninth.... 



Tenth. 



Eleventh 

Twelfth 

Thirteenth.. 
Fourteenth . . 

Fifteenth 

Sixteenth . . . 
Seventeenth. 
Eighteenth.. 

Nineteenth. . 



Fox house 
do.... 



.do. 



do 

do 

do 

(Fox house.. 

\Villas!e 

j Fox house . . 

tallage 

/Fox house.. 

\Villag3 

Fox house . . 
llage 



J Fox 
\Villa 



/Fox house. 

\Village 

Fox house. 

\ Village 

/Fo,\ house. 

\Village 

I Fox house. 
\Village 

iFox house. 
Village 
Fox house. 
Village 

(Fox house. 

\ViIlage 

/Fox house. 
\ Village 

(Fox house. 
\ Village 



1903. 
Nov. 22 
Nov. 29 
Dec. 6 
Dec. 10 
Dec. 14 
Dec. 18 

■Dec. 21 

'Dec. 23 

'Dec. 27 

►Dec. 29 

1904. 
Jan. 1 

Jan. 4 

Jan. 8 

Jan. 10 

Jan. 11 

Jan. 12 

Jan. 14 

Jan. 15 

^Jan. 19 



Killed. 



1^ !^ 



50 39 

25 I 20 



V- 



Brand- 
ei. 



Re- 
caught. 



25\ 
3/ 

^1 29 



Remarks. 



Cool, favorable weather. 

High tide. 

Sloppy. 

Good "weather. 

Do. 
fWeather cold and high 
\ wind. 



Weather mild-cahn. 32°. 

(The females killed were 
I toothless. Weather, 
[ mild-windy. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. Ill 

St.. George Island, Alaska, foxing season of 1903-4 — Continued. 



No. of trapping. 



Place. 



Twentieth 

Twenty-first . . . 
Twenty-second. 
Twenty-third !{f^^l^f ''''■ 



(Fox house. 

\ Village 

(Fox house. 

\ Village 

/Fox house. 
■|\Village. 



Twenty-fourth \^r':__ 

Twenty-fifth ^l^^r'.V 

Twenty-sixth '{^?,^!r''- 

Twenty-seventh ^i^^r'.: 

Twenty-eighth {f.^i^ir''-- K 



Total. 



Date. 



1904. 
fJan. 20 



\3an. 23 

I^Jan. 24 



"Jan. 25 



►Jan. 28 



Killed. 



•3 ' n 



Brand- 
ed. 



Re- 
caught. 



Remarks. 



1 Sex not ascertained. 

Note. — Three were found dead or killed outside of traps and skins taken. One found dead after trap- 
ping ended , with a good skin. All foxes killed in the later trappings were old. One blue fox found dead 
after ending of season included. The total number of blue-fox skins secured is 471; the total number of 
white-fox skins secured is 1-5; total, 480. 



Exhibit No. 20, 

Census of St.. George Island, Alaska, June SO, 1904. 



No. of 


No. of 


fam- 


per- 


•ly. 


son. 




1 




2 


1 


3 




4 




5 




f 6 


2 


7 
8 




9 




10 




11 




12 


3 


13 




14 




15 




16 




17 




18 


4 


19 
20 




21 




22 




23 


5 


24 
25 




. 26 


6 


f 27 
\ 28 


7 


/ 29 
\ 30 



Name of individual 



When born. 



Galanin, Evan... 
Galanin, Anna... 
Galanin, Akalina 
Galanin, Alexander 

Galanin, George 

GorokotI, Cornell 
Gorokoff, Martha 
Oustigoff, Alexandra 
Oustigoff, Stepanida 
Lekanoff, Stepan 
Lekanoff, Pelagia 
Lekanoff, Anatoli 
Lekanoff, Sergius 
Lekanoff, Sara. .. 
Lekanoff, Marina 
Lekanoff, George 
Lestenkoff, Dimitri 
Lestenkoff, Alexandra 
Lestenkoff, Elizabeth 
Lestenkoff, Constantine 
Merculioff, Marke 
Diakanoff, Katie 
Lestenkoff, Michael 
Lestenkoff, Oulita 
Lestenkoff, Innokenty 
Lestenkoff, Anna 
Malavansky, Nicolai 
Malavansky, Fedosia 
Merculioff, Evan. . 
Merculioff, Natalia 




» This couple married on Aug. 9, 1903. 



112 SEAL ISLANDS OP ALASKA. 

Census of St. George Island, Alaska, June 30, 1904 — Continued. 



No. of 
fam- 
ily- 



No. of 
per- 



Name of individual. 



Merculioff , George 

MerculiofE, Stepaaida 

Merculioff, Feter 

Merculioll, Sophia 

Merculioff, George, jr 

Merculioff, Martffa <■ 

Merculioff, Josepii 

Merculioff, Marvara 

Merculioff, John * 

Merculioff, Helena ^ 

Merculioff, Nicolai 

Merculioff', Matrona 

Merculioff, Lavrenty 

Merculioff, Gavril 

Nedarazofi', Nicola^ , 

Nedarazoff, Efghema 

Nedarazofl", Isidor 

Philimonofl, Andronic . . . 

Philimonoff, Zenobia 

Philimonoff, Marina 

Philimonoff, Leonti 

Philimonoff, Alexandra... 
Philimonoff, Andronic, jr . 

Philimonoff, Eofl 

Philimonoff, Gregory 

Philimonoff, Malania 

Philimonoff", Dimitri 

Nozekoff, Paul 

Oustigofl, Anfessia 2 

Philimonoff, Simeon 

Philimonoff, Evalotia 

Philimonoff, Zoya 

Philimonoff, Joseph 

Philimonoff, Ignati 

Philimonoff, Julia 

Philimonoff, Helena 

Philimonoff, Pelagia 2 

Prokopioff, Peter 

Prokopioff, Stepanida. 

Prokopioff, Martha 

Prokopioff, Marina 

Prokopioff, Alexander . . . . 

Prokopioff, Lavrenty 

Shane, Michael 

Shane, Raiessa 

Merculioff, Stepan 

Swetzoff, Gregory 

Swetzoff , Paul 

Galanin, Fevronia 



Zacharoff, Emanuel 

Zacharoff, Mary 

Zacharoff, Daria 

Zacharoff, Stepan 

Malavansky, Eipsimia '. . 

Malavansky, Peter 2 

Malavansky, Wassie ^ 

Malavanskv, Christopher ' 

Philimonoff, Foekla 2 

Merculioff, Wassalis 2. . . . 
Merculioff, Alexandra 2. . . 



priest's family. 



Kashivarofl, Peter (priest j . 

Kashivaroff , Anna 

Kashivaroff, Walter 

Pavloff , Katrina 

Riazanzoff, Sereflna 



RESIDING ELSEWHERE. 



Malavansky, Cleopatra. 



Family relation. 



Husband. 

Wife 

Son 

Daughter. 

Son 

Sister 

Husoand. 

Wife 

Brother... 

Sister 

Husoand. 

Wife 

Son 

do 

Bachelor.. 
Mother.. . 
Brother... 
Husband. 

NV ife 

Dajghter. 

Son 

Daughter. 
Son 



Ages. 



Male. Female. 



1 

3 mo. 

2o 



.ao. 



Husband 

Wife 

Brother 

Nephew 

Foster child . . . , 

Husband 

Wife 

Daughter 

Son 

do 

Daughter 

do 

Granddaughter 

Husband 

Wife 

Daughter 

do 

Son 

do 

Bachelor 

Mother 

Cousin 

Bachelor 

Cousin 

Widow and 
cousin. 

Husband 

Wife 

Daughter 

Son 

Spinster 

Son 

Spinster 

Son 

Foster child . 

Widow 

Daughter 



Husband. 

Wife 

Son 

Niece. ... 
Orphan . . 



Daughter of 
Ripsimia. 



2 

10 mo. 

16 



6 mo. 



Inf. 



25 



20 



2 

3 mo. 

16 



27 



46 



29 



53 



When bom. 



Sept. 
Apr. 
Dec. 
Jan. 



June 
Oct. 

Jan. 
May 



Nov. 15,1873 
Dec. 21,187& 
July 10,1899 
Sept. 29, 1901 
Apr. 29,1903 
July 8, 1893 
Mar. 17, 18(2 
May 14,i8i& 
Jan. 18,1890 
May 27,1884 
May 19,1880 
Jan. 2, 1883 
8, 1902 
8,1904 
18,1877 
5,1854 
Feb. 15,1891 
Oct. 24,1807 
Nov. 12,1866 
May 12,1890 
May 6, 1894 
X\iV. 25,1896 
Oct. 18, 1898 
8, 1902 
12, 1872 
12, 1874 
25, 1886 
July 11,1896 
Apr. 21,1895 
Aug. 3, 1850 
Feb. 28,1871 
Nov. 12,1892 
Feb. 4,1894 
Dec. 29,1899 
Mar. 12,1902 
Apr. 10,1904 
Oct. 19,1887 
May 29,1864 
Nov. 18,1876 
Mar. 8, 1896 
5, 1898 
1,1902 
:. 30,1903 
. 13,1887 
1852 
Sept. 27, 1890 
Nov. 29,1885 
.July 8,1892 
June 25,1877 

July 1,1880 
Apr. 1,1874 
Apr. 2,1902 
Jan. 8, 1904 

1858 
Jan. 22,1888 
Aue. 14,1874 
June 8,1904 
Oct. 2,1894 
Jan. 20,1851 
Apr. 22,1878 



Mar 
May 
Aug, 
Oct 



Mar. 
Jan. 
July 
Dee. 
July 



3,1857 
17,1865 
2, 1887 
2, 1893 
1,1887 



Oct. 31,1882 



1 Clothing furnished by the North American Commercial Co. 
* Supported by the North American Commercial Co. 



SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 113 

RECAPITULATION. 

Number of native inhabitants at last preceding census, including priest's family 92 

Increase by births during past year 6 

Decrease by deaths during past year 3 

Actual nuraber of native residents 95 

SUMMARY. 

Number of native families 21 

Number of native individuals 95 

Number of native males 48 

Number of native females 47 

Number of native males 16 years old or over 24 

Number of native males between 6 and 13 years old 11 

Number of native males under years old 13 

Number of native females 16 years old or over 28 

Number of native females between 16 and 6 years old 14 

Number of native females under 6 years old 5 

Number of males of school a^e 11 

Number of females of school age 14 

The number of families wholly supported by the company is one. One other family partially supported 
by the company. Peter Malavansky, now become a sealer, will be furnished food by the coriipany xintil 
September 1. Eight individuals are now wholly supported by the company and four clothed only. 

Government agents and comipany employees. — Ezra W. Clark, assistant agent in 
charge; H. D. Chichester, assistant agent; Mrs. Ezra W. Clark; Dr. L. A. Noyes, 
company agent; Henry E. Routh, bookkeeper; J. A. Lake, clerk; Clinton R. Edson, 
school-teacher; Gee Ho, Chinese cook. 

I certify that the foregoing is a correct copy of the census of St. George Island, 
Alaska, as made by me on June 30, 1904. 

Ezra W. Clark, 
Assistant Agent in Charge, St. George Island. 



Exhibit No. 21. 

Seal division, St. George Island, 1904. 

By 1,996 sealskins, at 50 cents each $998. 00 

To 14 men of class 1, at $43.95 each 615. 30 

To 5 men of class 2, at $35.15 each 175. 75 

To 5 men of class 3, at $26.40 each 132. 00 

To 2 men of special class, at $40 and $34.95 74. 95 

998. 00 

First-class shares. — Fourteen men at $49.35 each, as follows: Cornell Gorokoff, Peter 
Kashivaroff (priest), Stepan Lekanoff, Dimitri Lestenkoff, Michael Lestenkoff, Nick- 
olai Malavansky, George Merculioff, Joseph Merculioff, Nicolai Merculioff, Andronic 
Philimoiioff, Gregory Philimonoff, Simeon Philimonoff, Peter Prokopioff, Emanuel 
Zacharoff. . 

Second-class shares.— Five men, at $35.15 each, as follows: Evan Galanin, Evan 
Merculioff, Nicolai Niderezoff, Michael Shane, Gregory Swetzoff. 

Third-class shares.— Five men, at $26.40 each, as follows: Alexander Galanin, Walter 
Kashivaroff, Peter Malavansky, Marka Merculioff, and Dimitri Philimonoff. 

Special-class shares.— Two men, as follows: Stepan Lekanoff, extra as chief, $40; 
Joseph Merculioff, extra as second chief, $34.95. 

The foregoing seal division was duly made, and has been placed to the credit, on 
the books "of the North American Commercial Co., of the natives as designated 
respectively. 

(Signed) Ezra W. Clark, 

Assistant Agent in Charge. 
Dr. L. A. NoYES, 
Agent North American Commercial Co. 

Stepan Lekanoff, 

Chief. 

Joseph Merculioff, 

Second Chief. 

2403— H. Doc. 93, 62-1 8 



114 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



Exhibit No. 22. 

Fox division, St George Island, Alaska, made June 1, 1904. 

By 471 blue-fox skins, at $5 each |2, 355. 00 

By 15 white-fox skins, at 11 each 15. 00 

2, 370. 00 

To allowance to hydrant keeper 5. 00 

To chief for extra labor 30. 00 

To second chief for extra labor 25. 00 



60. 00 

First-class shares. — Thirteen men at $116.65 each, as follows: Comeil Gorokoff, 
Stepan Lekanoff, Dimitri Lestenkoff, Michael Lestenkoff, Nicolai Malavansky, 
George Merculioff, Joseph Merculioff, Nicolai Merculioff, Andronic Philimonoff, 
Gregory Philimonoff, Simeon Philimonoff, Peter Prokopioff, Peter Kashivaroff 
(priest) . 

Second-class shares. — Four men at $93.40 each, as follows: Evan Galanin, Evan 
Merculioff, Nicolai Niderezoff, Emanuel Zacharoff . 

Third-class shares. — Six men at $70 each, as follows: Alexander Galanin, Walter 
Kashivaroff, Marka Merculioff, Dimitri Philimonoff, Michael Shane, Gregory Swet- 
zoff. 

I certify that the foregoing is a correct transcript of the fox division as made on 
June 1, 1904, and that the amounts as designated have been placed to the credit of 
the natives respectively designated on the North American Commercial Co.'s books. 

Ezra W. Clark, 
Assistant Agent in Charge. 



Exhibit No. 23. 
Annual statement of fur seals killed on St. George Island for food of natives. 



Date. 



Rookeries. 



Large 
young 
seals. 


Tota 1. 


40 


40 


68 


68 


2 


2 


26 


26 


C 


6 


36 


36 


82 


82 


61 


61 


2 


2 


2 


2 


54 


54 


22 


22 


11 


11 


42 


42 


2 


2 


2 


2 


13 


13 


4 


4 


20 


20 


2 


2 



Skins ac- 
cepted 
by lessees. 



"' 1903. 
Oct. 19 

20 

21 

22 

24 

26 

29 

31 

Nov. 2 

4 

5 

8 

9 

11 

11 

16 

17 

22 

25 

1904. 
May 31 



Staraya Artel 

North ^ 

Zapadni, watchmen. 

East 

Zapadni 

Staraya Artel 

North 

East 

Staraya Artel 

Zapadni, watchmen. 

North 

Zapadni 

East 

Staraya Artel 

Zapadni, watchmen 

do 

East and North 

North 

East 

Zapadni, watchmen 



Two skins are to be deducted from the foregoing to meet discrepancy explained in 
note on general statement. The number killed for food is therefore 495. 
The foregoing is correct. 

Ezra W. Clark, 
Assistant Agent in Charge. 



SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 115 

Exhibit No. 24. 
Memoranda of expenditures account natives St. George Island for eleven months, 1903-4. 



Name of head of family. 



Fox and 

seal 
division. 



Govern- 
ment ap- 
propria- 
tion. 



Total. 



Alex. Galanin 

Evan Galanin 

Cornell Gorokoff , 

Peter Kashivaeoff (priest) , 

Peter Kashivaeoff, jr , 

Walter Kashivaeoff 

Stepan Lekanofl (chief) 

Dimitri Lestenkoff 

Mike Lestenkoff , 

George Merculioff 

John Merculioff , 

Joseph Merculiofl (second chief). 

Marka Merculioff 

Nicolai Malavansky 

Nicolai Merculiofl 

Nicolai Niderezofl 

Andronic Philimonofl 

Dimitri Philimonofl 

Gregory Philimonofl 

Simeon Philimonofl 

Peter Prokopiofl 

Michael Shane , 

Gregory Swetzofl 

Emanuel Zacharoff , 

Peter Malavansky , 

Community fund 



$113.95 
158.00 
197. 38 

197. 38 
74.33 
44.20 

267. 39 
197. 38 
197. 38 
197. 38 
157. 00 
257. 38 
118. 20 
197. 38 
197. 38 
158. 00 
197. 38 

118. 40 
197. 38 
197. 38 
197. 38 

44.20 
133. 23 
158.00 



Total. 



$199. 55 
195. 30 



137. 80 
300. 35 
216. 50 
12.5. 75 
288. 95 
13.5. 00 
154. 48 

6.00 
127. 60 
157. 65 
109. 05 
309. 10 
18.00 
121. 05 
298. 70 
198. 20 
256. 92 
209. 75 
152. 70 

9.05 
112. 50 



$113. 95 
357. 55 
392. 68 
197. 38 
74.33 
182. 00 
567. 74 
413. 88 
323. 13 
486. 33 
292. 00 
411. 86 
124.20 
324.98 
355. 03 
327. 65 
506. 48 
136. 40 
318.43 
496. 08 
395. 58 
301. 12 
342. 98 
310. 70 
9.05 
112. 50 



7,874.01 



Exhibit No. 25. 

School report, St. George. 

St. George Island, Alaska, 

April 29, 1904- 

Dear Sir: The following is offered as school report for the year 1903-4. A school 
has been furnished for the native children of St. George Island, as required by the 
lease of the North American Commercial Co., for eight months, beginning Tuesday, 
September 1, 1903, and closing Friday, April 29, 1904. 

Twenty-five scholars have attended this school for the year excepting absences 
shown below, most of which were occasioned by the prevailing distemper among 
the natives during March and April. 

Four of last year's pupils, being beyond the age of required attendance, did not 
return to the school in September, and their places were partially filled by two very 
promising beginners, George Lekanoff and Innokenty Lestenkoff, making the school 
smaller by two than last year. 

The usual Christmas and church holidays were observed. 

Number of boys attending school 12 

Number of girls attending school 1 13 

Total 25 

Number of school weeks 35 

Number of school days 174 

Number of holidays observed 18 

Number of days school was in session 156 

Absences excused by doctor days. . 84 

Absences excused by Government agent do 2^ 

Absences unexcused do f 

Absences, total 88 

Total attendance 3, 812 

Average daily attendance 24y'W 

C. R. Edson, Teacher. 
Maj. E. W. Clark, 

Assistant Agent in Charge St. George Island. 



116 seal islands of alaska. 

September 16, 1904. 
Mr. H. D. Chichester, 

Assistant Agent Seal FisJieries in Alaska, 

725 Fourteenth Street NW., Washington, D. G. 
Dear Sir: I return herewith vouchers for your salary from July 
1, 1904, to August 31, 1904, inclusive. In your vouchers you have 
called this period tliree months and computed salary accordingly. 
As our summer days are not as long as the Alaska days, the disburs- 
ing clerk would probably disallow anything in excess of two months 
for the period, above mentioned. Kindly submit corrected vouchers 
for approval. 

Very truly, yours, F, H. Bowen, 

Chief Cleric. 

St. Paul Island, Alaska, 

0<ito'ber 1, 1904. 

Mr. F. H. Hitchcock, 

Chief Cleric, Department of Commerce and Labor. 
Dear Sir : The following amount of coal will be required for use 
next year on the seal islands, to be shipped thereto in the spring of 
1905: 
St. Paul: Tons. 

Payable from natives' appropriation 100 

Lease coal, free of cost 50 

For Government house 15 

165 

St. George: 

Payable from natives' appropriation 75 

Lease coal, free of cost 30 

For Government house 15 

120 

The 175 tons chargeable to the natives' appropriation should be 
paid from the appropriation of 1905, a sufficient amount having been 
reserved therefrom to cover the cost of this amount of coal at $20 
a ton. 

It will be noted that an increase of 5 tons for each of the Govern- 
ment houses is asked for. The amount of 15 tons is, and has been, 
necessary to heat each Government house for a year. In years 
past, however, only 10 tons for this purpose has been sent. This 
has been placed, together with the natives' coal, in the Government 
coal house, and no special record kept of the amount used to heat the 
Government house. As 10 tons, however, is sufficient to heat the 
Government house for only eight months, I feel that an extra allow- 
ance should be made, payable from the appropriation for "Fuel, 
lights, and water,'- rather than to make up the deficiency with coal 
purchased out of the natives' fund. 

Very trul}^, yours, W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Seal Islands. 



seal islands of alaska. 117 

St. Paul Island, Alaska, 

October 1, 190 J^. 
Mr. F. H. Hitchcock, 

Chief Cleric, Department of Commerce and Labor. 
Dear Sir: I understand that the company's lease of the foxing 
privilege on the seal islands will expire this \\dnter. If such is the 
case, I have to suggest that, m any new lease to be made, care be 
taken to allow the Government agent more direct supervision over 
the feeding and trapping of foxes than is now accorded him by the 
present lease. 

Very truly, yours, W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Seal Islands. 



St. Paul Island, Alaska. 

October 1, 190 4. 
Mr. F. H. Hitchcock, 

Chief Cleric, Department of Commerce and Labor. 
Dear Sir: In view of the fact that the presence of aU four Gov- 
ernment agents is necessary in the conduct of the Government busi- 
ness on the seal islands during the sealing season, I have to request 
that Agents Clark and Chichester, in returning to the islands in the 
spring of 1905, be instructed to take passage on the company's vessel 
leaving San Francisco in May, so that they may arrive on the islands 
near the 1st of June. This request is made for the reason that, 
should they take passage on a revenue cutter, they are not likely to 
reach the islands before the middle of July, at a time when the 
season's work is practically over. 

Very truly, yours, W. I. Lembkey, 

Ageiit in Charge Seal Islands. 



November 7, 1904 

Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

St. Paul Island, Alaska. 
Dear Sir: Your three letters of the 1st ultimo, relating respectively 
to the foxmg privilege on the seal islands, the return of Agents Clark 
and Chichester m 1905, and the coal supply for the islands during that 
year, have been received at this office. 

Mr. Hitchcock will return to the department some time during the 
present month, when your letters will be brought to his attention. 
Very trulv, 3'ours, 

F. H. BowEN, 

Chief Cleric. 



118 seaii islands of alaska. 

Office of Agent in Charge Seal Islands, 

St. Paul Island, Alaska, May 31, 1905. 
Mr. F. H. Hitchcock, 

Chief Clerk, Department of Commerce and Labor. 

My Dear Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt, in October last, 
of a letter dated August 29, 1904, from Mr. F. H. Bowen, acting chief 
clerk, inclosing for verification, so far as it relates to property in my 
possession, a statement from the War Department of ordnance and 
ordnance stores turned over to the Department of Commerce and 
Labor. 

In reply, I have to return the inclosure mentioned, with the state- 
ment that the articles mentioned in the list as furnished to me, were all 
received, distributed between the two islands, and are at present there 
in good condition, with the exception of 900 cartridges, caliber .30, 
which were expended in target practice by the natives, 500 being so used 
on St. George under the direction of Assistant Agent Judge, and 400 
on St. Paul under Assistant Agent Chichester and myself. This latter 
action was taken because of the unfamiliarity of the natives with the 
magazine rifle and the necessity for a knowledge of its action in case 
of emergency. 

To meet this expenditure I have to request that the War Depart- 
ment be asked to furnish 1,000 additional cartridges, caliber .30, 
500 to St. George and 500 to St. Paul. 

Very truly, yours, W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Seal Islands. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Division of Alaskan Fisheries, 
St. George Island, Territory of Alaska, Octoher 6, 1904- 
Mr. F. H. Hitchcock, 

Chief Clerk, Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C. 
Dear Sir: In a letter received from Mr. Lembkey the 4th ultimo 
I was instructed to prepare, from the books in this office, lists of 
seals dismissed from the killing grounds during the past two sealing 
seasons. If it should appear doubtful whether such lists would 
reach St. Paul this fall, m time to be available for Ms report, I was 
to send the figures directly to you. 

The contingency anticipated seems likely to occur, and I have 
therefore the honor to inclose herewith copies of the statistics for 
regular killings on St. George for the seasons of 1903 and 1904. 
Very respectfully, yours, 

James Judge, 
Assistant Agent Seal Fisheries. 



SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 

Statistics of regular killings for the quota, 1904- 
ST. GEORGE ISLAND. 



119 



Date. 



Rookeries. 



Animals 
killed. 



Dismissed. 



Large. Small. Branded 



1904. 
June 1 

7 
11 
11 
16 
21 
23 
28 
30 



July 



Sealskins on hand 

Staraya Artel 

....do 

Zapadni, watchmen 

Staraya Artel and east , 

Staraya Artel and north 

Zapadni 

North, east, and Staraya Artel. 

do 

Zapadni 

North, east, and Staraya Artel. 

do 

Zapadni 

North, east, and Staraya Artel. 

do 

Zapadni 

North, east, and Staraya Artel. 

do 

Zapadni 

North, east, and Staraya Artel. 

do 

Zapadni 

North, east, and Staraya Artel. 
Zapadni (taken by chief) 



Total 

Deduct on account error. 



Correct total. 



498 

26 

5 

2 

22 

29 

15 

116 

209 

92 

144 

46 

70 

66 

73 

18 

129 

111 

25 

99 

93 

23 

82 

5 



1,998 
2 



1,996 



179 



74 

47 
185 
156 

88 
236 
304 

40 
290 
453 

65 
258 
518 
129 
379 



3,225 



106 
13 
97 
35 

8 
39 
59 

8 
67 
92 
10 
47 
75 
20 
42 



274 



Note 1.— The column marked " Branded" includes only the 2 and 3 year old bachelors that were branded 
on the head prior to the date indicated. 

Note 2.— Seals bearing the St. Paul brand were found in every drive made in July. The aggregate of 
such was 100. The number in each drive varied between 1 and 16. 

Statistics of regular hillings for the quota, 1903. 

ST. GEORGE ISLAND. 



Date. 



1903. 

June 2 

9 

13 

16 

20 

22 

24 

27 

July 11 

7 



Aug. 



Rookeries. 



Sealskins on hand 

North 

North and Staraya Artel 

East 

Staraya Artel 

East 

Zapadni 

East and Staraya .Vrtel 

do 

do 

do 

Zapadni and Staraya Artel . 

East and Staraya Artel 

do 

Zapadni 

East and Staraya Artel 

do 

Zapadni 

East and Staraya Artel 

Zapadni 

Staraya Artel 

Zapadni, watchmen 

Staraya Artel 



Total. 



Animals 
kiUed. 



487 

31 

23 

42 

15 

12 

71 

199 

328 

209 

222 

51 

206 

78 

126 

275 

92 

148 

87 

99 

134 

5 

152 



3,092 



Dismissed. 



Large. Small 



254 



3 

18 
27 
34 
43 

9 
60 
28 
35 
148 
69 
35 
33 
40 
32 



66 
676 



120 seal, islands of alaska. 

November 7, 1904. 
Mr. James Jltdge, 

Assistant Agent in Charge of Seal Islands, 

St. George Island, Alaslca. 
Dear Sir: Your letter to Mr. Hitchcock under date of the 5th 
ultimo, inclosing statements of the regular killing of seals on St. 
George Island during the seasons 1903 and 1904, has been received 
at this office. 

Mr. Hitchcock wiU return to the department some time during the 
present month, when your letter will be brought to his attention. 
Very truly, yours, 

F. H. Bowen, 

Chief Cleric. 

October 14, 1904. 
Mr. H. D. Chichester, 

7S5 Fourteenth Street NW., Washington, D. C. 
Dear Sir: I inclose herewith the vouchers for traveling expenses 
recently submitted by you, together with a memorandum of informa- 
tion desired by the disbursing clerk. I fail to find in the files of this 
office any copy of orders directing you to proceed to Alaska, and 
think these must have been issued by the Treasury Department. 

Any assistance I can give you in reference to tliis matter will be 
cheerfully rendered. 

Very truly, yours, F. H. Bowen, 

Chief Cleric. 

October 21, 1904. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge of Seal Islands, St. Paul Island, AlasTca. 
Dear Sir: Your letter of September 9, 1904, transmitting the 
stubs of orders for supplies to natives issued on the North American 
Commercial Co. during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1904, will be 
referred to the disbursing clerk for attention. 
Very truly, yours, 

F. H. Bowen, 

Chief Cleric. 



[Copy— original too faint for reproduction.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Chief Clerk, 

Washington, Octol)er25, 1904. 
Mr. H. D. Chichester, 

Assistant Special Agent in Charge of Seal Fisheries, 

725 Fourteenth Street NW., Washington, D. C. 
Dear Sir : This office is in receipt of information from the Auditor 
for the State and Other Departments under date of October 19 that 
a warrant will be issued in your favor for the sum of $634.47 for 
salary as special agent from May 1 to June 30, 1903, and for traveling 
expenses, April, May, and June, 1903. The notice states that you 
will call in person for the warrant. 
Very truly, yours, 

(Signed) F. H. Bowen, 

Chief Cleric. 



seal, islands of alaska. 121 

November 23, 1904. 
Mr. Ezra W. Clark, 

1517 Rhode Island Avenue NW., Washington, D. 0. 
Dear Sir: I shall be obliged if you will be good enough to call at 
the department, at your convenience, for the purpose of furnishing 
the disbursing clerk vnth. information relative to certain portions 
of the accounts of the North American Commercial Co. which are 
under examination. 

Very truly, yours, F. H. Bow^ex, 

Chief Clerk. 



Part II. CoMaruxiCAxioNS Kelative to Revenue-Cutter Patrol. 

April 18, 1904. 
Sir: With further reference to your letter of the 6th instant, I have 
the honor to request that one of the vessels of the Revenue-Cutter 
Service be detailed, in accordance with the practice that has obtained 
for several years past, to })atrol the waters of Bermg Sea durmg the 
coming season \^'ith the object of enforcing the regulations relative to 
the pelagic huntmg of fur seals. 

Respectfully, Geo. B. Cortelyou, 



The Secretary of the Treasury, 



Secretary. 



Treasury Department, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, April 25, 190 If.. 
The honorable the vSecretary of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C. 
Sir: 1. In reply to your letter of the 18th instant, requesting that a 
vessel of the Revenue-Cutter Service be detailed to patrol the waters 
of Bering Sea during the coming season, with the object of enforcing 
the regulations in relation to the pelagic hunting of fur seals, I have 
the honor to state that the President has designated the U. S. S. 
Bear, now at San Francisco, for this duty, from May 10 to September 
10, 1904, and it is expected that said vessel will be ready to sail by the 
10th proximo. " » 

Respectfully, L. M. Shaw, 

Secretary. 

Treasury Department, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, May 20, 1904. 
Mr. Frank H. Hitchcock, 

Chief Cleric, Department of Commerce and Lahor. 

Washington, D. C. 

My Dear Sir: 1. Referring to my phone message of yesterday, 

and to the letter received from Secretary Cortelyou this morning, in 

relation to the orders to the Bear, I inclose herewith the orders 

referred to, and have to request that you obtain the signature of 



122 SEAI. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Secretary Cortelyoii to the approval of the same and return them to 
me as soon as possible. 

2. There are also inclosed, for the files of your office, carbon copies 
of these orders, and also Regulations, Fur Seal Fishing, 1902 (the 
latest published), and a pamphlet containing acts of Congress, acts 
of Parliament, etc., in relation to fur-seal fishing. 

3. I would suggest that if you intend to issue any additional 
instructions that action be taken without delay, as the Bear should 
leave San Francisco at the earliest possible date. 

Respectfully, yours, 

C. F. Shoemaker, 
Captain, Bevenue-C'utter Service, Chief of Division. 



Treasury Department, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, May 20, 1904. 
Capt. O. D. Myrick, R. C. S., 
Commanding TJ. S. S. Bear, 

San Francisco, Cal. 
Sir: 1. You are informed that the President has designated the 
Bear, under your command, to patrol the waters of the North Pacific 
Ocean and Bering Sea until September 10 next, for the purpose 
of enforcing the act of Congress approved December 29, 1892, and 
the regulations of the Paris Tribunal of Arbitration decreed the 15th 
of August, 1893 (copies inclosed). 

2. Under the provisions of the act of Congress above referred to, 
it is unlawful for any citizen or vessel of the United States to en- 
gage in pelagic sealing at any time or in any manner in the waters 
of the Pacific Ocean north of the thirty-fifth degree of north lati- 
tude, in the Bering Sea, and the Sea of Okhotsk. You are therefore 
directed to seize any vessel of the United States found navigating the 
sea as above indicated, in violation of the law, and send the same 
to the nearest or most accessible port of the United States, upon 
arrival there to be surrendered to the custody of competent author- 
ity having jurisdiction. 

3. Since, under the enactment by C-ongress above referred to and 
given in full in the "Regulations, Fur-Seal Fishing Season of 1902" 

« (which apply to the present season), vessels of the United States 
are prohibited absolutely from en^agin^ in fur-seal fishing within 
the geographical limits prescribed, it follows that the "Regulations 
of the Paris Tribunal of Arbitration" (given in full here\nth) are 
applicable only to British vessels, and that fur-seal fishing is prohib- 
ited to subjects of Great Britain at any time or in any manner within 
a zone of 60 geographic miles around the Pribilof Islands, inclusive of 
territorial waters, and from May 1 to July 31, in that part of the 
Pacific Ocean inclusive of Bering Sea situated north of the thirty- 
fifth degree of north latitude and eastward of the one hundred and 
eightieth degree of longitude from Greenwich, until it strikes the 
water boundary described in article 1 of the treaty of 1867 between 
the United States and Russia, and following that line up to Bering 
Straits. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 123 

4. You will arrange with the senior British naval officer at Una- 
laska engaged in carrying out the provisions of the award for the 
mutual dehvery of vessels of the one country seized by officers of the 
other. 

5. You vnR be governed by the following instructions while cruising 
for the enforcement of fur-seal regulations : 

(a) The terms of the award apply only to vessels of the United 
States and Great Britain. The first duty of the boarding officer is to 
satisfy himself by an inspection of her documents as to the vessel's 
nationality. Vessels boarded beyond the legal jurisdiction of the 
United States and found to be of a nationalit}^ not included in the 
award are not to be searched or detained longer than is necessary to 
establish the fact. 

(h) Long chases are not advisable. After a vessel is brought within 
reach of your guns, if she does not bring to, display the national 
ensign and open fixe. Fire one blank and one solid shot as a warning. 
If she still neglects to come to the wind, aim to hit, and use the force at 
your command to compel her to submit to being boarded and searched. 

(c) A mere cursory or perfunctory search of vessels boarded is 
strictly forbidden. The search must be made by two commissioned 
officers, or one commissioned and one petty officer and the necessary 
number of men who are required to remain on board untU every part 
of the vessel where a sealskin or a shotgun or rifle could be concealed 
has been searched. 

(d) Boarding officers are required to exercise courtesy and forbear- 
ance and avoid all discussions. Offensive remarks or actions by 
members of the crevv' or others on board the vessel being searched are 
under no circumstances to be taken notice of. 

(e) Should a sealskin be found on board that bears satisfactory evi- 
dence of having been shot within the Bering Sea, or Idlled in any 
manner within the area of the award in the Pacific Ocean between 
April 30 and August 1, or within 60 miles of the Pribilof Islands, at any 
time, the vessel must be seized. 

(f) Any vessel of Great Britain found within the area of the award 
during the closed season engaged in fur-seal fishing or fitted for fur- 
seal fishing, and not being provided A\dth the special seahng hcense, 
is ordered seized. Or if any Hcensed vessel shall be found witliin the 
area of the award during the closed season, having on board a seal- 
hunting outfit suitable for taldng seal, but forbidden then and there 
to be used, she is ordered seized. 

(g) Only sailing vessels are permitted to engage in fur-seal fishing 
during the period of time and in the waters in which fur-seal fishing 
is allowed. Any vessel propelled in whole or in part by steam or 
other motive power than sail, found so engaged, is ordered seized. 

(Ji) If a vessel which appears to be a seaHng vessel is found \ntliin 
the area of the award during the periods of time in wliich fur-seal 
fishing is forbidden, you will ascertain whether she has been engaged 
in fur-seal fishing; whether she was carried there by stress of weather, 
by a mistake during foggy or thick weather, or is there in the ordi- 
nary course of navigation, making the best of her way to any place. 
You must judge whether such vessel has been engaged in fur-seal 
fishing from the presence of sealskins or bodies of seals on board, or 
salt, and from other circumstances and indications. 



124 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

(i) If such vessel is found outside of the area of the award, and it 
is evident that she has been engaged in fur-seal fishing witliin said 
area, and has thus committed an o'i'ense, you will seize her. A ves- 
sel may violate the law by her boats fur-seal fisliing mthin said area, 
while the vessel herself is outside of said area. 

(j) When you make a seizure, you will, at the time thereof, draw 
up a declaration in writing, stating the conditions of the seized ves- 
sel, the date, and exact place of seizure, giving latitude and longitude, 
and any additional data by which exact location ma}^ be determined 
and circumstances showing guilt. Arms or skins found (the cause of 
seizure), as well as all papers, must be examined on board the seized 
vessel, and so marked as to be readily identified by the boarding offi- 
cers when produced in court or elsewhere. This is important and 
must not be neglected. 

(k) The seized vessel will be taken or sent, as soon as practicable, 
with all persons on board thereof, in charge of a sufficient force to 
insure dehvery, together with witnesses and proofs, and the declara- 
tion of the officer maldiig the seizure, if American, to the most con- 
venient port of California, Oregon, Washington, or Alaska, and 
dehvered to the officers of the United States court: and if British, 
to Unalaska, and there delivered to tlie senior British naval officer 
present, or taken to the most convenient port in British Columbia 
and delivered to the proper authorities of Great Britain, or deliver 
her to the commanding officer of any British A^ssel authorized to 
receive her. 

(Z) A signed and certified list of papers of the seized vessel will be 
delivered to the master thereof, and a duplicate copy transmitted 
with the declaration. 

(m) Any British vessel boarded and found not to be subject to 
seizure will be furnished with a copy of the fur-seal regulations. 

(/i) Each vessel so boarded shall be given a written certificate show- 
ing the date and place of examination, the number of fur-seal skins 
and the number of bodies of seals on board, A duplicate of said cer- 
tificate shall be preserved. 

(o) Herewith are transmitted five copies of the regulations govern- 
ing vessels employed in fur-seal fishing during the season of 1902, with 
act of Congress referred to attached. 
Respectfully, 

(Signed) R. B. Armstrong, 

Assistant Secretary. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, May 20, 1904. 
Approved in accordance with the provisions of my letter of the 19th 
instant. 

(Signed) Geo. B. Cortelyou, 

Secretary. 

May 20, 1904. 
Capt. C. F. Shoemaker, 

Chief, Division of Revenue- Cutter Service, Treasury Department. 
Dear Sir: The three letters signed by Assistant Secretary Arm- 
strong under date of May 20, embodying the orders to the revenue- 
cutter Bear relative to the patrol of Bering Sea to enforce the fur-seal 



SEAX, ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 125 

regulations during the present season, were received tliis afternoon 
with your note of the same date. 

Secretary Cortelyou has indorsed Ms approval on each of the three 
letters of instructions, and I am now returning them to you herewith 
for transmission to the commanding officer of the Bear. 
Very truly, yours, 

F. H. Hitchcock, 

CldefClerl. 



Part III. Communications Relative to Supplies. 

June 4, 1904. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge of Seal Islands, Prihilof Group, Alaslca. 

Dear Sir: There will be forwarded to-day by Adams Express to 
the revenue cutter Perry, care of the Seattle Hardware Co., Seattle, 
Wash., for shipment to the seal islands, two Carlton camera outfits, 
each consisting of the articles described below, and also 20 dozen 
8 by 10 Cramer crown plates. 

The two camera outfits are put up in separate boxes, one of them 
being addressed to you at St. Paul Island and the other to the 
department agents on St. George Island. The plates are also packed 
in two boxes containing 10 dozen each, one of the boxes being addressed 
to St. Paul Island and the other to St. George Island. 

I trust the fullest possible use will be made of these cameras at the 
height of the season, in order to obtain ])hotographic records illus- 
trating the condition of the rookeries on the two islands. 

I shall send a line to Assistant Agent Chichester, St. George Island, 
advising him of the shipment of the camera and plates to be used on 
that island and requesting him to take photographs of the rookeries 
at the height ot the season. You may find it feasible to secure 
Mr. Chichester's services for a few days to assist in taking the photo- 
graphs on St. Paul, but of course that should not be done if it will 
seriously interfere with his more imperative duties on St. George. 
Very truly, yours, 

(Signed) F. H. Hitchcock, 

Chief Cleric. 

(1 Carlton camera, 8 by 10, with tripod; 6 plate holders, 8 by 10; 1 
focusing cloth; 1 Bausch & Lomb-Zeiss convertible anastigmat No. 
18 lens; 1 B. & L. iris diaphragm shutter; 1 color screen.) 



Office of Agent in Charge of 

Seal Fisheries, Alaska, 
St. Paul Island, Alaslca, July 28, 1904. 
Mr. F. H. Hitchcock, 

Chief Cleric, De/parfment of Commerce and Labor. 
My Dear Sir: I have your letter of the 4th ultimo, which arrived 
yesterday by the Thetis, informing me that two camera outfits have 
been forwarded, one for use on St. Paul and the other on St. George 
in photographing the seal rookeries. 



126 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

The outfit for St. Paul Island contained the articles mentioned in 
jour letter, with the possible exception that the lens received stated 
in your letter to be a " Bausch & Lomb-Zeiss Convertable Anastigmat, 
No. 18," but which appears to be a ''Bausch & Lomb-Zeiss Protar, 
Series VII, "may be a different article from that described in your 
letter. I have already stated that the lens received appears to contain 
certain defects in casting which ought not to be present in a high-priced 
lens. 



Very truly, yours, 



W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries. 



Office of Agent in Charge of 

Seal Fisheries, Alaska, 
St. Paul Island, Alaslca, July 28, 1904. 
Mr. F. H. Hitchcock, 

Chief Cleric, Department of Commerce and Labor. 
My Dear Sir : I have to acknowledge the receipt yesterday by the 
Thetis of a letter from Mr. Frank H. Bowen, acting chief, division of 
suppUes, inclosing for my signature invoices of certain supplies 
furnished the islands of St. Paul and St. George for official use, and to 
return the invoices properly signed, with the information that the 
supplies enumerated thereon have all been received in good condition. 
I desire to state, however, that I can not identify the lens furnished 
for use with the Carlton camera on this island as a ''Bausch & Lomb 
convertible anastigmat No. 18." It is marked ''Zeiss Protar, Series 
VII." It has an air bubble, due probably to a defect in casting, half 
as large as a pin head, which, in my judgment, should not appear in 
such a high-priced lens. 

Very truly, yours, W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries. 



October 17, 1904. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge of Seal Fisheries, St. Paul Island, AlasTca. 
Dear Sir: The department has received your letter of July 28 
last to Mr. F. H. Hitchcock, returning, without signature, three 
invoices, dated June 9, 1904, of supplies sent you and stating that the 
articles hsted thereon have been received in good condition. Note is 
made of your further statement that you can not identify the lens fur- 
nished with the Carlton camera as the one described by the department. 
Very truly, yours, 

F. H. Bowen, 

Chief Cleric. 

June 4, 1904. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge of Seal Islornds, Pribilof Group, Alaslca. 
Dear Sir : I am forwarding by Adams Express to-day to tiie rev- 
enue cutter Perry, care of the Seattle Hardware Co., Seattle, Wash., for 
shipment to you at the seal islands, one Remington typewriter No. 7, 



SEAL ISLANDS OP ALASKA. 127 

elite type, 90-scale, with blue copying ribbon, and also, in a separate 
box, the following equipment and supplies therefor : 

1 typewriter cover, rubber. 

6 typewriter ribbons, Paragon, Remington, blue copying. 

3 typewriter ribbons. Paragon, Remington, black record. 

100 sheets carbon paper, cap size. 

1 ream typewriter paper, thin, 8 by 12^. 

1 ream typewriter paper, thick, 8 by 10^. 

1 steel eraser, bone handle. 
3 typewriter erasers, disk. 

2 bottles typewriter oil. 

1 typewriter brush, long handle. Fitch. 

Very truly, yours, 

(Signed) F. H. Hitchcock, 

CTiief Clerk. 



Office of Agent in Charge of 

Alaska Seal Fisheries, 
St. Paul Island, Alaska, Jvly 28, 1904. 
Mr. F. H. Hitchcock, 

Chief Clerk, Department of Commerce and Labor. 
My Dear Sir: Your letter of the 4th of June last, notifying me of 
the shipment by tlie revenue cutter Perry of a Remington typewriter 
No. 7, elite type, 90-seale, for official use on tliis island, reached me 
3^esterday by the Thetis. 

By the same vessel came also the machine in question and, in a 
separate box, all of the typewriting supplies detailed in your letter 
as having been shipped also. 

The macliine is a welcome addition to the office equipment of this 
island, and its receipt is acknowledged with thanks. 

The old typewriting machine which I had here has been presented 
to Agent Judge, who will take it to St. George for use in that office. 
Very truly, yours, 

W. I. Lembket, 
Agent in Charge of Seal Fisheries. 



October 17, 1904. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge of Seal Fisheries, St. Paul Island, Alaska. 

Dear Sir: The department has received your letter of July 28 

last to Mr. F. H. Hitchcock, stating that the new No. 7 Reniington 

typewriter sent you has been delivered and that the old macliine has 

been given to Agent Judge for use in his office on St. George Island. 

Very truly, yours, 

F. H. Bowen, 

Chief Clerk. 



June 4, 1904. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge of Seal Islands, Prihilof Group, Alaska. 
Dear Sir: I am shipping to-day, by Adams Express, the chpping 
apparatus that is to be used experimentallv in marking the 2-year- 
old and 3-year-old seals the department plans to reserve from the 



128 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

killing. The apparatus is being sent to Seattle, care of the Seattle 
Hardware Co., and will be forwarded to the islands on the revenue 
cutter Perry, wliich is expected to sail on or about June 15. With 
the chpper, which has been carefully crated, I am sending a truck 
on which it can be mounted while in use. An iron collar with four 
attachment braces has been made to hold the clipper in position on 
the truck. The attachment device should be bolted firmly to the 
platform of the truck and the vertical support of the clipper inserted 
in the collar and adjusted at the proper height by means of the 
lateral screw. The cutting portion of the chpper, with several extra 
blades, will be found in a small box inclosed in the crate. You will 
also find in the crate a small can of oil for use in lubricating the 
flexible shaft of the clipper. 

The two additional 5-foot sections of flexible shaft that were 
specially ordered to send with the clipper have not been delivered 
as yet, but they are expected to arrive in the course of a day or two. 
As soon as received they will be forwarded separately by express. 

The truck that is being sliipped to you is what is known as pork 
truck, style 395, manufactured by the George P. Clark Co., Windsor 
Locks, Conn. It is rather heavy, but a lighter one with sufficient 
strength could not be procured in time for shipment on the Perry. 
The present one has been hghtened somewhat by cutting off about 
a foot and a half of the forward portion of the frame. 

The chpper was made by the Coates Clipper Co., Worcester, Mass., 
and is known as the Winner, No. 499, Standard Power Chpper. 
Very truly, yours, 

(Signed) F. H. Hitchcock, 

Chief Cleric. 



Office of Agent in Charge of 

Alaska Seal Fisheries, 
St. Paul Island, Alasl^a, July 28, 1904. 

Mr. F. H. Hitchcock, 

Chief Clerl^, Department of Commerce and Labor. 

My Dear Sir: I have received your letter of June 4 last, stating 
that a clipping apparatus and truck have been forwarded to this 
island for use in marking the seals to be reserved under department's 
instructions. 

I have to state also that the articles mentionetl in your letter arrived 
coincidently on the Thetis, in first-class condition, save that the extra 
set of blades for the clipper were badly rusted. 

The machine has been set up and used successfully in cutting the 
hair of several of the residents of this island. As our full quota of 
branded seals was obtained on June 25, it will not be possible to give 
the machine much use this year, but an attempt will be made to-mor- 
row morning to use it on seals rejected from a tlrive. 
Very truly, yours, 

W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries. 



seaii islands of alaska. 129 

October 17, 1904. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge of Seal Fisheries, St. Paul Island, Alaslca. 
Dear Sir: The department has received your letter of July 28 
last to Mr. F. H. Hitchcock, stating that the chpping apparatus and 
truck forwarded to the islands have been received. 
Very truly, yours, 

F. H. BowEN, 

Chief Cleric. 

June 4, 1904. 
Mr. H. D. Chichester, 

Assistant Agent for Seal Islands, 

St. George Island, Prihilof Group, Alaslca. 

Dear Sir : By the revenue cutter Perry, which is expected to sail 
from Seattle on or about the 15th instant, there will be shipped to 
St. George Island one Carlton 8 by 10 camera outfit and 10 dozen 
8 by 10 Cramer crown plates for use in photographing the rookeries. 
It is the desire of the department to obtain a series of photographs 
illustrating as fully as practicable the condition of the various rook- 
eries on St. Paul Island and St. George Island during the height of 
the present season, and you are requested to use your best efforts to 
accomplish this purpose as far as the island of St. George is concerned. 

A similar camera outfit and a like number of plates will be sent at 
the same time to Agent Lembkey, St. Paul Island, and it is possible 
he ma}^ require your services for a few days to assist in photograph- 
ing the rookeries on that island; but this is a matter that will be left 
to his judgment. 

While it is desirable to have the work of photographing the rook- 
eries inade as thorough as feasible, it should not be allowed to inter- 
fere with the more imperative duties the department agents are 
expected to perform under the general instructions for the present 
season. 

The camera outfit that is being shipped to St. George Island is as 
follows : 

1 Carlton camera, 8 by 10, with tripod. 

6 plate holders, 8 by 10. 

1 focusing cloth. 

1 Bausch & Lomb Zeiss convertible anastigmat No. 18 lens. 

IB. & L. iris diaphragm shutter. 

1 color screen. 

Very truly, yours, 

(Signed) F. H. Hitchcock, 

Chief Cleric. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Chief Clerk, 

Washington, June 9, 1904. 
Department Agents, Seal Fisheries, 

St. George Island, Prihilof Group, Alaslca: 
Sir: In accordance with instructions of chief clerk, the following 
supplies have this day been forwarded to jonv address for official use. 
2403— H. Doc. 93, G2-1 9 



130 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 

Please receipt this invoice and return it to this office immediately 
after receiving the supplies. 

Respectfully, , 

Acting Chief, Division of Supplies. 

1 Carlton camera, 8 by 10, with tripod $38. 70 

6 plate holders, 8 by 10 10.00 

1 focusing cloth 30 

1 Bausch & Lomb Zeis3 convertible anastigmatic No. 18 lens 176. 00 

1 B. & L. iris diaphragm shutter 18. 00 

1 color screen 5. 50 

10 dozen Cramer crown plates, 8 by 10 19. 20 



Received the supplies specified above. 

Ezra W. Clark, 

Assistant Agent in Charge. 



June 6, 1904. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge of Seal Islands, Prihilof Group, Alaska. 
Dear Sir: With reference to my letter of the 4th instant, regard- 
ing the clipping apparatus forwarded to you on that date, the depart- 
ment received this morning from the Coates Co., Worcester, Mass., 
the two extra 5-foot flexible shafts that were specially ordered 
sometime ago, and I am having them forwarded this afternoon by 
Adams Express to the revenue cutter Perry for shipment to the 
islands. In the box with the two lengths of shafting I send a 5-foot 
pole fitted with brass clasps for use in manipulating the cutting por- 
tion of the clipper while in action. 

Veiy truly, yours, F. H. Hitchcock, 

Chief Cleric. 

Office of Agent in Charge 

Seal Fisheries, Alaska, 
St. Paul Island, AlasJca, July 28, 1904. 
Mr. F. H. Hitchcock, 

Chief Cleric, Department of Commerce and Labor. 
My Dear Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt, on the 27th 
instant, of your letter of June 6, 1904, informing me that two extra 
5-foot lengths of flexible shafting have been forwarded to me, for use 
on the seal-clipping machiae, and to state that the shafting mentioned 
arrived safely yesterday by the Thetis. 

Very truly, yours, W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries. 



October 17, 1904. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge of Seal Fisheries, St. Paul Island, Alaslca. 
Dear Sir: The department has received your letter of July 28 last 
to Mr. F. H. Hitchcock, stating that the two extra 5-foot lengths of 
flexible shafting forwarded to you for use with the seal-clipping 
machine have been delivered in good order. 

Very truly, yours, F. H. Bowen, 

Chief CUrk. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 131 

St. Paxil Island, Alaska, October 2, I904. 
Mr. F. H. Hitchcock, 

Chief Cleric, Department of Commerce and Labor. 
Dear Sir: The following office stationery will be required for use 
on the seal islands in the spring of 1905: 

St. Paul. 

500 envelopes, small, see sample. 

500 envelopes, large, see sample. 

6 dozen memorandum blocks, small, see sample. 

12 dozen memorandum blocks, large, see sample. 

2 reams typewriter manifold paper, see sample. 

1 ream typewriter heavy paper, see sample. 

1 quart writing fluid. 

4 gross rubber bands, assorted. 

1 safety inkstand. 

1 sponge cup (reservoir, if sanctioned). 

J gross lead pencils. No. 2, medium. 

J dozen rubber erasers, Faber's circular. 

1 box letter fasteners, Eureka (nickel-plated). 

1 Webster's Unabridged Dictionary. 

St. George. 

500 envelopes, small, see sample. 

500 envelopes, large, see sample. 

4 dozen memorandum blocks, small, see sample. 

6 dozen memorandum blocks, large, see sample. 

1 ream typewriter manifold paper, see sample. 

1 ream typewriter heavy paper, see sample. 

1 quart writing fluid. 

4 gross rubber bands, assorted. 

1 safety inkstand. 

1 sponge cup (reservoir, if sanctioned). 

J gross lead pencils. No. 2, medium. 

\ dozen rubber erasers, Faber's circular. 

1 Webster's Unabridged Dictionary. 

1 box letter fasteners. Eureka (nickel-plated). 

The two offices are badly in need of a dictionary apiece, as the 
old makeshifts now in use are without backs and have lost some of 
their leaves. I would prefer to have the articles mentioned sent to 
the islands by a revenue cutter, to avoid a claim for freight if sent 
by the company's vessel. 

Very truly, yours, W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Seal Islands. 
Inclosures. 

[Indosure 1.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Division of Alaskan Fisheries, 

St. Paul Island, Novemher 4, 1904. 
To the Chief Clerk. 

Please cause to be furnished to this bureau for official use the sup- 
plies specified below\ 

Walter I. Lembkey, 

Chief of Division. 

Approved : 

F. H. B., Chief Clerk. 



132 



SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



Item No. 


Quantity. 


Articles. 


13 

7 

196 

321 B 

321D 

322 

322B 


2 reams 

1 ream 

1 quart 

U gross 

1 


Typewriting paper, manifold, sample inclosed. 
Typewriting paper, heavy, sample inclosed. 
Carter's writing fluid. 

Rubber bands, assorted, Nos. 16, 19, 30, 32. 

Safety inkstand, Crescent. 


161a 


1 


Reservoir sponge cup. 


251 
328B 
220A 


i gross 

i dozen 

Ibox 

1 


Lead pencils, No. 2, medium, round, Dixon's. 
Faber's circular rubber erasers. 
Eureka letter fasteners (nickel-plated). 
Dictionary, Webster's Unabridged. 


391A 


3 


Steel erasers, wood handle, Miller Bros. 


206A 

251BY 

460A 


1 pint 

1 dozen 

1 


Red ink, Paul's. 
Pencils, round, Faber's. 
Shipping case. 









Received the above March 15, 1905. 

[Inclosure 2. — Duplicate.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Division of Alaskan Fisheries, 

St. Paul Island, November 4, 1904. 
To the Chief Clerk. 

Please cause to be furnished to this bureau for official use the sup- 
plies specified below. 

Walter I. Lembkey, 

Chief of Division. 
Approved : 

F. H. B., Chief Cleric. 



Item No. 


Quantity. 


Articles. 


13 

7 

196 

321B 

321D 

322B 

322 


2 reams 

Iream 

1 quart 

U gross 

1 


Typewriting paper, manifold, sample inclosed. 
Typewriting paper, heavy, sample inclosed. . . 
Carter's writing fluid. 

Rubber bands, assorted, Nos. 16, 19, 30, 32. 

Safety inkstand. 


161A 


1 


Reservoir sponge cup. 

Lead pencils, No. 2, medium, round, Dixon's. 

FabePs circular rubber erasers 

Eureka letter fasteners ^ nick el-plated). 

Steel erasers wood handle. Miller Bros. 


; 251 
328B 
220A 
391 A 


i gross 

J dozen 

1 box 

3 


206A 
251BY 

460A 


Ipint 

1 dozen 

1 


Red ink, Paul's. 

Pencils, round, Faber's, No. 3. 

Shipping case. 









Received the above June 6, 1905. 

W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Seal Islands. 

[Inclosure 3.— Duplicate.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Division of Alaskan Fisheries, 

St. George Island, November 4, 1904. 
To the Chief Clerk. 

Please cause to be furnished to this bureau for official use the sup- 
plies specified below. 

Walter I. Lembkey, 
Approved: Chief of Division, 

F. H. B., Chief Cleric. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



133 



Item No. 


Quantity. 


Articles. 


13 

7 

196 


1 ream 

1 ream 

1 quart 


Typwriting paper, manifold, sample inclosed. 

Typewriting paper, heavy, sample inclosed. 

Carter's writing fluid. 

Safety inkstand. 

Reservoir sponge cup. 

Lead pencils, No. 2, medium, Dixon's, round. 

Faber's circular rubber erasers. 

Eurelca letter fasteners (nickel-plated). 


161A 


1 


251 
328B 
220A 


4 gross 

\ doz 

1 box 


321 B 
321 D 
322 
322B 
391 A 


1 gross 

1 gross 

1 gross 

1 gross 

3 


Rubber bands, No. 16. 
Rubber bands, No. 19. 
Rubber bands, No. 30. 
Rubber bands, No. 32. 
Steal erasers, wood handle. Miller Bros. 


251 BY 
206A 
460B 


1 doz 

Ipint 


Pencils, round, Faber's, No. 3. 
Red ink, Paul's. 
Shipping case. 







Received the above June 15, 1905. 

H. D. Chichester, 

Assistant Agent Seal Fisheries in Alaslca. 

[Inclosure 4.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Division of Alaskan Fisheries, 

St. George Island, November 4, 1904- 
To the Chief Clerk. 

Please cause to be furnished to this bureau for official use the 
supplies specified below. 

Walter I. Lembkey, 

Chief of Division. 
Approved : 

F. H. B., Chief Cleric. 



Item No. 


Quantity. 


Articles. 


13 

7 

196 


1 ream 

1 ream 

1 quart 

1 


Typewriting paper, manifold, sample inclosed. 

Typewriting paper, heavy, sample inclosed. 

Carter's writing fluid. 

Safety inkstand. Crescent. 

Reservoir sponge cup. 

Lead pencils, No. 2, medium, Dixon's, round. 

Faber's circular rubber erasers. 

Dictionary, AVebster's Unabridged. 

Eureka letter fasteners (nickel -plated). 

Rubber bands, assorted. 

Rubber bands, No. 16. 

Rubber bands, No. 19. 

Rubber bands. No. 30. 

Rubber bands. No. 32. 

Steel erasers, wood handle. Miller Bros. 


161A 


1 


251 
328B 


4 gross 

i dozen 

1 


220A 

321 B 
321 D 
322 
322B 
391A 


Ibox 

4 gross 

1 gross 

1 gross 

1 gross 

1 gross 

3 


251BY 

206A 
460B 


1 dozen 

1 pint 

1 


Pencils, round, Faber's, No. 3. 
Red ink, Paul's. 
Shipping case. 

• 







134 SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Part IV. Agents' Personal Information Sheets. 

PERSONAL information SHEET. 

(Note. — This sheet is to be used only in cases of persons transferred 
to the Department of Commerce and Labor by operation of 
law July 1, 1903.) 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, May 15, 1904- 
To the Heads of Bureaus of the Department of Commerce and Labor: 

For the purpose of enabling the department to obtain a complete 
record of its officers and employees, you are hereby requested to 
furnish the information called for in Part II of this form, relative 
to each appointee or employee, now in the service, who was serving 
in your bureau June 30, 1903, and was transferrad to the Depart- 
ment of Commerce and Labor July 1, 1903, pursuant to the acts of 
Congress approved February 14, 1903, and March 3, 1903, and to 
have every such person answer each of the questions in Part I of 
this form and sign the same. Officers in charge, subordinate to 
heads of bureaus, are expected to review this sheet, after it has 
been executed, to see that all questions have been answered, and, 
after doing so, to forward it immediately to the head of the bureau 
for transmission to the department. 

Geo. B. Cortelyou, Secretary. 

Part I. 

(Blanks in Part I are to be filled by the appointee or employee; 
but if he is unable to write legibly, another person may write the 
answers at his dictation. In either case the statement is to be 
signed by the appointee or employee. If he is unable to write, he 
may sign by mark in the presence of one witness. If he is unable 
to answer any question, he should indicate that fact.) 

1. What is your full name? (Do not use initials, but spell out 
each name and state whether Mr., Miss, or Mrs. Example: Mr. 
John Richard Doe.) Mr. Walter Irwin Lembkey. 

2. How do you write your name on the pay roll ? W. I. Lembkey. 

3. What is your present legal (voting) residence ? (Give city or 
town, State or Territory, county, and congressional district.) Phila- 
delphia, Pa.; Philadelphia; Sixth. 

4. What is your race? (Answer ' 'white, " "colored," or "Mon- 
golian.") White. 

5. Where were you born? Philadelphia, Pa. 

6. When were you born? December 18, 1870. 

7. Are you pensioned by the United States Government ? (Answer 
''Yes" or "No.") No. 

8. Are there any members of your family, besides yourself, in the 
civil service of the United States Government? (If so, give below 
their names, relationship, the departments and bureaus or services 
iu which they are employed, and the positions they occupy.) None, 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 135, 

9. How long were you in the civil service of the United States 
Government prior to July 1, 1903 ? Since December, 1890; 12 years, 
6 months. 

10. If you were appointed through a civil-service examination, 
state, as near as you recollect, the name and date of the examina- 
tion. If not so appointed, state how you entered the service. 
(Examples: "Appointed before position was classified;" or, "By 

reinstatement;" or, ''Bj transfer from ," stating department, 

bureau or service, position, and salary, if known.) Clerk-copyist 
examination, July or August, 1890 (?). 

11. Have you any physical disabilities? (If so, describe briefly. 
If you have defective eyesight, state whether corrected by glasses.) 
Defective eyesight; astigmatism; corrected by glasses. 

12. Were you in the military or naval service of the United States 
during the Civil or Spanish- American Wars ? (If so, give the informa- 
tion called for by the blanks below.) No. 

13. If you served in the military or naval service of the United 
States at any time, other than during the Civil and Spanish- American 
Wars, indicate such service in the spaces below. . 

14. What was your occupation prior to entering the United States 
civil service ? (It is intended that the answer to this question shall 
state briefly the lines of work followed by you before receiving your 
present appointment, with the exception of your service for the Gov- 
ernment indicated in your answers to questions 9, 12, and 13.) Local 
editor newspaper; general secretary Y. M. C. A,; deputy recorder of 
deeds; and general real estate business. 

15. What education have you received? (Indicate the grades of 
schools you have attended, and, in case you have attended schools 
of higher grade than high schools, give the institution, degrees 
received, and date in each case. Example: "Public school; high 
school; business college; Cornell University, A. B., 1900; Columbia 
University, LL. B., 1903.") Public school; high school, 1886; Colum- 
bian University, LL. M., 1893. 

16. What special qualifications have you — professional, technical, 
mechanical, etc.? (Examples: Qualified as "lawyer," or "civil 
engineer," or "draftsman," or "carpenter.") Qualified as lawyer. 

17. What, if any, civil-service examinations have you passed ? 
(State name and date of each, as near as you recollect.) Clerk- 
copyist, 1890; clerk, $1,200 grade, 1892 (?)• . 

18. Were the answers to the foregoing questions written by you ? 
(If not, state the name and address of the person who wrote them 
for you.) Written by myself. 

19. State the date upon which the above blanks were filled. May 
12, 1904. 

W. I. Lembkey, 
Witness: St. Paul Island, Ala sJca. 



Reviewed, approved, and forwarded May 13, 1904. 

F. H. Hitchcock, 

Chief Clerk, Department Commerce and Labor. 



136 SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Part II. 

(Blanks in Part II are to be filled by the executive officers of the 
various bureaus of the department, or, at their direction, by some 
official who can give the information desired. If unable to answer 
any question, indicate that fact.) 

1. State the bureau or service, place, and district in which the per- 
son who answered the above questions was employed July 1, 1903. 
Seal fisheries, St. Paul Island, Alaska, and Washington, D. C. 

2. What position did he hold July 1, 1903? Agent for the seal 
fisheries, Alaska. 

3. On what date was he appointed to this position? October 1, 
1900. 

4. How long had he served in the bureau or service in which he 
was employed July 1, 1903? Five vears. 

5. What was his salary July 1, 1903? $3,650. 

6. From what appropriation was he paid July 1, 1903? "Salaries 
and traveling expenses of agents at seal fisheries in Alaska." 

7. Was the position he held July 1, 1903, excepted, competitive, 
or unclassified under the civil-service rules ? t'ompetitive. 

8. If the position was classified, state the date of classification. 
April 15, 1903. 

9. If the appointee or employee was appointed through examina- 
tion, state the kind of examination. If not so appointed, state how 
he entered the position. (Examples: "Appointed before position 
was classified;" or, "By reinstatement;" or, "By transfer from 

," stating department, bureau or service, position, and 

salary, if known.) Appointed by promotion from clerk to assistant 
agent, and from assistant agent to agent. 

10. Is the appointee or employee required to give bond? As 
special district agent, yes. 

Geo. W. Leadley, 
Acting Chief, Division of Appointments. 
M. M. I). 
May 16, 1904. 

personal information sheet. 

(Note. — ^This sheet is to be used only in cases of persons transferred to 
the Department of Commerce and Labor by operation of law July 1, 
1903.) 

Department of Commerce and Labor. 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, Maij 15, 1904- 
To the Heads of Bureaus of the Department of Commerce and Labor: 

For the purpose of enabling the department to obtain a complete 
record of its officers and employees, you are hereby requested to fur- 
nish the information called for in Part II of this form, relative to each 
appointee or employee, now in the service, who was serving in your, 
bureau June 30, 1903, and was transferred to the Department of 
Commerce and Labor July 1, 1903, pursuant to the acts of Congress 
approved February 14, 1903, and March 3, 1903, and to have every 
such person answer each of the questions in Part I of this form and 
sign the same. Officers in charge, subordinate to heads of bureaus, 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 137 

are expected to review this sheet, after it has been executed, to see that 
all questions have been answered, and, after doing so, to forward it 
immediately to the head of the bureau for transmission to the depart- 
ment. 

Geo. B. Corteltou, 

Secretary. 
Part I. 

(Blanks to Part I are to be filled by the appointee or employee; but 
if he is unable to write legibly, another person may ^vrite the answers 
at his dictation. In either case, the statement is to be signed by the 
appointee or employee. If he is unable to write, he may sign by mark 
in the presence of one witness. If he is unable to answer any question, 
he should indicate that fact.)- 

1. What is your full name ? (Do not use initials, but spell out each 
name and state whether Mr., Miss, or Mrs. Example: Mr. John 
Richard Doe.) Mr. James Judge. 

2. How do you write your name on the pay roll ? James Judge. 

3. What is your present legal (voting) residence? (Give city or 
town, State or Territory, county, and congressional district.) Colum- 
bus, Ohio ; Franklin ; twelfth. 

4. What is your race? (Answer ''white," "colored," or ''Mon- 
golian.") White. 

5. Where were you born ? Columbus, Ohio. 

6. When were you born ? July 22, 1866. 

7. Are vou pensioned bv the United States Government ? (Answer 
"Yes" or ''No.") No. 

8. Are there any members of your family, besides yourself, in the 
civil service of the United States Government? (If so, give below 
their names, relationship, the departments and bureaus or services 
in which they are employed, and the positions they occupy.) . 

9. How long were you in the civil service of the United States 
Government prior to July 1 , 1903 ? Nine years and two months. 

10. If you were appointed through a civil-service examination, 
state, as near as you recollect, the name and date of the examination. 
If not so appointed, state how you entered the service. (Examples: 
"Appointed before position was classified;" or "By reinstatement;" 

or "By transfer from ," stating department, bureau or service, 

position, and salary, if known.) Appointed before position was 
classified. 

mil. Have you any ])hysical disabilities? (If so, describe briefly. 
If you have defective eyesight, state whether corrected by glasses.) 
I have imperfect eyesight and wear glasses. 

12. Were you iii the mihtary or naval service of the United States 
during the C'ivil or Spanish-American Wars ? (If so. give the infor- 
mation called for by the blanks below.) . 

13. If you served in the military or naval service of the United 
States at "any time, other than during the Civil and Spanish-American 
Wars, indicate such service in the spaces below. . 

14. What was vour occupation prior to entering the United States 
civil service? (It' is intended that the answer to this question shall 
state briefly the lines of work followed by you before receiving your 
present appointment, with the exception of your service for the Gov- 
ernment indicated in your answers to questions 9, 12, and 13.) Clerk 
and retail grocer. 



138 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

15. What education have you received? (Indicate the grades of 
schools you have attended, and, in case you have attended schools of 
higher grade than high schools, give the institution, degrees received, 
and date in each case. Example: "Public school; high school; 
business college; Cornell University, A. B., 1900; Columbia Univer- 
sity, LL. B., 1903.") High school; business college. 

16. What special qualifications have you — professional, technical, 
mechanical, etc.? (Examples: Qualified as "lawyer," or "civil 
engineer," or "draftsman," or "carpenter.") Qualified as lawyer. 

17. What, if an}^, civil-service examinations have you passed? 
(State name and date of each as near as you recollect.) None. 

18. Were the answers to the foregoing questions written by you ? 
(If not, state the name and address of the person who wrote them 
for you.) They were. 

19. Statethedateupon which the above blanks were filled. August 
20, 1904. 

James Judge, 
St. George Island, Bering Sea, Alaska. 
Witness : 



Reviewed, approved, and forwarded September 17, 1904. 

F. H. Bowen, 

Chief Cleric. 
PaH II. 

(Blanks in Part II are to be filled by the executive officers of the 
various bureaus of the department, or, at their direction, by some 
official who can give the information desired. If unable to answer 
any question, indicate tliat fact.) 

1. State the bureau or service, place, and district in which the 
person who answered the above questions was employed July 1, 1903. 
Fisheries (seal fisheries of Alaska), Alaska. 

2. What position did he hold July 1, 1903? Assistant agent, seal 
fisheries of Alaska. 

3. On what date was he appointed to this position? October 31, 
1898. 

4. How long had he served in the bureau or service in which he 
was employed July 1, 1903? Since April 30, 1894; nine years and 
two months. 

5. What was his salary July 1, 1903? S2,920 per annum. 

6. From what appropriation was he paid July 1, 1903? "Salaries 
and traveling expenses of agents at seal fisheries in Alaska." 

7. Was the position he held July 1, 1903, excepted, competitive, 
or unclassified under the civil-service rvdes? Competitive. 

8. If the position was classified, state the date of classification. 
April 15, 1903. 

9. If the appointee or employee was appointed through examina- 
tion, state the kind of examination. If not so appointed, state how 
he entered the position. (Examples: "Appointed before position was 
classified;" or, "By reinstatement;" or, "By transfer from 

-," stating department, bureau or service, position, and salary, 



if known.) Appointed without examination; excepted. 

10. Is the appointee or employee required to give bond ? No. 



1905. 
Part I. Instructions to Agents and Agents' Reports. 

Statement showing prices charged for articles of merchandise furnished by the North Ameri- 
can Commercial Co. for the native inhabitants of the seal islands of Alaska for the fol- 
lowing-named years. 



Sugar per pound. 

Milk per can. 

Butter 1 per pound. 

Candies do. . . 

Flour do... 

Soap 4 bars. 

Baking powder per pound. 

Raisins do... 

Hard bread do... 



Lard. 



.do... 



Jelly per can. 

Fruit do. . . 

Coffee per pound. 

Ivory soap bar. 

Worcester sauce per bottle. 

Rice per pound. 

Leather for half soles 

Thread spool. 

Woman's stockings pair. 

Girl's stockings do 

Men's socks do 

Men's shoes per pair. 



Women's shoes do. .. 

Girls' shoes do. .. 

Child's shoes do. . . 

Men's heavy boots do. . . 

Hip rubber boots do... 

Boys' shoes do. . . 

Canton flannel per yard . 

Gingham do. . . 

Cahco do... 

Boys' stockings per pair. 

Men's rubbers do. . . 

Tobacco (leaf) per pound. 

Towels each. 

Salt beef per pound. 

Coal oil per gallon. 

Prunes per pound. 

Tomatoes per can. 

Women's arctics per pair. 

Sheeting per yard . 

Bedspreads 



1899 



Women's undershirts each. . 



$0.10 

.25 

.30 
.20 
.03 
.25 
.70 

.10 

.05 

.15 

.25 
.25 
.35 

.124 

.25' 

■ OSi 

.50 

.05 

.50 

.35 



3.00 
3.50 



6.50 

6.00 
1.25 
1.50 
2.00 

.20 

.15 
.10 
.30 
1.00 
.25 
.25 



.40 
.15 



.20 
1.25 



1900 



$0.10 

.25 

.30 
.20 
.03 
.25 
.80 
.15 
.20 
.05 

.15 

.25 

.30 

.35 

.12i 

.40 

•08J 

.50 

.05 

.50 

.35 

.40 

.40 

.50 

4.50 

3.50 
4.00 

2.50 

1.75 

6.00 
7.00 
6.00 

2.00 
2.20 

.20 

.15 
.10 
.40 
1.00 
.50 
.30 

.10 

.40 
.15 

.15 

1.50 

.30 
1.75 



1901 



SO. 10 

.25 

.30 
.20 
.03 
.25 



.25 

.30 

.35 

.12i 

.40' 

.08i 

.50 

.05 

.50 



.50 

4.00 
4.50 
3.00 
4.00 
4.25 

2.50 

2.00 

6.00 
6.00 

2.50 

.20 
.15 
.10 
.40 
1.00 
.50 
.25 

.10 

.40 

.15 I 



1.75 

.25 

1.25 



$0.10 

.25 

.40 
.20 
.03 
.25 
.80 

.20 

.05 

.16 
.16§ 

.25 
.30 
.35 
.12* 
.40' 
.08i 
2.75 
•08J 
.60 

.40 
.60 

4.50 

2.50 
4.00 
4.50 



1.75 

6.00 

6.00 

2.00 
2.50 

.20 

.15 
.10 
.40 
1.00 
.50 
.25 

.10 

.40 
.20 

.15 



1.25 
1.50 



1903 



$0.10 
.20 
.25 
.40 
.20 
.03 
.25 
.80 

.20 

.05 

.16 
.161 

.25 

.30 

.35 

.12§ 

.40 

.08^ 

.50 

.08J 

.60 



3.00 
4.00 

2.50 

1.75 

6.00 

6.00 

2.50 
2.75 

.25 

.15 
.10 
.40 
1.00 
.50 
.25 

.10 

.40 
.15 
.15 
.20 



.25 
1.25 



.75 



1 Butter is furnished in rolls and is a little short of the full pound, a roll weighing about 30 ounces and 
counting as 2 pounds. 
* Including heels. 

139 



140 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



Statement showing prices charged for articles of merchandise furnished by the North Ameri- 
can Commercial Co. for the native inhabitants of the seal islands of Alaska for the. fol- 
lowing-named years — Continued. 



Dried apples per pound. . 

Blue flannel per yard . . 

Men's arctics per pair. . 

Men's undershirts each. , 

Men's drawers do 

"Women's rubbers per pair. . 

Sweet cakes per pound.. 

Soda cakes do 

Suits, men's clothes each. . 

Ham 



Potatoes per pound. 

Onions do . . . 

Can roast beef per can. 

Women's shawls each. 

Dress goods per yard. 

Olive oil » pint. 

Can cabbage per can. 

Corn beef per pound . 

Dates do . . . 

Can salmon (2 sizes) 

Suspenders per pair. 

Baby shoes 

Jam per can. 

Corn. 



$0.15 
.60 

2.00 

1.50 
1.50 

.60 

.15 

.10 

18.00 



.03 
.05 
.30 



.50 

.90 
.25 



Overalls, suit 

Salt pork 

Beans per pound . 

Tea do.. 

Men's handkerchiefs each 

Peas , 



2.00 



:{ 



50.15 
.50 
.60 
.70 

2.00 

1.50 
1.50 

.80 

.15 

10 

18.00 



.03 
.05 
.30 



.35 
.70 
.50 
.15 
.25 
.15 
.15 
.25 

.60 

1.00 
.25 



2.00 



.50 
.20 
.25 



1901 



$0.15 

.50 

.70 

2.00 

1.50 

1.50 

.60 

.75 

.15 

.10 
18.00 



.03 
.05 
.30 

4.50 

.35 
.75 
.50 
.20 
..30 
.15 
.15 
.25 
.70 
.75 
1.25 
1.00 
.25 
.20 
2.00 
.12J 
.08 J 
.50 
.20 
.25 



.50 
.70 

2.25 

1.50 
1.50 

.70 

.20 

.10 

18.00 

.20 

.03 
.05 
.30 
4.50 
5.00 
..35 
.75 
.50 
.20 
.30 
.15 
.15 
.25 

.70 
1.25 



.20 
2.00 
.12i 
.08i 
.50 

.30 

.20 



$0.15 

.50 
.75 

2.25 

1.50 
1.50 
.70 
.80 
.20 
.10 
.15 



.20 

.03 
.05 
.30 



.35 
.75 
.50 
.20 
.30 
.15 
.15 
.25 
.60 
.75 

1.00 

.25 
.20 
2.00 
.12i 
.08 J 
.50 
.25 
.35 
.20 



1904 



$0.15 

.50 
.75 

2.25 
3.00 
1.50 
1.50 
.70 
.80 
.20 

.10 

12.15 
18.00 
.15 
.22 
.03 
.05 
.30 

5.00 

.35 
.75 
.50 
.20 
.30 



.15 

.25 

.70 

1.00 

1.25 

.25 
.20 
2.00 
.15 
.08§ 
.50 

.35 



Prepared from the accounts in possession of the first auditor and 
the fifth auditor by — 
Respectfully submitted. 

Ezra W. Clark. 

H. D. Chichester. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, March 1, 1905. 
Mr. Ezra yV. Clark, 

Assistant Agent of Seal Fisheries in AlasTca, 

Washington, D. C. 
Sir: The act of Congress, approved March 2, 1895 (28 Stats., 807), 
provides that "hereafter every ofTicer required by law to take and ap- 
prove official bonds shall cause the same to be examined at least every 
two years, for the purpose of ascertaining the sufficiency of the sure- 
ties thereon * * *. 

In compfiance with said law you \vill please cause the affidavits and 
certificate herewith inclosed to be executed as evidence of the sol- 
vency of the sureties on your current bond as special disbursing agent 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 141 

of the appropriation "Salaries and traveling expenses of agents of seal 
fisheries in Alaska," dated April 22, 1903, in the amount of $500, and 
forM'ard to this office at the earUest practicable date. 

If the solvency of any of the sureties thereon has become weakened 
in any manner since the date of the execution of said bond, or if any 
of said sureties have (hed, you are hereby directed to notify this office 
at once of such insolvenc}^ or death, in order that the proper steps 
may be taken for renewing or strengthening the bond. 
Respectfully, 

Lawrence O. Murray, 

Assistant Secretary. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Division of Alaskan Fisheries, 

Washington, March £4, 1905. 
Hon. V. H. Metcalf, 

Secretary Department of Commerce and Lahor, 

Washington, D. C 

Sir: I beg the attention of the department to the following state- 
ment and recommendation: 

For some years past the Government has been engaged in estab- 
hshing a herd of reindeer in northern Alaska. The object has been 
accomphshed by importing the original stock from Siberia and aug- 
menting it by propagation at the several Alaska stations. The herd 
now numbers over 8,000, distributed at ten or a dozen stations. The 
purpose of the undertaking is to furnish a means of subsistence for the 
simple natives of our most northern coasts in place of the wild game 
which is being driven out by the encroachment of civihzation. 

The reindeer afford to the northern natives food and clothing, and 
furnish beasts of burden to transport the people and their supplies 
over the frozen tundra. The female deer yield a very rich milk. In- 
troducing the reindeer is a beneficent work. 

The object of tliis communication is to recommend that tliis depart- 
ment take steps to have a small band of reindeer transferred to each 
of the seal islands, ^vith the purpose of creating a herd as a source of 
subsistence of the native residents of those islands. In view of the 
steady cUminution of the seal herd, some provision is hkely to become 
necessar}^ in the not distant future. In any event, the enterprise 
would be a good one from an economical point of view. The reindeer 
would increase rapidly, without cost for food or superintendence. 
The presence of Government agents the year round would insure the 
necessary oversight. 

The mosses and grasses of the seal islands, of which there is a great 
abundance, are of the precise character required by these animals. 
There is no question of the adaptability of the islands to the raising of 
reindeer. Examination by experts from the north shows them to be 
especially fitted for the purpose. The animals are tractable and 
gentle, and no disturbance of other animals on the island need be 
apprehended from their presence. The seals are not disturbed by 
horses, cattle, or sheep, which have run loose on the islands from time 
immemorial. 

The Bureau of Education, under the Interior Department, has charge 
of the reindeer business in Alaska, and Dr. Sheldon Jackson, of the 



142 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

said bureau, the general agent of education for Alaska, has immediate 
charge of it. The writer has conferred with this gentleman on the 
subject, who sees no obstacle to the plan here recommended. The 
revenue cutters have always transported the reindeer from Siberia, 
and may be availed of to bring down from northern Alaska the few 
required to form the nucleus of a herd for each seal island. 

I therefore respectfully recommend that a letter be addressed to 
the honorable the Secretary of the Interior, rec[uesting that a small 
herd of reindeer, preferably 50 to 75 females, with the necessary pro- 
portion of males, be transferred from the Government herd in Alaska 
to the seal islands of the PribUof group, an equal number to each of 
the islands of St. Paul and St. George. 

It is understood that no expense will be involved in tliis measure, 
as the revenue cutter would render this service w^hile in the perform- 
ance of her regular cruising, and the reindeer are now owned by the 
Government. 

Very respectfully, Ezra W. Clark, 

Assistant Agent AlasTcan Fur-Seal Service. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, Ajyril I4, 1905. 
The honorable the Secretary, 

Departnnent of Commerce and Labor, Washington, D. O. 
Sir: In order to put me in funds with which to meet my expenses 
in traveling to the seal islands of Alaska, I request to be appointed 
a special disbursing agent, without additional compensation, for the 
disbursement of moneys from the appropriation "Salaries and trav- 
eling expenses of agents at seal fisheries in Alaska," and that the 
penalty of the bond be fixed at $500. 

I have held such an appointment until now under the Treasury 
Department, but, owing to the disqualification of one of my sureties, 
need to give a new bond under a new appointment. 
Very respectfully, 

Ezra W. Clark, 

Assistant Agent. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Division of Alaskan Seal Fisheries, 

Washington, B.C., May 1, 1905. 

The honorable the Secretary, 

Department Commerce and Labor. 
Sir: Referring to my application made a few days ago to be 
appointed special disbursing agent of this department in connection 
with my services in Alaska as seal agent, I have now respectfully to 
withdraw such application, as I have made arrangements with a 
private party for the funds needed. 

Very respectfully, Ezra W. Clark, 

Assistant Agent. 



seal islands of alaska. 143 

May 1, 1905. 
Mr. Ezra W. Clark, 

Assistant Agent, AlasTcan Fur-Seal Service, 

Department of Commerce and Labor. 
Sir: You are hereby authorized and instructed to proceed from 
Washington, D. C, to the Pribilof Ishmds, Alaska, in time to be in 
readiness for service there at the opening of the coming seaUng 
season. On reaching the islands 3'ou will report for duty to Mr. 
W. I. Lembkey, agent in charge. 

Respectfully, V. H. Metcalf, 

Secretary. 

May 1, 1905. 
Mr. H. D. Chichester, 

Assistant Agent, Alaslcan Fur-Seal Service, 

Department of Commerce and Labor. 
Sir: You are hereby authorized and instructed to proceed from 
Washington, D, C, to the Pribilof Islands^ Alaska, in time to be in 
readiness for service there at the opening of the coming sealing season. 
On reaching the islands you will report for duty to Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 
agent in charge. 

Respectfully, V. H. Metcalf, 

Secretary. 

May 1, 1905. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge of Seal Islands, 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

St. Paul Island, Pribilof Group, AlasJca. 
Dear Sir: The department has purchased 8 pairs of sheep shears 
for your use on the islands in marking the 2-year-old and 3-year-old 
seals that you have been instructed to reserve. These shears will 
be forwarded to you on the company's steamer and you may dis- 
tribute them according to your judgment between the two islands. 
In view of the fact that the assistant agents on St. George report that 
the}'' were able last season to accompHsh the necessary marking 
more readily with sheep shears than with branding irons, it is thought 
that you may find it desirable to adopt the shearing method also on 
St. Paul. 

Very truly, yours, F. H. Bowen, 

Chief Cleric. 



Office of Agent in Charge of Seal Islands, 

St. Paul Island, Alaska, June 17, 1905. 
The honorable the Secretary of Commerce and Labor. 

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the depart- 
ment's letter of the 1st ultimo, notifying me that 8 pairs of sheep 
shears will be forwarded to me for use in marking bachelors to be 
reserved this season, and to say that, upon the receipt of the shears 
in question, they will be given a thorough trial. 
Respectfully, 

W. I. Lembkey, 
Agent in Charge Seal Islands. 



144 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

May 10. 1905. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge of Seal Islands, 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

St. Paul Island, Prihilof Growp , Alaslca. 
Dear Sir: I inclose herewith department letter of May 1, 1905, 
embodying your instructions for the coming season as agent in 
charge of the seal islands. 

Three copies of the letter of instructions are "also inclosed, one of 
which you will please deliver to each of the assistant agents at the 
islands. 

By to-day's mail I shall forward a copy of the letter of instructions 
to the North American Commercial Co., Mills Building, San Fran- 
cisco, Cal. 

Very truh', yours, T. L. Weed, 

Acting Chief Cleric. 

H. H. Taylor, 
Jere. T. Bltike, 

Of North American Commercial Co. 



May 1, 1905. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge of Seal Islands, 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

St. Paul Island, Pribilof Group, AlasJca. 

Sir: Assistant Agents Ezra W, Clark and H. D. Cliichester, who 
are now in Washington, D. C, have been instructed to proceed to 
the seal islands, Alaska, in time to reach there before the beginning 
of the coming sealing season and to report to you for instructions. 

You will make such assignment of the assistant agents for the 
season's work as in your opinion will best subserve the interests of 
the service and the welfare of the native inhabitants, notifying the 
department of your action in this regard. 

At the close of the sealing season, or as soon thereafter as feasible, 
Assistant Agent James Judge and yourself are to return to Wash- 
ington, D. C, and report for duty at the department, unless in your 
opinion the exigencies of the service require either or both of you to 
remain on the islands during the coming winter, in which event you 
are instructed to remain there. 

Inclosed herewith are copies of the contract between the United 
States and the North American Commercial Co., and it mil be your 
duty and that of your assistants to see that its provisions are enforced 
and that the rights of the Government and those of the lessees are 
duly protected. 

Should a difference of opinion arise at any time between yourself 
and the representatives of the company in respect to a matter of 
administration on the islands, your decision must govern: but in all 
such cases you should request the superintendent of the company 
to furnish a written statement of his views on the question involved, 
and this statement should be transmitted to the department, with an 
expression of your own views, at the earliest practicable moment. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 145 

Quota: If the condition of the herd will permit, the lessees may- 
be allowed to take during the season of 1905 as many as 13,000 male 
seals of the proper age on the island of St. Paul, and as many as 
2,000 on the island of St. George, but not more than the number 
specified in either case. The numbers to which the quotas of the 
two islands are thus limited shall be inclusive of any skins accepted 
by the company from food drives made prior to the present sealing 
season. No seals shall be taken this season that have reached the 
age of four years (i. e., seals that have attained their fifth summer), 
nor shall any seals be taken that are under 2 years of age. 

In order to remove all doubt as to the reservation of a sufficient 
number of male seals for the perpetuation of the herd, you are 
instructed to release from among the best seals appearing in the first 
drives of the season not less than 1,000 three-year-old males and 
not less than 1,000 two-year-old males. Of the 3-year-olds and 2- 
year-olds to be reserved, 800 of each shall be released on the island of 
St. Paul and 200 of each on the island of St. George. The seals thus 
released are to be marked in such a manner as will make them 
readily recognizable throughout the season, and under no circum- 
stances are they to be taken by the lessees. 

Killing season: The killing season should begin as soon after the 
1st of June as the rookeries are in condition' for driving. Seals shall 
not be killed by the lessees later than July 31. No seals whatever 
shall be taken during the stagey season. The killing of pups for 
food for the natives, or for any other purpose, is not to be permitted. 

Seals for food: The number of seals to be killed by the natives for 
food during the fiscal year beginning July 1, 1905, shall not exceed 
1,700 on the island of St. Paul and 300 on the island of St. George, 
and no seals shall be taken for this purpose that have reached the 
age of four years (i. e., seals that have attained their fifth summer), 
nor shall any seals be taken that are under 2 years of age, nor any 
of the 3-year olds or 2-year olds reserved during the lessees' killing 
season under the instructions given above. 

Driving : The representatives of the company on the islands should 
be required to give notice on the day preceding that on which they 
desire to make a drive of the seals, stating the name of the rookery 
selected, such notice to be subject to your approval. A representa- 
tive of the Government should be present on the killing grounds in 
each instance to superintend the killing. If at any time the methods 
employed in driving or killing appear in your judgment to be faulty 
or detrimental to the seal herd, you should see that such methods 
are immediately corrected, indicating to the representatives of the 
company what changes are to be made. 

Killing grounds: As heretofore, you should establish on each of 
the islands killing grounds that can be reached by the shortest possible 
drive, provided, however, that such killing grounds must be at places 
sufficiently distant from the rookeries to prevent annoyance from 
the decaying carcasses. 

Acceptance of skins: In an opinion dated March 8, 1902, it was 
held by the Solicitor of the Treasury that the lessees have no right 
to reject any of the skins taken from the seals they have selected for 
killing. You will therefore see that all such skins, regardless of 
condition, are accepted. 

2403— H. Doc. 93, 62-1 10 



146 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Counting skins : All the sealsldns should be carefully counted in the 
salt houses in the presence of the department agent and of the repre- 
sentative of the company, and a receipt, in duplicate, in the following 
form should be prepared and signed by said agent and by the repre- 
sentative of the company: 

St. Island, 

, 190—. 



We certify that there have been placed in the salt house in our presence 
sealskins. 



Agent United States Department of Commerce and Labor. 



Agent, North American Commercial Co. 

The original of the above receipt should be retained by the depart- 
ment agent and the duplicate given to the representative of the North 
American Commercial Co. At tlie close of the season when the seal- 
skins are again counted and shipped on board the company's steamer 
the usual annual receipts should be signed by the captain of the 
steamer and the representative of the department. 

Trading in skins: The North American Commercial Co. has the 
exclusive privilege under its contract of taking sealskins on the 
islands of St. Paul and St. George and you should see that the com- 
pany is protected in this right. Care should be taken to prevent the 
disposal of skins by the natives to any other company or to any 
person. All trading in sealskins by the natives is strictly prohibited, 
nor shall the natives be permitted to do any trading in fox skins. 

Measures to prevent shipment of skins by natives: To avoid the 
possibility of sealskins or fox skins bemg surreptitiously sliipped from 
the islands, you are directed to continue the practice of examining 
all goods to be shipped by the natives, including baggage and personal 
effects, and where barrels, casks, boxes, or other receptacles are used 
they should be closed under your supervision after an examination 
of their contents before. being placed in the warehouse. No person 
shall be admitted to the space reserved for such merchandise in the 
warehouse without your consent. Any skins found concealed in 
packages to be shipped by the natives should be seized and held sub- 
ject to instructions from the department. 

Census of seal herd: You are expected to make a thorough exami- 
nation into the condition of the seal herd during the coming season 
and to make a careful count of the number of breeding seals, male 
and female, on the islands, and also a computation as accurate as 
-possible of the number of seals not breeding, includmg idle bulls, half 
bulls, bachelors, and virgin females. A careful enumeration should 
also be made of the pups found dead at the close of the season and 
such information as can be had regarding the causes of death reported. 

Sealskins to be weighed: You are instructed to have the sldns of 
the seals taken by the lessees during the coming season carefully 
weighed and to keep a record of the weights for the information of 
tlie departmeiit. lou should also weigh the skms of seals that are 
killed to supply food for the natives and record the weights. The 
natives may be required to assist as far as practicable in the work of 
weighing. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 147 

Care of the natives: The care and welfare of the natives should 
receive your close attention, and you are directed to see that the 
lessees perform all of the obligations of their contract toward such 
natives. You should ascertain the prices charged at the company's 
stores, compare them with the prices at San Francisco, and report 
any instances where the natives are compelled to pay unfair prices. 
You should also inspect the articles supplied as to quality and quan- 
tity, and if they are in any manner deficient you should report the 
fact to the department. 

Compensation to natives for taking sealskins: The compensation 
to be paid by the company for killing, salting, curing, bundling, and 
loading the sealsldns on the company's steamer will be 50 cents for 
each sldn. The money thus earned is to constitute a community fimd 
for distribution among the natives according to their respective 
classes. At the close of the sealing season, after a conference with the 
native chiefs, you mil make such division of the fund among the 
natives, according to t]i.eir classification, as is deemed fair and just, 
and submit a report of such {li\^sion, sliowing the amount appor- 
tioned to each native participating in the fund, which report should be 
accompanied by an indorsement from the native chiefs and the com- 
pany's agent certifying that such funds have been credited to such 
natives on the books of the company. 

Returns to natives under fox contract: The contract granting the 
North American Commercial Co. the right to propagate for a term of 
five years on the islands of St. Paul and St. George the fur-bearing 
animal laiown as the blue fox will expire on the 2d instant. The com- 
pany has made application to the department for a renewal of the 
contract, and the matter is now under consideration. If a new con- 
tract is concluded, you will be advised in a later communication 
regarding its terms. Should you fail to receive notice of the execution 
of such a contract, you are directed to see that during the coming 
season no fox skins whatever are taken by the compan5^ 

In the absence of a contract with the company you will exercise 
your judgment as regards permitting any fox skins to be taken by the 
natives. If you are convinced that it will be beneficial to the herd to 
aUow the killing of a certain number of foxes, you may permit a rea- 
sonable quota to be taken under your direction, the skins to be deliv- 
ered into your custody and to be retained by you awaiting instructions 
from the department as to the manner of their disposal. If sldns are 
thus taken, tlie question of applying the proceeds in whole or in part 
to the support of the natives will be given careful consideration. 

Payment of natives' earnings : The amounts that are earned from 
the company by the natives i'or labor other than sealing and foxing 
are to be paid to them in cash, and you %viU instruct the representa- 
tives of the company accordingly. The funds earned from sealing 
and foxing, however, are to be disbursed upon order as heretofore. 
The payment to the natives of money from the appropriation for 
their maintenance, upon the orders of the Government agent, is 
strictl}^ prohibited. Articles that do not properly come within the 
term "necessaries" should not be exposed for sale in the company's 
stores nor sold to the natives for the money they earn by labor. 

Support of natives: Congress has appropriated the sum of $19,500 
"to enable the Secretary of Commerce and Labor to furnish food, 
fuel, and clothing to the native inhabitants on the islands of Saint 



148 SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Paul and Saint George, Alaska/' during the fiscal year ending June 
30, 1906, and the greatest care and economy should be exercised in the 
expenditure of this appropriation. Articles of strict necessity only 
should be issued. No expensive dress goods, boots, or other articles 
are to be provided. The natives should be restricted to one pair of 
dress shoes each year and the women to one good dress. Ginghams, 
calicoes, muslins, and similar inexpensive dress goods may be issued 
in reasonable quantities. 

The supply of fuel for the use of the natives is paid for from this 
appropriation, and the cost of sucli fuel should be not overlooked in 
determining how much of the appropriation is available for other 
purposes. 

In the distribution of the supplies no distinction is to be made 
between persons without means and those having small savings 
from previous years, but the earnings for the current year should be 
expended for necessaries, other than "food, fuel, and clothing," before 
any allowance is granted from the appropriation. 

You will continue the plan, adopted under previous instructions, 
of issuing orders upon the company for such supplies as are required 
Ify the native inhabitants after they have expended their current 
yearly earnings. At the end of the season, as heretofore, you will 
submit to the department the stubs of the orders given, for use in 
verifying the accounts of the company. 

Coal supply: The North American Commerical Co. has agreed to 
furnish during the coming season for use on the islands 205 long tons 
of coal at $25 per ton, including delivery on the beach, 115 tons to 
be delivered on St. Paul Island and 90 tons on St. George Island. 
This coal, with the 80 tons additional the company is required to 
furnish under the terms of its contract, will make available for all 
purposes a supply of 2S5 tons, and in its distribution the widows and 
orphans and aged and infhm inhabitants of the islands of St. Paul 
and St. George are to be included. 

Of the 205 tons purchased from the company you may make the 
following distributions : 

St. Paul Island: Tons. 

For the Government house 15 

For the use of the natives 100 

St. George Island: 

For the Government house 15 

For the use of the natives 75 

Total 205 

Of the 80 tons furnished by the company without charge under its 
contract, 50 tons may be distributed to the natives of St. Paul and 
30 tons to the natives of St. George. 

Dwellings for natives: The agreement of the company in its con- 
tract to furnish the native inhabitants of the islands a sufficient num- 
ber of comfortable dwellings and* to keep such dwellings in proper 
repair should be strictly enforced. You are instructed to obtain from 
the representatives of the company, as soon after the close of the 
current fiscal year as practicable, a statement of the amount expended 
during the year in carrying out this requirement of the contract. 

Schools for the natives : You will require the schools for the native 
children to be maintained from vSeptember 1 to May 1, and to be 
opened 5 days in each week, the school hours to be from 9 o'clock a. m. 



SEAL ISLANDS OP ALASKA. 149 

to 3 o'clock p. m.. with 1 hour recess at noon, and 15 minutes recess 
in the forenoon. 

It will be your duty to see that the teachers appointed by the com- 
pany are competent to teach the English language and tiiat they 
faithfully perform this duty. None but the English language shall 
be taught in the schools. 

If the parents of the children on the islands desire to send them to 
the Jessie Lee School, at Unalaska, the department has no objection, 
provided no expenditure of public money is involved in their trans- 
portation to Unalaska, or their maintenance and schooling while there. 
This course will also be permitted, under the same conditions, in the 
case of orphan children for whom provision is now made by the com- 
pany under its contract. 

The amount expended by the company during the fiscal year for 
the maintenance of schools in accorciance with the requirements of 
its contract should be ascertained and reported to the department. 

House of worship and medical attendance: You will also ascertain 
the company's expenditures during the year in maintaining a suitable 
house for religious worship, and in providing competent physicians 
and necessary medicines and medical supplies. 

Widows, orphans, aged, and infirm: The company is required by 
its contract to provide the necessaries of life for the widows and orphans 
and aged and infirm inhabitants of the islands who are unable to pro- 
vide for themselves, and you will see that this obligation is fully dis- 
charged. As soon as practicable after the close of the current fiscal 
year you wall procure from the representatives of the company a 
statement showing the number of such inhabitants provided for dur- 
ing the year, and also the amount expended in making such provision. 

Widows and orphans having small sums of money to their credit 
should not be compelled to spend them and become wholly dependent 
before they are allowed to draw supplies under tliis provision in the 
company's contract. Such sums, as well as similar accounts held by 
other natives, may be drawn upon from time to time, however, A\dth 
the consent and under the direction of the Government agent, for 
such reasonable articles as will contribute to the comfort of the per- 
sons supplying the funds. 

Natives to render service: In consideration of the support gi-atui- 
tously afTorded the natives by the Government, jou are directed to 
utilize their services, when not required by the company, in repairing 
roads, guarding the rookeries, and performing such other duties as 
seem desirable. This instruction is not to be regarded, however, as 
reheving the company from its obligation to employ the natives, at 
a fair aiid just compensation, for all such work as the}' are fitted to 
perform. 

Election of .native cliiefs : No interference should be permitted in 
the selection of their chiefs by the native inhabitants of the islands. 
If it should transpire, however, that persons manifestly unsuitable 
for the position are chosen, it Avill be your duty to interpose in the 
interest of good government and require the selection of proper per- 
sons, but such action should be taken only in extreme cases. 

Sale of intoxicants prohibited: The company agrees in its contract 
that it will not permit any of its agents to keep, sell, give, or dispose 
of any distilled spirits or spirituous liquors or opium on either of the 
islands or the waters adjacent thereto to any of the native inhabitants, 



150 SEAl. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. . 

such person not being a ph3^sician and furnishing the same for use as 
a medicine. This obligation is to be rigidly enforced. . '. . 

Manufacture of intoxicants proliibited : The brewing or distilHng of 
intoxicating beverages on the islands is prohibited. In the enforce- 
ment of tliis provision you are authorized to discontinue the sale from 
the company's stores of sugar, or of other articles entering into the 
manufacture of intoxicants, to any person who violates this order, or 
'who is found to be intoxicated. Should intoxication become so gen- 
eral among the people as to interfere with good government and jeop- 
ardize thepeace, 3^ou are authorized to discontinue altogether the sale 
of sugar and of other articles entering into the manufacture of intoxi- 
cants, for such length of time as may appear wise. 

Kemoval for caiise: Should natives or other persons become so 
unruly or immoral in conduct as to endanger the peace and good 
government of the people, the}^ should be removed from the islands, 
and the Revenue-Cutter Service will be instructed to render such 
assistance as may be necessary for that purpose. 

Landing on the islands restricted: No persons other than Govern- 
ment officers, representatives and employees of the North American 
Commercial Co., and duly accredited representatives of the Russian 
Church shall be allowed to land on the islands except by written 
authority from the department. The permission granted repre- 
sentatives of the Russian Church to visit the islands may be suspended 
however, where its exercise is attempted by an improper person. 
Visitors to the islands should not be permitted to inspect the rook- 
eries, except under your supervision. 

Balling of sea lions to be limited : The preservation of the sea-lion 
rookeries on the islands is highly important. _ The killing of these 
animals should be limited to such number as is absolutel}^ necessary 
in providing for the construction of ''bidaras," or skin boats. Sea- 
lion pups should not be killed for any purpose. 

Information regarding affairs on the islands: No information re- 
garding the seals or as to any other matter pertaining to the seal 
islands is to be given out by you or by any of the assistant agents. 
All applications for such information should be referred to the depart- 
ment. 

Conclusion: Should questions arise involving matters not covered 
by these instructions, it will be your duty to report the facts to the 
department, and to await instructions, except in cases requiring 
immediate decision, when you will take such action as sound judg- 
ment directs. 

The instructions embodied in this letter are to remain in force 
until they are superseded by later ones, and in the event of your fail- 
ure to receive revised instructions for a subsequent season the direc- 
tions here given are to be followed for such season so far as they are 
applicable. 

Three additional copies of this letter are inclosed herewith, and 
you are directed to furnish one of these copies to each of the assistant 
agents for their information and guidance. 
Respectfully, 

V. TI. Metcalf, 

Secretary. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 151 

[Copy of contract between the ITnitecl States and the North American Commercial Co., under which said 
"company is granted the exclusive right of taking fur seals upon the Pribilof Islands in Alaska.] 

This indenture, made in duplicate this 12th day of Marcli, 1890, by 
and between Wilham Windom, Secretary of the Treasury of the 
United States, in pursuance of chapter 3 of title 23, Kevised Statutes, 
and the North American Commercial Co., a corporation duly estab- 
lished under the laws of the State of California, and actino; by I. Liebes, 
its president, in accordance with a resolution of said corporation 
adopted at a meeting of its board of directors held January 4, 1890, 

Witnesseth: That the said Secretary of the Treasury, in considera- 
tion of the agreements hereinafter stated, hereby leases to the said 
North American Commercial Co. for a term of 20 years, from the 1st 
day of May, 1890, the exclusive right to engage in the business of 
taking fur seals on the islands of St. George and St. Paul in the Terri- 
tory of Alaska, and to send a vessel or vessels to said islands for the 
skins of such seals. 

The said North American Commercial Co., in consideration of the 
rights secured to it under this lease above stated, on its part covenants 
and agrees to do the tilings following, that is to say: 

To pay to the Treasurer of the United States each jeiiY during the 
said term of 20 years, as annual rental, the sum of $60,000, and in 
addition thereto agrees to pay the revenue tax, or duty, of $2 laid 
upon each fur-seal skin taken and shipped by it from said islands of 
St. George and St. Paul, and also to pay to said Treasurer the further 
sum of $7.62^ apiece for each and every fur-seal skin taken and shipped 
from said islands, and also to pay the sum of 50 cents per gallon for 
each gallon of oil sold by it made from seals that may be taken on said 
islands during the said period of 20 years, and to secure the prompt 
payment of the $60,000 rental above referred to, the said company 
agrees to deposit with the Secretary of the Treasury bonds of the 
United States to the amount of $50,000, face value, to be held as a 
guaranty for the annual payment of said $60,000 rental, the interest 
thereon when due to be collected and paid to the North American 
Commercial Co., provided the said company is not in default of pay- 
ment of an}" part of the said $60,000 rental. 

That it will furnish to the native mhabitants of said islands of St. 
George and St. Paul annually such quantity or num])er of dried sal- 
mon and such quantity of salt and such number of salt barrels for 
preserving their necessary supply of meat as the Secretary of the 
Treasury shall from time to time determine. 

That it will also furnish to the said inhabitants 80 tons of coal 
annually, and a sufficient number of comfortable dwellings in which 
said native inhabitants may reside; anil will keep said dwellings in 
proper repair; and will also provide and keep in repair such suitable 
schoolhouses as may be necessary, and \nll establish and maintain 
during eight months of each year proper schools for the education of 
the children on said islands;" the same to be taught by competent 
teachers, who shall be paid by the company a fair compensation, all 
to the satisfaction of the Secretary of the Treasury; and will also 
provide and maintain a suitable house for religious worship; and 
will also provide a competent physician or physicians, and necessary 
and proper medicines and medical supplies; and will also provide 
the necessaries of life for the widows and orphans and aged and 
infirm inliabitants of said islands who are unable to provide for them- 



152 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

selves; all of which foref]:oing a.e^reements will be done and performed 
by the said company free of all costs and charges to said native 
inhabitants of said islands or to the United States. 

The annual rental, together with all other payments to the United 
States provided for in this lease, shall be made and paid on or before 
the 1st day of April of each and every year during the existence of 
this lease, beginning with the 1st day of April, 1891. 

The said company further agrees to employ the native inhabitants 
of said islands to perform such labor upon the islands as they are 
fitted to perform, and to pay therefor a fair and just compensation, 
such as may be fixed by the Secretary of the Treasury; and also 
agrees to contribute, as far as in its power, all reasonable efforts to 
secure the comfort, health, education, and promote the morals and 
civilization of said native inhabitants. 

The said company also agrees faithfully to obey and abide by all 
rules and regulations that the Secretary of the Treasury has hereto- 
fore or may hereafter establish or make in pursuance of law concern- 
ing the taking of seals on said islands, and concerning the comfort, 
morals, and other interests of said inhabitants, and all matters per- 
taining to said islands and the taking of seals wdthin the possession 
of the United States. It also agrees to obey and abide by any 
restrictions or limitations upon the right to kill seals that the Secre- 
tary of the Treasury shall judge necessary, under the law, for the 
preservation of the seal fisheries of the United States; and it agrees 
that it will not kill, or permit to be killed, so far as it can prevent, 
in any year a greater number of seals than is authorized by the 
Secretary of the Treasury. 

The said company further agrees that it will not permit any of its 
agents to keep, sell, give, or dispose of any distilled spirits or spirituous 
liquors or opium on either oi said islands or the waters adjacent 
thereto to any of the native inhabitants of said islands, such person 
not being a physician and furnishing the same for use as a medicine. 

It is understood and agreed that the number of fur seals to be taken 
and killed for their skins upon said islands by the North American 
Commercial Co. during the year ending May 1, 1891, shall not exceed 
60,000. 

The Secretary of the Treasuiy reserves the right to terminate this 
lease and all rights of the North American Commercial Co. under the 
same at any time on full and satisfactory proof that the said com- 
pany has violated any of the provisions and agreements of this lease, 
or in any of the laws of the United States, or any Treasury regulation 
respecting the taking of fur seals or concerning the islands of St. 
George and St. Paul or the inhabitants thereof. 

In mtness whereof, the parties hereto have set their hands and 
seals the day and year above written. 

William Windom, 

Secretary of the Treasury. 
North American Commercial Company, 

I. LlEBES, 

President of the North American Commercial Company. 
North American Commercial Co. (Inc.), 

Decemher, 1889. 
Attest : 

H. B. Parsons, 

Assistant Secretary. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 153 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Secretary, 

WasMngton, May 1, 1905. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge of Seal Islands, 

Department of Comonerce and Labor, 

St. Paul Island, Prihilof Group, AlasTca. 
Sir: With reference to the provision in your instructions proliib- 
iting the lessees from IdlHng any seals during the coming season that 
are under 2 years of age, you are directed in the enforcement of this 
requirement to fix upon the same minimum limit of weight for the 
skins to be taken as that prescribed for the season of 1904, namely, 
5i pounds. 

It will be your duty to see that every possible precaution is exer- 
cised to prevent the killing of seals that yield skins under the weight 
mentioned. 

Respectfully, V. H. Metcalf, 

Secretary. 

Office of Agent in Charge Seal Islands, 

St. Paul Island, AlasTca, June 17, 1905. 
The honorable the Secretary of Commerce and Labor. 

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the depart- 
ment's letter of the 1st ultimo, prescribing, for the season of 1905, a 
minimum weight of sealskins to be taken of 5 J pounds, and to say 
that the necessary measures will be taken to have the regulations 
properly observed on the islands. 

A copy of the letter referred to has been forwarded to the assistant 
agent in charge of St. George Island, for his guidance. 
Respectfully, 

W. I. Lembkey, 
Agent in Charge Seal Islands. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Chief Clerk, 

Washington, May 11, 1905. 
Mr. Ezra W. Clark, 

Assistant Agent AlasTca Fur-Seal Service, 

Care of the North Annerican Commercial Co., 

San Francisco, Cal. 
Dear Sir: I inclose herev/ith a copy of the fox lease, two letters 
for Mr. Lembkey, and one for Mr. Chichester, which I found on your 
desk in room 306 this morning. I am not sure but the copy of the 
fox lease was accidentally left behind, so I send it to you hoping it 
may reach you before the steamer sails. 

The instructions for the present year have been signed and copies 
have been sent to each agent and also to the North American Com- 
mercial Co. I think you wiU receive your copy before this letter 
reaches you. 

Wishing you a pleasant voyage and a successful season on the 
islands, I remain. 

Very truly, yours, F. H. Bowen, 

Chief ClerTc. 



154 seal islands of alaska. 

Office of Agent in Charge Seal Islands, 

St. Paul Island, Alasl<:a, June 17, 1905. 
Mr. F. H. Bowen, 

Chief Clerk, Department of Commerce and Labor. 

Dear Sir : I have to aclaiowledge the receipt of department's letter 
of the 1st ultimo, containing instructions for the oflicial guidance of 
the Government agents on the seal islands for the season of 1905. 

During the last mnter, and including June 5, 1905, 1,546 seals 
were taken on the two islands for food for the natives, out of the 
allotment of 2,000 for that purpose. Of these, 1,311 were taken on 
St. Paul and 236 on St. George. 

There were Idlled on St. George last winter 262 blue foxes and 10 
white foxes. On St. Paul Island only 1 white skin was taken and no 
blues. On Otter Island, 6 miles southwest of St. Paul, 31 blue 
foxes and 2 white foxes were taken. T'his latter island has not been 
visited for the purpose of trapping foxes since 1894. The total 
trapping of foxes for branding and killing last winter on St. George 
indicates a decrease in the whole number of foxes present on the 
island of 295, as compared wTith the preceding season. 

Until this time tlie weather lias been too unfavorable for marking 
bachelor seals. A drive for branding was made on St. Paul yester- 
day, but we were forced to release the seals without branding any, 
because of the dry, warm weather which set in after the drive w^as 
made. 

The counts of bulls made thus far on St. Paul Island indicate a 
probable falling off of 10 to 15 per cent in the total number to be 
present at the height of the season. The cows have just begun to 
arrive and no estimate of their number can be made. In regard to 
bachelors, it may be possible to equal last year's catch, though a 
smaller number v^ould not surprise me. 

Assistant Agents Chichester and Clark have been placed on St. 
George for the summer, with Assistant Agent Judge and myself on 
St. Paul. In the fall Agent Judge and myself will return to the States. 
Agent Chichester will remain for tlie winter in charge of St. George, and 
Agent Clark will assume charge of wSt. Paul Island for the same period. 
Very truly, yours, 

W. I. Lembkey, 
Agent in Charge of Seal Islands. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Officp: of the (iiief 'Jlerk, 

Washington, July IS, 1905. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge of Seal Islands, 

St. Paul Island, Prihilof Grouy, Alaska. 
Dear Sir: I have your letter of June 17, acknowledging receipt 
of the department's instructions for the season of 1905, and reporting 
the number of seals taken for food of natives on the islands during 
the past winter. 

Note is also made of your report on the number of blue and white 
foxes killed on the islands during the winter and your report of the 
opening of the present sealing season. 

Verv truly, yours, F. H. Bowen, 

Chief Clerk. 



seal islands of alaska. 155 

St. Paul Island, Alaska, 

August IS, 1905. 

Mr. F. H. BowEN, 

Cliief Clerk, Department of Commerce and Labor. 

Dear Sir: I inclose herewith shippmg receipt for 13,000 fur-seal 
skins, the quota of St. Paul Island for the season of 1905. 
Very truly, yours, 

W. I. Lembkey, 
Agent in Charge Seal Islands. 



Island of St. Paul, 
Bering Sea, Alaska, August IS, 1905. 
This is to certify that 13.000 fur-seal sldns have this day been 
shipped on board the Alaska Commercial Co.'s North x4.merican 
Commercial Co.'s steamer W. H. Kruger, consigned to the North 
American Commercial Co., San Francisco, Cal. 

W. I. Lembkey, Agent. 

M. Martin, 

Master, steamer " W. II. Kruger." 



Island of St. George, 
Bering Sea, Alaska, August 10, 1905. 
This is to certify that 1,368 fur-seal skins have this day been 
shipped on board the North American Commercial Co.'s steamer 
W. H. Kruger, consigned to the North American Commercial Co., 
San Francisco, Cal. 
Owner's count. 

H. D. Chichester, 
Assistant Agent, Department of Commerce and Labor. 

M. Martin, Master. 



[Telegram.] 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

San Francisco, Cal., August 25, 1905. 

BoWEN, 

Cliief Clerk, Department Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C. 
Report arrival mth Agent Judge 14,368 sealskins shipped, this 
year's quota. 

Lembkey, 
Agent in Charge Seal Islands. 



156 seal islands of alaska. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Chief Clerk, 

WasJiington, Septemher 11, 1905. 
Mr. F. H. Bowen, 

Chief Cleric, Department of Commerce and Labor. 

Dear Sir: I have to report that on August 16, at Dutch Harbor, 
Alaska, I was requested by Capt. Pfmger, of the U. S. S. Manning, 
to bruig to the department his recjuest for mstructions whether or 
not he may seize the Mexican sealing schooner Carmencita, or Alca- 
puTka, at that date in the immediate viciaity of the seal islands, 
engaged in taking seals in the water. 

Capt. Pfinger stated that from a search near August 6 of the 
schooner mentioned, hj the British cruiser Shearwater, off the Pribilof 
Islands, it was learned that the schooner had papers made out in 
proper form by the Mexican consul at Victoria, British Columbia, 
m the name of Woodside, master; that the master in charge of the 
schooner at the time of its being searched claimed to be Woodside, 
but from his appearance the British searchmg officer declared him to be 
Alex. McLean, under indictment at San Francisco, as I understand, 
for conspiracy in connection with the fitting out of this schooaer. 

I was informed also that the search by the Shearwater disclosed 
250 sealskins on board the schooner. 

I may add that this schooner was seen three times during the 
present summer in close proximity to the 3-mile limit surrounding 
St. Paul Island and I believe used that vicinity as a hunting ground 
aU summer. No raids on the rookeries were made by it. 

The captain of the Manning stated that he was very anxious to 
seize the schooner, and would wait until the arrival of the mail boat 
in October, in the hope of receiving instructions to that effect. 

The regular mail boat leaves Valdez, Alaska, on or about Septem- 
ber 26, and arrives in Dutch Harbor on or about October 4. Tele- 
graphic instructions to Capt. Pfinger to Valdez arriving in Valdez 
before the 26th instant will be conveyed to him to Dutch Harbor 
on the mail boat. 

Very truly, yours. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Seal Islands. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Division of Alaskan Fisheries, 

Washington, October 3, 1905. 
Mr. F. H. Bowen, 

Chief Cleric, Department of Commerce and Labor. 

Dear Sir: I have just received from you the account submitted 
by me to the department for my traveling expenses from St. Paul 
Island, Alaska, to Washington, D. C, returned by the disbursing clerk 
for the addition of certain information detailed in a memorandum 
signed by the disbursing clerk and attached to the account. 

In compliance with the request in this memorandum, I have to 
make the following statement: 

I arrived in San Francisco, as near as I can remember, about 1 
o'clock in the afternoon of August 25 last. 

I left San Francisco at about 9 o'clock in the morning of August 
31 last. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 157 

My stay in San Francisco was necessary to the transaction of cer- 
tain business relating to the islands with the North American Com- 
mercial Co. 

The numbers of the transportation requests upon which my trans- 
portation to Washington was obtained have been inserted at the 
proper places in my account. 

The request for railroad transportation was used between San 
Francisco and Boston. 

The request for Pullman transportation was used between Chicago 
and San Francisco. 

I arrived m Washmgton in the evenmg of Saturday, September 9. 
As I returned east by way of Boston, however, the charge of Pullman 
and seats from Chicago to Washington is based on direct travel by 
the shortest route. 

I have no authority for the inclusion in my account of the charge 
for excess baggage. As the prolonged stay in Alaska, however, 
renders excess baggage necessary, I have to request that the charges 
in my account of 111. 20 for excess baggage be authorized. 
Very truly, yours, 

W. I. Lembkey, 
Agent in Charge Seal Islands. 



October 6, 1905. 
While the instructions to the fur-seal agents contain no express 
reference to excess baggage, yet the fact that the agent and assistant 
agents leave Washington for a stay of nearly a year and a half on 
isolated islands in Bering Sea makes it necessary that they take with 
them an amount of clothing and supplies which would not be required 
under other conditions. Authorization for excess baggage of agents 
of the Alaskan salmon fisheries has heretofore been made, the amount 
not to exceed $20, and the necessity of extra baggage for the salmon 
agents is not nearly as large and imperative as in the case of the agents 
of the fur-seal fisheries. Allowance of the item for excess baggage is 
therefore recommended. 

F. H. BowEN, 

Chief Cleric. 

No. 5. 

annual report to department of commerce and labor, 1905, of 
w. i. lembkey, agent alaskan seal fisheries. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, October 26, 1905. 
Sir: I have the honor to submit the following report on the admin- 
istration of affairs on the seal islands of Alaska during the year ended 
August, 1905: 

BRANDING OF BACHELORS. 

The branding of bachelors, the first work of the season, was begun 
in June, 1905, as soon as the presence of the animals in numbers 
would justify. 



158 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



On St, Paul, a drive for branding was started from the Reef on 
June 16, but, after having been made, was released because of the 
warm, bright weather which set in, rendering any handling of the seals 
hazardous. 

On June 20 another drive from the same locality was made, and, in 
view of our previous experience, the work of branding was begun at 
2.30 a. m. At 10.30 a. m., after an interval of two hours for break- 
fast, all seals of suitable age in the drive had been branded, the morn- 
ing's work resulting in 466 two-year-olds and 437 three-year-olds 
being marked and released. 

The branding irons and forges, formerly used for this purpose, were 
taken to the field, but, after singeing a dozen seals, the use of the hot 
irons was discontinued and some old sheep shears owned by the lessee 
were used. At the end of the season I received from Mr. Chichester 
three pairs of sheep shears which he had brought up from San Fran- 
cisco in the spring. 

On the following day we branded at Zapadni 168 two-year-olds and 
132 three-year-olds, and from the drive remaining 367 bachelors were 
killed for their sldns, as it was considered advisable to obtain the re- 
mainder of the number desired for branding from the northeastern end 
of J the island. 

On June 22 the native workmen were taken to Northeast Point, and 
on the following day 211 two-year-olds and 291 three-year-olds were 
marked on that rookery, thereby filling the quota for the island. 

The following is a summary of the branding on St. Paul Island, 
1905: 



Date. 


Rookeries. 


2-year- 
olds. 


3-year- 
olds. 


1905 
June 20 


Reef 


406 
ir.8 
211 


437 


21 


Zapadni . . . 


132 


23 


Northeast Point 


291 




Total 






84.5 


860 









On St. George, Agent Chichester has furnished the following list of 
seals marked there this season : 



Date. 


2-year- 
o'lds. 


3-year- 
o"lds. 


4-year- 
olds. 


Date. 


2-year- 
olds. 


3-year- 
olds. 


4-year- 
olds. 


1905. 
June 20 


57 
44 
21 

71 

r 


59 
22 
10 
52 

7 


8 
30 
7 
8 
6 


1905. 
July 5 






10 


June 23 


July 11 






1 




Total 








June 28 


200 


200 


69 


July 1 











Mr. Chichester states that the St. George branded seals were all 
marked by clipping off the fur on the top of the heads with sheep 
shears. In addition to this a half-round hole was punched tlu-ough 
the outside finger of the left-hand flipper, marking them permanently. 
This was devised as a means of identifying the animals in the fall, and 
is feasible on St, George, as only a few seals are handled there. 

The total number of bachelors marked and released on both islands 
in 1905 follows: 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 159 



2-year- t 3-year- ' 4-year- 
olds, i olds. I olds. 



St Paul.... 
St. George. 



Total. 



845 I 860 
200 I 200 



1,045 I 1,060 



DRIVES DURING TEAR. 

On St. Paul the lessee made 25 drives for skins during the summer 
of 1905, including two drives made by the Government agents for 
branding, from which the lessee was allowed to take skins after such 
number of seals as was desired for branding had been secured. From 
these drives made by the lessee, 11,675 sealskms were secured. 

The Government agent on St. Paul, during the late fall of 1904 
and the spring and early fall of 1905, made 11 drives to secure fresh 
meat for the natives. The watchmen at Northeast Point killed 14 
seals for their food under permission from the Government agent. 
From these food drives, wliich include two made after Juty 31, 1905, 
1,450 skins were secured from carcasses used for food. 

From the drives for food and those made by the lessee 13, 125 skins 
were taken, in addition to 143 skins left from the previous season. 
Care was taken that no more than the quota allowed, 13,000, should be 
taken from all sources at the close of the lessee's season, July 31. A 
total of 13,268 skins were in the salt house on St. Paul upon the arrival 
of the company's vessel at about the middle of August. Of these, 
13,000 were shipped by the lessee as its quota for the island, leaving 
268 skins in the salt house to be applied to the quota for the coming 
year. 

On St. George, during the fall of 1904, 12 food drives were made 
by the Government agent for natives' food. These drives produced 
236 skins, including the skin of i seal found dead in August. The 
lessee made 20 drives for skins during its killing season in 1905, 
thereby securing 1,132 sldns. 

From the drives made by the lessee and those made for food 1,368 
sealskins were taken, all of which were shipped by the lessee toward 
its quota of 2,000 for St. George. 

The bachelor seals appeared in larger numbers on St. Paul in 1905 
than during the preceding season, allowing the quota of 13,000 for that 
island to be taken. This may be attributed to the large number of 
bachelors dismissed from the drives the preceding season. 

It is not to be believed, however, that bachelors were so plentiful 
that the quota could have been exceeded had permission to do so been 
had. The lessee made every proper effort to secure its quota, and on 
St. Paul it was not known until the last di'ive had been made that 
enough skins could be secured to fill the quota for that island. 

BACHELORS AMONG BREEDING SEALS. 

It will be stated hereafter that at the height of the breeding season, 
by reason of the scarcity of bulls, bachelors were not compelled to 
resort to their hauling grounds to land, but were able to haul on the 
rookeries themselves, among the breeding seals. 

As the isolation of bachelors on hauling grounds apart from the 
breeding mass is the concUtion upon which the securing of seals for 
killing is based, their being allowed to frequent the breeding area, 



160 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



from which no drives are made, may have had a tendency to lessen 
the number secured on the hauKng grounds. What number of bach- 
elors hauled on the breeding grounds among the cows is not possible 
to state, but having in mind the restless habits of the bachelors, and 
the probable fact that the same animal hauls in a half dozen places on 
the islands during the same summer, it is believed that comparatively 
few escaped being caught in at least one of the drives by reason of 
being allowed to haul among the cows. 

BACHELORS REMAINING AT END OF SEASON. 

In counting pups at the end of the killing season, Mr, Judge and I 
found 500 bachelors on Polovina hauled up in 'the middle of the rook- 
ery and on the table rock in front, awash at high tide. Their pres- 
ence was unknown to the lessee, and none of them were killed. At 
the same time about 300 were driven off Ketovi and about 200 off 
Lukanin. While counting Sea Lion Rock, we found probably 500 
bachelors there which could not be driven. We are sure, therefore, 
that at least 1,500 bachelors were on shore at the end of the season, a 
large proportion of which had not been driven by the company. 

WEIGHTS OF SEALSKINS. 

All sealskins taken during the past season on either island were 
weighed. The list of weights for both islands is attached as an 
exhibit. 

Careful attention was paid by me during the season to avoid the 
killing of underweight seals and 4-year-olds, and the presence of such 
skins in a killing was invariably brought to the attention of the les- 
see's agent in the form of a protest. 

SEALS DISMISSED FROM DRIVES. 

From the drives made on St. Paul during the season of 1905 the 
following number of dismissals was made, with the dismissals for the 
previous season added for purposes of comparison: 





Years. 


Not branded. 


New brands. 


Old brands. 




Large. 


Small. 


2-year. 


3-year. 


3-year. 


4-year. 


1905 


7.35 
641 


5,548 
4,794 


1,005 
1,320 


511 
568 


137 


120 


1904 - - - 












Increase . . . 


94 


754 























The table given shows an increase in 1905, among seals not branded, 
of 94 large and 754 small dismissals. This is exclusive of the 3 and 4 
year olds dismissed in 1905 as having been branded the previous year. 

Although the same number of 2 and 3 year old bachelors was 
branded on St. Paul in 1905 the record of dismissals of such animals 
for that year shows a decrease from the previous season of 315 two- 
year-olds and 57 three-year-olds. This demonstrates a variation in 
the proportion of numbers hauling in this class of animals due, no 
doubt, to differing climatic conditions. The principle disclosed last 
year, however, that 2-year-old maleSS haul more frequently than the 
3-year-olds is substantiated. 

Of the old brands made in 1904 with branding irons, 257 animals 
returned in 1905 with brands that were still recognizable and Were 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



161 



released. The permanent brand consisted usually of a small bare 
mark at the juncture of the two Imes of the letter "T" brand. 

On St. George there were released 199 large and 2,077 small seals not 
branded, as rei^orted by Agent Chichester, and 890 branded, of which 
810 were St. George brands, 64 St. Paul brands, and 16 so-called per- 
manent brands. As the branding in 1905 on both islands was done 
with sheep shears, which would not permit of the subsequent identifi- 
cation of the work done on either island, it is believed that the seals 
classed by Mr. Chichester as "St. Paul" brands were those branded 
in 1904 with irons. The "permanent brands" were those probably 
branded in previous years across the back. 

PERCENTAGE OF SEALS KILLED. 

The statistics of killings on St. Paul Island, herewith submitted as 
an exhibit, show that 59 per cent of all seals driven on St. Paul last 
season were killed. 

On St. George Island during the killing season, according to the 
report furnished by Agent Chichester, 4,232 animals were driven and 
1,132 killed. The animals killed there represented 26 per cent of all 
seals driven. 

Undoubtedly on St. George a number of seals were dismissed that 
would have furnished skins weighing 5^ pounds. The low percentage 
of animals killed on St. George must not be taken as a criterion of the 
rational proportion of killables in drives. 

COUNTS OF SEALS. 

The usual intermediate counts on the various rookeries were made 
from time to time during the summer. A summary of these counts 
for the two islands is appended as an exhibit. 

Beginning on July 13 last, counts were made of all bulls on the 
islands, including those idle as well as those having cows. 

The harem count on St. Paul follows: 

Count of bulls, St. Paul Island, 1905. 





Bulls 

with 
harems. 


Idle bulls. 


Total. 


Rookeries. 


Sta- 
tioned. 


"Quit- 
ters." 


Idle. 


Bulls. 


Gorbatch Cliff 


10 

122 

9 

261 

54 

43 

12 

23 

30 

78 

179 

362 

12 

36 

53 

136 

35 








10 




2 


6 


8 


130 




9 


Reef 


14 
3 
2 


5 
2 
2 


iU 
5 
4 


280 




59 




47 




12 




2 
2 
3 
21 
16 


1 

3 

7 
11 


3 
2 
6 

28 
27 


26 


Zapadni Reef 


32 


liittle Zapadni 


84 


Zapadni 


207 


Northeast Point 


389 




12 


Polovina Clifl . . 


.v 

7 


1 
3 

3' 


1 
6 
7 
3 


37 


Polovina 

Tolstoi 


59 
143 


Tolstoi Cliffs 


38 

















Total 


1,455 


75 


44 


119 


1,574 







> On June 19, Sea Lion Rock had 45 bulls, 
height of the season. 

2403— H. Doc. 93, 62-1 11 



It was not possible to make a count of harems there at the 



162 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



The harem count on St. George Island, as furnished by Agent 
Chichester, follows: 



Rookeries. 


Bulls 

with 
harems. 


Idle 
bulls. 


Total 
bulls. 


East Reef 


17 
29 
47 
45 
16 
104 


4' 

7 
3 

8' 


17 


Staraya Artel 


33 


East 


54 


Zapadni 


48 


Little East 


16 


North 


112 






Total 


2.58 


22 


280 







DECREASE IN BULLS. 

By comparison with similar counts made last year, it is found that 
since 1904 a decrease in harems has occurred of 18 per cent on St. Paul 
and 14 per cent on St. George. 

A decrease in idle bulls has occurred since 1904 of 48 per cent on 
St. Paul and 64 per cent on St. George. 

CLASSIFICATION OF LARGE SEALS DISMISSED. 

The large seals dismissed from the drives this summer on St. Paul 
were divided, as regards age, as follows: 



Date. 


Rookeries. 


4 years. 


5 years. 


6 years. 


7 years. 


8 years 
or over. 


1905. 
June 19 


Tolstoi 


8 
46 
32 
38 
13 
22 
32 
10 
12 
25 


7 

19 

28 

31 

1 

7 

9 

7 

7 

2 

1 

4 


3 
4 
10 
11 






21 


Zapadni 






23 


Northeast Point 






26 


Reef 






30 


Northeast Point 






July 1 


Zapadni and Tolstoi 


16 
5 
3 
2 

1 
2 
1 
2 
1 
2 
1 


3 
4 
5 
2 
1 




3 


Reef 




6 


Northeast Point 




7 


Zapadni 




8 


Reef 




11 


Northeast Point 




13 


Reef 


1 
1 
2 
11 
13 


1 
1 
1 
3 




14 


Zapadni 




16 


Northeast Point 


1 
10 
5 




17 


Reef and Gorbatch 




19 


Zapadni 




21 






2 


22 


Reef and Gorbatch. . . 


4 
26 

8 

2 
16 
22 

1 
13 

5 


3 
3 
3 

16 
3 

31 
1 

11 
9 


6 
1 
3 
3 
2 
14 


3 
1 
2 
2 
2 
2 


1 


24 






26 


Northeast Point 


3 


27 


Tolstoi 


2 


27 


Reef ■- 


3 


28 


Zapadni and Little Zapadni . . 




31 


Reef 


1 


31 


Northeast Point 


4 

1 


7 

1 


2 


Aug. 10 


Reef (Food) 






Total 






363 


219 


98 


41 


14 









The large seals dismissed on St. George were classified by Agent 
Chichester as follows: Four years, 129; 5 years, 21; 6 years, 27; 
bulls, 14. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



163 



COUNTS OF PUPS. 



Commencing on July 28, on St. Paul, the usual counts of pups were 
made on the rookery spaces selected for that purpose. A statement 
of the count so made, with that of the preceding year, attached for 
purposes of comparison, follows: 



Rookeries. 



Ketovi 

Lagoon 

Tolstoi Cliff 

Zapadni Reef 

Polovina Cliff 

Ardiguen 

Lukanin 

West side Northeast Point. 
East side Northeast Point.. 

Little Polovina 

Polovina 

Gorbatch Cliff 

Amphitheater 

Sea Li9n Rock 2 



Total. 



1904 



Harems. 



467 



Pups. 



2,147 

1,084 

1,571 

1,091 

1,412 

565 

2,020 

2,312 

831 

941 

3,691 

481 

458 



18,604 



Average 
harem. 



31.11 
45.16 
4L34 
23.71 
35.30 
37.66 
39.60 
48.16 
43.73 
44.80 
51.26 
40.08 
38.16 



Harems. 



369 



Pups. 



1,858 
929 

1,447 
833 

1,289 
437 

1,841 

1,793 
696 
918 

3,320 
337 
361 



16,059 



Average 
harem. 



34.59 
40.39 
41.34 
27.76 
35.80 
48.55 
42.81 
56.03 
34.80 
76.60 
62.64 
33.70 
30.08 



43.52 



Per 

cent 

harems. 



21.7 
4.1 
7.8 
34.7 
10.0 
40.0 
15.6 
33.3 
15.2 
38.0 
26.3 
16.6 



20.77 



De- 
crease 
pups. 



13.4 

14.2 

7.8 
23.6 

8.7 
22.6 

8.8 
22.4 
16.2 

2.4 
10. C 
29.9 
21.1 



13.67 



1 Increase. 

2 On June 19, 1905, Sea Lion Rock had 45 bulls stationed. On July 28 it had 2,565 pups. No count of 
harems could be made at the proper time. The counts of bulls and of pups, therefore, are omitted in 
the above table, from which an average harem is obtained, based on actual counts of both harems and 
pups. 

On St. George, where pups on all the rookeries are counted each 
year, the following count was made by Agent Chichester: 



Date. 


Rookeries. 


Live 
pups. 


Dead 
pups. 


Dead 
cows. 


1905. 
July 29 


Zapadni 


2,742 
4,047 
2,148 
2,700 
650 
412 


45 

142 

14 

46 

3 

3 


3 


31 


North 


2 


31 


Staraya Artel . . 


1 


31 


East 




31 


East Reef 




31 


LittleEast 






Total 






12,699 


253 


6 









Contrasted with the count on St. George for 1904, which showed 
13,312 live and 271 dead, a decrease of 633 pups on St. George is 
apparent, or 4.6 per cent. 

AVERAGE HAREM. 

The average harem for 1905, taken from the counts of pups just 
detailed, was 43.52 on St. Paul and 50.2 on St. George. In 1904 the 
average harem on St. Paul was 39.83; on St. George 43.59. 

NUMBER OF BREEDING SEALS ON BOTH ISLANDS. 

From the actual count on St. Paul of pups on certain portions of 
the rookeries and an estimation of the number on the remaining por- 
tions, based on the number in the average harems, a total of 1,500 
harems and 65,884 breeding cows is obtained. The harems enumer- 
ated contain 45 estimated for Sea Lion Rock. 



164 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

On St. George, b}^ actual count, 258 harems and 12,952 breeding 
cows were found. 

The total number of breeding seals on both islands, therefore, is 
1,758 bulls with harems, and 78,836 cows. 

From similar figures obtained in 1904, a decrease of 411 breeding 
bulls and 8,749 breeding cows is apparent, representing 18 per cent 
decrease in breeding bulls and 9 per cent decrease in breeding cows. 

This percentage of decrease in cows, however, is based partially on 
estimation, as already stated, on St. Paul. The percentage of decrease 
in cows on that portion of the St. Paul rookeries, where actual counts 
were made, is 13.67 per cent, and is accepted by us as more accurately 
representing the rate of decrease than the whole census, which incor- 
porates an element of uncertainty. 

IDLE BULLS. 

In 1905, as already stated, there were 119 idle bulls on St. Paul, and 
.22 on St. George, of all classes, or 141 for both islands. These include 
stationed bulls, without cows, as well as those young bulls appearing 
on the rookeries which leave on our approach, termed by us 
"quitters." 

In 1904 232 idle bulls on St. Paul and 62 idle on St. George were 
found, or 294 for both islands. This comparison shows that there has 
been a decrease of 153 idle bulls on both islands since 1904, or 52 
per cent. 

. The total number of idle bulls on the two islands in 1905, including 
those young males found on the rookery space but not stationed, is 7 
per cent of the whole number of bulls present. 

ENUMEEATION OF ALL CLASSES. 

It has been seen already that 1,758 breeding bulls and 78,836 adulfc 
cows were present tliis season, together with 141 idle bulls. In addi- 
tion to tliis number of breeding seals, it is now desired to estimate, in 
accordance with the direction of the department, the total number of 
individuals in all classes of seal life on the two islands. 

NUMBER OF HALS' BULLS. 

In computing the number of half bulls present on the islands, refer- 
ence is had, of course, to the table of large seals rejected from the drives 
during the season. On St. Paul Island last summer 721 rejections 
occurred between the ages of 4 and 7 years. To these must be added 
120 four-year-olds branded the year before and appearing in the drives 
this year, making a total number of 841 rejections on St. Paul Island 
of young male seals over 4 years of age. 

On St. George Island Mr. Chichester noted 177 dismissals of seals 
between the ages of 4 and 6 years, both inclusive. The number of 
branded 4-year-olds seen there probably will bring up that number 
to 185. 

There were, therefore, on both islands 1,026 rejections of young 
seals above the age of 4 and under 8 years. 

It was estimated by me last year that at least 50 per cent more 
animals of this class were in existence than were seen in the drives. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 165 

While the estimate is beheved to be too low, it was adopted because 
of the desire to be well witliin the actual number in being. On tliis 
basis the addition of 50 per cent to the number of large young rejec- 
tions found on both islands would show 1,539 young males present 
between the ages of 4 and 7 years. 

The number is nearly 500 in excess of that for the same class of 
animals present the preceding year. This increase is due directly to 
the enforcement of the regulations restricting the killing on the islands. 

NUMBER OF 3-YEAR-OLD BACHELORS. 

One thousand of tliis class of animals were branded this summer on 
the islands. The killings on St. Paul contained approximately 1,650 
skins, weighing between 7^ and 9 pounds, first inclusive, thus making 
2,650 of tliis class handled. 

By consulting the table of rejections we find that 37 per cent were 
not present in any subsequent drive. Using tliis percentage as a 
basis, and increasing the number found tliis summer — 2,650 — by 37 

Eer cent, a total is reached of 3,630 three-year-olds present tliis season, 
deducting the number killed — 1,650 — there would then remain at the 
close of the setison 1,980 three-year-old males. 

It was estimated in my report of 1904 that 5,500 two-year-olds were 
in existence at the close of the season. The fact that only 3,630 three- 
year-olds are shown by the preceding figures to have been hauled in 
1905 would raise the question as to the whereabouts of the difference 
between these two figures, or nearly 2,000 seals. Disregarding the 
number of 3-year-old bachelors that may have hauled among the cows 
tliis summer and were not driven, it must be noted that the 2 and 3 
year old skins merge between the weights of 7 and 7^ pounds. On 
St. Paul 968 skins were taken weighing 7 pounds and 583 weighing 
71 pounds. How many of these were 2-year-olds and how many were 
3-5^ear-olds can not be determined, but in them possibly lies the solu- 
tion to the question as to the whereabouts of a portion of the 2,000 
three-year-olds not accounted for. The mortality from natural causes, 
as well as that from pelagic sealing among these animals, must be 
considered also as having lessened the number. 

NUMBER OF 2-YEAR-OLDS PRESENT. 

On St. Paul, in 1905, 800 two-year-olds were branded and released 
and 1,005 rejections of branded 2-year-olds made during the same 
time. Tliis would show that the dismissals this year of this class of 
animals exceeded by 25 per cent the whole number known to be 
branded. 

The number of chsniissals of small unbranded seals on St. Paul in 
1905 was 5,548, of which probably 500 were yearlings. Tliis leaves 
practically 5,000 rej ections of two-year-olds. By the proportion of ani- 
mals present, ascertained by the rejections of branded 2-year-olds, a 
reduction of 25 per cent from this number should be made to repre- 
sent the actual number of animals embraced, which would show 3,750 
two-year-olds actually present in the class of cUsmissed seals. AdcUng 
to tliis number the 800 branded, and allowing 1,000 for 2-year-old 
bachelors not driven, would give a total of 5.550 remaining for St. 
Paul. 



166 



SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



On St. George 2,077 small rejections occurred. Deducting 25 per 
cent from the number, gives 1,500 animals actually present. Addmg 
to these the 200 branded on the island, would make a total of 1,700 
two-year-olds on St. George at the close of the season. 

It will thus be seen that on the two islands 7,200 two-year-olds remain 
at the end of the season of 1905. It was estimated by me in 1904 that 
21,324 yearling bachelors were then present. They would, of course, 
return to the islands in 1905 as 2-year-olds. An opportunity is had, 
therefore, of testing the value of the former estimate. 

The catch this year included approximately 12,000 two-year-old 
skins. Adding to these the 7,200 two-year-olds estimated as still 
remaining, would give 19,200 two-year-olds accounted for. The dif- 
ference between the estimate and the number returning to the islands, 
as in the case of 3-year-olds, may easily be accounted for when 
animals not driven are considered, as well as mortality at sea. 

2-YEAR-OLD cows. 

It was estimated last year that 21,324 yearling females were present. 
By the methods used last year it was estimated also that 30 per cent of 
the yearlings of one season would perish during the migration which 
they would make before they would return to the islands as 2-year- 
olds. Applying this reduction to the 21,324 yearling cows of 1904 
would bring back 14,927 two-year-old cows in 1905. 

I believe this estimate of 2-year-old cows for 1905 to be well within 
the actual number present. 

YEARLING SEALS. 

In 1904 it was estimated that 87,585 pups were born on the two 
islands. Assuming that they were equally divided as regards sex, and 
allowing a 50 per cent mortality as having taken place during their 
first migration, would bring back to the islands in 1905, 21,896 yearling 
males and 21,896 yearling females. 

Pelagic sealing, however, is especially destructive to this class of 
animals, because they spend the greater portion of their time in the 
water. A deduction for pelagic sealing of 3,000 from each of these 
classes would leave 18,896 yearling males and 18,896 yearling females 
present about the islands in 1905. 

SUMMARY OF ALL CLASSES. 



From the actual counts made, and from the estimates already 
detailed, it is safe to state the total number of seals of all classes 
present on the two islands as follows: 



Bulls with harems. . 

Adult idle bulls 

Half bulls 

3-year-old bachelors. 
2-year-old bachelors . 



758 
141 
539 
980 
200 



Yearling bachelors 18, 896 



Breeding cows 78, 836 

2-year-old cows 14, 927 

Yearling cows 18, 896 

New-born pups 78, 836 



Total 223,009 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 167 

SCARCITY OF BULLS. 

Ill connection with the increase in the average harem, from 39.83 on 
St. Paul and 43.59 on St. George in 1904, to 43.52 on St. Paul and 
50.2 on St. George in 1905, owing to the decrease in breeding bulls 
occurring durmg the interval, it is thought necessary to call the atten- 
tion of the department to the condition in which the breeding 
rookeries on St. Paul were found at the height of the season with 
reference to a sufiiciency of adult males. 

The presence of a smaller number of bulls on the rookeries was, of 
course, established early in the season before the advent of the cows 
by counts made upon the arrival of the bulls and a comparison of the 
same with those of the preceding season. 

The question of the sufiiciency of male life received my closest 
attention, and my observations were ably amplified by those of Agent 
Judge. 

SCARCITY OF BULLS ON ROOKERIES. 

Ap has been stated previously, 1,455 bulls ^^-ith harems were found 
on St. Paul Island in 1905, as agamst 1,790 in 1904, a decrease of 335 
in the number of harems. These figures exclude the harems on wSea 
Lion Eock. 

This decrease of 335 breedmg bulls represents a loss of 18 per cent. 
The decrease in cows on the space actually counted on St. Paul was 
13.6 per cent, while the decrease on the final estimated number of cows 
on the whole island was 10 ])er cent. 

Since the rate of loss in breeding bulls is larger than that in breed- 
ing cows, it must follow that the average harem in 1905 would be 
larger than that of the previous year, or, in plain terms, each surviv- 
ing bull would be required to serve in 1905 a greater number of cows 
than in 1904. 

ABSENCE OF IDLE BULLS ON CERTAIN ROOKERIES. 

In the intermediate counts made by "Sir. Judge and myself of breed- 
ing seals it was soon learned that, while there were idle bulls present 
on certain rookeries in sufficient number to increase proper service of 
the cows, on other rookeries the bulls stationed were practically all 
occupied with cow^s, leaving no surplus for emergencies. 

On Ardiguen, from July 1 to 13, the 9 stationed bulls on the rook- 
ery all had cows. On July 11, at nearly the height of the season, the 
cows present on land on that rookery made an average harem, for all 
bulls stationed, of 29. This does not take into account the cows 
absent at sea feeding. Durmg this period from 1 to 4 young bulls 
were present on the rookery, but did not succeed in getting co^^ s and 
went into the water on the slightest alarm. 

The average harem for this rookery (Ardiguen) as determined by 
the count of pups was 48.55. This means, of course, that these cows 
were not evenl}^ distributed in this exact proportion, but that some 
bulls had twice this number, while others had correspo]idingly less. 
The number of cows present in each harem, as determined by my 
count on July 11, was as follows: 20, 17, 26, 31, 66, 52, 16, 29, 4. 



168 SEAL ISLAN-DS OF ALASKA. 

A "quitter" or young bull was present on the date on which, harems 
were counted, but was hauled on the extreme end of the rookery apart 
from the cows. 

From this count it can be seen that 2 bulls had, respectively, 66 and 
52 cows present in their harems at the time of the count. How many 
cows already served by the bull were al)sent at sea at this date from 
these large harems is not possible to state, but as our count of pups 
showed that at the height of the season not over 60 per cent of cows 
were present on the rookery, the addition of 40 per cent to these large 
harems would bring the total number of cows served by tliese two 
harem masters to 72 and 92, respectively. 

NO IDLE BXJLLS ON AMPHITHEATER. 

On the Amphitheater of Ketovi, from July 5 to July 23 (after which 
date no further counts were made by us), there were no bulls stationed 
that were not employed with cows, except on July 8, when one bull 
was idle for that day only. During the period from July 8 to 11 
three young ''quitters" were present without cows. After that date 
two of them, so far as we know, obtained cows in independent harems. 
The tliird either disappeared from the rookery or took the place of an 
old bull exhausted by rookery work. At the height of the season 
there were 12 bulls on the rookery, all occupied vdtli cows. 

On Ketovi rookery during the height of the season not over 3 sta- 
tioned idle bulls were present. On July 21 all bulls on this rookery 
were engaged with cows. On July 13 out of the 57 bulls stationed 
54 had cows. 

This rookery, it will be noted, received a steady accession of bulls 
up to the 19th of July, when 60 bulls were stationed and 59 occupied 
with cows. On the 16th of June, by which date all bulls, according 
to the old reports, are expected to have arrived and stationed them 
themselves, there were only 42 stationed and 7 young "quitters." 

On Lagoon, on July 1 3, 25 bulls were present and 23 had cows. One 
'quitter" was present. 

On Lukanin, on July 11, 46 bulls were stationed and 43 had harems. 
On July 13, 45 were stationed and 43 had harems. On the 11th there 
was one " quitter," and on the 13th 2 " quitters." The greatest num- 
ber of cows were present on these two days. 

On Vostoshni, the west side of Northeast Point, when harems were 
counted on July 16, 32 bulls were present, all of which had cows. On 
tliis rookery, or rather this end of Northeast Point rookery, the aver- 
age harem was 56. 

On Morjovi, the east side of Northeast Point, 20 bulls were stationed, 
each having a harem. A " quitter " was present on an abandoned por- 
tion of the rookery. The average harem on this side was 34. 

On the entire rookery at Northeast Point at the height of the sea- 
son, July 16, 378 bulls were stationed. Of these 362 were masters of 
harems, leaving 16 idle. As the shore line of this rookery, the largest 
on either island, extends over 3 miles, the presence of only 16 idle bulls 
on this entire stretch of rookery space is significant. 

At this time 1 1 quitters were noted in addition. These undoubtedly 
found cows later. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 169 

On Poloyina, out of 56 bulls present on July 16, when harems were 
counted, only 3 were idle. There were 3 quitters or young bulls pres- 
ent also. Tiie average harem on this rooker}^ was 62.64. 

On Polovina Cliff, out of 36 bulls present on July 16, none were 
idle. One young quitter was present m addition. 

On Little Polovina, on the same date, 12 bulls were stationed and 
all had cows. There were no quitters. On this rookery the largest 
average harem on the island was found — 76.5. This, in connection 
with the fact that no idle bulls were present, emphasizes a scarcity of 
bulls in tliis localit}^. On the Reef, where harems were counted on 
July 13, 275 stationed bulls were found. Of these 261 had harems, 
leaving 14 idle. Had the harems on this rookery been counted three 
days later a much smaller number of idle bulls probably would have 
been found. Five quitters were present also. 

On Tolstoi, out of 143 bulls stationed, 136 were engaged vnth. cows 
on July 14 and 7 were idle. These idle bulls vrould have been quit- 
ters on another rookery, but on Tolstoi, being behind the mass and 
rather far inland, they were not able on our approach to reach the 
water without traversing the rookery area and being severely handled 
by bulls. They retreated only a short distance on our approach and 
were termed "idle bulls." 

On Tolstoi Cliff 35 bulls were stationed on July 14, and all had 
cows. Three quitters were present on the water line. 

On Zapadni 200 bulls were found on July 14, and of these 21 were 
idle, in addition to 7 quitters. 

On Little Zapadni, on July 14, 81 bulls were stationed. Of these 
78 were occupied with cows and 3 were found idle. There were also 
3 quitters. 

On Zapadni Reef, on the same date, 32 stationed bulls were found, 
of which only 2 were idle. There were no quitters. 

On Gorbatch, out of 124 stationed bulls, only 2 were idle on July 13, 
when harems were counted. Six quitters were present. 

On Gorbatch Cliff, on July 13, of 10 bulls found, all were occupied 
with harems. 

PERCENTAGE OF IDLE BULLS. 

It will be seen, thus, that of the whole number of bulls present 
only a very small number were idle, and in the cases of certain rook- 
eries there were no idle bulls at the height of the season. 

The quitters at the climax of the sealing season are 3^oung bulls, full 
of procreative power and desirous of the female, but not yet fully 
equipped in either weight or courage. I have noted repeatedly .young 
bulls with harems wliich sometimes would number a dozen cows 
plunge into the sea at my approach. The possession of cows, how- 
ever, gives courage, and I have been chased repeatedly by young 
quitters that previously gave ground, but which had gotten a cow or 
two and with them the courage to fight for a continuance of their 
possession. 

A quitter, however, is not a rookery bull until he is in possession of 
cows. It is not proper to class as an idle bull a young male that pre- 
sents liimself only in a place on the rookery where there are no cows, 
and therefore where there is no rivalry. '^The quitter generally sees 
no service until after the vigilance of the regular bulls is relaxed, and 



170 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



the served cows wander almost at will over the rookeries in search of 
their pups. 

In determining, therefore, the percentage of idle bulls present at 
the height of the season no account will be taken of the q^uitters. A 
list of these, however, is added for the purpose of showmg the full 
rookery population: 



Rookeries. 


Stationed 
bulls. 


Idle. 


Quitters. 


Per cent 
idle. 


Ardiguen 


9 
12 
57 
25 
45 

378 
56 
36 
12 

275 
35 

200 
SI 
32 

124 
10 

143 








Amphi 








Ketovi 


3 
2 
2 
16 
3 


2 
1 
2 
11 
3 
1 


5 


Lagoon 


g 


Lukanin . . 


4 


Northeast Point 


4 


Polovina 


5 


Polovina Cliff 




Little Polovina 






Reef 


14 


5 
3 
7 
3 


5 


Tolstoi Cliff 




Zapadni 


21 
3 
2 
2 


10 


Little Zapadni 


3 


Zapadni Reef 


6 


Gorbatch 


6 


1 


Gorbatch Cliff 




Tolstoi 


7 




4 








Total 


1,530 


75 


44 


4.8 







It can be seen, therefore, that without the inclusion of the quitters 
or young bulls not stationed only 4.8 per cent of all stationed bulls 
present were idle at the height of the season on St. Paul. If we were 
to include the 44 quitters, the percentage of idle would be only 7.5. 
But as these young bulls not stationed can not be counted upon for 
service until after the season is over, we must accept the percentage 
of idle bulls during the breeding season as being only 4.8. 

IDLE BULLS MARK THE SAFETY LIMIT. 

In my report for 1903 I stated that the presence or absence of idle 
bulls was the only means of proving whether or not there is a suffi- 
ciency of male life: 

With a number of idle bulls present we are certain that the powers of the harem 
masters are not unduly taxed. Eliminate the idle bulls entirely, however, and we 
are forced to theorize in the treatment of the question whether the number of bulls is 
sufficient, and whether all cows are impregnated. The destruction of the supply of 
idle bulls, therefore, marks the line beyond which it is improper to go with absolute 
certainty of safety. 

At the time this was written I was not aware of the presence, in 
the report of Fur-Seal Investigations on the Pribilof Islands, 1896-7, 
of a statement by Mr. Frederick W. Lucas of similar effect to that in 
my report just quoted. The extract from Mr. Lucas's paper is here 
given, as the statement of a scientist, at a time when the condition 
under discussion was expected never to occur: 

_ The size of the harems and the number of surplus bulls is a safe guide to the condi- 
tion of the rookeries for breeding purposes, the increase or decrease of the total num- 
ber of seals being naturally quite another thing, although the two should be carefully 
compared with one another. If the number of surplus bulls is large and the size of 
harems small, either the rookeries are shrinking or the number of bulls increasing, 
and immediate steps should be taken to ascertain which is the case, in order to decide 
whether more seals may be advantageously killed, or whether there is an unexpected 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 17 1 

number of deaths among the cows. The total disappearance of the idle, waiting, or 
reserved bulls, as they have been variously called, would be a warning of the most 
emphatic nature to immediately lessen the number to be killed, for since the seal herd 
is for a great portion of the year quite beyond the control of man it will always be 
necessary to allow a liberal margin of bulls for breeding purposes. 

It is submitted that "the total disappearance" of idle bulls is 
imminent when only 4 per cent of tliis class is present. How many 
of these idle bulls have ph3^sical defects which preclude an active 
engagement in the duties of a harem master, and consequently force 
them into the idle class, is not possible to tell. With the probability 
that some of these idle bulls may be physically incompetent, it is 
thought that the situation this summer nearly represents a practical 
disappearance of the reserve or waiting bulls. 

IDLE BULLS ABSENT ON CERTAIN ROOKERIES. 

It is certain, at least, that some of the rookeries on the island 
present the condition of having no idle or reserve bulls. These are 
Gorbatch CliiT, Ardiguen, Amphitheater of Ketovi, Little Polovina, 
Polovina Cliff, and Tolstoi Cliif. 

These are nearly all ends of larger rookeries, and it may be said in 
their defense, first, that they occupy a narrow shore line under cliffs 
which do not permit of the stationing of a great number of seals at 
any time; and, secondly, that as the diminution in seals is most appar- 
ent on the thinly settled ends of rookeries, it will probably show 
more plainly on these parts mentioned than on the main rookeries 
themselves. 

But when it is remembered that at the season's height only 2 idle 
bulls were found on Gorbatch, which had an estimated number of 
5,309 cows; only 3 idle on Ketovi, with 1,858 breeding cows, actually 
present, as was shown by a count of pups; only 2 idle on Lukanin, 
with 1,841 cows present by count; 3 on Little Zapadni, with 3,394 
cows estimated; only 3 on Little Polovina, with 3,320 cows counted, 
and only 7 on Tolstoi, with 5,918 cows estimated, it can be seen that 
even on the central rookeries, where space for expansion is practically 
unlimited and where 10 years ago thousands of idle bulls were to be 
found, the number of idle bulls is so small as to be practically un- 
serviceable. 

SUPPLY OF IDLE BULLS NOT MOBILE. 

The idle bulls present during the summer are stationed, and as a 
rule do not move from their positions until after the harems have 
broken up. If they were available, as the reserve corps of an army, 
to be moved from place to place in support of others hard pressed, 
greater service from them could be secured. But such is not the 
case. A mass of 1.000 cows might have but a few bulls in its midst 
upon whom probably rookery duties fell heavily, while a hundred 
yards away idle bulls may be found, tenacious of their position, but 
apparently still waiting for cows to come to them. 

In this respect the fur seal can not be compared to the wild deer, 
kine, or horse, the male of which species searches for the female. 
They can not be compared to an}^ animal, in fact, except that of 
whicli the male remains in one spot and is sought by the female. 



172 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

In view of this immobility of stationed bulls, therefore, a healthy- 
condition of the rookeries will require, to my mind, enough surplus 
bulls that they may be stationed at intervals over the entire length 
of the rookeries to take advantage of the first symptom of wealaiess 
in a harem master, and by worsting him in battle gain possession of 
his harem. This, in my opinion, is the normal condition which must 
exist in nature, and is the condition which as nearly as possible should 
be maintained on the rookeries under the supervision of man. 

BACHELORS ON BREEDING GROUNDS. 

There were so few bulls on certain rookeries on St. Paul Island this 
summer that, by reason of their scarcity, the harems were broken up 
before the usual period and bachelors were able to haul among the 
cows. 

This occurred at a date when these young seals should have been 
excluded from the breeding grounds by vigilant bulls, and then 
forced to haul up, if they desired to haul at all, only on the bachelor's 
hauling ground. 

This condition, in our opinion, is due to the scarcity of breeding 
males on the rookeries generally, and to their being so taxed in special 
localities with the service of the cows that they were unable or un- 
willing to drive out the bachelors. Had idle bulls been sufficiently 
numerous this condition would not have occurred. 

EVIDENCES OF SCARCITY OF BULLS. 

The decrease in bulls, as compared with previous seasons, was early 
known by our daily counts. When harems were counted on St. Paul 
Island by Mr. Judge and myself this summer, it was noted that less 
difficulty was experienced by us from vicious bulls than ever before. 

In counting harems it is necessary often to obtain a position com- 
manding as well a good view of beach line and plateau. These posi- 
tions are usually surrounded by bulls with harems. To gain them it 
is necessary to drive off these bulls, and to hold them away during the 
few minutes necessary to complete the count in that locality. This is 
done by means of several agile native men and light bamboo poles 
about 10 feet in length. In thus going among the bulls, more or less 
difficulty is encountered. 

Several 3^ears ago certain vantage points on the Reef, Tolstoi, and 
Zapadni Points were absolutely unattainable by reason of the number 
and aggressiveness of bulls present. This year no trouble whatever 
was experienced in reaching these points. Where hitherto we were 
obliged to drive bulls off in certain places, none were encountered. In 
others we went directly into the mass of bulls with the aid of only two 
boys, and could stand there without any serious danger. In masses 
little aggressiveness was found. As contrasted with our experience 
of past years, this condition was so unusual as to cause immediate 
remark. 

CONDITION AT NORTHEAST POINT. 

A large mass of seals has always been present at Northeast Point, 
under Hutchinson Hill. Harems on this rookery were counted July 
16, a date when compactness in the rookery formation should be 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 173 

greatest. It was surprisino;, therefore, to see at this time cows scat- 
tered loosely all over the sand flat under the hill, the disintegrated 
mass extendino- from the beach line back to the hill. At first glance 
this was attributed to the heavy rain falling- at the time, creating 
puddles of filthy slime, and supposedly causing the cows to scatter 
out in search of firmer ground. 

As I was taldng photographs of the rookeries, I went ahead to make 
the necessary exposures before the formation of the cows should be 
disturbed by the counting of the harems. Mr. Judge followed with 
two natives and made the count. He stated that the bulls were prac- 
tically docile and that no trouble was experienced in penetrating the 
mass of seals. He stated, also, that in his opinion the bulls were 
taxed to such an extent as to have virtually lost control of the breed- 
ing grounds, and that tlris was the reason for their unusual amiability. 
He noted also that a great proportion of the supposed cows scattered 
about were bachelors. 

On July 20 we again visited the point to kill seals as well as to ob- 
serve the mass and to take additional photographs. On that date the 
mass had the same loose appearance as on the 16th. No bachelors 
could be seen on the usual hauling grounds on either side of the hill 
from wliich the drive was to be made the following day. Although a 
close inspection could not be made without the risk of stampeding 
what seals were there, from the top of the hill bachelors could be seen 
among the cows, especially the branded ones, their shaved heads 
being conspicuous marks. 

On the next day, July 21, a drive was made from this rookery and 
no bachelors were gotten from the hauling grounds under Hutchinson 
Hill. A small drive was secured from two other hauling grounds, 
from which only 109 skins were taken and 234 seals dismissed. 

The insignificance of this killing from the largest rookery on the 
island at a season of the year when small bachelors are supposed to 
be most plentiful on land, and when a thousand seals in a drive would 
not have been unusual, was startling. 

This failure of bachelors on the hauling ground was looked upon as 
a verification of the result of our observations on the 16th. As the 
rookery now could be inspected closely without danger of stampeding 
killable seals, Mr. Judge and Mr. Redpath, the latter going at my 
request while I counted skins in the salt house, went to Hutchinson 
Hill to make a critical examination of the body of seals hauled under 
it. The situation found can best be described by quoting from Mr. 
Judge's notes: 

The bachelors could be seen in considerable numbers at the foot of the hill and 
along both sides of the triangle forming the mass. Bulls were very scarce. Only 1 
bull was on the hill. He had a harem of 12 cows. No other bull was within 100 
feet of the base of the hill. Cows, pups, and bachelors were huddled together. The 
bachelors are cleaner than the cows, and generally show silvery breasts, while cows 
show breasts of dirty yellow. Bachelors play a good deal, while there is very little 
playing among the cows. Seven branded bachelors were observed among the lot. 

At close range the bachelors were more easily distinguished. There is no doubt 
in my mind that the niunber of bachelors mixed with the cows under Hutchinson 
Hill exceeded those driven this morning, namely, 343 of all sizes. 

Mr. Redpath was of the opinion that most of the bachelors seen would have been 
undersize for killing. 

The result of the investigation by Mr. Judge and Mr. Redpath ver- 
ified the conclusion reached on the 16th, that the bulls, being few in 
numbers, were overtaxed, and had lost control of the breeding ground. 



174 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Taking advantage of this condition, the bachelors had hauled among 
the cows, which accounted for the smallness of the drive on the 21st. 
The absolute necessity for the presence of idle bulls is here empha- 
sized. Had there been enough of this class present the places of 
overtaxed bulls would have been usurped, and the rookery discipline 
maintained with even increased vigor. At tlais particular point, 
however, there were no idle bulls. 

CONDITION ON OTHER ROOKERIES. 

Having found this situation to exist at Northeast Point, it was 
thought possible that perhaps the same existed at Polovina and Tol- 
stoi, from which rookeries practically no bachelors have been driven 
for several years. 

A stop was made at Polovina on our way from Northeast Point on 
the 2l£t, and Messrs. Judge and Redpath and myself visited that 
rookery. We were not able to verify our assumption with regard to 
this rookery. By reason of the flatness of the approach to it, only 
the rearmost harems could be inspected, and those only with caution, 
lest the cows be stampeded. While we found six 2-year old bachelors 
in two small harems at the rear, we found also the harem formations 
to be much better preserved than at Hutchinson Hill. The bulls 
seemed active in preventing the escape of the cows and in rounding 
them up into their harems. 

The fact, however, remains that only 3 idle bulls were found on 
this rookery at the height of the season. That the bulls present with 
cows were still able to maintain their harems on the 21st is more a 
tribute to their vitahty than prodf that enough adult males were 
present. 

On the 23d Mr. Judge examined Reef rookery. He found that the 
bachelors there were hauhng by themselves, and did not see any evi- 
dences of weakness in bulls. 

On the 24th Mr. Judge visited Tolstoi to discover whether bache- 
lors were present there among the cows. He found, he stated, at least 
one-fourth of the supposed cows present to consist of bachelors, which, 
as we beheve, are permitted to haul among the cows by reason of the 
absence of idle bulls, which, even at this late date, would be eager to 
preserve the harems intact. 

SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS CONDITION. 

This condition apparent at Hutchinson Hill and at Tolstoi (although 
in a greater degree at the fii-st-mentioried place) gives us, so far as we 
know, the first intimation that at certain locahties on the island bulls 
are not present in sufficient numbers to maintain a fu'st-class rookery 
service. 

This situation, in the cases noted, carries with it its own remedy. 
The scarcity of bulls allows the bachelors and haK bulls to mingle with 
the cows. These young animals, 3 years of age and over, are compe- 
tent to perform the functions of procreation. Their presence among 
the cows, in my opinion, insures service to all cows in heat not reached 
at once by a bull. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 175 

PRESENT REGULATIONS AMPLE. 

The present scarcity of bulls is attributable directly to close killing 
on land, from which not enough ])achelors were allowed to escape from 
the kilhng fields to maintain the requisite proportion of bulls. 

For the last two years, however, regulations have been in force on 
the islands as the result of which a considerable number of bachelors 
are exempted from kilhng and allowed to escape. The animals thus 
saved are not old enough to appear upon the rookeries. It will be 
necessary for two more years to elapse before these animals may be 
counted upon. From that time, however, \vith the continuance of the 
regulations, it is believed that an ample supply of bulls will be present. 

PRESENT REGULATIONS SHOULD BE CONTINUED. 

Since it appears that a scarcity of bulls is threatened on the islands, 
and, in fact, has occurred actually on several of the rookery spaces on 
St. Paul, an}^ change in the present regulations looldng to a lessening 
of the restrictions placed on kilhng on the islands would be wholly 
unwise. 

The result of these regulations can not be felt before 1907, as has in 
effect been stated. During the interval which must elapse before that 
time a steady decrease in bulls ^^^ll be encountered. The closest kilhng 
on land occurred during the seasons of 1902 and 1903. In the latter 
season the lessees released from the drives on St. Paul only 983 small 
seals. This practical annihilation of bachelors for this year wall be 
felt on the rookeries four j^ears thereafter, or in 1907. 

Since w^e are obliged to face in 1906 and 1907 tliis extra heavy 
decrease occurring from the closer kilhng in 1902 and 1903, no reduc- 
tion in the number of bachelors now saved on the islands should be 
made until the rookeries themselves show an influx of male hfe sulh- 
cient to more than offset the yearly mortahty. 

SIMILAR CONDITION ON RUSSIAN ISLANDS. 

The condition of a scarcity of bulls on certain rookeries and the 
presence of bachelors among the cows has existed on the Russian 
(^^ommander Islands for years. 

On the rookeries of Bering Island it has been the practice, in obtain- 
ing bachelors for kilhng, to drive off the entire rookery in order to 
pick out the bachelors from among the cows and pups. 

It is stated b}" Dr. Stejneger, in his report on the Commander 
Islands (Rept. Fur-Seal Inves., pt. 4, p. 222), that this is no new fea- 
ture due to the decrease in seals, and that the same thing took place 
in 1882 and 1883, in the palmiest days of the sealing business. 

It must not be overlooked, however, that the rookeries on which 
Dr. Stejneger states this unusual driving occurs in recent years have 
had few bulls and a large average harem. On page 99 of the report 
cited it is stated that in the drive of North rookery, August 22, 
1895, 3,000 cov/s and only 8 bulls were driven. While this was so 
late in the season as to form no idea as to the number of bulls present 
at the season's height, it shows, at least, that buhs there were very 
scarce. 



176 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 

On South rookery in July, 1897, on this same island, Dr. Stejneger 
counted 526 cows and only 2 bulls. 

'Wliile not desiring to oppose Dr. Stejneger's theory that a suffi- 
ciency of bulls were present on these rookeries, I desire to point out 
that the presence of bachelors among cows is found coincident ■\\dth a 
scarcity of bulls on both the Commander and the Pribilof Islands. 
Without hazarding any opinion as to the cause of this condition on the 
Commander Islands, our judgment is that on the Pribilofs the presence 
of bachelors among cows in such unusual numbers is due to a scarcity 
of bulls. 

LIMIT TO PEOCEEATIVE POWER OF BULLS. 

Much has been said of the wonderful procreative power of bulls, 
and the theory has been advanced that a bull can serve mthout dis- 
comfort as many cows as he is able to get and hold. 

Our experience this summer has convinced us that there is a limit 
to a bull's capacity, and that the bulls on the rookeries at the height of 
the season had come nearer to reaching it than ever before in our 
knowledge. Wlien it was possible on July 13 to penetrate the mass 
of breeding seals on theKeef, and on July 14 that on Zapadni, meeting 
with no more opposition than could be met successfully by two men 
armed with Kght poles, it must be believed that the bulls at these 
places were taxed to such a Umit as to be shorn of most of their aggres- 
siveness. On July 16 I^Ir. Judge with two men went through the mass 
under Hutchinson Hill on the plateau near the shore hne, and experi- 
enced but httle trouble. To have done this five years ago with the 
same mass would have been impossible, 

ALL COAVS WERE SERVED. 

There is no intention to convey the meaning that the cows on the 
Pribilofs suffered from lack of service. No evidence to that effect 
could be found. The presence of bachelors among the cows is an 
additional assurance that none were suffered to go without impreg- 
nation. It is intended to show only that in performing rookery 
service this year the harem masters were put to greater exertion than 
before observed by us. 

This, taken in connection with the lack of a sufficiency of idle bulls, 
demonstrates that the regulations of the department restricting kill- 
ing should be rigidly enforced in their present state until such time 
as the rookeries show a greater proportion of bulls present. 

CENSUS OF NATIVE INHABITANTS. 

Censuses of both islands, taken June 30, 1905, are herewith sub- 
mitted as exhibits. 

That of St. Paul shows 164 actual residents, of which 82 are males 
and 82 females. Seven deaths and 8 births occurred during the year. 
There were 2 departures and 4 arrivals, making a net increase in 
population on St. Paul of 3 mdividuals. 

The census of St. George shows 89 actual residents. During the 
year 5 deaths and no births occurred on the island. One native 
arrived from St. Paul and 2 natives departed to reside on St. Paul. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 177 

The census of St. George therefore shows a net decrease in the 
popiihition during the year of 6 individuals. 

The total population of both islands, taken from th? above cen- 
suses, is 253 actual residents, a decrease of 3 from those of 1904. 

DIVISION OF NATIVE EARNINGS. 

The earnings of the St. Paul natives durmg the season ended 
August, 1905, for taking 13,000 fur-seal skins at 50 cents each, and 
8 sea-lion skins at S2 each, were -56,516, which sum was divided 
among the native sealers in the manner detailed in the exhibit hereto 
attached, marked "Division of natives' earnings, St. Paul Island, 
Alaska, season of 1905." The amounts allotted to each sealer, as 
noted on the division, have been placed to the credit of each, respec- 
tively, and are being disbursed for the purchase of articles necessary 
to their maintenance on orders issued by the Government agent. 

The earnings of the St. George natives for taking 258 blue-fox^skins 
at $5 each and 10 white-fox skhis at $1 each, during the season of 
1904-5, amounted to $1,300. Their earnings during the same season 
for taking 1,368 sealskins at 50 cents a skin amounted to S684. 
These amounts are being disbursed for maintenance in the same man- 
ner as the earnings on St. Paul. 

A copy of the St. George seal division is submitted herewith as an 
exhibit. The fox division is to be foimd as an exhibit to Agent eTudge's 
report, which is also attaclied as an exhibit. 

APPORTIONMENT OF GOVERXiMENT APPROPRIATION. 

The appropriation of $19,500 made by the Government for the 
support of these natives during the fiscal year 1906, after deducting 
$9,625 for 385 tons of coal to be delivered during that period, was 
apportioned between the two islands by allotting $5,210 to St. Paul 
and $4,665 to St. George. 

The deduction for coal was made at the rate of $25 per ton, at 
which rate I was instructed by the department to anticipate pay- 
ment. As I understand, the department has since fixed a rate of $20 
a ton, the difference of $1,925 on the amount ordered, caused by the 
reduction of the rate by $5 a ton, will be used for the purchase of 
articles needed by the natives, but of wdiich they are now deprived 
by this threatened increase in the price of coal. 

In the middle of ]\rarch, 1905, the natives' supply of coal on St. 
Paul, which was required to last them until the following June, was 
reduced to about 20 tons. The natives after that date were required 
to gather driftwood to heat their dwellings until the arrival of the 
company's vessel in June. 

company's EXPENDITURES UNDER LEASE. 

Under that portion of the department's instructions to me whereby 
I am directed to obtain from the lessee of the sealing right a state- 
ment of its expenditures in complying with that portion of its con- 
tract requiring it to provide schools, dwellings, houses of worship, 
and ph^^sicians and medical attendance for the native inhabitants of. 

2403— H. Doc. 93, 62-1 12 



178 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

the seal islands and the necessaries of life for "widows, orphans, aged 
and infirm inhabitants" of the same, I requested the general agent 
of the lessee, ^fr. Redpath, to furnish me with tlie necessary data on 
the subject. 

That for St. George Island was delivered to Agent Chichester, on 
that island, and by him transmitted to me. It is lierewith inclosed 
as an exhibit. 

The statement for St. Paul was promised. Not being forthcoming 
at the time of the departure of the company's vessel, in August, I 
made a second request, in person, for its delivery. I was informed 
in reply, by Mr. Davis, the lessee company's secretary, who was on 
St. Paul at the time, that the data necessary to make the statement 
would be sent to the company's office at San Francisco, and the 
report furnished me there. 

Upon my arrival at San Francisco I requested Mr. Taylor to fur- 
nish me with the information, whicli he agreed to do. He stated that 
he woldd forward the same at his earliest opportunity. 

Not having received the data mentioned on October 12,1 addressed 
a formal letter to the president of the North American Commercial 
Co., requesting to be furnished with the statement desired by the 
department, to which no reply has been received. A copy of my 
letter to the company is hereto attached as an exhibit. 

PHOTOGRAPHS OF ROOKERIES. 

Photographs of the rookeries were taken this summer on either 
island and the plates forwarded to the department. It is regretted 
that the rain and fog, present to an unusual degree on the islands at 
the height of the season, interfered witli the quality of some of the 
negatives obtained. 

FOXES ON THE ISLANDS. 

No trapping of foxes was allowed on St. Paul Island during the 
winter of 1904-5, owing to their extreme scarcity. 

During the past two winters fox life on St. Paul has undoubtedly 
been at a lower ebb than at any time in the island's history. War- 
rens and fox trails are deserted. A solitary fox track was seen here 
and there in the snow durmg the last winter. No foxes were seen 
around the village. No feeding could be done, had it been attempted 
for no foxes were seen to feed. 

During the summer just passed, however, foxes on St. Paul could 
be seen in comparatively larger numbers. In our trips to Zapadni and 
Northeast Point several foxes could be seen on every trip. One white 
fox shot by me during the winter on the Reef was thickly covered 
with blubber and had a stomach full of arrie feathers. 

It is believed that the nucleus remaining on the island has sufficient 
food and is increasing in numbers. It is not known when trapping 
on St. Paul can again be taken up. 

The fox question on St. George is ably dealt with in the report of 
Agent Judge, herewith submitted. I can do no better than to refer 
the department to his report for information as to the condition of fox 
life on that island. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 179 

During the early portion of the winter of 1904-5 natives visited 
Otter Island, and after a week's trapping returned with the pelts of 31 
blue foxes and 2 whites. The natives report that they did not kill all 
the foxes on that island. No trapping has been done on Otter Island 
since 1894, when, as I understand, all foxes there at that time were 
killed. Those killed there last winter probably reached there from 
St. Paul on the northern drift ice. 

LIST OF EXHIBITS. 

The following list of exhibits to this report is appended for reference : 

No. 1. Report of Agent James Judge, St. George, 1905. 

No. 2. Annual statement seals killed, St. Paul, 1905. 

No. 3. Certificate of sealskins shipped, St. Paul, 1905. 

No. 4. Weights of sealskins taken, St. Paul, 1905. 

No. 5. Counts of rookeries, St. Paul, 1905. 

No. 6. Statistics of killings, St. Paul, 1905. 

No. 7. Census of native inhabitants, St. Paul, 1905. 

No. 8. Division of natives' earnings, St. Paul, 1905. 

No. 9. Copy of letter requesting statistics, St. Paul, 1905. 

No. 10. Annual statement seals killed, St. George, 1905. 

No. 11. Weights of sealskins taken, St. George, 1905. 

No. 12. Counts of rookeries, St. George, 1905. 

No. 13. Seals released from drives, St. George, 1905. 

No. 14. Statistics of branding, St. George, 1905. 

No. 15. Counts of live pups, St. George, 1905. 

No. 16. Seal division, natives' earnings, St. George, 1905. 

No. 17. Census of native inhabitants, St. George, 1905. 

No. 18. Expenditures by company for support natives, St. George, 1905. 

Respectfully, 

W. I. Lembkey, 
Agent in Charge Seal Islands. 
The Secretary of Commerce and Labor. 



Exhibit 1, 
report of agent james judge. 



St. George Island, June 6, 1905. 
Dear Sir: I have the honor to submit the following report of affairs on St. George 
Island, covering the interval from August 14, 1904, to date: 



On October 7 Little East rookery was carefully gone over for the purpose of counting 
dead pups, but none were found. 

At that season foxes in greater or less numbers are always present on the rookeries 
and quickly eat the pups or older animals that may happen to die. Pup skulls were 
frequently found during September in the rear of the rookeries, where they had 
undoubtedly been left by the foxes, the bodies having been devoured. 

Further counting of dead pups was therefore not attempted, as it seemed a disturb- 
ance of the seals to no good purpose. 

The first food drive was made October 19; killed 59; dismissed 6 large, 197 small, 
and 6 brands. Two of the latter were from St. Paul. While all brands were very 
faint, those made with shears were less discernible than those made with hot irons. 
Just the sliglitest trace of a brand on one of the dead informed us that the wrong animal 
had been knocked down. The skin weighed 8 pounds. That other S-year-olds 
branded in the spring, on which the fur had grown out so that the brand had become 
obliterated, were also killed is more than probable, as 69 per cent of the dead skins 
weighed 7 pounds and over, the heaviest weighing 9 pounds. 



180 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

The average of this class of animals killed from the 20th to the 30th of last July 
was 43 per cent, while that on St. Paul during the entire sealing season was only 34 
per cent. The paucity of branded seals in the drive as compared with drives made 
in July lead to the same conclusion. (See statistics regular killing for quota 1904.) 

At all subsequent killings I endeavored to restrict the slaughter to 2-year-olds, 
with considerable success. 

October 24 a food drive was made from East rookery and 30 killed. Among this 
lot 2 skins were found that had been branded, but the brands were too faint for detec- 
tion while the animal was alive. These skins weighed fi^ pounds each. 

That other branded 2-year-olds on which the brands had entirely disappeared 
were killed during the autumn is more than probable, but for this there was no apparent 
remedy without a radical revision of the rules governing sizes. 

To remove all possibility of killing branded seals in the fall on which the brands 
have become indistinct it will be necessary to prohibit the slaughter of any animal 
the skin of which weighs over 6 pounds. This will confine the killing to animals 
with skins weighing not less than 5^ nor more than 6 pounds. Stich a rule is hardly 
practicable. 

In my opinion, however, a relaxation of the minimum rule as regards weights of 
skins should be permitted at food killings on St. George. Out of 197 small dismissed 
October 19 only 21, so far as 1 could judge, were yearlings. The natives had had no 
fresh meat since July 30, and I think that in justice to them they should have been 
permitted to have killed some of the 176 small 2-year-olds turned off, even if the skins 
lell somewhat below 5j pounds. None of the meat secured on this island in the fall 
is wasted; every pound of it is carefully saved. A sharp lookout is kept for all avail- 
able seals in the vicinity of the village, and in addition the natives make trips to 
Zapadni, kill what seals are found, and carry the meat on their backs to the village, a 
distance of over 5 miles. 

Presuming that branding of bachelors is to continue, a rule fixing a maximum 
weight of 7 pounds for food skins taken in the fall would save the 3-year-olds, which I 
take to be the all-important object. 

The number of seals to be killed by the natives of St. George for food should not 
be less than 500 per annum, though it is doubtful if such number with merchantable 
pelts could be secured. The number determined on last year for food for the natives 
of this island, viz, 300, is inadequate and insufficient. 

I do not object to limiting the total killing on the island, but simply wish to enlarge 
the number that may be killed in the fall for autumn and winter use. 

The natives should be given all the latitude possible for securing a liberal supply 
of meat, the com.pany taking such number of skins the following summer as will com- 

Slete its quota if it can be done. Fifty-three skins were taken November 3 and 25 
ovember 4. These animals were culled out by the natives from among the cows 
and pups on the rookeries. Branded bachelors were not observed on either occasion 
nor at any time thereafter. Small pods of seals were taken at intervals until Novem- 
ber 23, when 10 were secured at Staraya Artel. 

The total fall killing was 235, which comprises all seal meat the natives have had 
since last July. For weights of skins as taken at the different killings, see Exhibit A. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



181 



On May 16, after these skins had hiid in salt all winter and were, therefore, in about 
the condition they will reach market, I reweighed them on a scoop scale and also 
measured them, with the following results: 



Skins. 



Weight. 



4. 
3 
2. 
1, 
1 
4, 
4 
5 
5 
8 

10 
5 
3 

12 
5 
4 
5 

15 
3 
9 
6 
8 
6 
4 
7 
3 
3 
o 

12 
2 
8 
3 
9 
1 
7 
1 
7 
4 
2 
4 
3 
1 
1 
4 
5 
1 
1 
1 
1 
1 
1 




Lbs. oz. 
i 14 
4 
5 
5 
5 
5 
5 
5 
5 
5 
5 
5 
5 
5 
5 
5 
5 
6 
6 
6 
6 
6 
6 
6 
6 
6 
6 10 
6 11 
6 12 
6 13 
6 14 
6 15 
7 
7 
7 
7 
7 
7 
7 
7 
7 
7 
7 
7 
7 
7 
7 



9 
6 6 



Lenffth. 



Inches. 
31f 
33 
37i 
34 
33 
35? 
35} 
32S 
35S 
35i 
34 
35g 
34^ 
34.1. 
36i" 
.38 
37 
35^ 
36J 
35i 
35;i 
35? 
3fii 
35| 
36 
Z7i 
351 
35 
36^ 
36 
391 
35? 
36| 
35 
37? 
38 
36s 
38| 
39 
38 
355 
38' 
39 
39 
37| 
39 
43 
38 
38 
42 
41 
36s 



Breadth. 



Inches. 
24} 
24J 
25 
25 
25 
25 
26f 
25i 
26i 
25i 
26A 
25i 
26S 
26A 
25i 
25i 
25S 
26f\ 
27J 
2^ 
26s 
25i 
28= 
26i 
262 
26i 
27| 
263 

28 

271 

29i 

28j 

25 

24i 

28' 

28? 

2Si 

27i 

27* 

29' 

28 

27 

29 

271 

29 

31 

28 

27 

31 

31 

27i 



Circum- 
ference. 



Inches. 

96i 

98 
107 
103 

98 
104i 
105| 
100 
105 
102J 
101^ 
105 
103J 
104iV 
105 
lOSJ 
107 
104 ft 
107 
1041 
106s 
1041 
109j 
105 
1043 
1091 
107 
105 
109 
108 
1121 
110^ 
109,J 
105 
108i 
106 
111^ 
112^ 
llOi 
112 
109 
114 
110 
113} 
UOi 
112' 
125 
113 
110 
126 
118 
108 



The above includes one 5-pound skin taken from an animal found dead in August. 

In this work I was assisted by the natives. The skins were stretched on an impro- 
vised table, and in measuring for length a tapeline was run down the middle from the 
neck to base of tail, for breadth across both flipper holes, and for circumference the 
outer edge was taken. 

Considerable disparity is found between the different weights and corresponding 
circumferences showing that the heavier skin is not always the larger one, nor is it 
necessarily taken from an older animal. In fact, it appears that the weights of skins 
as taken on the island only approximate the ages of the animals slaughtered, as it la 

3uite possible for the skins of different animals of the same age to vary greatly in weight, 
epending on the amount of blubber adhering to the pelt. 



182 



SEAL ISLANDS OP ALASKA. 



The company have a set of linen patterns which profess to represent the average 
size of the different skins sold in London for four years, ending with 1895, giving weights 
and trade names. Dr. Mills and I ironed these patterns, and measured them in the 
same way the skins were measured, with the following results: 



Trade names. 



Weights. 


Leneth. 


Breadth. 


Lhs. oz. 


Inches. 


Inches. 


14 


61 


34 


11 


46i 


32J 


9 4 


40 


29.i 


7 14 


39 


26J 


7 


36 


26 


6 


34 


24 


4 12 


30J 


22| 



Circum- 
ference. 



Middlings 

Middlings and small 

Smalls 

Large pups 

Middling pups 

Small pups 

Extra small pups. . 



Inches. 
134 

127 
116 
108 
104 
95 
87 



By comparing the above measurements with that shown in the tables on pages 4 and 
5 it will be seen that in trade nomenclature none of the class which would be designated 
extra small pups were killed last fall, neither were any so-called middlings, and only 
two that would go into the class middlings and smalls. More of the latter designation 
would have been secured had the killing of large animals not been curtailed, as 
explained on page 2. 

while the facilities at the salt house for measuring the skins were meager, the gen- 
eral correctness of the results obtained is verified by the table shown on page 5 and 
also by a similar table prepared by Lampson & Co. in 1892, to be found in volume 8, 
page 917, Fur-Seal Arbitration. 

In assorting fur seals for size the above firm is guided mainly by the measurement. 
(Ibid., 916.) 

The total weight of the skins as taken last autumn was 1,531 pounds, that in May 
1,488, showing an apparent loss of 43 pounds while in salt. The scales used m the fall 
were small spring balances registering nothing less than a quarter pound. In taking 
the weights and measurements in May I wanted to be as correct as possible, and to that 
end borrowed the store scales, which registered ounces. 

These scales, however, had been here a long time and, besides needing constant 
attention to keep them balanced, Avere not very sensitive. Much of the apparent dif- 
ference in weight is therefore in reality a difference in scales. 

Early in December the rookeries were deserted, but considerable numbers of seals 
could be seen in the adjacent water until Christmas. Occasionally during the winter 
the natives reported having seen a seal in the ocean. 

The earliest bulls this season arrived — one on North and another on Zapadni — May 
2. One arrived on East May 3, one on Little East May 6, and one on Staraya Artel 
May 7. 

Two bachelors, the first of the season, hauled on East rookery May 14. 

The rookery population June 3 was as follows : 





Bulls. 


Quitters. 


Bachelors. 




Bulls. 


Quitters. 


Bachelors. 


North 


73 
35 
12 


6 
3 
1 


20 
30 


Little East 

Staraya Artel 


14 
29 
33 






East 


4 

4 


10 


East Reef 













At the corresponding date of 1904 North rookery had 100 bulls and East Reef 20. 
The diminution on the other rookeries is less marked. 



The regular feeding of foxes began September 15, the food consisting of 1 dozen 
salmon which had been soaking several days and carried considerable water. Two 
days later a large tubful of salmon was fed, such tubs being afterwards found to hold 
about 80 pounds. Later in September this amount was doubled, so that the total for 
the month was 15 tubs. 

October 1 the remains of a right whale came ashore, which furnished the foxes with 
such a supply of food as to render feeding unnecessary during that month. The offal 
of seals killed during this interval was also eaten by the foxes. November 2 the feeding 
of soaked salmon was renewed, the amount fed being gradually increased until 4 tubs 
were fed daily. Beginning with November 20 seal meat was also fed, the total for the 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 183 

month comprising 48 tubs of salmon and 57 seal carcasses. During December 366 seal 
carcasses and 21 tubs of salmon were thrown out for and eaten by the foxes, the carcasses 
varying in number between 10 and 25 daily. In January the weather became milder, 
so that 41 tubs of salmon and 115 carcasses were sufficient for that month, while during 
February 57 tubs and 53 carcasses were fed. The feeding in March consisted of 114 tubs, 
that of April 82 tubs, that of May 26 tubs and 1 barrel salt beef. May 15, the last day on 
which the feeding was contemplated, 7 tubs of salmon, all that was in soak, were thrown 
out. This was eaten within tlie next five days. Beginning with February 4 a supply 
of whale blubber was continually at the feeding place as an auxiliary to the salmon. 
Altogether 7,216 pounds of whale blubber were set out for and eaten by the foxes before 
the middle of May, excepting, perhaps, 200 pounds of tough, fibrous matter which car- 
ried little or no oil, and was finally burned. The seal meat preserved at Zapadni last 
summer, amounting to about 50 carcasses, was thrown out March 16. This was also 
eaten. As will be seen from the foregoing the foxes have been bountifully fed during 
the entire winter, the feeding being so arranged that with rare exceptions a surplus of 
food was left over every morning. 

The total amount which we know to have been eaten by the foxes may be stated 
as follows: 

Pounds. 

404 tubs of salmon (approximating 80 pounds each) .*. 32, 320 

486 seal carcasses 12, 797 

155 seal carcasses (approximating 26 pounds each) 4, 030 

Offal of 235 seals (approximating 11 pounds each) 2, 585 

Whale blubber, 74 pieces 7, 013 

Salt beef, 1 barrel 194 

One-half barrel codfish and one-half barrel beef tongues. 

Total 58,939 



Trapping was begun by the company agent November 20 and continued vigorously 
until February 3, two large traps being constantly in use. During this interval foxes 
were trapped 31 times at fox house and 25 times at stable. In addition to this there 
were 9 failures at stable and 7 at fox house. Three men were sent to Zapadni, who 
remained there four days, trapping every night. The trappings and attempts thereat 
were therefore as follows: At fox house, 38 times; at stable, 34 times; at Zapadni, 3 
times. 

This was not only the most extensive trapping ever carried on here, but the number 
of hours actually spent in the work greatly exceeded all previous records. On two 
occasions we remained up all night and on several others until after midnight. 

Doors that worked from below the surface of the ground were arranged and found 
to work satisfactorily. They are a decided improvement upon drop doors. Catching 
sticks were finally abandoned and thrown away. Instead of using the scissors to open 
the foxes' mouths for dental examination, a soft gag was made upon which it was 
impossible for the animals to injure their teeth. Masks were made for the use of 
the man in the trapping room to prevent their being bitten in the face as has occa- 
sionally occurred. 

Despite all efforts a few foxes were at large at the close of the season that had escaped 
the traps. This, however, always occurs. The total catch was 766, that of last year 
1,061, showing a diminution, during the interval, of 29 per cent. 

Of the catch, 244 males and 250 females were branded and 272, including 10 white, 
killed, 87 of which were females. (For the catch in detail, see Exhibit B.) 

The males branded and dismissed for the purpose of propagation were prime in 
every respect. This is also true of about 80 per cent of the females left as breeders. I 
regretted lea\dng any animals not strictly first class as breeders, but there was no 
alternative without reducing the breeding quota, which was already low enough. 

The females left as breeders which are not considered first-class, i. e., about 20 per 
cent, are only slightly inferior and by no means poor animals. 

Since the close of the fox season only four deaths were noted. One of these was 
due to uremic poisoning, another to a hemorrhage of the kidney, another to tubercu-' 
losis. In the fourth case the cause of death could not be determined, as the body, 
when found, was too badly decomposed. To my knowledge the only death among 
foxes known to have occurred from tuberculosis is that found by Dr. Mills and 
myself May 28, above noted. 

The animal was a female, 3 years old, carrying one brand. She was void of fat and 
weighed not m»ore than 4 pounds. The loss in flesh occurred since the time of trap- 
ping. Tubercular nodules were found in both lungs, so that the case was well defined. 



184 SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Remaining organs apparently healthy. This disease may, of course, cause many 
deaths among the foxes. 

On the whole I feel optimistic, and believe that the fox catch next season will 
show a decided increase over that of last winter. The animals have, as shown, been 
abundantly fed. There has been no drift ice during the winter, while the weather 
has been exceptionally mild, so that the most delicate animal should live until next 
season, unless attacked by disease. 

In the exercise of the discretion vested in him, the company's agent rejected 4 
blue skins as defective and undesirable. The division, as shown in Exhibit C, was 
therefore based on 258 blue and 10 white fox skins, which, at current prices, aggregated 
$1,300. Last year's division amounted to $2,370, being based on a catch of 471 blue 
and 15 white. 

The difference in earnings will be felt by the natives. The company's agent says 
the skins secured are a poor lot. 

This is true enough, and under the circumstances could not be otherwise. The 
large shrinkage in the herd made it incumbent on me to examine every fox caught, 
and as the welafre of the herd demands that only the best be left for breeding pur- 
poses the company of course got only the residue. With the exception of 16 males 
and 9 females killed early in the season through a misapprehension on my part and 
few other medium-size males later on, the skins taken were those of either small or 
inferior beasts slaughtered because they were so. 

While foxes were scarcer in the vicinity of the village last fall than ever before in 
my experience, I had no idea there would be a diminution, and therefore when trap- 
ping began I determined to brand no male that in my judgment weighed less than 11 
pounds, or any female weighing less than 10 pounds. 

As time wore on, however, it became evident that the standard set would have to 
be lowered or the breeding quota, while sui:)erior beasts, would not be sufficiently 
numerous. 

The weights then determined on were 10 pounds for males and 8 pounds for females, 
and later on some females v/eighing as little as 7^ pounds were branded. 

In the early part of the season the m.atter of weights was wholly conjectural, but 
December 17, I tried an experiment of taking the live weights of the foxes caught, 
and found that it could be done in a comparatively easy manner. 

The fox while in the hand of the native was subjected to -the usual dental exami- 
nation. A piece of soft leather, 2 inches wide, was then looped around the tail, one 
end of the leather being hooked to a scale suspended from the ceiling, when the 
weight was quickly ascertained and entered. 

If it was determined to leave the animal as a breeder, it was branded and liberated; 
otherwise it was dispatched in the usual manner. When a branded animal was 
caught more than once it received an additional brand each time, but was not 
reweighed. ^Vhile the trapping was more extensive than that of two years ago, 
there was less rebranding. (Compare Exhibit B with exhibit of my report July 10, 
1903.) 

This was due to the fact that separate rooms were provided at the barn and fox 
house in which the foxes, as caught, were confined until my arrival in order that all 
foxes caught should pass under my inspection. There being no such rooms two 
years ago, I was obliged to confine my attention to the fox house, trusting to the 
natives the work at the village; while the foxes caught at both places were branded 
and dismissed at once, many of them evidently to return forthwith and be immediately 
recaptured. My plan was to visit both places every two hours while foxing was on, 
so that the confinement should in no case exceed that length of time. It was gen- 
erally shorter. 

There is nothing cruel in the weighing nor did the full two-hour confinement seem 
to distress them. The presence of a lantern in the room with the foxes caused them, 
with very few exceptions, to lie perfectly quiet until the time for handling arrived, 
when they showed plenty of spirit. 

Both the age and live weight of every animal caught on and after December IG were 
noted in the manner indicated and recorded in a book which I opened. 

The system of feeding and trapping foxes now in vogue has been in operation con- 
tinuously since 1897. All data concerning the number of foxes that have been killed 
•or dismissed for breeding purposes since that time is scattered through the different 
official journals kept in this office, which makes the looking up of those matters a 
cumbrous and difficult proceeding. The aforesaid book is designed to remedy that 
defect by providing a permanent and concise record of the essential points in the 
fox business, and it should, in my judgment, be continued by succeeding agents in 
this office. It comprises a full statement of foxes caught and killed or dismissed as 
breeders, together with a record of the approximate ages a.nd weights in each class, the 
respective data being carefully segregated. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



185 



The actual live weights of all males branded and dismissed as breeders since Decem- 
ber 14 were as follows: 



Weight 
Foxes. in 

pounds. 


Foxes. 


Weight 

in 
pounds. 


Foxes. 


Weight 

in 
pounds. 


Foxes. 


Weight 

in 
pounds. 


13 10 i 

5 m 

9 10.^ 
13 10| 1 
28 11 

6 lU 
11 lU 

! 


11 
21 

3 

15 
13 
14 

5 


m 

12 

12| 

13 

13i 


' 12 
1 
7 

! 3 
1 
1 
1 


13i 
13| ' 
14 i 
14i 
14i 
15 
151 
1 


2 
1 
1 
1 


16 
17i 

m 

20 


198 



Live weights of females branded and dismissed as breeders subsequent to December 
14 were as follows: 



Foxes. 


Weight 

in 
pounds. 


Foxes. 


Weight 

in 
pounds. 


Foxes. 


AVeight 

in 
pounds. 


Foxes. 


Weight 

in 
pounds. 


9 
9 
16 
14 
24 
15 
2 


7.^ 

n 

8 
8i 
Si 
81 
lOi 


G 
13 
3 

8 

! 

2 


Hi 

12 
12i 
12| 
13 


18 
6 
22 
11 
19 
13 
1 


9 
9i 

II 

10 
101 


! { 

2 
1 

! 


14i 

14i 

15 

loi 

Hi 

Hi 


225 



Autopsies were held on all foxes killed either at the stable or fox house during the 
entire season at which the weights of the dead animals were taken. From the data 
thus obtained compared with the live weights of particular animals I was able to 
estimate with considerable accuracy the weights of the animals killed prior to Decem- 
ber 14. Such estimate, together \\-itli the actual weights obtained of the males that 
were killed after that date, will be found in the followdng table : 



Foxes. 


Weight 

in 
pounds. 


Foxes. 


Weight 

in 
pounds. 


Foxes. 


Weight 

in 
pounds. 


Weight 
Foxes. in 

poimds. 


2 
5 
2 
5 
2 
6 
4 
16 
12 


6 

7 
7i 

P 

8i 
8i 
8| 


5 
20 
3 
19 
8 
8 
25 
5 
6 


9i 

9i 

91 
10 
lOi 
lOJ ' 

9 ; 

lOi 
11 


1 
3 

1 
3 
2 
1 
1 
4 
2 


Hi 
111 
Hi 

12 

m I 

13 

13i 1 
14 


4 

1 
1 
1 
2 


16 
16i 

18 

18i 

19i 


ISO 



The'actual weights of females killed after December 14, with the estimated weights 
of those killed prior to that date, were as follows: 





Weight 




Weight 




Weight 




Weight 


Foxes. 


in 


Foxes. 


in 


Foxes. 


m 


Foxes. 


in 




pounds. 




pounds. 




pounds. 




pounds. 


1 


5i 


3 


7i 


6 


9i 


1 


12i 


9 


6 


1 6 


7i 


1 


10 


1 


13J 


4 


6i 


6 


8 


1 


lOi 








9 


6i 


2 


8i 


3 


11 


86 




3 


6f 


8 


8i 


2 


Hi 






14 


7 


4 


9 


2 


12 







186 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



Prior to turning the skins over to the company all were measui-ed, mth the following 
results in inches: 





Average 
length. 


Average 
breadth. 


Average 

length of 

tail. 


ISO blue males 


30rsu 
29 


lit 

10| 


iSi'yw 




15iA 


SO blue females 


5 white females 


14* 







Two years ago I measiu-ed the skins of 33 males and 54 females, the average of same 
being somewhat larger than those herewith presented. (See my report for 1903.) 

Along toward the end of the season the skins of 11 foxes, of which the age and live 
weights were known, were marked so that they could be identified when dried. The 
following table gives the age and weight of those 11, with corresponding measurement: 



Males. 


1 
Females. 


1 year old. 


2 years old. 


Over 3 years old. 


1 year old. 


i 
i 


i 

s 


5 


*5 

ft 
1 




5 


■a 

•3 


5 

Sao 




■a 

•3 


5 


4 

■a 


8i 
71 


28 
29 
30 
26 


11 
12 
10 
11 


8 

9i 
9i 
11 


31 
31 
29 
30 


12 
12 
10 
11 


12 


31 


13 


6i 

8i 


28 
30 


10 
11 





































None of these animals was very old. The largest skin was taken from the heaviest 
animal. Among the yearlings and 2-year-olds the latter generally produced the 
larger pelt. An 8-pound 2-year-old had a larger skin than one of equal age weighing 

11 pounds. The data are, of course, insufficient in quantity for the basing of any gen- 
eral conclusions as to the relations existing between the live weight of the beast and 
the size of its skin. Apparently the one is not dependent upon the other. Nor does 
the largest animal produce the best fur. The company agent assured me that the 
two skins taken at Zapadni were the best of the catch. Those skins weighed, accord- 
ing to the natives that killed them, 9 and 9J pounds, and measmed when dried 30 by 

12 and 29 by 11 inches, respectively. 

On the other hand, there can be little doubt that the larger and heavier animals, 
being well protected with blubber, are better fitted to survive in severe weather than 
those found to be poor and thin. The latter therefore should be killed off and nothing 
but the choice animals left as breeders. 



FOX CENSUS. 



The ages of the different foxes handled were determined by an examination of their 
teeth. No claim of absolute accuracy is made, but the ages given approximate, in my 
opinion, as near the animals' true ages as it is possible to give. 

They were as follows: 





Young or 
approxi- 
mately 1 
year. 


Middle aged or approx- 
imately— 


Old, 


over 


Not exam- 
ined. 




2 years. 


3 years. 






Male. 


Fe- 
male. 


Male. 


Fe- 
male. 


Male. 


Fe- 
male. 


Male. 


Fe- 
male. 


Male. 


Fe- 
male. 


Killed 


89 


f.S 


68 
112 


15 
110 


19 
49 


1 


9 


3 

5 








80 1 101 


32 


3 


2 








Total ." 


169 


169 


180 


125 


68 


33 


9 


8 


3 


2 







SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 187 

From this census it appears that of the yearlings 169 of each sex, or 338 altogether, 
went through the traps. The mothers of these 338, which comprise all females above 
the age of 1 year, numbered 166. This would make an average per litter of 2 plus. 
The season's trapping indicates that the sexes are about equally divided at bu-th. 

In my fox census, taken two years ago in the same manner that this has been taken, 
322 were found that were more than 1 year old. (See my report, July 10, 1903.) 

The yearlings caught diuing that season numbered 318, 133 males and 185 females, 
plus a number of runts estimated at 65 (ibid., p. 9), which were dismissed without 
branding. To these must be added a great number known to have died of starvation 
and eating of salt meat (ibid., pp. 1 to 6), so that neither the proportion of sexes or 
yield per mother for that year can be determined with any degree of accuracy. 

So far as I am aware no census was made last year, but as 250 paii's of foxes were 
turned off in 1903 and the catch in 1904 was 1,061, the yield was 561 or, approximately, 
2\ per female. Divided as to sex, the catch for 1904 was 517 males and 544 females. In 
these calculations I assume that foxes escaping the traps offset the natural mortality 
among those branded. 

As will be observed in looking over the aboA^e census only 9 males and 8 females 
were caught that v.ould be considered old. In the census taken two years ago this 
class numbered 16 males and 92 females. The presence of such a large proportion 
of old females in the catch of two years ago is due to the fact that during the preceding 
six years females were immune from slaughter while the scarcity of such animals last 
season indicates that the old have been effectively killed off. 

STOMACHS AND INTESTINES. 

The contents of stomachs and intestines as developed on post-mortem examination 
revealed nothing of especial interest beyond that discovered two years ago and re- 
ported at that time. Fox fm- was found in the intestines of three early in the season, 
but at no other time, which is very good e\-idence that the foxes were'fm-nished suffi- 
cient food, or at least that the living were not devouring the dead, if there were any 
dead. Evidence of the animals living on the beach was found in 22 instances, the 
amount being small in every case. 

There was, owing to the mildness of the winter, but little heavy sm-f, and in con- 
sequence, perhaps, less marine food was thro\\-n on the teach than usual. Whale 
blubber was found in 18 stomachs, but whether it was picked up on the beach or 
around the natives' houses it is impossible to say. 

Intestinal worms were quite numerous, being found in 76 cases. They were simi- 
lar to those found two years ago and delivered to you at that time, with the excep- 
tion that one of the tapeworms was much larger than any heretofore discovered, 
measuring 12 inches in length. This worm was preserved, and is at your disposal. 

DECREASE IN FOX LIFE. 

As already indicated, the total catch was 766; that of the preceding season, 1,061, 
which shows a diminution of 29 per cent during the interval. This decrease is a 
serious blow to the fox business. It affects both the number and quality of the skins 
secm-ed by the company, while the loss to the natives in earnings compared with the 
preceding year is over $1,000. 

During the season 1903-4, 285 males and 287 females were dismissed as breeders, 
together with 18 which were considered too small for branding. According to the 
present census, 257 of those males and 166 females were caught which, being more 
than 1 year old, are presumed to represent the breeding quota dismissed the prior year. 
The loss among the breeders dm-ing the interval, according to the trapping, which is 
the only safe guide, is 28 males and 121 females. That it was a real loss, and that the 
animals in question are no longer on the island, no one disjjutes. Neither dying nor 
dead foxes were observed by anyone on the island, native or white. It follows, of 
course, that unlike the season of 1902-3, an epidemic among the beasts is neither charged 
nor suspected. What, then, became of them? There was some ice in the sea which 
may have caused loss, but whatever such loss was must have been equally divided 
between the ^exes, or nearly so. 

My opinion is that, in addition to the loss caused by the ice, whatever that amounted 
to, the foxes disappearing have perished through the inclemency of the weather or lack 
of sufficient food, and that the dead were soon after devoured by then- surviving breth- 
ren. That the females should succumb under adverse conditions in greater numbers 
than the males seems consonant with fox life if we are to believe that the sexes are 
equal at birth. During the season of 1895-96, when the steel traps only were used, the 



188 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

catch was 151 males and 120 females, and the succeeding season the catch was 193 males 
and 133 females. (See oflice journal, pp. 50 and 144.) 

Under the present system of trapping, which began in 1897, the females did not 
equal in number the males caught until the third season, regardless of the fact that 
during the interval the females were immune from slaughter while two-thirds of the 
males caught were dispatched. These facts may not ])rove the proposition that the 
females are less robust or less fit to survive than the males, but it is certainly evidence 
in that direction. Just what class of females are the first to perish is difficult to say, 
but my fii-m opinion is that it comprises the small, poorly nourished ones. 

FUTUUE PKECAUTION. 

The innovation adopted in 1902, of pairing animals — i. e., of branding and setting 
at liberty for breeding purposes an equal number of males and females — has not re- 
sulted satisfactorily. It was, I presume, thought that such pairing would put the 
business upon a more substantial footing, and at the same time permit the slaughter of 
the females that had accumulated while they were immune from killing during the 
preceding six years, when males only were killed. The trapping of 1903-4 (1,061 aa 
compared with 1,011 the preceding year) tended to confirm the wisdom of the exper- 
iment; but last season's experience shows conclusively, to my mind at least, that the 
slaughter of any healthy female, except for cause, is neither wise nor economic. 
Unquestionably, fox life on this island was at a lower ebb last autumn than at any 
other corresponding time during the past eight years. The abstract question as to 
whether or not the animals are polygamous remains undecided. 

Evidence as to the sexual habits of the foxes is scanty, but what there is tends 
toward polygamy. (See my reports for 1900 and 1903.) 

I have, therefore, the honor to recommend that in future the proportion of males 
to females to be left for breeding purposes shall be either one to two or one to three, 
as shall be thought best, and no male weighing less than 10 pounds or female weigh- 
ing less than 1^ pounds shall be left as breeders. 

When one thinks what has been effected in recent times by careful and methodical 
selection, as shown by the diiferent exhibitions of improved quadrupeds and fancy 
birds, there is every reason to expect an improvement in the size and fur of the blue 
fox by working along parallel lines. Domestic animals, almost without exception, 
have undergone improvement in recent years. "By the supply of abundant and 
nutritious food * * * and by the continuous selection of the heaviest individuals 
the weight of the larger breeds (rabbits) has been more than doubled." (Animals 
and Plants under Domestication, Darwin, vol. 1, p. 161.) 

While the blue fox of St. George Island is not a fully domesticated animal, there 
can be little doubt that as time goes on the race may be improved and its chance of 
Rur-\aving adverse climatic or other conditions augmented by raising the standard 
weights of those left as breeders. The trapping is now so arranged that the depart- 
ment's agent can with little effort inspect every animal coming into the trap. I would 
therefore suggest that it be made the specific duty of said agent to personally select 
the breeding animals. This work, second only to the steady, continuous, and abun- 
dant feeding of nutritious food, is of great importance, and for obvious reasons should 
under no circumstances be intrusted to the company agents or employees. 

SE.A. LIONS. 

Two sea lions were killed during the winter by the natives and 3 more in May. 

The animals killed were mature males, the skins of which were saved for bidarras, 
while the meat formed a welcome addition to the natives' larders. On May 28 I 
counted 17 bulls, 30 cows, and 4 pups on Sea Lion rookery. 



School for the native children was in session under a very competent instructor 
from September 1 to April 28 with the exception of the Christmas, national, and 
church holidays. The total of such holidays was 18, or nearly the equivalent of one 
school month. I have no objection to the holidays, but see no reason that the time 
lost should not be made good. The school year, eight months — in reality only seven — 
is, in my opinion, too short. While attending school the children receive more care 
and attention from their parents than they ever do during vacation. I v/ould there- 
fore request that a definite rule be adopted requiring that all time lost on account of 
holidays of whatever class be made up, either in advance or at the close of the reg- 
ular school term, whichever may be most convenient for those concerned. Exhibit D 
is the report of the teacher, Mr. Edson, 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



189 



IMPROVEMENTS!. 

Since my arrival the natives have built a nice picket fence around the Government 
house, besides constructing a large clubroom for themselves, and a house at East 
Landing for the Government boat. They also built a boat to be used by the com- 
munity for hunting and fishing at Garden Cove. 

Both the boat and club houses are called "barabarras," being built the former 
entirely and the latter partially of driftwood, surrounded and covered with turf. 
Still they are very comfortable buildings, being well drained, ligHt. and airy. Much 
of the driftwood used involved considerable labor in hewing and whipsawing, but 
the results more than justified it. The homemade billiard table, brought from St. 
Paul, was in constant use at the clubhouse and afforded the natives an unusual 
amount of amusement. The general conduct and behavior of the natives were 
extraordinarily good the entire winter. 

whai.es. 

As noted on page 8, the remains of a right whale came ashore October 1. It carried 
no baleen, the latter having probably been taken out by the whalers who killed the 
beast. The blubber of this animal is considered very palatable by the natives, who 
took advantage of its arrival to salt from two to four barrels per family, enough for 
three years, they said, besides great quantities which were hung up outside of their 
houses. They had no use for the meat, of which there was an enormous amount. 
After the people were supplied I had the men save 15 barrels of the blubber, which 
was tried out later, but yielded only 80 gallons of oil. The latter is very nice, and I 
trust can be disposed of to advantage for the benefit of the native library about to be 
started. 

In my mail of October 17 I received a draft for §120 for the skeletons of two whales 
found by me near East rookery in June, 1904, and forwarded to the Smithsonian 
Institute. This money was divided among the natives, as was also .?22 received by 
me in Seattle for 10 fox skins rejected by the company as worthless two years ago. 

Respectfully submitted. 

Jame.^ JriviE, 
Assistant Agent, Department of Commerce and I.ahnr. 

Mr. W. I. Leaibkey, 

Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries. 

Exhibits. 

Exhibit A. Weights of sealskins, autumn 1904. 
Exhibit B. Foxes caught, season 1904-5. 
Exhibit C. Fox division. 1905. 
Exhibit D. Pie])ort of school-teacher, 1905. 



Exhibit A. — Weights of sealskins taken during autumn of 190-j. 



Date. 


Rookeries. 


Weight (pounds). 


4| 


5 


5J 


5i 


51 


6 


6i 


6i 


6f 


Oct. 19 


North and South Ardiguen 








2 

2 


1 
1 
1 
5 
6 
3 


2 
1 
3 
11 
6 


4 

■■■■3' 

7 




3 
2 
6 
7 
2 


7 


22 


Zapadni 








1 


24 


East 








6 


Nov. 3 


North and South Ardiguen 


1 


3 


1 
2 


10 


2 


4 


East 


4 




Zapadni . . 






2 


9 


North and South Ardiguen 










1 


3 


1 




14 


East 








1 






15 


North and South Ardiguen 










2 


3 


3 




18 


Zapadni. . . 




1 
3 

2 


""2 


1 
■■5' 






22 


North 




6 
1 


1 
1 


1 


2 


2 


2.3 






1 




Total 










1 


9 


5 


21 


24 


28 


21 


26 


25 









190 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Exhibit A. — Weights of sealshins taken during autumn of 1904 — Continued. 





Rookeries. 


Weight (pounds). 


Date. 


7 7} 


7i 


7} 


8 


8i 


Si 8| 


9 


Oct 19 




9 9 


6 

1 


4 

"'i' 
1 


7 
2 
2 


1 


2 


1 


1 


22 






1 




24 


East 


5 


2 1 










Nov 3 




2 i 2 


1 
3 










4 




1 

1 


1 
1 













5 
















g 


















14 


East . 


2 


1 


1 


2 












15 














18 




1 


















2'> 
















23 










1 












Total 








1 












21 1 17 


13 


8 


11 


1 


2 


1 


1 













Exhibit B. — Annual statement of foxes caught on St. George Island, and either killed or 
dismissed as breeders awing season of 190^;-5. 





Location of traps. 


Killed. 


Branded. 


Rebranded. 


Date. 


Blue. White. 


Blue. 


2 brands. 


3 brands. 




Male. 


Fe- 
male. 


Male. 


Fe- 
male. 


Male. 


Fe- 
male. 


Male. 


Fe- 
male. 


Male. 


Fe- 
male. 


1904. 
Oct 




5 




















Nov 9 


Killed by chief ^ 


1 
4 
12 
3 
2 
1 
7 
1 
9 
4 


















21 




5 

21 








3 


2 










21 


Village 




1 










22 




2 


1 










27 


do 














Dec. 8 
11 


do 


1 
5 


















do 




2 


5 
2 
25 
2 
4 
2 
1 


5 

1 

5 
2 
3 










11 




1 
3 








12 




7 
1 
2 






2 






12 












13 




3 
1 






3 
1 


1 




1 


13 










14 




2 


2 






1 


1 




14 


Village 


1 






16 




1 
3 
3 






1 
3 
2 


1 
3 

""2 

38 
10 
2 
6 
4 
1 
11 

20 
10 
17 
6 
2 






1 


1 


16 
















18 




: 




1 








18 
















26 




34 
6 

1 
4 
1 
2 
4 

20 

8 
6 

1 


10 
2 


2 

1 




33 

8 


5 

7 


6 
2 


1 
2 


1 


26 


Village. . . 




28 






28 


do 


3 




1 


8 
3 


9 
3 

14 
8 

10 
2 


8 
4 
1 
8 

11 
7 

10 
3 
3 


""i" 


1 


28 


Village 


1 


29 












29 




3 

3 
2 

2 






5 

20 
14 
26 
3 


2 

6 
8 
6 


2 


1905. 
Jan. 2 






1 


1 


2 


Village .. 


2 


3 








6 


3 








2 


4 










2 


5 












1 




15 


do 


2 
10 
3 
1 
1 
1 








2 
10 
7 
1 
1 
8 
4 
5 
6 
3 
8 
3 


1 
5 
2 

1 

""2 
4 

9 

1 








16 


.do 


3 
2 






C 
1 


5 
4 

""'i' 

3 
2 
3 
2 
2 
8 
2 


1 
1 

1 


2 


17 


do 








17 










19 














20 


do 








7 
3 
5 
3 
3 
8 
3 


2 
3 
2 


3 


20 












22 


do 


2 


1 






5 


22 










23 


do 


1 








■■■■3' 


1 


23 










1 


24 


Zapadni 


2 








1 



Drowned. 



' Injured. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



191 



Exhibit B. — Annual statement of foxes catujht on St. George Island, and either lilled or 
dismissed as breeders during season of 1904-5 — Continued. 





Location of traps. 


Killed. 


Branded. 


Rebranded. 


Date. 


Blue. 


White. 


Blue. 


2 brands. 


3 brands. 




Male. 


Fe- 
male. 


Male. 


Fe- 
male. 


Male. 


Fe- 
male. 


Male. 


Fe- 
male. 


Male. 


Fe- 
male. 


1905. 
Jan. 24 




1 

2 

1 
2 








4 
1 
5 
3 
1 


3 

2 

""'i' 


3 
2 


3 
2 

1 
3 


1 
1 
1 
2 
1 


3 


24 


Village . 


... . 








25 


.do 








1 


25 










1 


29 


do 










29 












i 








30 


East landing i 




1 
















30 






1 




7 
4 
1 
2 


5 

6 
1 
1 

1 
8 
•i 


4 
4 

2 
1 

1 
9 
5 


6 
5 


6 
3 


6 


30 




1 




4 


31 


.. . do 








1 


31 




1 












2 


Feb. 2 














3 












i 

3 


15 
5 


8 

4 


3 


3 


Village 










4 




Total 
















180 


82 


5 


5 


244 


250 


135 


139 


68 


58 

















Rebranded. 








Date. 


Location of traps. 


4 brands. 


6 brands. 


6 brands. 


7 brands. 


• 


Male. 


Fe- 
male. 


Male. Jate. 


Male. 


Fe- 
male. 


Male. 


Fe- 
male. 


1904. 
Dec. 14 

16 
28 
28 






1 


1 










do 






1 










do 


1 
1 




















............ 










29 


do . 


1 

2 
2 
3 


1 












1905. 
Jan. 2 




3 

1 












2 


Village 


! 1 








3 


Fox house 


1 
1 


1 










3 




1 
1 










4 


Fo.x house and village 










16 






1 j 


1 


. ..! 


17 




i 








20 


do 


1 

1 
1 
2 




! 




::::::::::.:.. 


22 




2 


1 








22 


Village 












23 




2 
1 

1 
3 












24 


.. . do 


1 










25 


Village 
















25 


Fox house 


1 

2 
2 


i' 


1 

1 










30 


do 








1 


30 




3 

1 










31 


do 














31 












1 






Feb. 3 


.. . do 


1 

1 


1 
2 


3 










3 






1 


1 






Total 






1 






24 


22 


7 


5! 1 


2! 


1 

















» Found in spasms. 
Exhibit C. — Fox division, season 1904-5. 

St. George Island, June 1, 1905. 

By 258 blue-fox skins, at $5 $1, 290. 00 

By 10 white-fox skins, at $1 10. 00 

Total 1, 300. 00 



192 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 

To 13 first-class men, at $59.10 1768. 30 

To 6 second-class men, at $47 .20 283. 20 

To 4 third-class men, at $35.40 141. 60 

To 2 special class : 60. 11 

Material Garden Cove boat 46. 79 

Total 1, 300. 00 

First-class shares. — Twenty-one men, at $59.10 each, a? follows: Corniel Gorokof, 
Stephan Lekanof, Demetri Lestenkof, Michael Lestenkof, Nicoli Malavansky, George 
Merculif, Joseph Merculif, Nicoli Merculif, Andronic Philimonof, Gregory Phili- 
mouof, Simeon Philimonof, Peter Prokopief, Rev. Peter Kashevarof. 

Second-class shares. — Six men, at $47.20 each, as follows: John Galanin, Nicoli 
Nederazof, Manuel Zaharof, Gregory Swetzof, Michael Shane, Walter Kashevarof. 

Third-class shares. — Four men, at $35.40 each, as follows: Marka Merculif, Demetri 
Philimonof, Alexander Galanin, Peter Malavansky. 

Special class. — Two men, as follows: Stephan Lekanof, chief, $30.11; Joseph Mer- 
culif, second chief, $25; Joseph Merculif, hydrant keeper, $5. 

The division as above made is hereby approved on behalf of the natives of this 
island. 

Stephan Lekanof, First Chief. 
Joseph Merculief, Second Chief. 

I certify that the amounts indicated herein have been placed to the credit of the 
respective natives on the books of the North American Commercial Co. 

The North American Commercial Co., 
By J. A. Lake, Agent. 

I certify that the above division was made by me after conference with the native 
chiefs. 

James Judge, 
Agent, United States Department of Commerce and Labor. 

Exhibit D. — Report of school-teacher. 

North American Commercial Co., 

St. George Island, Alaska, April 28, 1905. 

Sir: Please accept the following as school report for the year ending this day: 

School has been in session as usual for the eight month? between Thursday, Sep- 
tember 1, 1904, and Friday, April 28, 1905, all children of the required age being in 
attendance. 

There has been very little absence during the year, save the six weeks of one pupil 
caused by a broken bone. 

Three new pupils began the year, and there were none of age to leave school at the 
end. 

The progress of the school during the year just ended has been a satisfactory improve- 
ment upon the two previous years, and in several cases remarkable interest has been 
taken in the work. 

Holidays have been observed as usual. 

I wish to express my thanks for the assistance kindly rendered by Mrs. Judge as 
musical instructor. 

Boys attending school 12 

Girls attending school 14 

Total 26 

Weeks in school year 35 

School days 172 

Holidays 3 

Holidays, Christmas recess 10 

Holidays, Russian church 5 

Total 18 

Number days school in session 154 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



193 



Absences excused by doctor days. . 41* 

Absences excused by Government agent do. . . 8^ 

Absences unexcused do... i 

Total Mi 

Attendance for year, 26 times 154, minus 50^ 3, 953^ 

Attendance, average daily 25 

Respectfully submitted. 

C. R. Edson, 
School- Teacher, St. George Island. 
James Judge, 

Age7it, Department Commerce and Labor, 

in Charge of St. George Island. 



Appendix No. 2. 

Annual statement of fur seals hilled on St. Paul Island, Alaska, during the year ended 

August, 1905. 







Nrnnber of seals 

killed for natives' 

food. 


Number of seals killed by 
lessees for skins. 


Aggregates. 


Date. 


Rookeries. 


3 
an 


am 

(1) (U 
O to 


D 


Aoceptod 
(prime). 


Rejected. 


3 

o 

Eh 


■6 

1 
.9 


a 







6 


~ C 
o o 

O £ 


" 


1904. 
Oct. 13 


On hand in salt house 








143 






143 


143 
165 
153 
42 
55 
98 
277 
69 

88 

203 

30 

364 

531 

14 
420 
488 
534 
603 
972 
485 
559 
551 
504 
475 
755 
333 
475 
109 
514 
490 
547 
142 
549 

461 
220 

478 

76 
192 


"1 
"'i' 
""e 

' i 

3 
6 

""2 

1 

""s 

3 
5 
5 
2 
7 
2 
5 
4 
2 

"'9' 
5 


■■■'6' 

4 
1 


143 


20 
26 
Nov. 6 
7 
16 


Reef and Zoltoi 

Reef 


169 
159 
42 
56 
98 
283 
69 

88 
204 


165 
153 
42 
55 
98 
277 
69 

88 
203 


4 
6 






169 










159 


Northeast Point 

Reef 










42 


1 










56 


Northeast Point 










98 


27 Reef and Tolstoi. 


6 










283 


Dec. 9 Southwest Rav 










69 


1905. 

May 13 

June 3 

19 

21 

23 

26 
30 
July 1 
8 
6 
7 
8 
11 
13 
14 
16 


Sea Lion Rock 












88 


do 


1 










204 


Tolstoi 


30 
364 
531 






30 
367 
537 


30 


Zapadni (branding 
drive) 








3 
6 




367 


Northeast Point 
(branding drive).. 








537 


Winter food skins, 

Northeast Point 

Reef 


14 


14 




14 




420 
488 
534 
603 
972 
485 
559 
551 
504 
475 
755 
333 
475 
109 
514 
490 
547 
142 
549 

461 
220 
478 


2 
1 




422 
489 
534 
611 
975 
490 
564 
553 
511 
477 
760 
337 
477 
109 
523 
495 
553 
142 
555 

465 
221 

478 

1 


422 


Northeast Point. . 








489 


Zapadni and Tolstoi. 








534 


Reef 








8 
3 
5 
5 
2 
14 
2 
5 
4 
2 





611 


Northeast Point . . . . 








975 


Zapadni 








490 


Reef 








564 


Northeast Point 








553 


Reef. 








511 


Zapadni 








477 


Northeast Point. . . 








760 


17 


Reef and Gorbateh 








337 


19 


Zapadni 








477 


21 


Northeast Point 








109 


22 


Reef and Gorbateh 








9 
2 
5 


'I'Z 
1 1 


523 


24 


Zapadni 








495 


26 


Northeast Point. . 








553 


27 


Tolstoi 








142 


27 


Reef 








5 

4 

1 


'1 


565 


28 


Zapadni and Little 
Zapadni 








465 


31 


Reef 








221 


31 










478 


Aug. 8 


Northeast Point, 

watch food skins 

Reef (food) 


76 
192 


70 
192 








70 


10 


1 j 




1 


192 




Total 








1 






1,450 


1,432 


18 


11.732 


78 


8 


11,818 


13, 164 


104 


13,268 



2403— H. Doc. 93, 62-1- 



-13 



194 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



Exhibit No. 3. 

Certificate of sealskins shipped, St. Paul, 1905. 

Div. Special Agents. \ 
Form 17. J 

Island op St. Paul, 
Bering Sea, Alaska, August 13, 1905. 
This is to certify that 13,000 fur-seal skins have this day been shipped on board the 
North American Commercial Co.'s steamer W. H. Kruger, consigned to the North 
American Commercial Co., San Francisco, Cal. 

W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent. 
M. Martin, 
Master, Steamer "TT. H. Kruger." 

Exhibit No. 4, 

Weights of sealskins taken during the sealing season ended August 10, 1905, on St. Paul 

Island. 



Date. 


Rookeries. 


4 


4i 


4i 


^ 


5 


5i 


5i 


51 


6 


<>i 


1904. 
Aug. 9 


Reef and Gorbatch 










3 

1 

1 


1 
""2 


13 
6 
8 
3 
2 
17 
11 
15 

2 
5 


10 
2 

10 
4 
3 

13 

19 
9 

2 
9 


12 
15 
11 

4 
8 
13 
26 
8 

7 
18 

1 
49 
81 
54 
54 
84 
95 
130 
62 
84 
76 
67 
48 
93 
29 
73 
11 
70 
67 
78 
90 
12 
37 
33 
74 
11 
27 


13 


Oct. 20 


Reef and Zoltoi 






1 




16 


27 


Reef 


1 




10 


Nov. 6 


Northeast Point 








3 


7 


Reef 










1 
3 
4 
2 


""2 

7 
4 

1 
3 


3 


16 


Northeast Point 


1 




3 

1 
3 


4 

1 
6 


10 


27 


Reef and Tolstoi 


25 


Dec. 9 


Southwest Bay 




1 


3 


1905. 
May 13 


Sea Lion Rock 




3 


June 3 


do 


1 








3 


11 


19 


Tolstoi 








1 


21 


Zapadni 






4 
2 
6 
4 
6 
4 
12 
3 
6 
6 
3 
6 
4 
9 
3 


7 
5 
7 
3 
5 
5 
16 
8 
7 
5 
3 
5 
4 
9 
4 


8 
7 
6 
7 
7 
7 
20 
10 
10 
9 
4 
7 
8 
8 
6 
1 
8 
2 
6 
9 
6 
4 
6 
10 
4 
5 


10 
8 
9 
6 
11 
12 
15 
18 
14 
8 
5 
8 
14 
11 
13 
3 
9 
14 
16 
21 
10 
10 
12 
14 
6 
14 


45 
55 
53 
41 
86 
61 

140 
61 
58 
75 
55 
85 

117 
77 
83 
12 
63 
66 
88 

113 
9 
48 
■ 27 
57 
7 
14 


46 
61 

42 
49 
61 
82 

134 
57 
75 
77 
36 
86 

130 
55 
65 
12 
81 
63 
87 

112 
13 
45 
29 
88 
8 
36 


30 


23 


Northeast Point 




41 


26 


Reef 


2 


31 


30 


Northeast Point 


45 


July 1 
3 


Zapadni and Tolstoi 






40 


Reef 


3 


56 


6 


Northeast Point 


105 


7 


Zapadni 




60 


8 


Reef 


1 
1 
1 




61 


11 


Northeast Point ... 


48 


13 


Reef 


42 


14 


Zapadni 


39 


16 


Northeast Point 






70 


17 


Reef and Gorbatch 


1 
2 




17 


19 


Zapadni 


66 


21 


Northeast Point 


17 


22 


Reef and Gorbatch 


1 




6 
8 
2 
2 


5 
3 
4 
9 
3 
4 

""I' 
1 
2 


79 


24 


Zapadni 


38 


26 


Northeast Point 


2 


69 


27 


Reef 


50 


27 


Tolstoi 




22 


28 


Zapadni and Little Zapadni. . 






1 

1 


40 


31 


Reef 






30 


31 


Northeast Point 






43 


Aug. 8 


Watch Northeast Point 








4 


10 


Reef (food) 




1 




30 




Total 








" 


33 


106 


139 


203 


311 


1,678 


1,711 


1,712 


1 ''71 









SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



195 



Weights of sealskins taken during the sealing season ended August 10, 1905, on St. Paul 

Island — Continued . 



Date. 


Rookeries. 


6i 


61 


7 


'k 


n 


7i 


8 


8i 


8i 


8| 


1904. 
Aug. 9 
Oct. 20 




16 
13 
19 
3 
8 
8 
33 
1 

10 
15 

3 
29 
44 
38 
50 
51 
79 
109 
58 
59 
85 
93 
56 
99 
39 
48 
15 
02 
47 
80 
32 

9 

78 
15 
42 

4 
14 


16 

18 

21 

4 

4 

10 

35 

5 

10 
11 

1 
23 
38 
27 
41 
44 
45 
79 
45 
49 
47 
38 
44 
84 
25 
34 

4 
34 
43 
27 
43 
20 
49 
26 
44 

1 
14 


17 
13 
14 
3 

2 
28 
6 

9 
23 

5 
23 
54 
39 
45 
33 
45 
69 
29 
45 
34 
65 
24 
40 
20 
24 

2 
40 
51 
25 
20 
12 
37 
14 
37 

3 
11 


10 
15 
22 
4 
6 
2 
29 
3 

5 
10 

1 
19 
19 
11 
33 
18 
25 
45 
25 
26 
13 
33 
14 
25 

7 
13 
11 
11 
26 
16 
20 

7 
24 

8 
16 

4 

7 


10 
18 
13 
3 
6 
4 
11 
2 

6 
16 

1 
20 
21 
34 
30 
23 
19 
41 
13 
14 
31 
41 
13 
39 
12 
24 

9 
17 
19 
22 
14 

1 
33 

8 
12 

1 

8 


3 

8 
9 
1 
2 
2 
19 
1 

3 
9 

"u 

18 

11 

18 

15 

23 

20 

10 

15 

12 

12 

7 

20 

5 

4 

4 

9 

11 

13 

8 

5 

16 

4 

22 

2 

6 


4 
10 
6 
3 
1 
1 
11 


4 

10 

1 

2 

2 
1 
6 


5 
3 
3 




Reef and Zoltoi 


6 


27 

Nov. 


Reef 

Northeast Point 


1 


7 


Reef 






16 




....^. 




27 


Reef and Tolstoi 


3 


Dec. 9 


South\vest Bay 




1905. 
May 13 


Sea Lion Rock 


5 

15 

2 

10 

15 

13 

16 

13 

12 

16 

12 

10 

3 

12 

6 

10 

3 

9 

3 

6 

5 

3 

6 

2 

17 

7 

7 

1 

1 


4 
12 

""'9' 
18 
7 
9 
8 
5 
5 
5 
4 
7 
6 
4 
4 
2 
2 
1 
4 
7 
3 
1 
6 
5 
1 
2 
1 


8 
8 
2 
3 
11 
5 
7 
8 
9 
5 
5 
8 
9 
4 
4 
4 
6 


I 


June 3 
19 


do 

Tolstoi 


6 


21 


Zapadni 


2 


23 


Northeast Point 


g 


26 


Reef 


5 


30 


Northeast Point 


4 


July 1 
3 




7 


Reef 


4 


6 


Northeast Point 


4 


7 




2 


8 


Reef 


1 


11 




4 


13 


Reef 


2 


14 


Zapadni 




16 


Northeast Point 




17 


Reef and Gorbatch 




19 


Zapadni 




21 


Northeast Point 


2 
8 
3 
3 
2 
2 
8 


2 


22 


Reef and Gorbatch. 


5 


24 




5 


26 


Northeast Point 


1 


27 


Reef 




27 


Tolstoi 


2 


28 
31 


Zapadni and Little Zapadni.. 
Reef 




31 


Northeast Point 


2 

1 
1 


4 


Aug. 8 
10 


Watch Northeast Point 

Reef (food) 


1 




Total 






1,465 


1,103 


968 


583 


609 


361 


270 


173 


152 


85 








Date. 


Rookeries. 


9 


9i 


9i 


9J 


10 


lOi 


m 


lOf 


11 


Hi 


Hi 


1904. 
Aug. 9 


Reef and Gorbatch 


1 
3 

2 
1 






















Oct. 20 


Reef and Zoltoi 


2 

1 




1 


...... 


1 


2 
1 


3 


1 






27 


Reef 






Nov. 6 


Northeast Point 


1 
2 

1 

"e 

I 

7 
4 

1 
1 

1 












7 


Reef 








1 










27 


Reef and Tolstoi 


4 


1 

1 
3 
2 
5 
5 
3 
3 
1 
2 

1 


1 

1 

3 

...... 

3 
1 
2 
2 
4 


2 

■"■■4" 
3 












1905. 
May 13 


Sea Lion Rock 


1 

1 


2 
2 
1 
2 










June 3 


do .. . 


6 
1 

4 
7 
8 
7 
4 
5 
4 
2 
3 


2 
1 


2 






19 


Tolstoi 


1 




21 


Zapadni 




23 




3 
3 
3 
1 
2 


2 


2 




1 




20 


Reef 




30 


Northeast Point 


3 
...... 


""2 


2 

1 


3 




1 


July 1 






3 


Reef 


1 






6 














Zapadni . 


1 
2 
2 


1 
1 

1 


1 
2 














8 


Reef 




1 










11 


Northeast Point 










13 


Reef 


7 

1 
1 


















14 






















16 
























17 










'1 














19 




1 
3 
4 




















22 






















24 




2 


1 










1 






26 
















27 


Reef 


1 




















27 


Tolstoi 




















28 


Zapadni and Little Zapadni.. 
Total 


5 












































91 


40 


41 


22 


27 


8 


13 


13 


8 


2 


1 













196 



SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



Exhibit No. 5. 
Counts of rookeries, St. Paul Island, season of 1905. 



ARDIGUEN. 



Date. 


Bulls. 


Quit- 
ters. 


Harems. 


Cows. 


Date. 


Bulls. 


?e""- °-«-- 


Cows. 


1905. 
Mav 11 


1 
2 
5 
6 
7 
8 
8 
8 
8 








1905. 
June 25 


10 
10 
10 
9 
9 
9 
9 
12 


i' 

4' 

1 
1 


7 
7 
8 
9 
9 
9 
9 
11 


26 


May 16 








June 26 


34 


Mav 25 








Jvme28 


65 


June 2 








Julyl 


165 










July 8 


283 










July 11 


261 










July 13 








1 

4 


1 

7 


July23 


206 


June 19 











AMPHITHEATER. 



1905 
May 16... 
May 19. . . 
Mav 23. . . 
May 27. . . 
May 29... 

June 1 

June 4 

June 5 

June 7 

June 9 

June 11... 
June 14... 
June 16... 
June 22... 



1905. 
June 24. . 
June 26. . 
June 28. . 
Julyl... 
July 3. . . 
July 5. . . 
July 6... 
Julys... 
July 11.. 
July 13.. 
July 17. . 
July 19.. 
July 21.. 
Julv 23. . 



KETOVI. 



1905 

Mav 5 

Mav 6.... 
Mav 10. . . 
May 16. . . 
Mav 23. . . 
May 27. . - 

June 5 

June 7 

June 9 

June 11... 
June 14... 
June 16... 
June 19... 



1905 
June 22. . 
June 24. . 
June 28.. 
Julyl... 
Julys... 
July 8. . . 
Julv 11.. 
Julv 13.. 
Julv 17.. 
Julv 19. . 
Julv 21. - 
July 23.- 



47 


2 


13 


46 


7 


24 


56 


2 


31 


53 


3 


38 


52 


3 


46 


57 




51 


57 


2 


55 


57 


2 


54 


60 


1 


58 


60 




58 


57 




57 


57 


3 


56 



LAGOON. 



1905. 
Mav 18 


3 

18 
21 








1905. 
June 28 


24 
20 
25 


2 

1 


16 
23 
23 


71 


June 2 








Julv 9 


401 


June 9 


1 






July 13 


545 




I" , 







LUKANIN. 



1905 
Mav 10... 
Mav 16... 
May 17. . . 
Mav 19... 
May 22. . . 
May 23. . . 
Mav 27. . . 
May 29. . . 

Jutio 1 

June 4 

Jun*' 5 

Juno 7 

June 9 

June 11... 
June 14... 
June 16... 



1 

5 

6 
9 
18 
IS 
21 
26 
27 
38 






























1 






1 


4 
2 

4 




! 




j 








! 


36 
33 
38 
38 
38 
40 


1 
4 
2 
2 
4 
3 




1 






















• 





1905 
June 19.. 
June 22. . 
June 24. . 
June 26. . 
June 28. . 
Julv 1... 
July 3. . . 
Julv 5... 
Julv 6. . . 
Julv S. . . 
Julv 11. . 
July 13.. 
Julv 17.. 
Julv 19.. 
Julv 21. . 
Jrilv23.. 



44 


3 


5 


45 


2 


11 


44 


2 


21 


46 




19 


45 


2 


20 


46 


4 


26 


47 


2 


37 


47 


3 


39 


50 


4 


39 


47 


3 


40 


46 


1 


43 


45 


2 


43 


48 


4 


48 


50 


1 


49 


45 


1 


44 


47 


4 


45 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



197 



Counts of rookeries, St. Paul Island, season of 1905 — Continued. 

VOSTOSHNI (WEST SIDE NORTHEAST POINT). 



Date. 


Bulls. 


Quit- 
ters. 


Harems. 


Cows. 


Date. Bulls. 


Quit- 
ters. 


Harems. 


Cows. 


1905. 
June 12 


21 
28 
31 


5 
2 
3 






1905. 

July 10 32 

July 16 32 


2 


31 
32 


859 


June 29 


IS 
28 


126 

480 




July 5 











NORTHEAST POINT. 



Mays. 
May 9. 



1905. 

June 13 

Julv 6 



1 

2 





















1905. 
June 12.., 
July 16... 



30 338 



1905. 
July 16. . . 



272 

378 



36 



362 



POLAVINA. 


1905. 
June 13 


44 


5 


, 1 


1 


1905. 
July 16 


56 


3 


53 
















POLAVINA CLIFF. 









LITTLE POLAVINA. 



1905. 
June 13... 
July 6 



11 

13 








1 


13 


330 



1905. 
July 16. . . 



REEF. 



1905. 
May 1 

May 2 

May 6 

May 11.... 
May 16 



1905. 

May 2 

May 18- . . . 
June 2 



2 
2 
2 
19 
43 






1 

































1905. 

May 25 

June 2 

June 26 . . . 
Julv 13- . - . 



1905. 
June 9 . . . 
July 14. . . 



109 
173 
220 
275 



102 
143 



126 
261 



SEA LION ROCK. 


1905. 
June 3 . . . 


32 






1905. 
June 19 


45 




3 


3 
















TOLSTOL 







TOLSTOI CLIFF. 



1905. 
Mav 18 


11 
35 
23 
32 








1905. 
July 9 


34 
35 
33 


1 
3 
3 


34 
35 
33 


744 


June 2 








July 14 






4 

1 






July 24 


427 


June 28 


21 


149 







198 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



Counts of rookeries, St. Paul Island, season of 1905 — Continued. 
MORJOVI (EAST SIDE NORTHEAST POINT). 



Date. 


Bulls. 


Quit- 
ters. 


Harems. 


Cows. 


Date. 


Bulls. 


Quit- 
ters. 


Harems. 


Cows. 


1905. 
June 12 


12 
18 
21 


6 
3 






1905. 
July 10 


21 
20 


i' 


19 
20 


326 


June 29 


8 
14 


32 

151 


July 16 




July 5 











ZAPADNI. 



1905. 
June 9 



147 


11 













1905. 
July 14... 



200 



LITTLE ZAPADNI. 



1905. 
June 9 



1905. 
July 14. . . 



78 



ZAPADNI REEF. 



1905. 

June 9 

July 7 



22 
30 


6 
2 






23 


325 



1905. 
July 14. . . 



32 



30 



GORBATCH. 



1905. 
Apr 27... 
April 29.. 

May 1 

May 2.... 
May 6.... 
May 11... 
May 16. . . 
May 25. . . 



1 
1 

1 

3 

10 

25 
52 



















. ... j 












1 














7 




I 







1905. 
June 2. . . 
June 7 . . . 
June 10. . 
June 12.. 
June 15 . . 
June 19. . 
June 25. . 
July 13... 



96 


1 


95 


4 


103 


8 


104 


4 


114 


2 


119 


2 


121 


4 


124 


6 



3 

17 

58 

122 



23 
239 



GORBATCH CLIFF. 



1905 
May 16. . . 
May 25... 
June 2... 
June 7 . . . 
June 10.. 
June 12.. 
June 15 . . 
June 19. . 



3 
6 

8 
7 
7 
13 
12 
9 




















■1 
2 
1 































1901 
June 25.. 
June 28 . . 
July 2... 
July 8. . . 
July 11.. 
July 13.. 
July 23.. 



2 
13 
71 

180 
196 



• First bull seen on island 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Exhibit No. 6. 
Statistics of killings, St. Paul Island, 1905. 



199 



Date. 



Rookeries. 



Animals 
killed. 



Dismissed. 



Large. Small, 



New brands. 



Two 
years. 



Three 
years. 



1904 brands. 



Three 
years. 



Four 
years. 



Total 
driven. 



Per 
cent 
killed. 



1905. 

June 19 

21 

23 

26 

30 

1 

3 

6 

7 



July 



11 
13 
14 
16 
17 
19 
21 
22 
24 
26 
27 
27 
28 

31 

31 

Aug. 10 



Tolstoi 

Zapadni 

Northeast Point , 

Reef 

Northeast Point 

Zapadni and Tolstoi. 

Reef 

Northeast Point 

Zapadni 

Reef , 

Northeast Point 

Reef 

Zapadni 

Northeast Point 

Reef and Gorbatch. . 

Zapadni 

Northeast Point 

Reef and Gorbatch. . 

Zapadni 

Northeast Point 

Tolstoi 

Reef 

Zapadni and Little 

Zapadni 

Reef 

Northeast Point 

Reef (food) 

Total 



30 
367 
537 
422 
489 
534 
611 
975 
490 
564 
553 
511 
477 
760 
337 
477 
109 
523 
495 
553 
142 
555 

465 
221 
478 
192 



11, 867 



1 

24 

39 

71 

92 

61 

86 

313 

109 

122 

309 

318 

234 

427 

187 

243 

232 

417 

349 

324 

35 

406 

434 
185 
297 
233 



735 5,548 



148 
71 
20 
46 
45 
32 
35 
33 
44 
29 
48 
37 
38 
8 
53 
54 
59 
15 
53 

71 
21 
32 
13 



1,005 



52 
501 
646 
823 
718 
691 
842 

1,392 
679 
785 
909 
903 
759 

1,272 
635 
820 
351 

1,046 
959 
989 
228 

1,064 

1,069 
440 

882 
468 



57 
73 
83 
51 
68 
77 
72 
70 
72 
71 
60 
56 
62 
59 
53 
58 
31 
50 
51 
55 
62 
52 

43 
50 
54 
41 



511 



137 



120 



19,923 



59 



Exhibit No. 7. 
Census of St. Paul Island, June 30, 1905. 





Relation. 


Age, 
years. 


Names. 


Relation. 


Age, 
years. 


Names. 


"a 


1 




a 


Bogadanofif, Nicoli 

BogadanofT, Uleta 


Husband 

Wife 


33 


"38' 
8 

■49 

"io' 
"is' 

■'sr 

14 

"9 
6 

"28 
5 
3 
2 

"35 
13 


Stepetin, Elary, jr 


Adopted son. . 

Husband 

Wife 


4 

53 




Bogadaaoff, Agrafina 


Niece 




Kochutin, Ale.xandra 

Kochutin, Theodore 

Kochutin, Larion 


4S 


Bourdukofsky, Apollon. . 


Father 

Son 


51 
26 
51 


Son 


17 
12 
13 
9 
21 




Bourdukofskv, Peter 


do . . . 




Buterin, Karp 


Husband 

Wife 


Mandregan, Innokenty . . . 


Orphan 

do . .. 




Buterin, Parascovia 




Buterin, Constantine 


Son 


19 


Koshevnikofif, Paul 

Koshevnikotf, Mary 


Husband 

Wife 




Mazeekin, Wassilisa 


Adopted 


31 


Fratis, John, jr 


Husband 

Wife... 


19 


Husband 

Wife 


34 




Fratis, Sandulia 


Kochutin, Claudia 

Kochutin, Nikanor 


?5 


Fratis, John, sr 


Husband 

Wife 


60 


Son 


4 




Fratis, .4kalina 


Daughter 




Fratis, Agrafina 






Vickiloff. -Vle.xander 

Kochutin, Trefan 

Kotchergin, George 

Kotchergin, Agafia 


Stepson 

Widower 

Husband 

Wife 


7 
19 
27 




Fratis, Simeon 


Son 


11 




Fratis, Ouliana 






Fratis, Martha 


(io 




?Si 


GalaktionefT, Alexander. . Hii'shand 


33 






13 


Galaktioneff, Lukeria 

Hanson, Anna 

Galaktioneff, Mary 

Galaktioneff, Matrona 

Gromoff, Nicoli 

Gromofif, Ouliana 


Wife 


Tetoff, Peter 


Godchild 

Son 


3 

19 




Stepdaughter. 




Koxlofl Michael 




Koxloff, Parascovia 

Koxloff, Nicoli 


Mother 


46 


.. do ... . 




Brother 

Cousin 


17 




Husband 

Wife 


37 


Serebrinikoff, Ripsemia . . 
Krukoff , John 


1? 


Husband 

Wife 


25 




A rl r> r> f o f? 


12 


Krukoff L^leta 


?1 


daughter. 
VolkofI, Tecan Orphan 


Diakanofl, Andrew 

Krukofl, Nicoli 


Stepson 

Husband 


11 
54 





200 



SEAL ISLANDS OP ALASKA. 
Census of St. Paul Island, June 30, 1905 — Continued. 



Names. 



Krukoff, Catherine 

Krukotf, Eustenia 

Emanoff, Alexai 

Krukofl, Metrofan 

Krukoff, Pelasia , 

Philamonoff, FoecJa 

Kusliin, Michael 

Kujiiin, Matrona 

Kusliin, Nestor 

Hanson, John 

Hopoft", Nekiter , 

Kushin, Mary 

Melovidoff, Alexander 

Melo vidoff , Salome 

Melovidoff, Antone 

Melovidoff, Alexandra. . . 

Melovidoff, Alfai 

Melovidoff, Alexander, jr. 



Nozekoff , Simeon 

Nozekoff , Avdotia 

Nozekoff, Mary 

Kozeroff , Ivanally 

Kozeroff, Alexandra 

Melovidoff, Simeon 

Melovidoff, Alexandra. . . 

Melovidoff. Margaret 

Meiovidoff, Christopher. . 

Melovidoff, Alexander 

Meiovidoff, Simeon, jr 

Melovidoff, Alexandra. . . 

Merculieff, Alexander 

Merciilieff , .'Vgafia 

Merculieff, Paul 

Merculieff, Auxenia 

Merculieff, Terrenty 

Merculieff, Paul 

Merculieff, Dosefai 

Pankoflf, Parfiri 

Pankoflf , Vlass 

Pankoff , Martha 

Rookavishnikoff, Stepan. 
Rookavishnikoff, Eliza- 
beth. 

Sedick, Theodore 

Sedick, Innokenty 

Sedick, Mary 

Sedick, John 

Shabolin, Nekon 

Shabolin, Foecla 

Shabolin, Agrafina 



Relation. 



Wife 

Daughter. 
Nephevi'. . . 
Husband.. 

Wife 

Orphan. .. 
Husband. . 

Wife 

Nenhew... 

..do 

Bachelor.. 

Widow 

Husband.. 

Wife 

Son 

Daughter. 

Son 

...do.... 



Husband 

Wife 

Daughter 

Half-brother. , 

Half-sister 

Husband 

Wife 

Daughter. . .. 

Son 

do 

.. do 

Niece 

Husband 

Wife 

Son 

Daughter 

Son 

Brother 

Son of Alex. . 

Father 

Son 

Daughter. . . . 

ITusband 

Wife 



Father 

Son 

Daughter. 

Son 

Husband . 

Wife 

Daughter. 



Age, 
years. 



24 . 



38 



12 



Names. 



Shabolin, Varvara... 
Shabolin, Matrona. . . 

Shabolin, Daniel 

Shabolin, Marfa 

Stepetiii, Dorofay 

Stepetin, Lubofl 

Stepetin, Chionia. . . 
Stepetin, Auxenia... 

Stepetin, Helena 

Stepetin, Elary , 

Stepetin, Anna 

Stepetin, Agnes 

Stepetin, Nicoli 

Stei;etin, John 

Stepetin, Vera 

Stepetin, Vassali 

Stepetin, Larion 

Stei etin, Vassali 

Shisenikoff, George.. 
ShisenikofI, Ouliana. 

Tetoff, Neon , 

Tetoff , .Vgrafina , 

Tetoff, Simeon , 

Tetoff, Marv 

Tetoff, Dimitri 

Tetoff, Erena 

Teiotf , Agrafina , 

Tetoff, John , 

Terofi', Peter 

Tetoff, Mary 

Kochutin, Varvara.. 



Relation. 



Tetoff, Zahar 

Tetoff, Daria 

Tetoff, Paul 

Orloff. Rev. J. E 

Orlolf, Olga 

Orloff, Nadia 

Orloff, Nicoli 

Orloff. Alexandra 

Nedarazoff, ( atherine. 

Merculieff, John 

Merculieff, Avdotia. . . 
Merculieff, Serefima. . . 

Krukoff, Condrat 

Krukoff, Feo testa 

Mazeekin, John 

Seduli. Elizabeth 

Stepetin, Marena 



Daughter 

do 

Son 

Daughter 

Husband 

Wife 

Daughter 

do 

do 

Husband 

Wife 

Daughter 

Son 

Husband 

Wife 

Son 

.... do 

Nephew 

Husband 

Wife 

Husband 

Wife 

Son 

Daughter 

Son 

Daughter 

do 

Son 

Husband 

Wife 

Adopted 

daughter. 

Husband 

Wife 

Son 

Father 

Daughter 

. .. do 

Son 

Daughter 

Widow 

Husband 

Wife 

Daughter 

Son 

Mother 

Bachelor 

Widow 

Daughter of 

John Step. 



Age 
years. 



WIDOWS AND ORPHANS. 



Kochutin, Zenobia 

Kochutin, Innokenty . 
Kochutin, Mark 



Krukoff, Anna... 
Krukoff, Mary... 
Emanoff, Mary. . 
Emanoff, Eneka. 
Emanoff, Peter.. 



Mother 

Son 

Nephew (son 
of John). 

Widow 

Daughter 

Widow 

Son 

do 



37 



Peeshnikoff, Wassalisa. 
Artomonoff , Alexandra 
Vickiloflf, .\lexandra .. . 



Balakshin, Matrona 

Rookavishnikoff. Paras- 

covia. 
Shopishnikoflf, Parasco- 



Widow 

do 

Adopted 
daughter. 

Widow 

Niece 



Spinster. 



RESIDING ELSEWHERE. 



Krukoff, Lukeria. . 
Mandregan, Mary.. 
Melovidoff, Marcia. 
Sedick, Avdotia 



Zaharoff , Fedosia. . 
Popoff, Alexandria . 
Tetoff, Sophia 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 201 

RECAPITULATION. 

Number of males 82 

Number of females 82 

Total number of residents 164 

Deaths during year 7 

Departures 2 

Births during year t 

Arrivals 4 



Exhibit No. 8. 
Division of natives' earnings, St. Paul Island, Alaska, season of 1905. 

By 13,000 fur-seal skins, at 50 cents $6, 500. 00 

By 8 sea-lion skins, at $2 16. 00 

Total 6, 516. 00 

To 21 first-class shares, at $197.95 4, 156. 95 

To 6 second-class shares, at $158.40 950. 40 

To 5 third-class shares, at $118.80 594. 00 

To 5 fourth-class shares, at $79.20 396. 00 

To 4 fifth-class shares, at $49.50 198. 00 

To 6 special-class shares 220. 65 

Total 6, 516. 00 

First-class shares. — Twenty-one men, at $197.95, as follows: N. Bogadanoff, Karp 
Buterin, Jacob Kochutin, Nicoli Krukoff, S. Melovidoff, S. Nozekot'f, Theo. Sedick, 
D. Stepetin, John Stepetin, Peter Tetoff, A. Bourdukofaky, George Kotchergin, John 
Kochutin, Alex. Merculieff, P. Pankoff, N. Shabolin, E. Stepetin, Neon Tetoff, J. E. 
Orloff, John Krukoff, George Shisenikoff. 

Second-class shares. — Six men, at $158.40, as follows: P. Bourdukofsky, Alex. 
Melovidoff, Zahar Tetoff, John Fratis, jr., Innokenty Sedick, Metrofan Krukoff. 

Third-class shares. — Five men, at .$118.80, as follows: Nicoli Gromoff, Michael 
Kushin, Trefan Kochutin, S. Rookavishnikoff, John Merculieff. 

Fourth-class shares. — Five men, at $79.20, as follows: John Fratis, sr., Michael 
Kozloff, P. Koshevnikoff, Alex. Galationeff, Constantine Buterin. 

Fifth-class shares. — Four men, at $49.50, as follows: Nicoli Kozloff, Ivanally Kozeroff, 
Vlass Pankoff, Fedor Kochutin. 

Special-class shares. — Condrat Krukoff, $30.15; Paul Merculieff, $30.15; Nicoli Kru- 
koff (first chief), $50; Nekiter Hopoff, $30.15; John Mazeekin, $30.20; Jacob Kochu- 
tin (second chief), $50. 

St. Paul Island, Alaska, August 10, 1905. 

I hereby certify that the above division was made by me, in the manner detailed 
above, after conference with the representative of the North American Commercial 
Co. and the native chiefs on this island. 

W. I. Lembkey, 
' Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries. 

St. Paul Island, Alaska, August 10, 1905. 
I hereby certify that the amounts as above stated representing the division on St. 
Paul Island, for the season of 1905, will be placed to the credit of the respective natives 
on the books of the North American Commercial Co. 

J. C. Redpath, 
Agent North American Commercial Co. 

St. Paul Island, Alaska, August 10, 1905. 
We hereby approve the division for St. Paul Island, for the season of 1905, as detailed 
above, for and on behalf of the natives of this island. 

Nicoli Krukoff, 

First Chief. 
Jacob Kochutin, 

Second Chief. 



202 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



Exhibit No. 9. 
Letter requesting statistics, 

1764 WiLLARD Street, 
Washington, D. C, October 13, 1905. 
Sir: In compliance with instructions to me dated May 1 last from the Secretary of 
Commerce and Labor, I have to request that I be furnished with information showing 
the cost to your company of complying with the provisions of its contract in connec- 
tion with the following items: Maintenance of dwellings for natives on seal island; 
maintenance of schools for natives on seal island; maintenance of house of worship 
on seal island; medical attendance for natives on Seal Island; support of widows, 
orphans, aged, and infirm on Seal Island. 

This information is desired for use in my annual report, which I hope to submit in 
the near future. 

Respectfully, W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Seal Island. 
Mr. H. H. Taylor, 

President North American Commercial Co., 

San Francisco, Cal. 



Exhibit No. 10, 

Annual statement of fur seals killed on St. George Island, Alaska, during the year ended 

July 31, 1905. 



Date. 



Rookeries. 



Large 
young 
seals 

killed for 

natives' 
food 
(skins 

accepted 
by 

lessees). 



Prime 

seals 
killed by 

lessees 
for skins. 



Total 

number 

of seals 

kiUed 

and skins 

accepted. 



1904. 

Aug. 3 

Oct. 19 

22 

24 

Nov. 3 

4 

5 

9 

14 

15 

18 

22 

23 

1905. 
June 3 
10 
20 
23 
26 
28 
1 
5 
6 
8 
11 
15 
17 
19 
22 
24 
26 
28 
29 
31 



July 



Found dead near East Landing. 

North and Staraya Artel 

Zapadni 

East 

North and Staraya Artel 

East 

Z apadni 

North and Staraya Artel 

East ." 

North and Staraya Artel 

Zapadni 

North 

Staraya Artel 



Zapadni 

East and Staraj^a Artel 

East and North 

East, North, and Staraya Artel. 

Zapadni 

Staraya Artel and North 

do 

Staraya Artel, North, and East. 

Zapadni 

Staraya Artel, North, and East. 
do 

Staraya Artel and East 

Zapadni 

East and Staraya Artel 

do 

Zapadni 

Staraya Artel and East 

Zapadni 

Staraya Artel and East 

do 



2 
63 
64 
3 
27 
28 
57 

211 
56 
60 
37 

180 
45 
73 
80 
20 
60 
14 
22 
30 



2 
63 
64 
3 
27 
28 
57 
211 
56 
60 

:^7 

180 
45 
73 
80 
20 
60 
14 
22 
30 



Total . 



1,368 



H. D. Chichester, 
Assistant Agent in Charge of St. George Island. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 203 

Exhibit No. 11. 
Weights of sealskins taken on St. George Island during season ended July 31, 1905. 



Weight. 


Skins. 


Weight. 


Skins. 


Weight. 


Skins. 


Weight. 


Skins. 


Pounds. 

5 

5i 

5i 

Si 

6 


2 

31 

30 

200 

160 

225 


Pounds. 
i>i 
6* 
Hi 
7 
7i 
7J 


105 
151 
108 
129 
61 
62 


Pounds. 

? 

&i 
8i 
8| 
9 


32 

30 

14 

8 

9 

3 


Pounds. 
9i 

n 

9J 
10 

Total . . 


3 
3 


1 


1,367 



The skin found near East Landino; last August was not weighed. 



Exhibit No. 12. 
Counts of rookeries, St. George Island, season of 1905. 

EAST REEF ROOKERY. 



Date. 


Ha- 
rems. 


Cows. 


Idle 
bulls. 


Quit- 
ters. 


Bulls 
with 
bache- 
lors or 
beyond 
rook- 
ery. 


Date. 


Ha- 
rems. 


Cows. 


Idle 
bulls. 


Quit- 
ters. 


Bulls 
with 
bache- 
lors or 
beyond 
rook- 
ery. 


1905. 
May 20.. . 






4 
10 
13 






1905. 
June 21 . . 
June 23 . . 
June 26 . . 
Jime28. . 
July 4.... 
Julys.... 
July 13... 
July 14... 


5 
5 
13 
12 
15 
16 
16 
17 


8 
9 

47 
55 
244 
344 
396 
453 


10 
9 
2 
3 
1 
1 


1 
2 
2 
1 
1 




May 26 
























June 3 ... 












June 6. . . . 






13 
14 
14 
14 
12 




















June 13. . 














June 16. .. 
















June 19. .. 


2 


2 


1 











Maximum. — Harems, 17; cows, 453; idle bulls, 0; bulls on rookery, 17. 
STARAYA ARTEL ROOKERY. 



1905. 
May 7. 






1 
2 
3 
5 
4 
11 
14 




i 


1905. 




28 
29 
24 
28 
23 
4 






May 9 










June 2 




3' 

6 


4 


May 12 








1 


June 10 . . 




1 


May 14 








1 


June 14. . 
June 21.. 
July 14... 


2 

6 

29 


2 

6 

1,305 


5 


May 16 






1 






May 20.. 








May 26 


























Jforj majn.— Harems, 29; cows, 1,305 (estimated); idle bulls, 4; bulls on rookery, a3. 
Note. — For the same reasons that exist at Zapadni this rookery can not be counted. The estimate 
here given is based on the count of a number of harems, giving an average of 45 cows per harem. 



204 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 



Counts of rookeries, St. George Island, season of 1905 — Continued. 
EAST ROOKERY. 



Date. 


Ha- 
rems. 


Cows. 


Idle 
bulls. 


Quit- 
ters. 


Bulls 
with 
bache- 
lors or 
beyond 
rook- 
ery. 


Date. 


Ha- 
rems. 


Cows. 


Idle 
bulls. 


Quit- 
ters. 


Bulls 
with 
bache- 
lors or 
beyond 
rook- 
ery. 


1905. 
May 2 






1 
2 
3 
3 
4 






1905. 
' June 9... 
i June 10. . 

June 13.. 

June 16.. 

June 19.. 
1 June 21.. 
! June 23.. 

June 28.. 
1 July 4.... 
1 Julys.... 

July 13... 

July 14... 


1 
1 
2 
6 
13 
19 
20 
36 
47 
47 
47 
47 


1 

1 

2 

8 

30 

78 

148 

615 

1,048 

1,502 

1,345 

1,743 


38 

39 

42 

37 

31 

27 

26 

14 

3 

5 

4 

7 


3 

i" 




May 3 










7 


May 4 . . . . 












May 5 










g 


May 7 






1 




5 


May 9 






5 




May 12 






5 
7 
7 
11 
25 
39 
35 






2 


g 


May 14 






1 




8 


May 16.... 






May 20.... 














May 26.... 














June 1 














June 3 






3 

















Jfaijmam.— Harems, 47; cows, 1,743; idle bulls, 7; bulls on rookery, 54. 

ZAPADNI ROOKERY. 



1905. 
May 2... 
May 14., 
June 1 . . 
June 11. 



190."). 
June 21 . 
June 26. 
July 17.. 



37 

206 

1,845 



Maximum.— B.a,Tems, 45; cows, 1,845 (estimated): idle bulls, 3; bulls on rookery, 48. 

Note.— By reason of the massing of the seals and the impossibility of obtaining a view of the entire 
rookery for any length of time, only the number of harems and idle bulls could be counted. An esti- 
mate was therefore madeof thenimiber of cows. The estimate is based on the count of a number of harems, 
giving an average of 41 cows per harem. 

LITTLE EAST ROOKERY. 



1905. 
May 7 




1 

1 

3 

3 

3 

5 

7 

14 

14 

14 

14 

15 






1905. 
June 13. . 






15 
16 
16 
14 
13 
5 
4 






May 9 ' 








June 16. . 










May 11....' 








June 19. . 










May 12 






^ 


June 21.. 
June 23.. 
June 26.. 
June 28.. 
July 4.... 
Julys.... 
July 13... 
July 14... 


2 
3 
11 
12 
16 
14 
16 
16 


2 
6 
33 
39 
152 
202 
182 
298 






May 14 












May 16 












May 20 












Mav 26 






j 






June 1 








2 






June 3 












June 6 














June 10 


















. 







JI/anmwTO.— Harems, 16; cows, 298; idle hulls, 0; bulls on rookery, 16. 

NORTH ROOKERY. 



1905. 
May 2 






1 

1 
1 
2 
5 
7 
14 
19 
18 
36 
57 
60 
73 
79 
90 






1905 
June 10. . 
Jane 12. . 
June 14. . 
June 17. . 
June 21 . . 
June 22 . . 
June 24. . 
June 28.. 
June 29.. 
July 2.... 
July 6.... 
July 9.... 
July 12... 
July 14... 


1 

1 

5 

9 

22 

32 

43 

66 

71 

86 

98 

103 

104 

104 


1 
1 
5 

10 

40 

85 

169 

531 

718 

1,422 

2,121 

2,710 

2.961 

2.687 


88 

101 

89 

89 

76 

65 

59 

36 

37 

18 

12 

8 

8 

S 


3 
2 
3 


2 


May 3. 










2 


May 4 










4 


Mav 5 










4 


May 7 










9 


May 9 












May 12 










3 
3 


3 


May 14 












May 16 






2 
1 

2 






May 20 






3 
2 
2 
2 




May 26.... 








June 1. . . . 








June 2 . 






6 
3 
3 


i 




June 5. . . . 


1 
1 


1 

1 




June 7 







Miiimum. — Harems, 104; cows, 2,961; idle bulls, 8: quitters, 2; bulls on rookery, 112. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 

Exhibit No. 13. 
Seals released from drives, St.. George Island, season of 1905. 



205 



Date. 


Rookeries. 


c 
Oj 


3 

ft, a 
J 


a 
« . 

<a a 


g 


■a 
1 

as 
?» 


1 


■0 
1 


J2 

•3 

n 


1904. 
( )ct. 19 


North and Staraya Artel 


6 
6 






197 

1 

10 


16 
119 
113 

15 

9 
12 
20 








24 


East 


3 










Nfov. 3 


North and Staraya Artel 








i 


East 














1905. 
lune 10 








1 

1 


20 


1 
4 

4 






20 


East and North 




9 

1 
6 
2 


3 
5 
6 
7 


6 


23 


East, North, and Staraya Artei 

Zapadnie 


66 


2 


26 








28 

July 1 

5 

6 


East, North, and Staraya Artel 

North and Staraya Artel 


92 
50 
125 

14 
35 
20 
68 
33 
88 
75 
26 
57 
11 
13 
25 


1 


26" 

155 

40 

99 
117 
325 

71 
218 
314 

92 
181 

25 
100 

85 


5 


1 


East, North, and Staraya Artel 


7 

1 

...... 

7 
3 
6 
6 

1 
6 
4 


2 
....„ 

""3 
1 
3 

1 
1 


1 
7 
3 

3 

5 
4 
3 
4 
1 
4 


1 


1 


1 


8 


North and Staraya Artel 








11 


do 


1 






15 




5 




17 


Zapadnie. . 


1 


19 


East and Staraya Artel 


1 






22 


do 




3 


24 




2 






26 


East and Staraya Artel 






28 


Zapadnie 








29 










31 


do 


1 




1 








Total, 








810 


64 


16 


2,077 


129 


21 


27 


14 










1 


Large. 

















Exhibit No. 14. 
Young male seals marked and released on St. George Island, season of 1905. 



Date. 



Rookeries. 



2-year- 
olds. 



3-year- 
olds. 



4-year- 
old.s. 



1905. 

June 20 

23 

2fi 

28 

July 1 

5 

11 



East and North 

East, North, and Staraya Artel. 

Zapadni 

East. North, and Staraya .Vrtel. 

North and Staraya Artel 

Ea'st, North, and Staraya .Vrtel . 
do 



Total. 



200 



These seals were all marked by clipping off the fur on the top of their heads with a pair of sheep shears. 
In addition to this a half-round button was punched out of the outside finger of the left hind flipper, 
marking; them permanently. 



206 



SEAL ISLANDS OP ALASKA. 

Exhibit No. 15. 
Count of live pups, St. George Island, season of 1905. 



Date. 


Rookeries. 


Live 
pups. 


Dead 
pups. 


Dead 
cows. 


July 29 
31 


Zapadai 


2,742 
4,047 
2,148 
2,700 
650 
412 


45 

142 

14 

46 

3 

3 


3 


North 


2 


31 


Staraya Artel 


1 


31 


East 




31 


East Reef 




31 


Little East 






Total 






12,699 


253 


6 









Exhibit No. 16. 

Seal division, St. George Island, season of 190-5. 

By 1,368 sealskins, at 50 cents $684. 00 

To 14 first-class men, at $27.15 380. 10 

To 4 second-class men, at $21.80 87. 40 

To 5 third-class men, at $16.30 81. 50 

To 2 special-class men (first chief, $40; second chief, $35) 75. 00 

To material for native club 60. 00 



684. 00 



First class. — Fourteen men at $27.15 each, as follows: Corneil Gorokof, Stephan 
Lekanof, Demetri Lestenkof. Michael Lestenkof, Nicolai Malavansky, George Mer- 
culif, Joseph Merculif, Nicolai Merculif, Andronic Philamonof, Gregory Philamonof, 
Simeon Philamonof, Peter Prokopief, Manuel Zaharof, Rev. Peter Kashevarof. 

Second class. — Four men at $21.80 each, as follows: John Galanin, Nicolai Neda- 
razof, Michael Shane, Gregory Swetzof. 

Third class. — Five men at $16.30 each, as follows: Alexander Galanin, Walter Kash- 
avarof, Peter Malavansky, Marka Merculif, Demetri Philamonof. 
Special class. — Stephan Lekanof, chief, $40; Joseph Merculif, second chief, $35. 
The division as made above is hereby approved on hehalf of the natives of this 
island. 

Stephan Lekanof, 

First Chief. 
Joseph Merculif, 

Second Chief. 

I certify that the amounts indicated herein have been placed to the credit of the 
respective natives on the books of the North American Commercial Co. 

The North American Commercial Co., 
By Dr. L. A. Noyes, Agent. 



I certify that the above division was made by me after conference with the native 
chiefs. 

H. D. Chichester, 
Agent, U. S. Department of Commerce and Labor. 



SEAL ISLANDS OP ALASKA. 

Exhibit No. 17. 

Census of St. George Island, June SO, 1905. 



207 



No. of 

family. 



No. of 
person. 



Names of individuals. 



Family relation. 



Age. 



Date of birth. 



Galanin, Alexander 

Galanin, Akalina 

Galanin, John 

Gallain, Anna 

Galanin, Fevronia i 

Swetzof, Paul i 

Gorokof, Cornell 

Oustegof, Alexandra 2 

Oustegof, Stepanida 2 

Lekauof , Stepan 

Lekanof , Pelagia 

Lekanof , Anatoli 

Lekanof, Sergius 

Lekanof, Sara 

Lekanof, Marina 

Lekanof, George 

Lestenkof, Demetri 

Lesteukof , Alexandra 

Lestenkof, Elizabeth 

Lestenkof, Constantine. .. 

Merculif , Marka 

Diakauof , Katie 

Lestenkof, Michael 

Lestenkof, Oulita 

Lestenkof, Innokenty 

Lestenkof, Anna 

Malavansky, Nicolai 

Malavansky, Fedosia 

Malavansky, Peter 

Malavansky, Ripsemia... 

Malavansky, Wassi 1 

Malavansky, Christopher. 

Merculif, George 

Merculif, Stepanida 

Merculif, Peter 

Merculif, Sophia 

Merculif, George, jr 

Merculif, Martha 2 

Merculif, Joseph 

Merculif, Mar vara 

Merculif, John 1 

Merculif, Helena 

Merculif, Natalia ' 

Merculif, Nicolai 

Merculif, Matrona 

Merculif, Lavrenty 

Merculif, Wassalis 1 

Merculif, Alexandra 

Niderezof, Nicolai 

Niderezof, Efghenia 

Niderezof, Isidor 

Philimonof, Andronie 

Philimonof, Zenobia 

Philimonof, Marina 

Philimonof. Leonti 

Philimonof, Alexandra. . . 
Philimonof, Andronie, jr.. 

Philimonof, Eofl 

Philamonof, Gregory 

Philamonof, Malania 

Philamonof, Demetri 

Philamonof, Paul 

Philamonof, Simeon 

Philamonof, Evadotia 

Philamonof, Zoya 

Philamonof, Joseph 

Philamonof, Ignati 

Philamonof, Julia 

Philamonof, Helena 

Prokopief, Peter 

Prokopief, Stepanida 

Prokopief, Martha 

Prokopief, Marina 

Prokopief, Alexander 

Prokopief, Laurenty 



Bachelor 

Mother 

Husband 

Wife 

Widow 

Brother 

Widovs^er 

Stepdaughter. 

do 

Husband 

Wife 

Son 

....do 

Daughter 

Son...'.'.'!!;;;! 

Husband.' 

Wife 

Mother 

Son 

Foster son 

Niece 

Husband 

Wife 

Son 

Daughter 

Husband , 

Vv'ife , 

Son , 

Mother , 

Aunt 

Son 

Husband 

Wife 

Son 

Daughter 

Son 

Sister 

Husband 

Wife 

Brother 

Sister 

Widow 

Husband 

Wife 

Son 

Widow 

Daughter 

Bachelor 

Mother 

Brother 

Husband 

V/ife 

Daughter 

Son 

Daughter 

Son 

do 

Husband 

Wife 

Brother 

Nephew 

Husband 

Wife 

Daughter 

Son 

do 

Daughter 

Husband 

Vv'ife 

Daughter 



.do. 



Son. 



Sept. 

1862. 

Sept. 

1881. 

June 

July 

May 

May 

Nov. 

Nov. 

Oct. 

Apr. 

Oct. 

Aug. 

Mar. 

Apr. 

May 

May 

Sept. 

Sept. 

Apr. 

Nov. 

Oct. 

Oct. 

Sept. 

Sept. 

Dec. 

Apr. 

Jan. 

1858. 

Aug. 



11,1885 
1881 



Nov. 
Dec. 
July 
Sept. 
Apr. 
July 
Mar. 



Jan. 

May 

Sept. 

May 

Jan. 

Sept. 

Jan. 

Apr. 

Dec. 

Jan. 

Feb. 
38 I Oct. 
38 I Nov. 
15 I May 
11 ! May 
9 I Apr. 

Oct. 

June 

Oct. 

Jan. 

May 

July 

Aug. 

Feb. 

Nov. 

Feb. 

Dec. 

Mar. 

Apr. 

May 

Nov. 

Mar. 

Mar. 

May 

Aug. 



1877 
1892 
1856 
1893 
1894 
1869 
1869 
1890 
1891 
1893 
1895 
1897 
1862 
1879 
1834 
1898 
1885 
1888 
1872 
1869 
1896 
1898 
1864 
1881 



1873 

1878 

1899 

1901 

1903 

1893 

1872 

1879 

1890 

1884 

1880 

1880 ■ 

1883 

1902 

1851 

1878 

1877 

1854 

1891 

1867 

1866 

1890 

1894 

1896 

1898 

1902 

1872 

1874 

1886 

1896 

1850 

1871 

1892 

1894 

1899 

1902 

1904 

1864 

1876 

1896 

1898 

1902 

1903 



' Supported by North American Commercial Co. 

2 Clothing supplied by North American Commercial Co. 



208 SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Census of St. George' Island, June SO, 1905 — Continued. 



No. of 
family. 



No. of 
person. 



Names of individuals. 



Family relation. 



Age. 



Date of birth. 



23 



Shane, Michael 

Shane, Raiesso 

Merculif, Stepan 

Oustegof , Anfessia i 

Swetzof, Gregory 

Swetzof, Zoe.. . ." 

Zacharof, Emanuel 

Zacharof . Mary 

Zacharof, Darfa 

priest's family. 

Kashavarof, Rev. Peter 

Kashavarof, Anna 

Kashavarof, Walter 

Pavlof. Katrina 

Riazanzof, Serefina ' 

Malavacsky. Cleopatra 2 



Bachelor 

Mother 

Cousin 

Foster daughter. 

Husband 

Wife 

Husband 

Wife 

Daughter 



Oct. 
1852. 
Sept. 
Apr. 
Nov. 



13, 18S7 

27, 1890 
21, 1895 
29, 1885 



Husband 

Wife 

Son 

Niece 

Orphan 

Daughter of Ripsimia. 



July 1,1880 
Apr. 1. 1874 
Apr. 2, 1902 



Mar. 
Jan. 
July 
Dec. 
July 
Oct. 



3, 1S57 
17, 1865 
2, 1887 
2. 1893 
1, 1887 
31. 1882 



' Clothing supplied by North American Commercial Co. 
2 Residing in San Francisco in family of Mrs. Cox. 

RECAPITULATION. 

Number of native inhabitants last census 95 

Increase by arrival from St. Paul 1 

Decrease by death 5 

Decrease by removal to St. Paul 2 

Actual number of resident natives 89 

SUMMARY. 

Number of native families 23 

Number of native individuals 89 

Number of native males 44 

Number of native females 45 

Number of native males of IG years old or over 23 

Number of native males between 6 and 16 years 14 

Number of native males under G years 7 

Number of native females 16 years old or over 28 

Number of native females between 6 and 16 years 13 

Number of native females under 6 years 4 

Number of native males of school age 14 

Number of native females of school ace 13 

Number of families wholly supported by North American Commercial Co 3 

Number of individuals wholly supported by North American Commercial Co 9 

Number of individuals clothed by North American Commercial Co 5 

Government agents and company employees. — H. D. Chichester, assistant agent in charge; Ezra W. Clark, 
assistant agent; Mrs. Ezra W. Clark; Dr. L. A. Noyes, physician and company agent; J. A. Lake, clerk; 
Gee Ho, Chinese cook. 



Exhibit No. 18. 

North American Commercial Co., 

St. George Island, Alaska, August 2, 1905. 
Sir: In reply to your letter of August 1 requesting a statement of the amount 
expended by the North American Commercial Co. on this island during the year 
ending June 30, 1905, for the maintenance of native dwellings, school for natives, 
house of worship, support of widows and orphans, aged and infirm, and medical 
attendance, I would respectfully submit the following, which is approximately correct: 

For maintenance of native dwellings $36. 63 

School for natives 1, 708. 51 

House of worship No expense. 

Medical attendance 2, 038. 68 

Support of widows and orphans, aged and infirm 1, 624. 47 

Respectfully, 

Dr. L. A. Noyes, 
Agent, North American Commercial Co., 

St. George Island, Alaska. 
H. D. Chichester, 

Assistant Agent, Seal Fisheries in Alaska. 



seal islands of alaska. 209 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Solicitor, 

Washington. 

Memorandum: In the matter of the increase of prices of commod- 
ities sold to the natives on the Pribilof Islands by the North American 
Commercial Co. 

Since the year 1900 the prices charged on St. Paul and St. George 
Islands by the lessee company for necessaries of life have been 
increased materially. This action was sought to be justified by the 
company on the ground of increased wholesale cost to the retailer. 

As instances, the following items are cited: 

Coal increased from per ton . . $15. 50 to |20. 00 

Tobacco increased from per pound. . . 30 to .50 

Hard bread increased from do 05 to .06 

Salt beef increased from do 10 to . 12^ 

Butter (reduced in 1905 to 70 cents a square of) increased from 

per square 1^ pounds. . , 60 to .80 

Drop shot increased from per pound. . . 10 to . 12J 

Hosiery (reduced in 1905 to 50 cents pair) increased from . .per pair. . . 50 to .60 

Potatoes increased from per pound . . . 03 to . 03 J 

Shotgun primers increased from per box of 250 . . . 40 to ,50 

The increased cost to the natives of these articles amounts to 
approximately $3,500 per annum, representing the income from the 
labor incident to taking 7,000 sealsldns. 

In 1891 the natives' compensation for taking sealskins was fixed by 
the Treasury Department at 50 cents per skin. Previous to that 
date the natives received 40 cents. Since 1891 no change in the rate 
of compensation has been made. In addition, also, the companj^ has 
continued for many years to compensate the natives for miscellaneous 
labor at the rate of 10 cents per hour, except for handling cargo, when 
15 cents per liour is paid. It is understood that the same company 
pays similar natives at Dutch Harbor for laboring at the rate of $1.50 
])er day of 10 hours, with board. 

By reason of the rapidly diminisliing catch of seals, the earnings of 
the Pribilof Islands natives will become correspondingly attenuated. 

The number of sealskins sold in London b}' the North American 
Commercial Co. and the average prices obtained since 1890 are 
ap])ended. (See Hearings before Ways and Means, Mar. 9 and 10, 1904 
p. 76.) The catches of 1904 and 1905 have been inserted by me: 



Years. 



1890 
1891 
1892 
1893 
1894 
1895 
1896 
1897 
1898 
1899 
1900 
1901 
1902 
1903 
1904 
1905 



Number 
of skins. 



28,859 

12,040 

7,511 

7,396 

16,270 

14,846 

30,654 

19,200 

18,047 

16,812 

22,470 

22,672 

22,190 

19,212 

113,128 

1 14,368 



Average 

price per 

skin. 



$36. 50 
30.00 
30.00 
27.00 
20.50 
20.25 
17.00 
15.50 
16.00 
26.00 
32.00 
34.00 
32.50 
29.50 



2403— H. Doc. 93, 62-1 14 



' Inserted. 



210 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



Since 1891 the wages for all classes of labor have increased generally 
throughout the United States as a result of the increased cost of living. 
The wages of the seal -island natives have remained the same, but the 
lessee has found it necessary on account of the increased cost of goods 
to raise the prices of the same on the islands. It is submitted that 
an increase in the wages paid by the lessee to the natives should be 
marie to offset the raise in prices. 

The compensation paid the natives for taking skins should be 
increased to 75 cents per skin. Based upon an estimated catch of 
13,000 seals, this would result in a total increase of $3,250, which is 
$250 less than the estimated increase in the total cost of provisions 
caused by increased prices. 

W. I. Lembkey. 

NOVEMBEK, 1905. 



Prices of articles sold on Pribilof Islands by North American Commercial Co. 



Articles. 



Quantity. 



Island price. 



San Francisco 
retail price. 



Reduced 
island 
price. 



Apples, dried Per pound 

Bacon ' do 

Baking powder ' For 4 ounces 

Beans, dried Per pound 

Bluing, balls Box 

Bread, pilot 1 Per pound 

Butter j Per square of IJ pounds. 

Candles I Per set of 

Canned beef: 

Roast Per 2-pound tin 

Corned ' do 

Canned fruits do 

Canned vegetables: I 

Beans ' Per can 

Com 1 do 

Tomatoes do 

Peas do 

Clams do 

Coal oil I Per gallon 

Coffee Per pound 

Crackers: 

Soda ! do 

Sweet, assorted I do 

Currants, dried j do 

Flour Per one-fourth barrel 



Gunpowder, 
Pheasant. 

Ham 

JeUy 

Lard 



Black Golden 



Matches, California sulphur 

Milk, Borden's condensed 

Mustard 

Onions, fresh 

Oysters 

Peaches, dried 

Pepper 

Potatoes, fresh 

Prunes, dried 

Raisins 

Rice 

Salmon 

Salt beef 

Salt pork 

Sardines, American 

Sauce, Worcester, American 

Club. 
Soap: 

Kitchen 

Ivory 

Soups: 

Franco- American 

Columbia 



Per poimd . 



..do 

..do 

(Per 2ipoimds... 
\Per 5 pounds 

Per package 

Per can 

Per J pound 

Per pound 

Per can 

Per pound 

Per I pound 

Per pound 

....do 

....do 

Per 3 pounds 

Per 2-poimd tin . 

Per pound 

....do 

Per 2 tins 

Per bottle 



For 4 bars. 
For 2 bars. 



Per can. 
do... 



SO. 15 
.25 
.20 
.08J 
.25 
.06 
.80 
.20 

.30 
.30 
.30 

.20 
.20 
.20 
.20 
.25 
.40 
-35 

.10 
.20 
.15 

1.75 
.80 

.25 

.25 

.50 

.90 

.10 

.25 

.25 

.05 

.30 

.15 

.23 

.03^ 

.15 

.15 

.25 

.25 

.12J 

.15 

.25 

.40 



.25 
.25 



$0.10 

■ m 

I .20 

.05 

.10-. 25 

2.25 
.45 
.20 

.30 

.25 

.20-. 25 

.15 
.15 
.12i 
. 121- 
. 10-'. 20"" 
.26-. 31 
.25 

.10 
.15 
.15 
1.25 
.35 

. 15-. 20 
3.20 
.40 
.65 
.05 
.15 
.20 



.20 
.15 
.20 
.02J 
. 05-. 12J 
. 12i-. 15 
.25 
.20 
.10 



L. & P., .25 



<.25 
5.25 



1 For 6 ounces. 



2 For 3 pounds. 



3 For 2 pounds. 



^ For 5 bars. 



.35 

* For 3 bars. 



$0.05 



.26 



.25 



.50 



.30 



.35 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 211 

Prices of articles sold on Pribilof Islands by North American Commercial Co. — Continued. 



Articles. 



Quantity. 



Island price. 



San Francisco 
retail price. 



Reduced 
island 
price. 



Starch: 

Laundrj- 

Corn , 

Sugar, cube 

Sweet oil, American Durands, 
cottonseed. 

Sirup, Crown Drip 

Tea 

Tobacco: 

Leaf 

Durham 

Mastiff 

Vinegar 

Yeast cakes 



Per pound 

do 

do 

Per quart bottle. 



Per pound. 



do 

Per 3 J ounces. 

do , 

Per quart 

Per package... 



$0.25 
.25 
.10 
.50 

.80 
.50 

.50 
.25 
.25 
.10 
.15 



.12^ 
.10 
.07J 
.20 

.40 
.50 




10.15 
.15 



CLOTHING. 



Arctics: 

Men's short 

Women's short 

Misses' short 

Child's short 

Boots: 

Men's leather 

Youths' leather 

Boys' leather 

Buttons: 

Dress, metal 

White porcelain 

Calico 

Canton flannel 

Carpet, 2-ply ingrain 

Caps: 

Men's light 

Men's heavy 

Bovs' light 

Clothing: 

Men's suits 

Boys' suits, according to 
size. 

Men's pants 

Thread, cotton, O. N. T 

Denim 

Dress goods: 

Mixed wool and cotton 

Flannel, according to qual- 
ity. 

Gingham 

Gloves: 

Men's heavy leather 

Men's light leather 

Wool gloves and mittens, 
heavy. 
Handkerchiefs: 

White, men's 

Red cotton 

Hooks and eyes 

Hose: 

Men's woolen socks 

Women's woolen hose 

Misses' woolen hose 

Child's woolen hose 

Babies' cotton hose 

l^eather: 

Soles and heels 

Tippers, for skin boots 

Muslin, barred, for dresses 

Common, according to qual- 
ity. 

Sheeting, accordmg to 
width. 

Neckties 

Oilskin coats 

Overalls: 

Pants 

Blouse 



Per dozen. 

....do 

Per yard.. 

do 

do.... 



3 spools for. 
Per yard . . . 



Per yard . 



Per paper . 



Per pair. 
....do... 
....do... 
....do... 
do... 



do... 

do.... 

Per yard. 
do.... 



.do. 



Each.. 
do. 



82.25 
1.50 
1.25 
1.00 

6.00 
3.00 
2.50 

.25 
.02J 
.10 
.25 
1.00 

.75,1.00 

1.50 

.50 

18.00 
5.00-12. 00 

5.00 
.25 
.20 

.60 
.50, . 60, . 75 



1.50 
1.25 
.60 



.25 
.20 
.10 

.60 
.60 
.50 
.40, . 30 
.20 

.75 

.75 

.25 

.10, .12i, .15 



.20,-25 

.50,-75 
3-00 



1.00 
25 



$1.75 
1.25 
1.00 



.05 each. 



212 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Prices of articles sold on Pribilof Islands by North American Commercial Co. — Continued. 



Articles. 


Quantity. 


T<!lanfl nripp ^^° FrancisCO 
island price. retaU price. 


Reduced 
island 
price. 


Rubber boots: 




86.00 
2.25 

1.00 

.90 

.50, .60, .75 

2.00 

1.50 

.75,1.25,1.50 

4.50 

4.50 

1.00-3.00 

.05 
.10 
.20 
.50, .75 
.25 
.25 

1.50 

1.50 

.15 


85.50 




Women's knee 






Rubber shoes: 








Women's 








Child's 








Shirts: 

Men's woolen 
























Shoes: 




4.00 










Child's, according to size 








Shoe strings: 

Cotton 


Per pair 






Leather . . 


. .do 






Silesia 


Per yard 




80.15 




Per pair 






White Swiss 


Per yard 






Ticking, bed 


do 




.20 


Underwear: 

Men's heavy wool .... 


Per garment 






Women's vests 








Yarn, Saxony, 12 hanks to 
pound. 


Per hank 













MISCELLANEOUS. 



Chimneys, lamp, all sizes 




$0.15 
.40 
.10 
.35 
.10 
.12J 
.08J 
.10 

.10 
.05 

.15 
.20 
.10 
.25 
.10 
.50 






Cod line 


Per pound 






Cups 


Each 






Knives and forks (steel) 


Per pair 




$0.25 


Spoons 


Each 






Plates 


2 for 25 cents, each 






Tumblers 


3 for 25 cents, each 






Nails 








Needles: 

Sewing 


Per package 






Machine 


2 for 






Paints (mixed): 

Lead 


Per pound 






Zinc 


do 






Saucers 


Each 






Shovels , small flre 


do 




.15 


Tacks, carpet 


Per package 




.05 


Washboards 


Each 















Submitted by North American Commercial Co. 



Articles. 


Quantity. 


Retail 
island 
price. 


Retail San 

Francisco 

price. 


Tea 




$0.50 
.10 
.25 
.70 
.25 
.20 
.30 
.25 
• OSi 
.18 
.10 
.20 
.15 
1.75 
.06 
.15 
.25 
..35 


SO. 50 


Sugar 


do 


.084 


Condensed milk 


Can 


. 15 


Butter 


Roll 


.70 


Canned fruit 




25 


Canned vegetables 


do 


.20 


Canned beef 


do 


.30 


Jelly 


do 


•'5 


Rice 




.06^ 


Lard 


do 


14 


Soda crackers 


do 


.10 


Assorted crackers 


... do 


.20 


Raisins 


do 


15 


Flour 




1 . 25 


Pilot bread 




081 


Candles 


do 




Lobster 


Can 

do 


;^() 


Soup 


.35 



SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 
Submitted by North American Commercial Co. — Continued. 



213 



Articles. 


Quantity. 


Retail 
island 
price. 


Retail San 

Francisco 

price. 


Clams 


Can 


»0.30 

.25 

.20 

..35 

.12i 

.15 

.15 

.12i 

.30' 

.03 J 

.05 

.25 

.22i 

.15 

.20 

.30 

.50 

.06^ 

.40 

4.50 

6.00 

2.25 

1.50 

1.25 

2.50 

1.00 

.80 

3.00 

5.00 

1.25 

1.00 

.25 

.60 

.50 

1.50 

1.50 

.,5 


$0.20 
.25 




do 


Sirup 


Quart . 


15 


Coffee 




.35 




Box 


.12i 
.15 


Starch .' 


Pound 


Dried fruit 


do 


Salt beef 


do 


.10 




Can 


.25 






.02i 
.07 


Onions 


do 


Bacon 


.. ..do 


.20 


Ham 


do 


.17J 
.15 


Salt pork 


do 


Bakin? powder 




.15 


Sauce 


Bottle 


.25 




. . do 


.50 




Bar 


.07 


Coal oil 


Gallon 

Pair 


.35 




4.00 


Rubber boots 


do 


5.50 


Men's arctics 


. . do 


1.75 




do 


1.25 


Misses' arctics 


do 


1.00 


Bovs' boots 


.... do 


2.50 


Meii's rubbers 


do 


1.00 


Women's rubbers 


do 


.75 


K aincoats 


Each 


2.25 


Trousers 


Pair 


4.50 


Overalls 


Each 


.75 


Pair 


.75 


Arctic socks 


.do 


.25 


Women's stockings 

Do 


do 


.50 


do 


.35 


Underwear 


Garment 

do 


1.25 




1.25 


Do 


do 


.75 









St. Paul. 

Butter cost to company in San Francisco per pound: Cents. 

1890 18 

1891 : 22f 

1892 20 

1893 20| 

1894 21 

1895 12f 

1896 16 

1897 17f 

1898 22| 

1899 20f 

1900 191 

1901 18J 

1902 21 

1903 24 

1904 23 

1905 23i 

Average cost, San Francisco, 1890 to 1902 19s 

Average cost, San Francisco, 1903 to 1905 23. 41 

Advance in San Francisco, 1903 to 1905 over 1890 to 1902, 21^^ per cent. 
Advance on St. Paul, 16f per cent. 



214 SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Flour cost to company in San Francisco per barrel: 

1890 $4.00 

1891. 5.25 

1893 3.70 

1894 3.40 

1895 2.90 

1896 3. 50 

1897 4.10 

1898 5. 25 

1899 3.35 

1900 3.15 

1901 2.90 

1902 3.15 

1903 4.10 

1904 4. 15 

1905 4. 35 

Average price 1893 to 1902 3. 54 

Average price 1903 to 1905 •. . . 4. 20 

Advance in San Francisco, 1903 to 1905 over 1893 to 1902, 18t% per cent. 
Advance on St. Paul Island, 16§ per cent. 

Salt beef cost to company in San Francisco per barrel: 

1890 $10.50 

1891 10.50 

1892 10.50 

1893 11.00 

1894 11.00 

1895 11.00 

1896 11.00 

1897 : 11.00 

1898 12.00 

1899 13.50 

1900 14.50 

1901 12.50 

1902 12. 50 

1903 12.50 

1904 12.50 

1905 12.50 

Average cost, 1890 to 1898 10. 95 

Average cost, 1899 to 1905 12.95 

Advance in San Francisco, 1899 to 1905 over 1890 to 1898, 18^^ per cent. 
Advance on St. Paul, 25 per cent. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Secretary, 

November 9, 1905. 
To whom it may concern: 

It is hereby ordered that the appropriations for '' Salaries and 
traveUng expenses of agents at seal fisheries in Alaska, 1906," and 
"Supplies for native inhabitants, Alaska, 1906" (sundry civil act, 
Mar. 3, 1905), shall be expended under the immediate direction of the 
solicitor of the department, subject to the supervision of the Secretary. 

V. H. Metcalf, Secretary. 



seal islands of alaska, 215 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Division of Alaskan Fisheries, 

Washington, November 11, 1905, 
Mr. E. W. Sims, 

Solicitor, Department Commerce and Labor. 

Dear Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith my accounts for 
expenses incurred in traveUng from St. Paul Island. i\laska, to Wash- 
ington, D. C, amounting to $173.85. The hotel bill includes a charge 
of $2.50 for laundry and $1.25 for transfer of baggage. It was not 
convenient to procure a subvoucher for the charge of excess baggage. 
My understanding is that the department will pay only such expenses 
as are incurred in making a continuous journey on a limited ticket. 
I did not travel in that manner, and the charges for railroad fare, 
berth in Pullman, meals, and porterage on train are therefore made 
in bulk, so as to equal in amount what they would have been had the 
departmental method been pursued. As a matter of fact, my actual 
expenses exceeded considerably the amounts herein stated. 

Mr. Lembkey furnished me a request for Government transporta- 
tion from San Francisco to Columbus, Ohio, amounting to $68.50, 
which was honored by the Southern Pacific Railroad Co., and for 
which due credit is given in the account. 

Very respectfully, James Judge, 

Assistant Agent Seal Islands. 



[Memorandum.— In re: Appropriation for natives' supplies, Pribilof Islands.] 

In a recent ruling the Comptroller of the Treasury decided that 
articles of necessity not embraced in the term "Food, fuel, and cloth- 
ing" can not be purchased from the appropriation for ''Food, fuel, and 
clothing for native inhabitants of Alaska." 

This appro])riation is used for the maintenance of the native inhab- 
itants on the islands of St. Paul and St. George, Alaska, othermse 
known as the "seal islands." 

It is obvious that there are other articles as essential in the domestic 
economy as food, fuel, and clothing. These other essentials can not 
be purchased from the appropriation, but must be obtained through 
the only other available fund for natives' support — nameh', their earn- 
ings from taking sealskins. 

If these earnings were sufficient in the case of each native man of 
family, no difficulty would be experienced; but it is a fact that the 
earnings of only a few men on the islands are sufficient to provide 
them with the necessaries of life — not food, fuel, and clothing — and 
that it will be impossible to compl}' with the ruhng of the Comptroller 
without suffering to the natives. 

Tliis can be easily demonstrated. The estimated amount of neces- 
saries required and issued to each native family during the year, com- 
piled from the issues made for the year 1905, is as follows: 

1 pound candles per week, at 20 cents -^lO. 40 

4 bars laundry soap, biweekly, at 25 cents 6. 50 

1 gallon coal oil, biweekly, at 40 cents ^r' nn 

1 pound leaf tobacco, weekly, at 50 cents ^ nn 

5 pounds powder, per year, at 80 cents 4. 00 

25 pounds .shot, per year, at 12^ cents ^'/^ 

2 boxes primers, per year, at 50 cents 1- ^ 

2 boxes 45-70 cartridges, per year, at $1 2. 00 



216 SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

1 package matches, biweekly, at 10 cents $2. 60 

Cooking utensils, pots, pans, kettles, etc 10. 00 

Tableware — knives, forks, cups, saucers, plates, spoons, tumblers, tablecloths, 

etc 8. 00 

Stove repairs, stovepipe, stove lids, stove castings, fire brick, fire clay, etc ... 5. 00 
Sundries, including funeral expenses, lumber, nails, paint, wall paper, oars, 

cod lines, fishing hooks, material for bird snares, sailcloth, etc 10. 00 

Total 99.03 

The earnings for 1905 were as follows: 

St. George. 

14 first-class men, each $86. 25 

4 second-class men, each 69. 00 

5 third-class men, each 51. 70 

St. Paul. 

21 first-class men, each. $197. 95 

6 second-class men, each 158. 40 

5 third-class men, each 118. 80 

5 fourth-class men, each 79. 20 

4 fifth-class men, each 49. 50 

4 special-class men, each 30. 15 

Since the estimated amount required to provide those necessaries 
not included in the term "food, fuel, and clothing" is $99.03 per fam- 
ily, it can be seen at a glance that of the St. George natives not one 
will earn sufficient to provide the usual amount of necessaries for his 
family, while on St. Paul 13 men will be in a similar situation. 

In view of the foregoing and of the fact that suffering to the natives 
would result in the enforcement of the comptroller's ruling, it is again 
respectfully urged that Congress be requested to enlarge the scope of 
the natives' appropriation, so that it may be utilized for the purchase 
of necessaries of life in general, as well as food, fuel, and clothing. 

Respectfully submitted. 

Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries. 
November, 1905. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Solicitor, 

Washington, December 19, 1905. 
The honorable the Secretary of Commerce and Labor. 

Sir: In connection with the transfer to this office of the Alaskan 
Fur-Seal Fisheries Service and. the assignment of a room in this build- 
ing to be occupied by the seal-island agents now at the department, 
I have the honor to make the following recommendations : 

(1) That the service mentioned be made a division of the Depart- 
ment of Commerce and Labor, to be styled the "Division of Seal 
Fisheries." 

(2) That all files and records relating to the service now in the office 
of the chief clerk or elsewhere be moved to the room now occupied 
by the seal agents, there to be arranged and made current. 

Very respectfully, 

Edwin W, Sims, Solicitor. 
Approved : 

Secretary. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 217 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Secretary, 
Washington, December 21, 1905. 
Sir: It is hereby ordered that all files and records of the Alaskan 
Fur-Seal Fisheries Service now in the office of the chief clerk or else- 
where be moved to the room now occupied by the fur-seal agents in 
the department, there to be arranged and made current. 
Respectfully, 

V. H, Metcalf, Secretary. 
The Chief Clerk, 

Department of Commerce and Lahor. 



Part II. Communications Relative to Revenue-Cutter Patrol. 

March 11, 1905. 

Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith copies of two telegrams, 
under date of February 23 and February 24, respectively, from Mr. 
Taylor, president of the North American Commercial Co., of San 
Francisco, to Hon. Charles J. Faulkner, of Washington, D. C, relative 
to a report that the American schooner Carmencita is outfitting at 
Victoria, B. C, for a sealing cruise to be made under the Nor- 
wegian flag. 

Early last summer the Carmencita cleared from San Francisco 
flying the Mexican flag, and is said to have proceeded to the Com- 
mander Islands for the purpose of raiding the Russian fur-seal 
rookeries. One of her boats that approached the shore was fired 
upon by the Russians and a member of the crew seriously wounded. 
The attempted raid was thereupon abandoned and the Carmencita 
proceeded to Victoria, B. C. She brought to that port a number of 
fur-seal skins, some of which were presumably taken in the neighbor- 
hood of the Commander Islands. It is reported that the crew of the 
Carmencita was made up at San Francisco and consisted chiefly of 
United States citizens. After the facts regarding the attempted raid 
on the Commander Islands became known the Carmencita is said to 
have been deprived of her registry as a Mexican vessel. According 
to the telegrams, of which copies are herewith inclosed, she is now 
preparing for another sealing cruise. There is reason to suspect that 
some of her crew are Americans. 

It is requested that instructions be issued to our revenue vessels in 
the North Pacific and Alaskan waters to be on the lookout for the 
Carmencita, and if encountered on the high seas flying the American 
flag to board and search her, and should it be discovered that she is 
carrying any sealing apparatus to place her under arrest, in accor- 
dance \vith the provisions of the act of December 29, 1897 (30 Stat., 
226). 

If she is found sailing under the flag of Norway, or any other 
foreign nation, with sealing apparatus on board, and manned in whole 
or in part by American citizens, a full report of the matter should be 
made to the department in order that if it seems desirable the case 
can be brought to the attention of the Government under the pro- 
tection of whose flag American citizens are engaging in unlawful 
sealing. 



218 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

In view of the fact that negotiations are now pending between the 
United States and Great Britain for a revision of the fur-seal regula- 
tions, it is particularly important at this time that all possible means 
should betaken to prevent any illegal sealing by United States citizens. 
Respectfully, 

V, H. Metcalf, 

Secretary. 
The Secretary of the Treasury. 



[Telegram.] 

San Francisco, Cal., February 23, 1905. 
Hon. Chas. J. Faulkner, 

Kellogg Building, WasJiington, D. C: 
Victoria (British Columbia) Colonist, 18th instant, says Capt. 
McLean and 6 hunters from San Francisco are at Victoria preparing 
schooner Carmencita for sealing cruise. Notify department. 

Taylor. 



[Telegram.] 

San Francisco, Cal., February 21 , 1905. 
Hon. Chas. J. Faulkner, 

Kellogg Building, Wasliington, D. C: 
Carmencita now flies Norwegian flag. Are we to understand Gov- 
ernment will not interfere with American citizens engaging in pelagic 
sealing ? 

Taylor. 



Treasury Department, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, Ajjril 25, 1905. 
The honorable the Secretary of Commerce and Labor. 

Sir: (1) I have the honor to state that it has been customary for 
the President to designate each season a vessel of the Revenue-Cutter 
Service to patrol the Bering Sea for the enforcement of the law in 
relation to the killing of seals; also that it has been the practice of 
this department to detail a vessel of the service each year to visit the 
canneries in Alaska to enable the special agent assigned to that duty 
to make an inspection of the same. 

(2) I have respectfully to ask that, if it is desired that vessels of 
the Revenue-Cutter Service perform the duties referred to the present 
season, an official request to that effect be made to this department. 

(3) I have further to request that in case Mr. H. M. Kutchin (the 
special agent for the Department of Commerce and Labor, who has 
made previous cannery cruises) is to be selected for the duty this 
season, that he be requested to confer as soon as practicable with the 
chief of division, Revenue-Cutter Service, upon the subject. 

(4) In the event of the services of these vessels being required it 
is further desired that the date of departure be deferred as late as 
possible, in view of the present condition of the appropriation for the 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 219 

maintenance of the Revenue-Cutter Service, which necessitates keep- 
ing the expenses down to the lowest possible point for the balance of 
the current fiscal j^ear. 

Respectfully, L. M. Shaw, 

Secretary. 

April 27, 1905. 

Sir: With reference to your letter of the 25th instant, I have the 
honor to request that the usual steps be taken to arrange for the 
patrol of Bering Sea by vessels of the Revenue-Cutter Service for the 
enforcement of the law^s and regulations in reference to the killing of 
fur seals. 

Attention is invited to the fact that several weeks ago a representa- 
tive of this department conferred ^vith Assistant Secretary Taylor, 
under whose immediate jurisdiction the Revenue-Cutter Service has 
been placed, with reference to the proposed patrol, and the desira- 
bility of having at least two vessels detailed for that purpose was dis- 
cussed. It is not beheved that an effective patrol can be made by 
a single vessel, and your department is therefore earnestly requested 
to arrange for the detail of at least two revenue cutters for the patrol 
work of the coming season. 

Up to the present time tliis department has not received any report 
regarding the patrol of Bering Sea b}^ the revenue cutter detailed for 
that purpose last summer. Such a report is desired. 

V. H. Metcalf, Secretary. 
The Secretary of the Treasury. 



Treasury Department, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, May 2, 1905. 
The honorable the Secretary of Commerce and Labor. 

Sir: (1) Agreeably to the request contained in your letter of 
the 27th ultimo, I have the honor to transmit liere\\dtii the report of 
Capt. H. B. Rogers, Revenue-Cutter Service, commanding the 
McCulloch, dated November 9 last, of the cruise of that vessel in the 
Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea in the enforcement of the laws for the 
prevention of kilUng of seals. 

(2) I have respectfully to request that when you have finished with 
the report it be returned to this department. 
Respectfully, 

H. A. Taylor, Acting Secretary. 



May 9, 1905. 
Sir: With reference to your letter of the 2d instant, I beg to return 
herewith the report of Capt. H. B. Rogers, Revenue-Cutter Service, 
relative to the cruise during the past summer of the McCulloch in the 
Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea in connection with the enforcement 
of the laws against pelagic sealing. 

Respectfully^, V. H. Metcalf, 

Secretary. 
The Secretary of the Treasury. 



220 SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Treasury Department, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, May 2 4, 1905. 
The honorable the Secretary of Commerce and Labor. 

Sir: Referring to previous correspondence in relation to the U. S. S. 
Manning and Perry, which have been designated to cruise the present 
season for the enforcement of the laws relating to fur-seal fishing, 
etc., I have respectfully to state that it is expected that both of these 
vessels will leave Seattle, Wash., under the orders approved by the 
Department of Commerce and Labor, on or about the 5th of June 
next. 

Respectfully, J. B. Reynolds, 

Acting Secretary. 



May 25, 1905. 
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your com- 
munication of the 24th instant, stating that the U. S. S. Manning 
and Perry are expected to leave Seattle, Wash., about June 5 
under orders approved by the Department of Commerce and Labor, 
on a cruise having for its object the enforcement of the laws relating 
to fur-seal fishing. 

Respectfully, V. H. Metcalf, 

Secretary. 
The Secretary of the Treasury. 



Treasury Department, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, Septemher 15, 1905. 
The honorable the Secretary of Commerce and Labor. 

Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith a report, dated the 
6th instant, from Capt. W. H. Roberts, United States Revenue- 
Cutter Service, commanding the U. S. S. Perry, on the seal and 
salmon fisheries of Alaska. 

Respectfully, L. M. Shaw, 

Secretary. 



Revenue-Cutter Service, 

U. S. S. ''Perry," 
Seattle, Wash., Septemher 6, 1905. 

The honorable the Secretary of the Treasury, 

WasJiington, D. C. 

Sir: As directed in paragraph 5 of department letter of May 23, 
1905, I have the honor to submit the following report on the seal and 
salmon fisheries of Alaska. 

The Perry visited the Pribilof Islands twice during the summer. 
On the first occasion, the night of July 3, was spent off Village Land- 
ing, St. George Island, and a short visit was made to St. Paul Island 
the following day. At the time conditions were not favorable for 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 221 

landing, and only one visit was made to the shore at each place, for 
the purpose of landing the mail. It was impossible to learn anytliing 
in regard to the condition of the seal herd or fisheries at tliis time. 

On the second visit, July 9, the weather was such that the St. 
George mail had to be landed at Garden Cove, and no one connected 
with the island was seen. Dense fog shut down before St. Paul Island 
was reached, and as Special Agent Kutcliin had come on board for 
the purpose of visiting the canneries in Bristol Bay, the cruise was 
continued without waiting for the fog to lift, as our supply of coal 
was limited and there was no telling how long we would be delayed. 

No seals were seen in the sea and very few in the immediate vicinity 
of the islands. From the sealing schooners boarded it was learned 
that about the same number of vessels would hunt in Bering Sea this 
year as last- — that is, about 13 British and as many more under the 
Japanese flag. In regard to the schooner Carmencita, about which 
special instructions were received, it was learned that she had been 
on the Vancouver coast during the winter and spring, and later in the 
vicinity of the Middleton Islands. The latest report was that she had 
been spoken to the westward of Dutch Harbor, bound for the Copper 
Islands. 

In regard to the salmon fisheries, I would say that during the season 
22 cannery ports were visited, and such information as it was possible 
to obtain during the short time we were at each place was secured. 

At Naknek the run of fish seems to have been above the average, 
all of the canneries having made a full pack except one, that one fail- 
ing tlirough mismanagement. The fishing here is done with gill nets 
in the lower river and bay, where the water is muddy. Local fisher- 
men stated that the fish ran a little larger than usual. Ked salmon, 
with an early run of king, form the bulk of the supply here and are 
the only fish canned. 

On the Nushagak the season was unprecedented both in regard to 
the length of run and number of fish. Here, as on the Naknek, the 
greater part of the fish are taken in gill nets. Each cannery, how- 
ever, has one or more traps. The fish were so plentiful that it was 
found necessary, in most cases, to put the fishermen on a limit and 
lift the traps, as the fishermen brought in more fish than could be 
used. The cannery located on the Ugashak River was supplied from 
this river, as there were, practically speaking, no fish running there. 

The season's output from Bristol Bay was estimated at over 
1,200,000 cases, notwithstanding several canneries were not in opera- 
tion this year. 

The canneries on C'hignik Bay are supplied altogether by traps. 
An exceptionally good run of red and king salmon was the report at 
this place. 

Up to the time of our visit the season at Karluk had been ver}^ 
poor, but some hope was expressed that the fall run would be excep- 
tionally good and make up for the early shortage. The fishing here 
is done with extremely long seines, wdiich are led out and hauled in 
by steam. During a good season sometimes as high as 35,000 or 
40,000 fish are taken at a single haul. 

Uyak reported a fair season. oMost of the fish for this plant are 
taken in the vicinity of Karluk and by the same method. 



222 SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

At Orca, on Prince William vSound, the pack had been completed 
at the only cannery running the day before our arrival. The season 
had been exceptionally good. 

The fish for the Yakutat cannery are caught by means of seines 
and gill nets in the two rivers a few miles to the southward and are 
brought overland on the Yakutat & Southern Railway. Both red 
and pink fish are canned at this and all of the South-Eastern Alaska 
plants. The season was well up to the average. 

At Dundas Bay, the next point visited, the season had been very 
poor, and of the fish secured only a very small percentage were of 
the red variety. 

At Hooniah a dry salting plant is located. The owner was under 
contract to furnish several hundred tons of diy-salted dog salmon to a 
Japanese agent, but up to the time of our arrival had met with poor 
success, the fish being under the contract size of 6 pounds, and very 
few taken. 

At Funter Bay, our next stop, the canneiy was doing well, hav- 
ing exceeded last year's pack so far, and with a greater proportion 
of red fish. They had dry -salted over 300 tons of dog salmon, the 
fish being especially fine, running from 200 to 300 to the ton. Dry- 
salting dog salmon is a growing industry; the demand is increasing, 
and the supply practically unlimited. This variety of fish is not suit- 
able for canning, but is prime for this method of salting. The fish are 
caught in the traps and nets along with the red and pink varieties, and 
a very few years ago were regarded as a nuisance. When taken in the 
regular course of fishing for the canneiy supply the fish cost practi- 
cally nothing. No skilled labor or machinery is required in the salt- 
ing. The product brings from $28 to $35 per ton. 

At Taku Harbor the plant of the Pacific Cold Storage Co. is 
located. At the time of our visit there were on exhibition in one of 
the freezing rooms 23 varieties of fish from the local waters, ranging 
in size from a 326-pound halibut to a 6-inch rainbow trout, and includ- 
ing 7 varieties of salmon. The greater part of the product of the 
plant is sent to Europe, frozen. There is also a cannery attached, 
which had made a little better than the usual pack up to date. 
Eighty-five tons of dog salmon had been diy-salted, and it was ex- 
pected that at least 65 tons more would be cured before the close of 
the season. 

The canneries at the head of Lynn Canal had made about an aver- 
age pack at the time of our visit, as had also the canneries at Loring, 
Sitkoh Bay, Bay of Pillars, Lake Bay, Tonka, Klawak, vShakan, and 
Metlakahtla. 

A special report of the Japanese fishing operations at Attn was 
mailed from Dutch Harbor upon the return of the Perry from the 
cruise to the westward. There are three Japanese vessels duly 
entered at Juneau that are buying fish and salting them down on 
board in the waters of southeastern Alaska. 

This vessel was employed on business connected the canneries, 
with Special Agent H. M. Kutchin on board from July 8 to August 25, 
1905, a distance of 3,826.6 miles being cruised. 
Respectfully, 

W. H. Roberts, 
Captain, Revenue- Cutter Service, Commanding. 



seal islands of alaska. 223 

September 18, 1905. 
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your com- 
munication of the 15th instant, transmitting a report by Capt. W. H. 
Roberts, United States Revenue-Cutter Service, commanding the 
steamer Perry, on the seal and salmon fisheries of Alaska. 
Respectfully, 



The Secretary of the Treasury. 



H. A. Taylor, 

Acting Secretary. 



Treasury Department, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, October 5, 1905. 
The honorable the Secretary of Commerce and Labor. 

Sir: I have the honor to transmit here\\-ith a" further report, dated 
the 20th ultimo, from Capt. C. C. Fengar, United States Revenue- 
Cutter Service, commanding the Manning, in relation to the salmon 
and seal fisheries of Alaska. 

Respectfully, H. A. Taylor, 

Acting Secretary. 



Revenue-Cutter Service, 

U. S. S. "Manning," 
Seattle, Wash., September 20, 1905. 

The honorable the Secretary of the Treasury, 

Washington, D. C. 

Sir: As directed in department letter of May 22, 1905, I have the 
honor to submit the following additional report of the cruise of the 
Manning, in so far as it relates to the salmon and seal fisheiies, for 
the information of the Department of Commerce and Labor. 

Upon the Manning's arrival at Dutch Harbor, June 13, inquiry 
was made to ascertain whether or not any Japanese vessels had been 
employed in the salmon or seal fisheries in that vicinity, but none 
hacl been to that port, although two letters that had arrived at that 
port for the master of the Japanese schooner Kinsei Maru indicated 
that she expected to touch at that place, where she subsequently did 
on her way to the sealing grounds. She had 399 sealskins, taken in 
the North Pacific, but was not sighted during our cruise in the sea. 

I was informed that a number of Japanese fishermen were engaged 
in salmon fishing near the shores of Attn Island, but, as the Manning 
did not go that far to the westward, the matter could not be investi- 
gated by this vessel. 

The revenue cutter Perry, however, touched at Attu, and her com- 
manding officer no doubt took measures to safeguard the Govern- 
ment's interests. 

Comparativelv few vessels have been engaged in seal fishing in 
Bering Sea the' past season. Two British vessels, the schooners 
Jessie and Dora Sieward, called at Dutch Harbor on the 26th and 28th 
of July, respectively, on their way to Bering Sea. They had caught 
no seals in the North Pacific at that time. 



224 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Three vessels were boarded by the Manning in Bering Sea during 
the season, being the only ones sighted, viz, August 18, American 
whaling bark Gayhead, Fisher, master, 150 barrels oil and 2,000 pounds 
bone in latitude 56-52 N., longitude 170-34 W.; August 18, British 
schooner Vera, of Victoria, St. Clair, master, in latitude 57-46 N., 
longitude 171-52-30 W. She had been in the sea but two days and 
was leaving for home, having taken no seals in the sea. She had 542 
skins taken outside the sea and had sent home 36 skins; August 19, 
British schooner City of San Diego, of Victoria, Folger, master, in lati- 
tude 57-25-30 N., longitude 172-46-45 W., sealing. She had 427 
skins on board, most of which had been caught outside of Bering Sea, 
and had sent home 152 skins. 

No violations of law in regard to the sealing or salmon fisheries were 
discovered by the Manning this season. From my observation there 
were but few seals in the sea outside of a radius of a few miles from 
the islands. 

The total kill for the islands of St. Paul and St. George this season 
was about 14,000, an increase of about 1,000 over last year's kill, I am 
informed. 

Respectfully, Chas. C. Fengar, 

Captain, Revenue- Cutter Service, Commanding. 



October 7, 1905. 
Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communi- 
cation of the 5th instant, transmitting a supplementary report, dated 
September 20, from Capt. C. C. Fengar, of the revenue steamer 
Manning, relative to the salmon and seal fisheries of Alaska. 
Respectfully, 

James Rudolph Garfield, 

Acting Secretary. 
The Secretary of the Treasury. 



Part III. Communications Relative to Supplies. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Chief Clerk, 

Washington, April 8, 1905. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Chief Agent Fur-Seal Service, 

Prihilof Islands, Alaslca. 
Dear Sir: In compliance with an application received from the 
North American Commercial Co. in a letter dated the 29th ultimo, 
the Secretary of the Treasury has been this day requested to instruct 
the collector of customs at San Francisco to permit the company 
named to ship from that port to the Pribilof Islands during the cur- 
rent fiscal year liquors for medicinal purposes only, and ammunition, 
in the following quantities: 

St. Paul Island (population — native, 160; white, 15; total, 175). 

4 barrels beer. 

2 cases whisky. 

6 kegs whisky (30 gallons). 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 225 

1 keg brandy (5 gallons). 
1 keg riim. 

1 case gin. 

4 cases sfill wine. 
10 gallons ciaret. 

2 kegs port wine (5 gallons each). 

2 kegs sherry (5 gallons each). 
15 gallons alcohol. 

1 case champagne. 
4,000 cartridges, .22 short. 
4,000 cartridges, .22 long. 
1,000 cartridges, .44 Win. 

St. George Island (population — native, 94; white, 7; total, 101). 

3 barrels beer. 

2 kegs whisky (5 gallons each). 

1 case whisky. 

2 kegs brandy (5 gallons each). 

3 cases still wine. 
1 case gin. 

1 keg port wine (5 gallons). 
1 keg sherry (5 gallons). 

5 gallons alcohol. 

200 cartridges, .38 caliber. 
1,000 cartridges, .22 long. 
1 only rifle, .22 short. 
150 pounds powder. 

KespectfuUy, F. H. Bowen, 

Chief Clerk. 



[Requisition for supplies.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Seal Fisheries in Alaska, 

St. Paul Island, April 12, 1905. 
To the Chief Clerk: 

Please cause to be furnished to this bureau for official use the 
supphes specified below. 

Ezra W. Clark, 
Assistant Agent Seal Islands. 
Approved. 

F. H. B., Chief Cleric. 

One Standard Unabridged Dictionary of the English language. 

Note. — The one now on the station is entirel}^ useless from loss of 
part of its leaves. Frequent use of a dictionary is essential to the 
work of the agent in maldiig reports and reading the works pertaining 
to the sealing industry. A small one would not be available for the 
purposes. 

Received the above June 6, 1905. 

W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Seal Islands. 

Note. — Receipt and return this requisition to the Division of 
Supplies immediately after the articles are delivered. 
2403— H. Doc. 93, 62-1 15 



226 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 

[Requisition for supplies.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor. 

Bureau of Seal Fisheries in Alaska, 

St. George Island, April 12, 1905. 
To the Chief Clerk: 

Please cause to be furnished to this bureau for official use the 
supplies specified below. 

Ezra W. Clark, 
Assistant Agent Seal Islands. 
Approved. 

F. H. B., Chief Cleric. 

One Standard Dictionary of the English language. 

Note. — The one now on the station is altogether useless from loss 
of part of its leaves. Frequent reference to a dictionary is essential 
to the business of the agent in preparing reports and examining the 
works pertaining to the seahng. A small one would not be available 
for the purposes. 

Received the above June 15, 1905. 

, H. D. Chichester, 
Assistant Agent for Seal Fislieries in AlasJca. 

Note. — Receipt and return this requisition to the Division of 
Supplies immediatel};^ after the articles are delivered. 



[Copy — original too faint for reproduction.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Assistant Secretary, 

Washington, April 15, 1905. 
Sir: You are hereby authorized to purchase in San Francisco the 
following photographic material at a total cost not to exceed S50, 
this expenditure to be paid from the appropriation for "Contingent 
expenses. Department of Commerce and Labor. 1905": 

12 dozen Cramer crown platea, 8 by 10. 
8 rolls films 4 by 5, for No. 4 C. kodak, 12 ex. each. 

1 gross Velox paper, 8 by 10. 

2 packs dev. powders for style E machine. 

3 ounces pyrogallic acid. 

3 pounds sulphite of soda, dry. 

1 pound carbonate of soda, dry. 
25 pounds hyposulphite of soda. 

2 ounces metal. 

2 ounces hydrochinone. 

2 hard-rubber trays, 10 by 12. 

1 gross Velox paper, 4 by 5. 

Yours, respectfully, 

Lawrence O. Murray, 

Assistant Secretary. 
Mr. Ezra W. Clark, 

Assistant Agent Alaskan Fur-Seal Service, 

Department of Commerce and Labor. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 227 

[Copy — original too faint for reproduction.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Assistant Secretary, 

Washington, April 20, 1905. 
Sir: You are hereby authorized to purchase in San Francisco the 
following materials at a total cost not to exceed S21, this expenditure 
to be paid from the appropriation for "Contingent expenses, Depart- 
ment of Commerce and Labor, 1905": 

2 \\Taite's No. 33 kerosene tinners hot-blast furnaces. 
12 pounds bar copper, 1 inch round. 
8 pair sheep shears. 

Yours, respectfully, 

Lawrence O. Murray, 

Assistant Secretary. 
Mr. Ezra W. Clark, 

Assistant Agent Alaslcan Fur-Seal Service, 

Department of Commerce and Labor. 



[Copy— original too faint for reproduction.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, Hay 1, 1905. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge of Seal Islands, 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

St. Paul Island, Pribilof Group, AlasTca. 
Sir: I inclosie herewith for your information a copy of a letter that 
has been this day addressed to the North American Commercial Co., 
requesting that no shipments of Florida water or other spirituous 
perfumeries be made to the seal islands in receptacles larger than the 
standard ounce bottle. In order that the object of these instruc- 
tions to the company may be attained, you will please see that the 
storekeepers on the islands are directed not to issue more than one 
of these small bottles per week to a native purchaser, nor shall any 
spu'ituous perfume be sold to natives where there is reason to believe 
that such perfume is to be put to an improper use. 
Respectfully. 

V. H. Metcalf, 

Secretary. 

Office of Agent in Charge Seal Islands, 

St. Paul Island, Alaslca, June 17, 1905. 
The honorable the Secretary of Commerce and Labor. 

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of departnient's 
letter of the 1st ultimo, restricting the sale to the native inhabitants 
of these islands by the North American Commercial Co. of Florida 
water and other spirituous perfumeries. 

I have forwarded a copy of defjartment's letter, above referred to, 
with proper instructions, to Assistant Agent H. D. Chichester, in 



228 SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

charge of St. George Island, and will take the necessary steps to see 
that the regulation is properly observed here. 
Respectfully, 

W. I. Lembkey, 
Agent in Charge Seal Islands. 



[Copy — original too farat for reproduction.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, May 1, 1905. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge of Seal Islands, 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

St. Paul Island, Prihilof Group, AlasJca. 
Sir : I inclose herewith for your information a copy of a letter that 
has been this day addressed to the Secretary of the Treasury request- 
ing liim to instruct the collector of customs at San Francisco to per- 
mit the North American Ecclesiastical Consistory, 1715 Powell Street, 
San Francisco, Cal., to ship 10 gallons of church wine (nonalcoholic) 
to the islands of St. Paul and St. George, Alaska, to be used only by 
the priests on the islands and solely for sacramental purposes. 
Respectfully, 

V. H. Metcalf, Secretary. 

Office of Agent in Charge Seal Islands, 

St. Paul Island, AlasTca, June 18, 1905. 
The honorable the Secretary of Commerce and Labor. 

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of department's 
letter of the 1st ultimo, containing notification of permission granted 
to the Russian Church to sliip 10 gallons of nonalcoholic wine to the 
Pribilof Islands, to be used for sacramental purposes. 
Respectfully, 

W. I. Lembkey, 
Agent in Charge Seal Islands. 



[Telegram.] 
(7 Wu. O. Ev., 26 collect Govt.) 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

San Francisco, Cal.. May 18, 1905. 

Department Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C: 
Request authority expend $35 photographic supplies St. George 
Island, omitted by department. Deemed necessary. 

Ezra W. Clark, Agent. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 229 

[Copy — original too faint for reproduction.] 
[Telegram.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Chief Clerk, 

Washington, May 19, 1905. 
Mr. Ezra W. Clark, 

Care North American Commercial Co., 

San Francisco, Cat.: 
Authority granted, expend $35 photographic siipphes, St. George 
Island. 

Lawrence O. Murray, 

Assistant Secretary. 

[Copy — original too faint for reproduction.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Chief Clerk, 

Washington, July 15, 1905. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Ageiit in Charge oj Seal Islands, 

St. Paul Island, Prihiloj Group, AlasJca. 

Dear Sir: Receipt is acknowledged of your letters of May 31 
and June 17, 1905, transmitting returns of ordnance and ordnance 
stores in use on the seal islands. 

The supply of ammunition on hand on the islands should be main- 
tained so far as possible at 1,500 rounds, which is the amount loaned 
to this department by the Chief of Ordnance. To re])lace the am- 
munition expended in practice firing, request has been made upon 
the War Department to send 1,000 rounds of ball cartridges, caliber 
.30, contained in one hermeticalh^ sealed case, addressed to you. 
You should make such distribution of the ammunition between the 
two islands as you may deem proper. 

This ^vi\\ bring the sup])ly up to the full number of 1,500 rounds, 
and leave a balance of 150 rounds available for practice firing during 
the present year. Arrangement will be made with you after your 
return to the States in reference to the amount to be furnished each 
year for practice firing. 

The department \vill reimburse the War Department for the 1,000 
rounds which have been ordered sent on the North American Com- 
merical Co.'s steamer, leaving San Francisco about the 27tli instant, 
so that ordnance returns will continue to be made on 1,500 rounds. 
It will be ach-isable to keep the ammunition intact, and use the 
older ammunition in j^ractice firing. 

In case of threatened raids on the rookeries, you will, of course, use 
ammunition in any amount that may be necessary for the protec- 
tion of the rookeries or the adequate preparation of the natives for 
the defense. 

Verv trulv, vours, 

F. H. BowEN, 

Chief Clerl\ 



230 seal islands 0¥ alaska, 

Office of Agent in Charge Seal Islands, 

St Paul Island, Alaska, May 31, 1905. 
Mr. F. H. Hitchcock, 

Chief Clerk, Department of Commerce and Laior. 

My Dear Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt, in October last, 
of a letter dated August 29, 1904, from Mr. F. H. Bo wen, acting chief 
clerk, inclosing for verification, so far as it relates to property in my 
possession, a statement from the War Department of ordnance and 
ordnance stores turned over to the Department of Commerce and 
Labor. 

In reply, I have to return the inclosure mentioned, with the state- 
ment that the articles mentioned in the list as furnished to me were 
all received, distributed between the two islands, and are at present 
there in good condition, with the exception of 900 cartridges, caliber 
.30, which were expended in target practice by the natives, 500 being 
so used on St. George under the direction of Assistant Agent Judge 
and 400 on St. Paul under Assistant Agent Chichester and myself. 
This latter action was taken because of the unfamiliarity of the na- 
tives with the magazine rifle, and the necessity for a knowledge of its 
action in case of emergency. 

To meet this expenditure, I have to request that the War Depart- 
ment be asked to furnish 1,000 additional cartridges, caliber .30, 
500 to St. George and 500 to St. Paul. 

Very truly, yours, W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Seal Islands. 



Office of Agent in Charge Seal Islands, 

St. Paul Island, Alaska, June 17, 1905. 
Mr. Frank H. Bowen, 

Chief Clerk, Department of Commerce and Labor. 
Dear Sir : I have to return herewith a signed return of ordnance 
and ordnance stores in use on this island, received by me to-day on 
the company's steamer Kruger. 

In connection with the ammunition marked thereon as "expended," 
I have to call your attention to my letter of the 31st ultimo, explain- 
ing the matter and asking for a further issue for these islands of 1,500 
(1,000, see letter) rounds of ball cartridges, caliber .30. 
Very truly, yours, 

W. I. Lembkey, 
Agent in Charge Seal Islands. 



Semiannual return of ordnance and ordnance stores received and issued by and remaining 
in charge of Department of Commerce and Labor during the .half year ended June SO, 
1904. 

Mar. 23, 1904. Received from Treasury Department (steamer Pathfinder): 

Springfield rifles, caliber .45 12 

Colt's revolvers, caliber .45 6 

Screw drivers 3 

Tumbler punches 2 

Spring vise 1 

Wiping rods 2 

Rifle ball cartridges, caliber .45 790 

Revolver ball cartridges, caliber .45 336 

Arm chest 1 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 231 

Mar. 23, 1904. Received from Treasury Department (W. I. Lembkey, St. Paul Island, 
Bering Sea): 

Magazine rifles, caliber .30 18 

Cartridge belts, infantry, caliber .30 18 

Gun slings 18 

Screw drivers 4 

Small-arm oilers 18 

Ball cartridges, caliber .30 1, 500 

Arm chest 1 

I certify that the foregoing return exhibits a correct statement of the public property 
in my charge during the half year ended June 80, 1904, and that the maximum strength 
of the enlisted men under my command during the half year engaged in target practice 
was men. 



Station: Department of Commerce and Labor, June 30, 1904. 
Post-office address of the station: Washington, D. C. 



Semiannual return of ordnance and ordnance stores received and issued by and remaining 
in charge of Department of Commerce and Labor during the half year ended June SO, 
^1904. 

March 23, 1904. Received from Treasury Department (steamer Pathfinder): 

Springfield rifles, caliber .45 12 

Colt's revolvers, caliber .45 6 

Screw drivers 3 

Tumbler punches 2 

Spring vise 1 

Wiping rods 2 

Rifle ball cartridges, caliber .45 790 

Revolver ball cartridges, caliber .45 336 

Arm cnesi 1 

March 23, 1904. Received from Treasury Department(W. I. Lembkey, St. Paul Island, 
Bering Sea): 

Magazine rifles, caliber .30 18 

Cartridge belts, infantry, caliber .30 18 

Gun slings 18 

Screw drivers 4 

Small-arm oilers 18 

Ball cartridges, caliber .30 1, 500 

Arm chest 1 

I certify that the foregoing return exhibits a correct statement of the public prop- 
erty in my charge during the half year ended June 30, 1904, and that the maximum 
strength of the enlisted men under my command during the half year engaged in 
target practice was men . 



Station: Department of Commerce and Labor, June 30, 1904. 
Post-office address of the static^n: Washington, D. C. 



232 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



Quarterly return of ordnance and ordnance stores in possession of seal agents for the quarter 

ending June SO, 1905. 





Maga- 
zine 
rifles, 
caliber .30. 


Gun 
slings. 


Cartridge 

belts, 

infantry, 

caliber .30. 


Rifle ball 

car- 
tridges, 
caliber .30. 


Arm 
chests. 


Small- 
arm 
oilers. 


Screw 
drivers. 


On hand from last return 


18 


18 


18 


1,500 


1 


18 


4 


Total issued and ex- 
pended 








1850 






















Remaining on hand to 
be accounted for on 
next return 


18 


18 


18 


650 


1 


18 


4 







' The number of cartridges marked "expended" were necessarily used in target practice, to familiarize 
the men with the magazine arm. — W. I. Lembkey. One thousand rounds purchased and sent in 1905 to 
replenish supply.— F. H. B. 

I certify that the foregoing return exhibits a correct statement of the ordnance, 
ordnance stores, etc., in my charge during the quarter ending June 30, 1905. 

W. I. Lembkey, 
Agent in Charge Seal Islands. 

Station: Islands of St. Paul and St. George, Pribilof group, Alaska, June 17, 1905. 
Post-office address of the station: St. Paul Island, Alaska (Pribilof group), via 
Dutch Harbor. 



Office of Agent in Charge Seal Islands, 

St. Paul Island, Alaska, August 13, 1905. 
Mr. F. H. BowEN, 

Chief Clerk, Department of Commerce and Labor. 
Dear Sir: I have to submit herewith the stubs of vouchers for 
supphes issued to the natives of the seal islands by the North American 
Commercial Co. during the fiscal year 1905, payable from the appro- 
priation for "Food, fuel, and clothing for native inhabitants of Alaska, 
1905." 

By reason of the increase of S5 in the price of coal last spring, of 
which I could not learn until June, the appropriation will probably 
fall short by $175 of paying the inclosed vouchers. 

It is understood, however, that the charges for tobacco therein 
will be disallowed, in accordance with the action of the accounting 
officers on the vouchers for 1904, and the amount so disallowed, in 
all probability, will be sufficient to make up the sum lacking. 
Very truly, yours, 

W. I. Lembkey, 
Agent in Charge Seal Islands. 



[Copy— original too faint for reproduction.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Chief Clerk, 

Washington, Octoher 31, 1905. 
The honorable the Secretary of Commerce and Labor. 

Sir: In response to your verbal request, I have the honor to 
report that the following amounts of coal will be required to be 



SEAL. ISLANDS OP ALASKA. 233 

shijDped to the seal islands of Alaska in the spring of 1906, for use 
during the year following: 

St. Paul: Tons. 

For natives' use (to be paid for by department) 200 

For natives' use (lease coal, free of cost) 50 

For Government house 15 

Total 265 

St. George: 

For natives' use (to be paid by department) 85 

For natives' use (lease coal, free of cost) 30 

For Government house 15 

Total 130 

The above amounts of coal are classified as regards payment as 
follows : 

Tons. 

For natives' use (appropriation "Supplies, native inhabitants") 285 

For natives' use (furnished free by lessee) 80 

For Government houses (appropriation 'for support Government building') 30 

Total 395 

Respectfully, W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries. 



1906. 
Part I. Instructions to Agents and Agents' Reports. 

March 9, 1906. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge of Seal Islands, 

Department of Commerce and Labor. 

Sir: Section 1. Order to proceed to island. — You are directed to 
proceed to the seal islands in time to arrive there before the beginning 
of the sealing season of 1906, there to assume charge of the Govern- 
ment's interests on the islands. Assistant Agent Judge has been 
instructed to accompany you to the islands and to report to you for 
instructions. 

Sec. 2. Assignment of assistants. — You will make such assignment 
of the assistant agents for the season's work as in your opinion will 
best subserve the interests of the service and the welfare of the native 
inhabitants, notifying the department of your action in this regard. 

Sec. 3. Agents to report to Washington. — At the close of the sealing 
season, or as soon thereafter as feasible, yourself and Assistant Agent 
E. W. Clark will return to Washington and report for duty at the 
department. Assistant A^ent Chichester, as well as Assistant Agent 
Judge, will remain on the islands during the coming winter. Should 
Assistant Agent Clark voluntarily elect to remain on the islands an- 
other winter in place of Assistant Agent Chichester, you are author- 
ized to make such arrangement, allowing, in that event, Agent Chi- 
chester to report for duty at Washington. 

Sec. 4. Coptics of contract inclosed.— Inclosed herewith are copies of 
the contract between the United States and the North American 
Commercial Co., and it will be your duty and that of your assistants 
to see that its provisions are enforced and that the rights of the Gov- 
ernment and those of the lessee are dul}^ protected. 

Sec. 5. Decision in event of difference. — Should a difference of opin- 
ion arise at any time between yourself and the representatives of the 
company in respect to a matter of administration on the islands, your 
decision must govern; but in all such cases you should request the 
superintendent of the company to furnish a written statement of his 
views on the question involved. This statement should be transmit- 
ted to the department, with an expression of your own views, at the 
earliest practicable moment. 

Sec. 6. Quota. — If the condition of the herd will permit, the lessee 
may be allowed to take during the season of 1906 as many as 13,000 
male seals of the proper age on the island of St. Paul and as many as 
2,000 on the island of St. George, but not more than the number 
specified in either case, provided, however, that in case the number 
of male seals hauling on St. George Island is so greatly in excess of 
the number usually hauling there as to convince the Government 
agent in charge on St. George that there has been a material contem- 
poraneous diminution in the number of male seals hauling on St. Paul 
234 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 235 

Island, said agent in charge may, in his discretion, authorize the tak- 
ing of a total of not to exceed 3,000 seals on St. George Island. This 
taking is, of course, to be subi'ect to all other requirements and limita- 
tions of these regulations. The numbers to which the quotas of the 
two islands are thus limited shall be inclusive of any skins accepted 
by the company from food drives made prior to the present sealing 
season. No seals shall be taken this season that have reached the 
age of 4 years (i. e., seals that have attained their fifth summer), nor 
shall any seals be taken that are under 2 years of age. 

Sec. 7. Reservation of young males. — In order to remove all doubt 
as to the reservation or a sufficient number of male seals for the per- 
petuation of the herd, you are instructed to release from among the 
best seals appearing in the first drives of the season not less than 
1,000 3-year-old males and not less than 1,000 2-year-old males. Of 
the 3-year-olds and 2-year-olds to be reserved, 800 of each shall be 
released on the island of St. Paul and 200 of each on the island of St. 
George. The seals thus released are to be marked in such a manner 
as ^vill make them readily recognizable throughout the season, and 
under no circumstances are they to be taken by the lessee. 

Sec. S. Sizes of Jcillahle seals. — No seals shall be killed having skins 
weighing less than 5 pounds nor more than 8^ pounds. Skins weigh- 
ing more than 8^ pounds shall not be shipped from the islands, but 
shall be held there subject to such instructions as may be furnished 
you hereafter by the department. Skins weighing less than 5 pounds 
shall not be shipped from the islands, unless, in your judgment, the 
number thereof is so small as to justify the belief that they have been 
taken only through unavoidable accident, mistake, or error in judg- 
ment. 

Sec. 9. Killing season.— 1 he killing season should begin as soon after 
the 1st of June as the rookeries are in condition for driving. Seals 
shall not be killed by the lessee later than July 31. No seals what- 
ever shall be taken during the stagey season. The killing of pups for 
food for the natives, or for any other purj^ose, is not to be ]}ermitted. 

Sec. 10. Seals for food. — The number of seals to be killed by the 
natives for food dunng the fiscal year beginning Jul}^ 1, 1906, shall 
not exceed 1,700 on the island of St. Paul a.nd 500 on the island of St. 
George, subject to the same limitations and restrictions as apjjly to 
the killing of seals by the com]:)an5^ for its quota. Care should be 
taken that no branded seals be killed in the drives for food. 

Sec. 11. Driving. — The representatives of the company on the 
islands should be required to give notice on the day precechng that 
on which they desire to make a drive of the seals, stating the name of 
the rookery selected. The time, ])lace, and manner of conducting all 
drives shall be subject to your approval. A representative of the 
Government should be present on the killing grounds in each instance 
to superintend the killing. If at any time the methods employed in 
driving or killing appear, in 5'our judgment, to be faulty or detri- 
mental to the seal herd you should see that such methods are imme- 
diately corrected, indicating to the representatives of the company 
what changes are to be made. 

Sec. 12. Killing grounds. — As heretofore, you should establish on 
each of the islands killing grounds that can be reached by the short- 
est possible drive, provided, however, that such killing grounds must 



236 SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

be at places sufficiently distant from the rookeries to prevent annoy- 
ance from the decaying carcases. 

Sec. 13. Acce'ptance of skins. — In an opinion dated March 8, 1902, 
it was held by the Solicitor of the Treasury that the lessee has no 
right to reject any of the skins taken from the seals it has selected for 
killing. You will therefore see that all such skins^ regardless of con- 
dition, are accepted. 

Sec. 14. Counting sJcins. — All the sealskins should be carefully 
counted in the salt houses in the presence of the department agent and 
of the representative of the company, and a receipt, in duplicate, in 
the following form should be prepared and signed by said agent and 
by the representative of the company : 

St. Island, 

, 190 . 

We certify that there have been placed in the salt house, in our presence, 

eeal skins. 



Agent United States Department oj Commerce and Labor. 



Agent North American Commercial Company. 

Sec. 15. Receipts for sealskins salted. — The original of the above 
receipt should be retained by the department agent, and the dupli- 
cate given to the representative of the North American Commercial 
Co. At the close of the season, when the sealskins are again counted 
and shipped on board the company's steamer, the usual annual 
receipts should be signed by the captain of the steamer and the rep- 
resentative of the department. 

Sec. 16. Trading in skins. — Ihe North American Commercial Co. 
has the exclusive privilege imder its contract of taking sealskins on 
the islands of St. Paul and St. George, and you should see that the 
company is protected in this right. Care should be taken to prevent 
the disposal of skins by the natives to any other company or to any 
person. All trading in sealskins by tlie natives is strictly prohibited, 
nor shall the natives be permitted to do any. trading in fox skins. 

Sec. 17. Measures to prevent shipment of skins by natives. — To 
avoid the possibility of sealskins or fox skins being surreptitiously 
shipped from the islands, you are directed to continue the practice of 
examining all goods to be shipped by the natives, including baggage 
and personal effects, and where barrels, casks, boxes, or other recep- 
tacles are used, they should be closed under your supervision, after 
an examination of their contents, before being placed in the ware- 
house. Any skins found concealed in packages to be shipped by the 
natives should be seized and held subject to instructions from the 
department. 

Sec. 18. Census of seal herd. — You are expected to make a thor- 
ough examination into the condition of the seal herd during the 
coming season, and to make a careful count of the number of breed- 
ing seals, male and female, on the islands, and also a computation, 
as accurate as possible, of the number of seals not breeding, including 
idle bulls, half bulls, bachelors, and virgin females. A careful 
enumeration should also be made of the pups found dead at the close 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 237 

of the season, and such information as can be had regardinc!; the 
causes of death reported. 

Sec. 19. Sealslcins to he weighed. — You are instructed to have the 
skins of the seals taken by the lessee durino; the coming- season care- 
fully weighed and to keep a record of the weights for the information 
of the depaitment. You should also weigh the skins of seals that 
are killed to supply food for the natives, and record the weights. 
The natives may be required to assist as far as practicable in the 
work of weighing. 

Sec. 20. Care of the natives. — The care and welfare of the natives 
should receive your close attention, and you are directed to see that 
the lessee performs all of the obligations of its contract toward such 
natives. You should ascertain the prices charted at the company's 
stores, compare them with the prices at San Francisco, and report 
any instances where the natives are compelled to pay unfair prices. 
You should also inspect the articles supplied as to quality and quan- 
tity, and if they are in any manner deficient you should report the 
fact to the department. 

Sec. 21. Compensation to natives for taking sealslcins. — In view 
of the increase of the prices charged the natives on the seal islands for 
necessaries of life by the lessee, the latter has been informed that the 
compensation to be paid by the company for lolling, salting, curing, 
bundling, and loading the sealskins on the company's steamers will be 
75 cents for each skin instead of 50 cents a skin as heretofore. The 
increase of 25 cents per skin is des-^gned to meet the increased cost of 
necessaries of life on the islands. You are directed to notify the 
department of any further increase in the prices of ^oods sold hj the 
company to the natives. The mone}' thus earned is to constitute a 
community fund for distribution among the natives according to their 
respective' classes. At the close of the sealing season, after a con- 
ference with the native chiefs, you will make such division of the 
fund among the natives according to their classification as is deemed 
fair and just and submit a report of such division, showing the 
amount apportioned to each native participating in the fund. This 
report should be accom])anied by an indorsement of approval from 
the native chiefs and a certificate from the company's agent that such 
funds have been credited to such natives on the books of the company. 

vSec. 22. Returns to natives under fox contract. — The contract 
granting the North American Commercial Co. the right to propagate 
on the islands of St. Paul and St. George the fur-bearing animal 
knowTi as the blue fox will expire on July 22, 1906. The company 
has made application to the department for a renewal of the contract 
and the matter is now under consideration. If a new contract is con- 
cluded, you will be advised in a later communication regarding its 
terms. "^Should you fail to receive notice of the execution of such a 
contract, you ai-e directed to see that during the coming season no 
fox skins whatever are taken by the company. 

In the absence of a contract with the company you will exercise 
your judgment as regards permitting any fox skins to be taken by the 
natives. If you are convinced that it will he advisable to allow the 
killing of a certain number of foxes, you may permit a reasonable 
quota to be taken under your direction, the sldns to be delivered into 
your custody and to be "retained by you awaiting instructions from 
the department as to the manner of their disposal. If skms are thus 



238 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

taken, the question of a})plying the proceeds in whole or in part to the 
support of the natives will be given careful consideration. 

Sec. 23. Payment of natives' earnings. — The amounts that are 
earned from the company by the natives for labor other than sealing 
and foxing are to be paid to them in cash, and you will instruct the 
company's representatives accordingly. Tlie funds earned from seal- 
ing and foxing, however, are to be disbursed upon order, as lieretofore. 
The payment to the natives of money from the appropriation for their 
maintenance, upon the orders of the Government agent, is strictly 
prohibited. Articles that do not properly come within the term 
''necessaries" should not be exposed for sale in the company's stores 
nor sold to the natives for the money they earn by labor. 

Sf.c. 24. Support of natives. — Congress has been requested to appro- 
priate the sum of 5^19,500 "to enable the Secretary of Commerce and 
Labor to furnish food, fuel, and clothing to tlie native inhabitants on 
the islands of St. Paul and St. George. Alaska," during the fiscal year 
ending June 30, 1907, and the greatest care ana economy should be 
exercised in the expenditure of this appropriation. Articles of strict 
necessity only should be issued. No expensive dress goods, boots, or 
other articles are to be provided. Each of the natives should be 
restricted to one pair of dress shoes each year, and each of the women 
to one good dress. Ginghams, calicoes, mushns, and similar inex- 
pensive dress goods may be issued in reasonable quantities. 

The supply of fuel for the use of the natives is paid for from this 
appropriation, and the cost of sueh fuel should not be overlooked in 
determining how much of the appropriation is available for other 
purposes. 

In the distribution of supphes no distinction is to be made between 
persons without means and those having small savings from previous 
years. The earnings for the current year should ])e expended for nec- 
essaries other than '4'ood, fuel, and clothing." 

You will continue the pJan adopted under previous instructions of 
issuing orders upon the company for such supphes as are required by 
the native mhabitants. At the end of the season, as heretofore, you 
will submit to the department the stubs of the orders given, payable 
from the appropriation, for use in verifying the accounts of the 
company. 

Sec. 25. Goal supply. — The North American Commercial Co. has 
agreed to furnish during the comuig season for use on the islands 315 
long tons of coal, at $20 per ton, including delivery on the beach — 215 
tons to be delivered on St. Paul Island and 100 tons on St. George 
Island. This coal, with the 80 tons additional the company is 
required to furnish under the terms of its contract, will make available 
for all purposes a supply of 395 tons, and in its distribution the widows 
and orphans and aged and infirm inhabitants of the islands of St. Paul 
and St. George are to be included. 

Of the 315 tons purchased from the company you may make the 
following distribution : 

St. Paul Island: Tons. 

For the Government house 15 

For the use of the natives 200 

St. George Island: 

For the Government house 15 

For the use of the natives 85 

Total 315 



SEAL. ISLANDS OF AIASKA. 239 

Of the 80 tons furnished by the company without charge under its 
contract, 50 tons may be distributed to the natives of St. Paul and 30 
tons to the natives of St. George. 

Sec. 26. DvjelUngsfor natives. — The agreement of the company in 
its contract to furnish the native inhabitants of the islands a sufficient 
number of comfortable dwellings and to keep such dwellings in proper 
repair should be strictly enforced. 

Sec. 27. Schools for the natives. — You mil require the schools for 
the native children to be mamtained from September 1 to May 1 and 
to be opened five days in each week, the school hours to be from 9 
o'clock a. m. to 3 o'clock p. m., with an hour recess at noon and 15 
minutes recess in the forenoon. 

It will be your duty to see that the teachers appointed by the com- 
pany are competent to teach the English language and that they faith- 
fully perform this duty. None but the English language shall be 
taught in the schools. 

If the parents of the children on the islands desire to send them to 
the Jessie Lee School at Unalaska, the department has no objection, 
provided no expenditure of public money is involved m their transpor- 
tation to Unalaska or their maintenance and schooling while there. 
This course will also be permitted under tlie same conditions in the 
case of orphan children, for whom provision is now made by the com- 
pany under its contract. 

Sec. 28. Widows, orphans, aged, and infirm. — The compan}? is 
required by its contract to provide the necessaries of life for the widows 
a,nd orphans and aged and infirm inhabitants of the islands who are 
unable to provide for themselves, and you will see that this obhgation 
is fully discharged. 

Widows and orphans having small sums of money to their credit 
should not be compelled to spend them and become wholly dependent 
before they are allowed to draw supplies under this provision in the 
company's contract. Such sums, as well as similar accounts held by 
other natives, may be drawn upon from time to time, however, with 
the consent and under the direction of the Government agent, for such 
reasonable articles as will contribute to the comfort of the persons 
supplying the funds. 

Sec. 29. Natives to render service. — In consideration of the support 
gratuitously afforded the natives by the Government, you are directed 
to utilize their services, when not required by the company, in re- 
pairing roads, guarding the rookeries, and performing sucli other 
duties as seem desirable. This instruction is not to be regarded, 
however,, as relieving the company from its obligation to employ 
the natives, at a fair and just compensation, for all such work as they 
are fitted to perform. 

Sec. 30. Election of native chiefs. — No interference should be per- 
mitted in the selection of their chiefs by the native inhabitants of the 
islands. If it should transpire, however, that persons manifestly 
unsuitable for the positions are cliosen, it will be your duty to inter- 
pose in the interest of good government and require the selection of 
proper persons, but such action should be taken only in extreme 
cases. . . 

Sec. 31. Sale of intoxicants prohibited. — Tlie company agrees m its 
contract that it will not permit any of its agents to keep, sell, give, or 
<lispose of any distilled spirits or spirituous Hquors or opium on eitlier 



240 SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

of the islands or the waters adjacent thereto to any oflthe native in- 
habitants, such person not being a physician and furnisliing the same 
for use as a medicine. This obUgation is to be rigidly enforced. 

vSec. 32. Manufacture of intoxicants prohibited. — The brewing or 
distilling of intoxicating beverages on the islands is prohibited. In 
the enforcem.ent of this provision you are authorized to discontinue 
the sale from the company's stores of sugar, or other articles entering 
into the manufacture of mtoxicants, to any person who violates this 
order, or who is found to be intoxicated. Should intoxication become 
so general among the people as to interfere with good government 
and jeopardize the peace, you are authorized to discontinue altogether 
the sale of sugar, and of other articles entering into the manufacture 
of intoxicants, for such length of time as may appear wise. 

Sec. 33. Removal for cause. — Should natives or other persons be- 
come so unruly or immoral in conduct as to endanger the peace and 
good government of the people, they should be removed from the 
islands, and the Revenue-Cutter vService will be instructed to render 
such assistance as may be necessary for that purpose. 

Sec. 34. Landing on the islands restricted. — No persons other than 
Government officers, representatives and employees of the North 
American Commercial Co., and duly accredited representatives of the 
Russian Church shall be allowed to land on the islands except by 
written authorit}^ from the department. The permission granted 
representatives of the Russian Chuich to visit the islands may be 
suspended, however, where its exercise is attempted by an improper 
person. Visitors to the islands should not be permitted to inspect 
the rookeries, except under your supervision. I; . 

Sec. 35. Killing of sea lions to he limited. — The preservation of the 
sea-lion rookeries on the islands is highl}^ important. The killing of 
these animals should be limited to such number as is absolutely 
necessary in providing for the construction of bidarras or skin boats. 
Sea-lion pups shoukl not be killed for any purpose. 

Sec. 36. Information regarding affairs on the islands. — No infor- 
mation regarding the seals or as to any other matter pertaining to 
the seal islands is to be given out by you or by any of the assistant 
agents. All applications for such inform.ation shoukl be referred to 
the department. 

Sec. 37. Conclusion. — Should questions arise involving matters not 
covered by these instructions, it will be your duty to report the facts 
to the department and to await instructions, except in cases requiring 
immediate decision, when j^ou will take such action as sound judg- 
ment directs. 

The instructions embodied in this letter are to remain in force until 
they are superseded by later onos, and in the event of your failure to 
receive revised instructions for a subsequent season, the directions 
herein given are to be followed for such season as far as they are ap- 
plicable. 

Three additional copies of this letter are incloseil herewith, and you 
are directed to furnish one of these copies to each of the assistant 
agents for their information and guidance. 
Respectfully, 

V. II. Metcalf, 

Secretary. 



seal islands of alaska. 241 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Solicitor, 

Washington, March 10, 1906. 
Mr. James Judge, 

Assistant Agent Seal Fisheries of AlasTca, 

Department of Commerce and Labor. 
Sir: You are hereby directed to proceed to the seal islands of Alaska 
and to so arrange your departure as to arrive at San Francisco in time 
to take passage on the steamer of the North American Commercial Co. 
leaving that port on or about May 15 proximo. Agent Lembkey is 
also expected to take passage on the same steamer, and on your 
arrival at vSan Francisco you will report to him. 

Respectfully, V. H. Metcalf, 

Secretary. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Solicitor, 

Washington, May 12, 1906. 
Sir: You are hereby informed that the authority contained in that 
portion of section 8 of the instructions dated March 9, 1906, regulating 
the taking of seals on the Pribilof Islands, which provides that — 

Skins weighing less than 5 pounds shall not be shipped from the islands unless, in 
your judgment, the number thereof is so small as to justify the belief that they have 
been taken only through unavoidable accident, mistake, or error in judgment. 

is hereby withdrawn. 

In lieu thereof you are instructed to withhold permission for the 
shipment from the islands of all skins weighing less than 5 pounds and 
to retain the same on the islands, pending instructions from this 
department. 

The North American Commercial Co., the lessee of the sealing right, 
will be informed of this action. 

Respectfully, V. H. Metcalf, 



Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries. 



Secretary. 



[Telegram.] 

Portland, Oreg., May 22, 1906. 
E. W. Sims, 

Solicitor, Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C: 
Arrived to-day; address, Oregon Hotel; vessel probably sails 25th, 

Lembkey, 
Agent Seal Islands. 
May 23, 1906—8.10 a. m. 
2403— H. Doc. 93, 62-1 16 



242 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Division of Alaskan Fisheries, 

St. Paul Island, Alaska, June 11, 1906. 
The honorable the Secretary of Commerce and Labor. 

Sir: I have the honor to report my arrival at St. George Island, 
Alaska, on the 8th instant, and on St. Paul Island on the 9th instant. 
The administrations, during the winter, of Assistant Agent Cluchester 
on St. George Island, and of Agent Clark on St. Paul Island, were 
highly satisfactory, and both officers should be commended for the 
careful and able manner in wliich the interests of the Government 
were conserved on both islands. 

The conditions found upon my arrival may be stated briefly as 
follows : 

SEALS. 

On St. George I found that the entire food quota for that island of 
300 seals had been taken during the fall. No killing for food had been 
made on St. George Island tliis spring. 

On St. Paul I found by the record that 1,701 skins were taken for 
food by the Government agent since the close of the last sealing 
season, including the 281 skins left on hand from the previous season. 

Counts of hulls. — Because of the fact that the vessel spent only one 
day at St. George, it was not possible for me to inspect, in that limited 
time, all the rookeries on that island. In the forenoon, however, in 
company with Mr. Marsh of the Bureau of Fisheries, I made a count 
of North rookery, and in the afternoon I made a count of East 
rooker}^. Little East, and East Reef. A count of Staraya Artel in 
the morning was not feasible, as a band of bachelors was hauled there, 
from wliich a drive was contemplated to be made immediately after 
the departure of the vessel. Our visit to that rookery would have 
driven these young males into the water. The counts, made as above 
stated, compared with those made at the same time the preceding 
year, follow: 



Rookeries. 


1906 


1905 


Per cent 
decrease. 


North 


64 
33 
11 

8 


94 
46 
14 
15 


32 


East 


28 


East Reef 


21 


Little East 


46 







These counts indicate strongly that, at the height of the season 
approacliing, namely, on or about July 15, a decrease in adult male 
seal life will be developed even larger in extent than that noted in 
previous years. Wliile climatic conditions, unascertained at present, 
may have prevented bulls from arriving tliis spring as fast as they 
did in 1905, it is very probable that the decrease in bulls, apparent at 
this time, will be equally noticeable at the height of the season. 

On St. Paul the following counts were made since our arrival by 
Mr. Judge, assisted by Mr. Marsh, with the counts made on the same 
date in 1905 inserted for purposes of comparison: 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



243 



Rookeries. 



Gorbatch Cliffs, 

Gorbatch 

Ardiguen 

Ketovi 

Amphitheater. 

Liikanin 

Lagoon 

Tolstoi Cliffs... 

Tolstoi 

Zapadni 

Little Zapadni. 
Zapadni Reel.. 
Little Polovina 
Polo Vina Cliil.. 
Polovina 



1906 



7 
79 
10 
33 

6 
35 
19 
26 
86 
108 
64 
14 

8 
23 
43 



111 



7 
40 
22 
27 
104 
158 
03 
28 
11 
32 
49 



Per cent 
decrease. 



22 
29 
10 
28 
14 
12 
13 

3 
17 
31 

1 
50 
27 
25 
12 



These counts, covering all the rookeries on this island with the 
exception of Northeast Point and Sea Lion Rock, would demonstrate 
that a decrease similar to that found on St. George had occurred on 
St. Paul. No idea of the number of the herd of females can be 
obtained, as but three cows are reported at this time to have arrived 
on the islands. The influx of breeding females, now just beginning, 
will continue until, approximately, the 15th of July. 

Number of young hulls. — The most significant fact developed by 
our first inspection of the rookeries is that the greater proportion of 
the bulls present this year are young animals between the ages of 7 
and 9 years. On North rookery, St. George, only two old bulls were 
seen, the marks of old age — especially their sluggishness and broken- 
down canines — placing them in the class of aged bulls. All the others 
were prime, but the greatest number were, as stated, young bulls 
arriving on the rookeries for the first time as full-fledged harem 
masters. 

On North rookery, St. George, fully 50 per cent of the bulls were 
of this class. On East rookery the opportunity for close inspection 
was not as ample, but many of this class were observed. On Gor- 
batch, St. Paul, a careful count based upon a close and painstaking 
inspection of each bull present developed the fact that 54 out of 77 
bulls found were 7 or 8 year olds. Mr. Judge reports the same condi- 
tion to exist on the other rookeries visited. 

It is hardly possible to believe that the rookeries are receiving this 
year the first fruits of the reservation of males in 1904, as the 3-year- 
olds of that year are but 5-year-okls to-day, and the 2-year-olds then 
are now only 4-year-olds. If any 4-year-olds were branded in 1904, 
they could to-day be only 6-year-olds and, consequently, not fully 
developed bulls. 

Whatever may be the cause of the appearance of these young bulls, 
their presence is doubly emphasized by the absence of the old bulls, 
which affords an opportunity for closer scrutiny. 

FOXES. 



On St. George, during the past winter, 1,044 foxes were trapped, of 
which 463 were killed and 581 released for breeders. Those killed, as 
above stated, together with foxes found dead outside the trap, made a 
total of 468 blue skins and 12 white skins offered to the agent of the 
lessee. Of these the agent accepted 456 blues and 11 whites, and 



244 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

rejected as defective and undesirable 12 blues and 1 white. This 
trapping shows an increase over the preceding year of 278 foxes 
handled and 191 killed. 

On St. Paul no trapping of foxes was done during the past winter. 
The number of foxes on the island, however, is reported to have 
increased greatly during the winter, and numbers of foxes were seen 
around the village — a most unusual sight in recent years. There is 
every reason to believe that the fox herd on St. Paul, so that a small 
trapping in the near future is not an impossibihty. 

NATIVES. 

The general health of the natives during the past winter has been 
good. vSince July 1, 1905, there have been 5 deaths and 9 births on 
St. Paul and 2 deaths and 6 births on St. George, a net increase in 
the population of 8. 

Reports will be made as often during the summer as the mail 
facilities will permit. 
Respectfully, 

W. I. Lembkey, 
Agent in Charge of Seal Fisheries. 



July 12, 1906. 
Sir: I am informed that Mr. Chichester, one of the agents of the 
seal islands, is suffering from an eye trouble requiring an operation 
which can not be properly performed on the island. This matter 
may already have been brought to your attention, but if not, will you, 
please look into it, and, if the facts are as reported, direct Mr. Chi- 
chester to return to Washington, and make such reassignment of the 
officers for the coming winter at the islands as you may deem advis- 
able. 

Respectfully, 

V. H. Metcalf, 

Secretary. 
Mr. Edwin W. Sims, 

Solicitor, Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Seal Fisheries, Prihilof Islands, AlasTca. 

(Per steamer Homer, North American Commercial Co., from Port- 
land, Oreg.) 

[Telegram.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, July 13, 1906. 

Mr. Edwin W. Sims, or 

Mr. Walter I. Lembkey, 

Seal Fisheries, Prihilof Islands, Alasha, 

Care North American Commercial Co., 

Steamer ^' Homer," Portland, Oreg. 
Am informed that it is necessary for Chichester to have operation 
performed on his eyes. If so, Lembkey will have to stay at islands. 

V. H, Metcalf, 

Secretary. 



seal islands of alaska. 245 

July 13, 1906. 
Sir: I inclose herewith for your information and guidance copy of 
letter this day sent to Mr. Sims, soHcitor of the department. 
Respectfully, 

V. H. Metcalf, 

Secretary. 
Mr, Walter I. Lembkey, 

Special Agent, Seal Fisheries, 

Prihilof Islands, AlasTca. 



St. Paul Island, Alaska, August 25, 1906. 
Hon. Edwin W. Sims, 

Office of Solicitor, Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C. 
Dear Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith the joint affidavit 
of three sealers, claiming to have been lost from the Japanese schooner 
Hoam Maru, who came ashore yesterday under a flag of truce. 

James Judge, 
Assistant Agent, Seal Fisheries. 



[Affidavit.] 

United States of America, District of Alaska, Island of St. 

Paul, ss: 

Before me personally appeared Alfred Edward Fenwick, who, being 
duly sworn, deposes and says that he is a native of Calcutta, a British 
subject, and 24 years old; that he speaks English, Japanese, and his 
native language; that he attended an English school for 14 years; 
that he has been engaged in pelagic sealing on diflferent vessels for the 
past three years; and that his occupation at present is that of "boat 
steerer" on the Japanese sealing scnooner Hoam Maru. 

Before me also appeared Thamise Thamitaru, who, being duly 
sworn, deposes and says that he is a native of Japan and a Japanese 
subject, 30 years old; that he reads and writes the Japanese language; 
that he attended a Japanese school four years; that he has only a 
limited knowledge of the English language ; that he has been engaged 
in pelagic sealing for the past three years; and that his present occu- 
pation is that of "hunter" on the Japanese sealing schooner Hoam 
Maru. 

Before me also appeared Matchimato Sainta, who, being duly sworn, 
deposes and says that he is 46 years old, a native of Japan, and a 
Japanese subject; that he has no knowledge of the English language; 
that he never went to school, but is able to write his name in Japanese; 
that he has been engaged in pelagic sealing the past two years; and 
that his present occupation is that of "boat puller" on the Japanese 
sealing schooner Hoam Maru. 

These affiants say that their vessel, the Hoam Maru, is of sixty-odd 
tons burden; that her home port is Tokyo; that her captain's name 
is Matchimura Uaichie; that she is owned by a number of individuals, 
most of whom reside in Yokohama; that her present business is that 



246 SEAL ISIiANDS OP ALASKA. 

of hunting fur seals on the ocean; that for this purpose she carries a 
total of 27 men all told; that she also carries 8 boats and 16 shotguns; 
that she carries no rifles or spears or any other paraphernalia for the 
killing of seals; that when actually hunting each boat carries three 
men and two shotguns; and that the shells used are loaded with 
buckshot; that the vessel also carries a small cast-iron cannon, which 
is used for signaling — that is, to call the boats in at night or advise 
the boats where the vessel lies in thick weather. 

Affiants further say that the Hoam Maru sailed from Hokodata 
June 8, 1906; that they lowered no boats until August 5, when it was 
supposed on board that they were about 100 miles off the Pribilof 
Islands ; that it was understood by all on board that the time of sailing 
and afterwards as well that they were to do no sealing within 50 
miles of the Pribilof Islands. Affiants further say that when they 
left the vessel 66 sldns had been secured; that it is impossible to cap- 
ture all the seals killed by them; that three or four out of every ten 
killed sink before the boat reaches them; that some are wounded and 
swim away without their being able to get a second shot. 

Affiants further say that seven or eight out of every ten secured by 
them are females in milk; that a record is kept of the skins taken by 
the respective boats; that the men in the successful boats are paid at 
the rate of 12 cents American money for each pelt taken; and that in 
addition they receive a monthly wage of $5 per month. 

Affiants further say that they left their ship five days ago, and that 
the four days prior to their arrival on this island last evening were 
spent at sea in the open boat in which they came ashore; that during 
this four-day interval they saw no vessel of any description; that their 
provisions were exhausted the second day out; that after that they 
lived on the flesh of birds and seals, which they shot; and that their 
supply of water was exhausted the third day. 

Affiants further say that the day they left the vessel it was wdndy 
until noon; that in consequence thereof the boats were not lowered 
until that hour; that they hunted until dark that evening, but without 
success; that they then attempted to find their ship, but were unable 
to do so; that they drifted back and forth all night; that the second 
day, which was foggy, they pulled for seven hours to the eastward, 
then drifted; that the second ni^ht they took turns at sleeping, but 
it was cold and they got but little rest; that on the third day, which 
was clear, they pulled east-northeast for eight hours, then drifted; 
that during the course of the third day they killed two seals, the sldns 
of which were in their boat on arrival on this island; and that their 
experience that night was a repetition of the preceding night. 

Affiants further say that about 6 o'clock of the morning of the 
fourth day they sighted this island; that at first they were not sure 
whether it was land or a cloud on the horizon; that as soon as they 
were sure that what they saw was land they hoisted a white flag at 
the masthead; that the jib was used for this purpose, it being the 
only suitable tiling available; that they then sailed and pulled to 
the eastward until they got in; that the weather was clear and the 
wind northwest. Affiants further say that they landed on the north 
side of the island; that seeing no sign of a habitation they left at once 
and pulled and sailed around the west end of the island; that they 
were close enough in to West Point to see some bull seals; that upon 
observing those seals they pushed out farther to sea; that they did 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



247 



tliis because they thought they were approaching a seal rookery, and 
the}^ were well aware of the fact that the rookeries are guarded, and 
they were liable to be fired on; that they did not expect the guard to 
fire on a flag of truce, but they were afraid the guard would be unable 
to distinguish between flag and sail, as the latter was up and the 
color of both was the same; that a mistake might easily occur; and 
besides that they wanted guards and everyone else to understand 
that they had no intention of going ashore to club seals. Affiants 
further say that after getting well out from West Point they paralleled 
the shore line and came on; that when they got abreast Zapadni Point 
they observed the guard, and knew their flag of truce had been seen, 
as the guard signaled them to come in; that they would have 
accepted this invitation and gone in, had they not at about this 
time observed the flagstaff and some people on Village Hill, and 
concluded that was the better place to effect a landing. 

Affiants further say that there are 27 Japanese schooners in Bering 
Sea; that it is a matter of general knowledge among the sealers 
that the rookeries on both the Commander and Pribilof islands are 
guarded by armed men, and that it is a matter of life and death for 
anyone to venture ashore on either of those islands for the purpose 
of Idlling seals. Affiants say that all the schooners and everybody 
connected with pelagic sealing are well aware of reception awaiting 
prospective raiders of the seal rookeries. 

Affiants further say that they are thankful for the hospitality 
afforded them on this island; that they are peaceable and law- 
abiding, and that they will cheerfully perform any labor assigned 
them in order to compensate for their board and lodging wliile on 
the island. 






^^ w 






Subscribed and sworn to before me ihis 25th 



'■SZ-'-^'iM^^ 



AsB-t./i^eot .3/h1 F: 



[Copy— original too faint for reproduction.] 
[Telegram.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, September 5, 1906. 
Ezra W. Clark, 

Hotel Crellin, Oakland, Cal. 
Department grants 10 days leave of absence. Trip from Oakland 
to Seattle at your own expense. Traveling expenses and subsistence 



248 SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

from San Francisco to Washington authorized, by the shortest and 
most direct route. 

(Signed) Lawrence O. Murray, 

Acting Secretary. 

(Charge Department of Commerce and Labor appropriation for 
"Contingent expenses, 1906.") 



[Copy — original too faint for reproduction.] 
[Telegram.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, September 10, 1906. 
W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Fur-Seal Fisheries, 

Rainier Grand Hotel, Seattle, Wash. 
Stop off at Chicago on way to Washington for consultation with 
vSims. Wire department upon receipt of this. 

(Signed) Lawrence O. Murray, 

Acting Secretary. 

(Charge Department of Commerce and Labor appropriation for 
"Contingent expenses, 1906.") 



[Copy — original too faint for reproduction.] 

St. Paul Island, Alaska, Septemher 10, 1906. 

Dear Mr. Lembkey: The Perry came in yesterday for our mail, 
and the captain kindly sent me the inclosed list of sealing schooners 
he had boarded. You will notice this last cruise amounted to more 
than all the former cruises put together. 

Mr. Fisher came ashore, and I told him the Too Maru No. 2 was the 
vessel that raided Northeast Point, and should be seized. While he 
did not dispute it or intimate that I was mistaken, he said it was his 
mipression that all the schooners that had attempted raiding had 
already left the sea. 

I also told him that we had no faciUties for supplying vessels with 
water, but that even if we had and were sordid enough to supply seal- 
ing schooners, we would render ourselves liable to punishment under 
the law for so doing. 

I would suggest that copies of the act of December 29, 1897, be fur- 
nished the ofnce of the Revenue-Cutter Service, for the use of its offi- 
cers who may be detailed for the purpose of patroling Bering Sea. 

Even if there was no law, the idea that these — — schooners should 
have the assurance of calling here for water, or anything else that would 
enable them to continue their slaughter of our seals, is preposterous; 
and this they should be told by the boarding officer at the time of 
boarding, or whenever the subject happens to be mentioned. With 
all the brazen effrontery of the Canadians during their entire sealing 
history, nothing so cold-blooded as this was ever contemplated by 
them, even when there was no law upon the subject. The cutter 
people, however, did not seem to think there was anything incongru- 
ous in the schooners' coming in, provided they came in "properly and 
under a flag of truce." 



SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 249 

I suppose that if the Toha Maru comes in, and is absolutely desti- 
tute of water, we will have to give her a small supply, but unless 
destitute, not a drop does she get. 

Either Mr. Fisher or the ship's surgeon who accompanied him said 
that from information gleaned aboard the schooners it developed that 
a United States consul in Japan, a man named King, is the owner of 
three of the sealing schooners, or rather that his wife, a Japanese 
woman, is the owner. This, if true, places both King and his wife in 
an unenviable hght. 

This is the last trip of the Perry for the season. 
Sincerely, yours, 

James Judge. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, October 15, 1906. 

Sir: I have the honor to submit the following summarized report 
of affairs on the seal islands of Alaska during the season of 1906, just 
closed: 

. Number of seals Icilled. — There were killed on St. Paul Island during 
the period from August 1, 1905, to July 31, 1906, 12,643 seals, includ- 
ing the skins of 281 left on hand from the previous season, and on 
St. George, 2,000. From this number killed there were retained by 
the Government agents 83 small and 23 large skins on St. Paul and 
55 small and 5 large on St. George, a total for both islands of 166, as 
having been taken contrary to the provisions of the current regula- 
tions which forbid the killing of seals having skins weighing less than 
5 pounds or more than 8^ pounds. These ineligible skins are held on 
the islands awaiting instructions from the department regarding their 
final disposition. 

The lessee company, therefore, was able to take only 14,643 skins 
toward their maximum allowed quota of 15,000. 

Reservations of bachelors. — In accordance with the regulations of the 
department which require the marking of 2,000 two and three year old 
males, in the proportion of 1,000 of each class, of which 1,600 were 
to be selected on St. Paul and 400 on St. George, in such manner as 
to render them exempt from slaughter and allow them to mature as 
breeding bulls, I have to report that the following number of seals 
were so marked: 





2-year- 
olds. 


3-year- 
olds. 


4-year- 
olds. 


St. Paul 


869 
200 


880 
200 


31 


St. George 


58 






Total 


1,069 


1,080 


89 







These seals were marked by having a portion of the hair and fur 
from the head clipped off with sheep shears, making thus a mark 
which was readilv apparent to the clubbers. 

Percentage of seals Icilled. — On St. Paul during the past summer out 
of a total of 18,411 animals appearing in the drives, there were killed 



250 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 

10,942, or 59 per cent. On St. George, of 3,260 animals driven, 1,685, 
or 51 per cent, were killed. 

Counts of hulls. — On St. Paul counts of breeding bulls at the height 
of the season showed 1,244 bulls, 1,205 harems, 39 idle bulls, and 41 
young bulls present on the rookeries, but not holding their positions 
when approached, the latter being termed by us "quitters" and not 
included in the total of regular breeding bulls. At the height of the 
season of 1905 there were 1,574 bulls, 1,455 harems, 75 idle bulls, and 
44 "quitters." The counts of this season show a decrease during the 
year of 330 bulls, or 21 per cent, a decrease in harems of 250 and in 
idle bulls of 36. 

On St. George the counts last summer showed 204 bulls, 196 harems, 
8 idle, and 13 "quitters" present at the height of the season. In 1905 
similar counts disclosed the presence of 280 bulls, 258 harems, and 22 
idle bulls, a decrease in one year on that island of 76 bulls, or 27 per 
cent, toegther with a decrease in harems or seal families of 62. 

Counts of pups. — On St. George an actual count was made of all 
pups born on the island last summer, which showed 11,233 live and 
224 dead pups. In 1905, 12,699 live and 253 dead pups were counted, 
from which it is apparent that a decrease on that island has occurred 
in pups born during the year's interval of 11 per cent. 

On St. Paul the usual counts were made during the summer until 
July 16, when that island was surrounded by Japanese pelagic sealing 
schooners, killing seals close to shore. In view of their continued 
presence and the fact that the counting of the rookeries at this period 
of the season would result in driving off into the water numbers of 
breeding cows to run the gauntlet of the schooners' guns, further 
counts were discontinued from that date, and the annual enumeration 
of pups was not made on that island. 

The counts of cows, however, have, previous to the arrival of the 
Japanese, showed that a decrease as great as that disclosed by the 
count of pups on St. George had occurred up to that time among the 
herd of breeding cows on vSt. Paul. Since that time the great slaughter 
of breeding seals during the months of July, August, and September, 
by the pelagic fleets of both Japan and Great Britain, has resulted in 
a loss of life beyond anything that the herd has suffered for years past. 
The exact measure of this loss can not be known until next spring, 
when the reports of the agents now on the islands will have been 
received. Conservative estimates, however, indicate that the herd 
which, in 1905, consisted of some 223,000 animals of all classes, now 
numbers probably not more than 185,000. 

Pelagic sealing. — This unusual decrease, as already stated, has been 
caused by the great activity among pelagic sealers during the past 
summer in the immediate vicinity of the islands, and especially 
around St. Paul. This island, where four-fifths of the Pribilof herd 
has its habitat, was surrounded in July last by a fleet of 13 or more 
Japanese sealing schooners, the crews of which not only killed seals in 
the water thereafter in the immediate vicinity of the island, but 
carried on their sealing operations in many instances within the 3-mile 
limit, culminating in a raid on the breeding rookeries themselves, in 
which the crews of four vessels acted in concert. 

The latter incident is briefly stated as follows: 

On July 16 a boat's crew of six Japanese landed on Northeast Point 
rookery, St. Paul Island, armed with a full equipment of sealing 



SEAL ISLANDS OP ALASKA. 251 

paraphernalia, and were arrested by the agents of this department 
and the native guard before the marauders were able to kill any seals. 

On the morning of July 17 a boat's crew of three Japanese, armed 
with shotguns, attempting to land on the same rookery, were arrested 
by the native guard, and, when they attempted to escape, were fired 
upon, two of the boat's occupants being killed and the third wounded. 

On the evening of the same day, under cover of a dense fog, a Jap- 
anese schooner anchored within 300 yards of the same rookery, and, 
landing its crew in small boats, succeeded in killing about 185 breed- 
ing seals, all but two of which were females in milk, and in securing 
the skins of about 120. Upon discovery by the agents and the native 
guard, the marauders attempted to escape with their plunder, and, 
refusing to halt and submit to arrest, were fired upon by the native 
guard, and one boat captured, containing six Japanese, one of 
whom was dead and one wounded. The body of another floated in 
the water, and was not recovered by the boats, while the body of a 
third is believed to have been thrown overboard from the schooner 
upon the return of the boats. In this engagement the agents and 
the native guard were subjected to fire from the deck of the schooner, 
without, however, any casualty. Because of lack of means, it was 
not possible to capture the schooner nor to retake the sealskins 
already removed from the island. 

Simultaneously with this, on July 17, an attempt to land under 
cover of the fog was made on Zapadni rookery, 14 miles away from 
Northeast Point, by three boats containins; 18 men from another 
schooner. Upon discovery, the native guard, which consisted of two 
men, at once opened fire and continued firing until the boats retreated 
and were lost in the fog. It is not known whether any casualties 
occurred. 

On July 16, the day previous, a schooner was observed close to 
Otter Island, which is 8 miles from St. Paul and uninhabited. On 
August 8 this island was again visited by a schooner, and three boats' 
crews were seen to land there. 

While no further attempt was made to land on St. Paul Island, 
sealing schooners were seen almost daily off the island thereafter, 
sometimes close to shore. On AugTist 1, 2, and 3, during a dense 
fog, shotgun firing from small boats was heard continuously, together 
with the firing of cannon, used probably for signalinq;. This firing 
of shotguns and cannon resulted in great disturbance of the rookeries, 
even if the seals actually killed by the poachers were not taken into 
account. An occasional liftino; of the fog would disclose the presence 
of both schooners and small boats close to shore. On August 23, 
seven schooners were visible at one time from St. Paul Island. From 
their tactics, it would appear that the schooners took advantage of 
every foggy day to approach quite close to the island, while in clear 
weather they laid off outside the territorial limit. 

Aside from the lawless and high-handed character of the raids 
made upon the breeding rookeries themselves, which involved the 
essence of piracy if they (lid not come within the exact legal definition 
of that crime, the continued killing of breeding seals around this 
island during the summer, within a few miles at least of where they 
have their young, has caused an immense loss of seal life. Falling, 
as it does, upon a herd already depleted to a minimum, there is little 



252 SEAIi ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

question that in a comparatively short time such reckless slaughter 
will accomplish the commercial extinction of the species. 

The unexpected loss of so many breedino; seals from the herd this 
summer through pelagic sealing shows plainly the necessity for speedy 
action on the part of this Government if it would preserve from 
extinction this valuable and interesting species. Beyond the com- 
mercial aspect of the situation, there is the further one of preserving 
from ruthless extermination this useful and interesting inhabitant of 
the sea, which, unless rescued through the efforts of this Government, 
will soon be numbered with the buffalo and other practically extinct 
species. This would be a deplorable loss to the industrial world, 
considering the great number of people supported by the sealing 
business in its various phases with the herd maintained at its best. 
But, if viewed from the standpoint of humanity, every feature of 
this brutal slaughter of mother seals lying beside their nursing young — 
thereby subjecting the latter to lingering death by starvation — is 
repulsive to generous sentiment. 

I shall submit a detailed report to the department covering the 
season's work as soon as possible. 
Respectfully, 

W. I. Lembkey, 
Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries. 

The honorable the Secretary of Commerce and Labor. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Division of Alaskan Fisheries, 

Washington, December 6, 1906. 
The honorable the Secretary of Commerce and Labor. 

Sir: Complying with your verbal request, I have the honor to 
submit the following data embodying information concerning the 
present condition of the Pribilof Islands seal herd; the changes 
which have taken place therein since the season of 1898; the Canadian 
sealing industry, together with such other information as I may have 
toucliing the fur-seal question, for use of the honorable the Secretary 
of State. 

Statistics of pelagic seal catch. — Attached hereto, marked ''Table 1," 
is a summary of the pelagic catch of the Canadian sealing fleet, com- 
piled from the official returns of the British Government, from 1898 
to 1905, both inclusive. This table is designed to bring down to date 
the statistical table of the pelagic catch, found on pages 26 and 27 of 
the pamphlet vStatistical Tables, Fur-Seal Catch, Season of 1897, a 
copy of which is inclosed. 

Attached also, marked "Table 2," will be found a statement of the 
catch of the Japanese pelagic sealing fleet from 1896 to 1905, both 
inclusive, compiled from reports received from the United States 
consuls in Japan. The latter table is made as full as the information 
in the consuls' reports will warrant. 

From evidence adduced before the Tribunal of Arbitration at Paris 
it would appear that pelagic sealing was nominal from 1868 to 1880. 
From 1881, however, when 10,382 skins were taken from the Pribilof 
herd by pelagic sealers, the increase in their catch was constant until 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



253 



1894, when 141,143 skins were taken from the Pribilof and Commander 
herds, of wliich 61,838 were from the Pribilofs. Since 1894 the pelagic 
catch has steadily decreased because of scarcity of seals. During last 
season (1905) only 15,000 sldns, approximately, were taken by the 
Canadian fleet from both the Commander and Pribilof herds. The 
Japanese fleet in 1905 took only 399 seals from the Pribilof herd. 

The increase in pelagic sealing has had cHrect relation to the 
diminution of seals on the rookeries, and the present attenuated con- 
dition of the herd is due solely to the killing of females at sea. Land 
killing of surplus immature males has had no elTect whatever on the 
decrease. 

Revenue from sealskins. — The revenue which the Government has 
received from the taking of sealskins on the Pribilof Islands from 1870 
to 1905 is $8,864,466.84, including $30,529.17 received from miscel- 
laneous sources. Contrasted with this is the amount to date expended 
for maintaining agents on the islands and for supporting the native 
inhabitants of the same, namely, $572,066.38. Under the present 
contract with the North American Commercial Co. the Government 
receives $10.22^ for each sealskin taken and shipped from the islands. 

Decrease in seal life. — During the period from 1880 to 1885 seal hfe 
on the Pribilofs was at its height, and consisted of a magnificent mass 
of wald animals. Although practically innumerable, estimates fix the 
numbers of indi\dduals at from 4,500,000 to 2,000,000. From tliis 
mass 100,000 three and four year old bachelors (immature males) were 
taken annually. More could have been taken if desired. 

Since about the jQ?iV 1885 a decrease, attributable to pelagic sealing, 
began to be visible on the rookeries, and was plainly apparent in 1890. 
The last quota (1889) of the Alaska Commercial Co., the former lessee 
of the sealing right, was secured mth difficulty and only by taking 
si!naller seals than usual. 

The North American Commercial Co. began its 20-year lease in 
1890, and in that year could take but 20,995 skins. Since that date, 
as shown by the following table, their catch has been but a small por- 
tion of that secured each year by the former lessee : 



Years. 


Skins 
shipped 
as quota. 


Years. 


Skins 
shipped 
as quota. 


1890 .... 


20,995 
13,482 
7,549 
7,500 
16, 031 
15,000 
30, 000 
20,88.5 


1898 


18,032 


1891 


1899 


16,812 


1892 


1900 


22.470 


1893 


1901 


22,672 


1894 


1902 

1903 

1904 

1905 


22,386 


1895 '. 


19,292 


1896 


13,128 


1897 


13.368 



Decrease as shown hy counts. — While it was plain since 1885 that seal 
life was diminishing, no exact counts of seals were made on the rook- 
eries until 1896, when that work was inaugurated by the Jordan Com- 
mission. Their census, invohang actual counts of portions of the 
rookeries and estimates as to the whole number, based on these counts, 
showed 4,932 bulls with harems and 157,405 breeding cows. The 
commission's census for 1897, obtained in the same manner, showed 
4,418 bulls and 129,216 cows to be present, indicating a decrease dur- 
ing the year of 514 bulls and 28,189 cows. 



254 



SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



The census of seal life in 1898 was made by C. H. Townsend, of the 
Fish Commission. The exact figures of this census are not at hand, 
but it is stated that a decrease of over 20 per cent occurred in tliis year. 

The censuses of breeding cows and bulls for the years 1899 to 1904 
are included in a tabulated statement prepared by this department 
and forwarded to the State Department in a letter dated January 
14, 1905. A summary of this statement is given, as follows: 



Years. 


Bulls. 


Cows. 


Years. 


Bulls. 


Cows. 


1899 


4,573 
4,310 
3,797 


89,261 
93, 132 
90,236 


1902 


2,837 
2,343 
2,102 


94,882 
97,296 
87,685 


1900 


1903 


1901 


1904 









To which may be added the census of bulls and breeding cows, taken 
from my report for 1905, as follows: Bulls, 1,758; cows, 78,836. 

It can be seen thus that the seal herd has been reduced from 4,573 
breeding bulls and 89,261 breeding cows in 1899 to 1,758 breeding 
bulls and 78,836 breeding cows in 1905. 

My report for 1905 estimates the total number of individuals in the 
herd at the close of the season of 1905 to be 223,009, made up of the 
following factors : 

Bulls with harems 1, 758 

Adult idle bulls 141 

Half bulls 1,539 

Three-year-old bachelors 1, 980 

Two-year-old bachelors 7, 200 

Yearling bachelors 18, 896 

Breeding cows 78, 836 

Two-year-old cows 14, 927 

Yearling cows 18, 8^6 

Newborn pups 78, 836 

Total 223, 009 

Cause of decrease in hulls. — The notable decrease in breeding bulls 
occurring since 1898 has been ascribed to the close killing of bach- 
elors on the islands. 

This decrease in bulls, however, has had no effect in lessening the 
producing capacity of the herd, as the species is highly polygamous, 
and one bull can impregnate an indefinite number of cows. In 
1896-97, with thousands of idle bulls present that were not able to 
procure cows, the ratio of active bulls to breedmg cows was ascer- 
tained to be 1 to 30, i. e., on the average each active bull had 30 
cows in his harem. At all times during these years there has been 
present a supply of idle bulls, showing that more than enough males 
were present than were required to serve the females. 

Unless it can be shown that an insufficiency of male breeders 
occurred (which has not been the case at any time in the history of 
the islands), no deleterious result from the reduction of male life can 
be proven. As the sexes are born in equal numbers, it must follow 
that, in nature, a large surplus of males must occur. This mass of 
surplus bulls is an injury to the herd. The reduction of this surplus 
is a positive benefit, as stated by all scientists. The active bulls at 
present on the islands are ample to serve the purposes of breeders. 
To guard against any future contingency, however, a reservation 
from killing of 2,000 choice young male seals for breeders has been 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 255 

made during the years 1904 and 1905 and will be continued. This 
action, it is believed, will check further decreases m breeding bulls 
after the year 1907. 

Decrease in breeding cows. — The decrease in breeding cows is due 
directly to pelagic seahng. Unhke bulls, this decrease has a direct 
effect upon the future of the herd. The fur-seal cow bears its first 
young at the age of 3 years, and annually thereafter until death 
brings forth one pup. The killing of these females on land is for- 
bidden. When in the water all females above the age of 2 years are 
pregnant. Their destruction in the water destroys the hfe in utero, 
as well as that of the mother. In addition, those females m Bering 
Sea after August 1, above the age of 3 years, m addition to being 
pregnant, have nursing pups on shore, which die of starvation upon 
the death of the mothers. The death of a female above the age of 2 
years, therefore, entails the death of two hves at least and m certain 
cases of three lives. Then, again, not over 50 per cent of seals shot 
at sea are recoverable, as the body sinks and is lost before the boat 
can approach. 

The bulk of the pelagic catch is females, as they preponderate in 
numbers and also are less able to escape when gravid. Then, again, 
when leaving the rookeries to obtain food m the sea, they sleep on 
the water during the process of digestion and thereby become an 
easy prey. 

Effective breeding nucleus remains. — It can be seen from the forego- 
ing that the herd which numbered approximately 2,000,000 animals 
in 1885 has been reduced, through pelagic sealmg, to approximately 
225,000 animals in 1905. Although this reduction has seriously 
affected the mcome both of the lessee of the sealmg right and the 
Government, there still remams a splendid breeding nucleus, which 
requires only a few years of rest from killing to so increase m num- 
bers as to insure a notable revenue to the Government. 

That this increase will occur from a cessation of killing is shown by 
the history of the seal islands near Cape Horn. These islands, which 
are not under Government supervision, have repeatedly been visited 
by the crews of vessels and every vestige of seal hfe wiped out; yet, 
after the lapse of a dozen years or so, thriving rookeries were found 
there. 

So, also, the seal hfe formerly found on the Galapagos Islands was 
long thought to be extinct through indiscriminate killing. It was a 
matter of surprise, therefore, that in 1897 a schooner arrived in San 
Francisco with 224 sealskins taken there. This shows that the few 
that had escaped slaughter on these islands had reestabhshed them- 
selves on the raided rookeries and that had they had proper protec- 
tion a thriving industry could have been estabhshed there. 

Pelagic sealing industry. — The Canadian sealing fleet, with the 
exception possibly of several independent schooners, is owned by a 
stock company trading under the name of the Victoria Sealing 
Co. (Ltd.). 

This company is capitalized at $500,000, divided into 40,000 shares 
at $12.50 each par. Of these, 33,479 shares have been issued at par, 
making the total par value of stock issued $418,487.50. 

According to the company's statement for the year ended Novem- 
ber 1, 1904, their fleet is composed of 25 vessels. These vessels- 
took in 1904, 10,411 skins in the North Pacific and Bering Sea and 



256 SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

1,794 skins at Cape Horn. Nineteen vessels made catches, and two 
of these were wrecked. 

The company declared a dividend in 1904 of 50 cents a share 
because of the unexpected catch of seals at Cape Horn. This divi- 
dend, so far as known, is the first one issued. At the time it was 
made the company had an overdraft on the bank of British North 
America of $69,526.82. Their stock was offered for sale in San 
Francisco in 1904 at $6 a share, and at Victoria, as reported by the 
consul (Jan. 6, 1905) at $2.50 per share. The vessels comprising 
the fleet are said to be old hulks. 

As to the approximate amount which will be required to com- 
pensate the Canadians in case a discontinuance of pelagic sealing 
on their part should be required, I learned the following in 1903 
from confidential sources : 

The person alleged to be the principal owner of shares in the sealing 
company is R. P. Rithet, of San Francisco. About May or June, 
1903, when it was thought the High Joint Commission would con- 
vene the following winter to consider the Bering Sea question, Mr. 
Rithet was approached b}^ a gentleman, who called Mr. Rithet's 
attention to the depletion of the seal herd and the probable earl}^ 
collapse of the company. It was suggested to Mr. Rithet that it 
would be better for the company to take what it could get from this 
Government for its sealing interests, in consideration of a cessation 
of pelagic sealing, rather than to have these interests on its hands a 
dead loss. 

Mr. Rithet was favorably im])ressed with the proposition, and the 
following ])lan was suggested to him as the best means of accomplish- 
ing the required end: 

1. Mr. Rithet, or some other person in the confidence of the Canadian Government, 
was to obtain an option on the shares of the sealing company. 

2. After obtaining this option, the holder thereof (being practically the sole owner 
of the Canadian sealing industry), was to go before the Canadian Government, assum- 
ing the position that the depletion of the seal herd had rendered pelagic sealing 
unprofitable; that its continued decrease would of itself soon put the Canadian 
sealers out of business; that the sealing vessels were fast deteriorating; and that it was 
obAdously better to sell out for a good round sum than to permit the business to die 
of its own accord; that, as the sole owner of the industry, he had the right to ask his 
Government to cooperate to effect a sale of the company's holdings to the United 
States Government. 

3. The holder of this option was to induce the Canadian Government, in considera- 
tion of the sale of the stock, (a) to abandon sealing; (b) to pass laws prohibiting British 
subjects and vessels from engaging in that pursuit; and (c) to bind the matter by 
treaty between Great Britain and the United States. 

The question of price was then considered, the gentleman asserting 
that $5 a share would be ample payment, but Mr. Rithet contending 
that $5 was too little; he thought, however, that the deal might be 
put through on a basis of $7.50 i^er share. At $7.50 per share it 
would require $251,092.50 to purchase the entire issued stock. 

Mr. Rithet told his visitor he would give the matter his attention 
and would soon leave for Victoria, where he would endeavor to tie 
up by option as much of the stock as he could. 

Nothing further is known by me as to Mr. Rithet's subsequent 
action in the matter. 

This information is not given for the purpose of suggesting a plan 
of action, but to give a reliable estimate of the value placed on this 
stock by its principal owner. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



257 



I inclose also a copy of the contract between the Government and 
the North American Commercial C^ granting to the latter the right 
to take sealsldns on the Pribilof Islands for a period of 20 years 
from 1890. 

Respectfully, W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Seal Islands. 



Table 1. — Catch of British Columbian sealing fleet, from 1898 to 1905. 
[Based on official returns from British Government.] 





Northwest coast. 


Bering Sea. 


Total 

award 

area. 


Russian or 
Copper Islands. 


Japan coast. 




Years. 


1 


i 


1 
g 

.1 
a 


3 

o 


i 

1^ 


•3 

i 


"3 
o 


i 


"3 

i 


"3 
o 


•3 

1^ 




"3 
o 


Grand 
total. 


1898>.... 

1899 

1900 

1901 

1902 

1903 

1904 


4,093 
5,384 
7,629 
3,379 
2,612 
2,163 
n,567 
n,267 


5,553 
5,087 
8,809 
3,886 
2,324 
1,702 
1,551 
1,512 


1,1001 11,199 
gg2i 11 as^ 


7,595 
9,567 
7,175 
4,814 
2,470 
3,658 
3,698 
4,352 


9,348 
13,715 
10,338 
5,548 
2,723 
4,503 
4,539 
4,282 


16,943 
23,282 
17,513 
10, 362 
5,193 
8,161 
8,237 
8,634 


28,142 
34,645 
35,315 
18,895 
11,472 
12,791 
12,922 
12,205 


20 
210 
134 

1,472 
817 

1,072 
714 
857 


30 

489 

74 

1,925 

523 

838 

1,076 

736 


50 
699 
208 
3,397 
1,340 
1,910 
1,790 
1,972 


201 


159 


360 


28,552 
«35,576 


1,364 
1,268 
1,343 

765 
1,501 

792 


17,802 
8,533 
6,279 
4,630 
4,685 
3,571 




1 


25,523 


1,310 
1,530 


82o!2, 130 
1,8013,331 


24,422 
16,143 
14,701 








14,712 
14,177 












\"'" 



1 Includes 453 skins taken on northwest coast by a vessel lost at sea. 

* Includes 232 skins taken on Japan coast, sex of which is not known. 

3 Includes 66 skins taken on northwest coast by Mexican schooner Carmencita ( Acapulca) in 1905. 

* Includes 379 skins taken from Russian Copper Islands by Mexican schooner Acapulca. 

In reality, this vessel was seen summer off St. Paul Island, and her skins probaoly [original copy 

mutilated; balance of sentence illegible]. 

Table 2. — Catch of Japanese pelagic sealing fleet, from 1896 to 1905. 
[Taken from reports of consuls.] 



Years. 


Japan 
Sea. 


Japan 
coast. 


Robben 
Island. 


Com- 
mander 
Islands. 


Bering 

Sea. 


North- 
west 
coast. 


Total. 


1896 














3,319 


1897 














4,616 


1898 














4,757 


1899 














6,518 


1900 














7,533 


1901 














7,045 


1902 














9,780 


1903 


5,2i2 
5,714 


449 
1,012 
3,101 


"4,654 


3,495 
5,095 
7,906 


2,222 
349 




11,378 


1904 




16,824 


1905 


399 


11,406 













2403— H. Doc. 93, 62-1 17 



258 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Table 1. — Catch of British Columbian sealing fleet, from 1898 to 1905. 
[Based on official returns from British Government.] 





Northwest coast. 


Bering Sea. 


g 1 Russian or Cop- 
j- per Islands. 


Japan coast. 




Years. 




B 


a u 


i 

a 
Eh 


i 

"3 


1 

s 

fS4 


"3 
o 


Total awar 
Males. 


0) 

i 




-3 


a; 
■3 

a 


H 
g 


S 
o 

i 


18981... 
1899.... 


4,093 
5,384 
7,629 
3,379 
2,612 
2,163 
1,567 
1,267 


5,553 
5,087 
8,809 
3,886 
2,324 
1,702 
1,551 
1,512 


1,100 

892 

1,364 

1,268 

1,343 

765 

1,501 

792 


11, 199 
11,363 
17,802 
8,533 
6,279 
4, 630 
4,685 
3,571 


7,595 
9,567 
7,175 
4,814 
2,470 
3,6.58 
3,698 
4,352 


9,348 
13,715 
10,338 


16,943 
23,282 
17,513 


28, 142 20 
34,645' 210 
35,315 134 


30 

489 
74 


50 
699 
208 
3,397 
1,340 
1,910 
1,790 
1,972 


201 


159 


360 


28,552 
-'35,576 
35,523 


1900.... 








1901.... 
1902.... 
1903.... 


5,548 
2,723 
4, 503 


10,302 
5,193 
8,161 


18,895 1,4721,925 
11,472 817| 523 
12,7911,0721 838 
12,922 714 1,076 
12,205 857 736 


1,310 
1,530 


820 
1,801 


2,130 
3,331 


24,422 
16, 143 
14, 701 


1904 «... 


4,539 

4,282 


8,237 
8,634 








14, 712 


1905 «... 








14, 177 

















1 Includes 453 skins taken on northwest coast by a vessel lost at sea. 

^Includes 379 skins taken from Russian Copper Islands by Mexican schooner Acapulca. 

* Includes 232 skins taken on Japan coast, sex of which is not known. 

« Includes 66 skins taken on northwest coast by Mexican schooner Carmencita (Acapulca) in 1905. 

Table 2. — Statement of catch of Japanese sealing fleet. 

[Based on incomplete returns from consuls.] 



Years. 


Japan 
Sea. 


Japan 
coast. 


Robbin 
Island. 


Com- 
mander 
Islands. 


Bering 

Sea. 


Total. 


1896 




' 






3 319 


1897 










4,616 
4 757 


1898 










1899 




1 






e^sis 

7 533 


1900 




1 






1901 










7 045 


1902 










9,780 


1903 


5,212 
5,714 


449 
1,012 
3,101 




3,495 
5,095 
7,906 


2,222 

349 

>399 


11,378 
16 824 


1904 


4,654 


1905 


11,406 











1 These skins were taken from the Pribulof herd, but on the northwest coast and not in Bering Sea. 

The above statement is compiled from reports from consuls in Japan, the only source of information 
available. , 



direction of the alaskan fur-seal service. 

December 15, 1906. 
The following order was issued by the Secretary of Commerce and 
Labor, under date of December 15, 1906: 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Secretary, 

December IS, 1906, 
To whom it may concern: 

It is hereby ordered that the appropriations for "Salaries, agents 
at seal fisheries in Alaska, 1907," and "Supplies for native inhabi- 
tants, Alaska, 1907, "^sundry civil acfapproved June 30, 1906, shall 
be|expended|under the immediate direction of the Assistant Secre- 
tary of Commerce and Labor. 

V. H. Metcalf, 

Secretary. 



i 



seal islands of alaska. 259 

Office of the Solicitor, 
Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C, June 21, 1906. 
The honorable the Secretary of Commerce and Labor. 

Sir: In reply to your request that I report the annual and sick 
leave and leave without pay taken by the employees of the Alaskan 
seal fisheries during the present calendar year, I have the honor to 
state : 

I have been unable to discover that any record is kept of the leave 
taken by the employees of the Alaskan seal fisheries. Under the law 
and regulations of the department, the employees of this service dis- 
charge their duties on the Pribilof Islands, Bering Sea, and a very 
small proportion of the time of any or either of them is spent in 
Washington. These emplo3^ees usually see two, and sometimes three, 
years' continual service on the islands. 

As an illustration: ]\Ir. Lembkey, the chief agent, and Mr. Judge, 
the assistant agent, who spent 4 or 5 months in Washington dur- 
ing the past winter, had each been on the islands 18 or 20 months. 
After they arrived in Washington a considerable portion of their 
time was consumed in writing their report and discharging other 
duties in connection with the seal service, made necessary by the 
fact that the administrative end of this ser\dce at Washington was 
conducted without any expense to the Government for clerk hire, 
etc. With the exception of a day or two at a time, which in my 
opinion did not aggregate more than a week or 10 days, Mr. Lembkey 
was not absent from the office during his stay in Washington. Mr. 
Judge, I believe, was out of the city for about 30 days. 
Very respectfully, 

Edwin W. Sims, 

Solicitor. 



[Copy— original too faint for reproduction.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Assistant Secretary, 

Washington, June 23, 1906. 
Sir: I am in receipt of your letter of June 21, in regard to annual 
and sick leave and leave without pay taken by the employees of the 
Alaskan seal fisheries, and in reply have to inform you that it is 
my desire that these employees shall be subject, as far as practica- 
ble, to the department regulations, and with that end in view I have 
to request that you submit, as soon as practicable after the close of 
each calendar year, a statement showing the annual and sick leave 
and leave without pay taken by such employees. 
Respectfully, 

(Signed) Lawrence O. Murray, 

Assistant Secretary. 
The Solicitor. 



260 seal islands of alaska. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, November 27, 1906. 
Sir: Owing to my departure from St. Paul Island last summer 
nearly a month before I had anticipated, there were left there a 
number of undeveloped photographic plates of the seal rookeries on 
that island which I had taken and which I had intended developing 
and submitting to the department with my report. 

These plates have since been forwarded by Agent Judge and are 
now at the department. In addition, Agent Chichester has for- 
warded a complete set of negatives of the rookeries on St. George 
Island. 

In order that the department may have a knowledge of the appear- 
ance of the seal rookeries at the height of the season of 1906, I nave 
the honor to request that arrangements be made for the developing 
of such negatives as require that treatment and for the printing 
therefrom of at least three positives from each plate. 
Respectfully, 

W. I. Lembkey, 
Agent in Charge of Alaskan Seal Fisheries. 
The Solicitor, 

Department of Commerce and Labor. 

Approved. 

Charles Earl, 

Solicitor. 



Annual Report Seal Fisheries of Alaska, 1906. 

[By W. I. Lembkey, Agent in Charge of Alaskan Seal Fisheries.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Division of Alaskan Fisheries, 

Washington, December I4, 1906. 

Sir: I have the honor to submit herewith my report of the con- 
duct of affairs on the seal islands of Alaska for the season of 1906. 

I left Washington May 12, 1906, under instructions from the 
department, took passage on the North American Commercial Co.'s 
steamer Homer, wliich sailed from Portland, Oreg., May 22, ar- 
riving at St. George Island June 8 and St. Paul Island June 9. I 
left St. Paul Island July 20 and proceeded with Japanese prisoners 
to Unalaska on the U. S. S. McCuUoch. Returning to St. Paul on 
the same vessel July 26, I left the next morning on her for Unalaska, 
Kodiak, and Valdez, to attend the United States court at the latter 
place as a witness in the case of the United States against 12 Jap- 
anese, arrested for raiding St. Paul Island. I left Valdez September 
5 on the Excelsior and arrived in Washington September 20, having 
stopped en route at Cliicago, as directed by the department, for a 
coirference with Hon. E. W. Sims, United States attorney. 

This report lacks the usual count of pups and the various collateral 
counts made on St. Paul between July 15 and 31, for the reason that 
this island after July 15 was surrounded by a large fleet of Japa- 
nese pelagic schooners hunting seals in the immediate vicinity of the 
island. To have continued counting under these circumstances would 
have involved the driving off the rookeries of large numbers of 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 261 

female breeding seals to fall the prey of pelagic hunters within sight 
of land. Assistant Agent Judge, in charge on St. Paul, acting on 
the advice of Mr. Sims, who was then present, accordingly discon- 
tinued any further activity on the rookeries which would have a 
tendency to disturb the seals and drive them into the water. 

RESERVATION OF BACHELORS. 

The "branding" or marldng of bachelors to be reserved for breed- 
ing purposes necessarily was the fu'st work of the season. Wliile this 
was commenced as soon as possible after my arrival, a scarcity of 
seals prevented its being accomphshed until June 23 on St. Paul and 
June 30 on St. George. Previous to tliis time young males could not 
be obtained on the hauhng grounds in sufficient numbers to secure the 
quota required to be marked. 

At St. Paul on June 14, a fair number of bachelors having been 
found on the Keef, a drive was contemplated for tjie day follo\ving. 
During the night, however, a brisk rain occurred, and the following 
morning only a few seals were hauled out, the others presumably hav- 
ing left because of the rain. From the handful secured, however, we 
marked 69 two-year-olds and 77 three-year-olds. In addition to 
these, 7 four-year-olds were marked and 10 old brands renewed. 

After this date seals were not present in sufficient numbers to justify 
further efforts to mark bachelors until June 22, when a drive was 
made from the same rookery and 1,243 seals marked — 684 two-5^ear- 
olds, 538 three-year-olds, and 21 four-year-olds. On the following 
day, at Zapadni, 116 two-year-olds and 265 three-year-olds were 
marked, filling the quota of bachelors to be marked for that island. 

On St. George the marking of bachelors was begun on June 14 and 
finished June 30. 

The method of marking seals to be reserved for breeding seals at 
present in vogue on the islands is humane, and is effective so far as 
land killing is concerned. The seal is dragged from the "pod" by a 
noose of rope placed over its head by means of a pole, and held down 
while the hair and fur on its head are clipped off with sheep shears. 
This operation is painless and the mark made is readily discernible 
during the killing season. In the fall, when the new hair grows out, 
the mark made in the spring is obliterated, but measures have been 
taken by the agents to avoid including in the fall killings for food the 
bachelors reserved in the spring as breeders. 

In 1904, the year in which branding was begun, the agents placed 
a limit of weight of 6 pounds on all sealskins to be taken in the fall. 
This was intended to and did absolutely exempt from killing all the 
3-year-olds, together with 75 per cent of the 2-year-olds. Of the 
remaining 25 per cent of this latter class it may be said that there are 
so many hauhng grounds on the island in the fall that are not driven 
from at all, which these seals frequent, that few even of the smallest 
marked bachelors are killed. 

Furthermore, the 3-year-olds, having passed the age of puberty, are 
not found on the hauling grounds during the fall, but are hauled 
among the cows on the rookeries where they can not be driven, ihis 
is an additional safeguard against their killing and of itself would 
disprove any allegation that these marked seals are subsequently 
killed. 



262 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

The object of marking male seals for breeders primarily was to 
provide a reserve of 3-year-olds, rendering them immune from 
slaughter, to pass into the 4-year-old or prohibited class, and thus be 
allowed to mature as breeders. At the same time a reserve of 2-year- 
olds was made, as a cumulative measure of safety, to insure a stock 
of 3-year-olds the next season, and to operate conjointly with the 
regulations restricting the killing of seals under 5h pounds, to accom- 
plish the purpose of allowing a safe number of seals to escape club- 
bing and mature as breeding bulls. 

When, however, this regulation (restricting the killing of young 
males to seals having skins weighing over 5| pounds) was enforced, 
it was found that this operated to release from the killing drives so 
many 2-year-olds, in addition to those marked and released, that the 
reservation by marking of any of this class, while undoubtedly wise, 
was practically a work of supererogation, and that without clipping 
any of the 2-year-olds enough of that class escaped under the 5i- 
pound restriction to provide an ample supply of 3-year-olds for the 
next year. 

In the light of experience this 5i-pound limit has since been re- 
duced to 5 pounds, but with this reduction several thousands of 
2-year-olds are annually turned away to appear the next year as 
3-year-olds, without considering those marked by clipping their 
heads, as above stated. 

It follows, therefore, that if a few of the marked 2-year-olds are 
included in the fall killings, even to 25 per cent of that class, which 
is not the case, there would still be such a number of 2-year-olds in 
existence that were not marked at all that no difficulty would be 
experienced in obtaining the supply of 3-year-olds for clipping the 
following spring, which is the object desired. 

A permanent brand could be made only by the use of a hot iron. 
The mark would also have to be made on top of the head of the seal. 
As the skull is very thin, it is believed that a severe brand might 
easily injure the brain and lay the whole practice open to a charge of 
inhumanity. It never was the intention of the department to make 
a permanent brand. When hot irons were used the agents were in- 
structed that in marking the seals care should be taken not to burn 
into the skin of the animal. Wlien it was found. that hot irons could 
not be used in wet weather, but that sheep shears were efficacious at 
any time, the latter were at once used to the exclusion of all other 
means. 

The hot irons can be used at any time that it is desired to experi- 
ment with permanently branded seals. A number of those branded in 
1904 on the head with hot irons have appeared in the drives of subse- 
quent years with a permanent head brand more or less distinct. 
These seals, which were either 2 or 3 year olds in 1904, can be recog- 
nized on the rookeries when they secure footing there as bulls, and it 
is probable that through them some interesting facts' will be discov- 
ered in connection with the ascertainment of the exact age and 
longevity ol breeding bulls. Should pelagic sealing be abolished, 
experiments should be conducted by means of ])ermanent brands on 
certain bachelors, to establish definite knowledge as to the age of 
adult males, their length of service on the breeding grounds, and 
whether they return to the same locality each year. 



SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 263 

It must be remembered that pelagic sealing interferes materially 
with the operation of any methods adopted on land for the saving of 
seals for purposes of the future and renders them in a measure con- 
jectural. When it is considered that all of these reserved bachelors 
are forced to run the gauntlet of the spear and the shotgun while in 
the water, a wide margin of loss from mortality at sea must be al- 
lowed before any measures mvolving the saving of seals can be con- 
sidered efficacious. 

Undoubtedly it is obligatory upon the Government to insure 
enough males for future breeding purposes. But it must not be for- 
gotten at the same time that the Government in so doing aids pelagic 
sealing through every seal allowed to escape on land which could 
properly be killed there. In my judgment the practice of saving 
seals for breeding purposes should be continued only so long as it is 
probable that a settlement of the pelagic sealing question can be 
accomplished. But, unless this settlement on a satisfactory basis 
appears imminent, I would recommend the killing on land oi every 
seal that can be killed under existing law. 

KILLING OF SEALS. 

On St. Paul Island the lessee took during the sealing season of 1906 
a total of 10,942 skins, which, added to 1,701 skins taken during the 
previous fall and spring in food drives or left on hand from the last 
season, made a total of 12,643 skins in the salt houses on that island 
at the season's close, July 31, 1906. Of these, 83 small and 23 large 
skins were outside the limits of weight prescribed by the department 
(5 pounds to 8| pounds) and are held on the island subject to the de- 
partment's order. 

On St. George the lessee took during the regular sealing season 
1,685 skins. In addition to these, 315 eligible skins were taken in 
previous food drives, making a total of 2,000 skins for that island, 
which was its quota as determined by the department. Of these, 55 
small skins and 5 large skins were retamed as being outside the regu- 
lar weights. 

The lessee shipped at the close of the season in question 12,536 
skins from St. Paul and 1,940 from St. George, a total of 14,476 skins, 
upon which the stipulated payment of $10.22^ for each skin should 
be made. 

FAILURE TO SECURE QUOTA. 

It will be noted that, while the quota of 2,000 for St. George was 
obtained, the lessee failed to secure the St. Paul quota of 13,000, not- 
withstanding the reduction of the limit of weight in skins from 5^ 
to 5 pounds. This is probably due to a scarcity of seals; but, owing 
to the fact that the hauling grounds on Northeast Point and Zapadni 
rookeries were constantly disturbed during the period of July 16 to 
20, due to the raids there by Japanese poachers at a time when the 
hauling grounds should be most fi'equented, it is possible that this 
cause contributed in a measure to the failure to obtain the whole 
quota. 

The total number of seals taken on St. Paul includes 63 skins from 
female seals killed by Japanese poachers, which they were unable to 
make awav wdth. 



264 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

NUMBER OF DRIVES. 

During the lessee's season on St. Paul 30 drives were made for 
skins, including 4 drives in which less than 40 skins were taken in 
each. In all of the drives the percentage of seals killed varied from 
a minimum of 43 per cent to a maximum of 69 per cent. 

On St. George during the lessee's season 14 drives were made, in 
which the percentage of seals killed to the whole number driven 
varied from 71 to 23 per cent. 

EFFECT OF NEW REGULATIONS. 

The instructions of the department to me, dated March 9, 1906, 
lowered the limit of weight on sealskins to be taken to a minimum 
of 5 pounds and provided, also, that skins were not to, be taken 
weighing more than 8^ pounds. All skins under 5 pounds and over 
8^ pounds were not to be delivered to the company, but were to be 
held by the agents subject to future instructions from the depart- 
ment. 

These instructions were promulgated upon my arrival and were 
properly enforced. During the summer 138 small and 28 large 
skins were so retained by the agents, and are now on the islands 
awaiting instructions from the department. 

The skin of a 4-year-old male is classed as weighing, on the aver- 
age, over 8§ pounds. The regulation prohibiting the killing of 
seals over this weight was designed to give additional immunity to 
those 4-year-old males which, having passed the 2 and 3 year old 
stages, were desired to mature into adult bulls. The statistics 
gathered by the agents during the summer show that tliis regula- 
tion has been effective. In 1905, when there was no prohibition 
against the shipment of skins over 8 J pounds, but simplj an injunc- 
tion against the killing of 4-year-olds, there were dismissed on the 
killing field on St. Paul as the result of this regulation 363 four-year- 
olds during the summer. In the summer of 1906, when the ship- 
ment of skins over 8 J pounds was first prohibited, 1 .001 four-year-olds 
were turned away, a difference in favor of 1906 of 638 dismissals in 
this class. On St. George 244 large dismissals occurred in 1906, as 
against 191 in 1905. 

While, of course, some of the dismissals represent animals which 
have been driven twice or even more, yet it is known that the per- 
centage of large animals redriven is much less than in the case of the 
small ones. The number of 4-year-old dismissals, therefore, must 
represent to a great extent animals of this class actually in being. 

The large increase mentioned above in the number of prime males 
which have passed the stage where they will be Hable to clubbing 
demonstrates the efficiency of the present regulations. These large 
animals dismissed, in addition to those branded and released, afford 
the herd a splendid class of young males each year to mature as 
breeding bulls. These dismissals occurring from year to year, in 
the future will supply all the adult male life necessary on the rook- 
eries and will never again allow the adult male class to become 
depleted. 

The reduction in 1906 of the limit of weight on small skins from 
5i\]to 5 pounds was made by the department because of the fact that 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 265 

the latter weight more nearly represented the dividing line between 
1 and 2 year old seals. The young males between 5 and 5^ pounds 
undoubtedly are 2-year-olds, and the 5i-pound prohibition resulted 
in arbitrarily turning away from the kiUing fields several thousands 
of small 2-year-olds that otherwise would be Idlled for quota. 

This reduction of the limit in weight resulted in the dismissal in 
1906 of 3,980 small seals, as against 5,548 in 1905. These 3,980 dis- 
missals in 1906 are shown elsewhere to represent approximately 3,300 
animals. 

In my opinion, this closer killing among the smaller 2-year-olds 
is advisable. Present safeguards against too close kilhng are ample. 
With their strict enforcement, it is the part of wisdom to allow the 
lessee to take all remaining young males not covered by prohibitory 
regulation, as in so doing it reduces to a minimum a class of seals 
upon which the pelagic sealers prey during the summer, and which, if 
saved, would ofler no further benefit to the herd than that now as- 
sured under the regulations governing the killing on land. 

STATISTICS OF KILLINGS. 

The statistics of killings made on St. Paul Island during the past 
season show 18,411 animals driven, of wliich 10,942 were killed. 
This includes the skins of 63 female seals killed and abandoned by 
the Japanese raiders on Northeast Point rookery July 17. These 
statistics refer only to the period of summer killing and do not 
include the dismissals from the fall drives for food, in which cows, 
bachelors, and yearlings are so intermingled as to make a record of 
dismissals therefrom of no value. 

It can be seen from the table, wliich is herewith submitted as an 
exliibit, that the killings by the lessee on St. Paul comprises 59 per 
cent of the animals driven. During the season the killings varied 
from a maximum of 69 per cent to a minimum of 43 per cent. 

The dismissals on St. Paul of branded 2-year-olds numbered 1,012 
out of a total of 869 marked on that island, or 16 per cent more than 
the whole number of these animals marked at the beginning of the 
season. Of the 880 branded 3-year-olds 693 dismissals occurred, 
wliich shows that the dismissals in the 3-year-old class fail by 20 per 
cent to represent the total num.ber of animals. 

These statistics of rejections in the 2 and 3 year old classes are 
valuable in showing approximately the number of small animals rep- 
resented by the dismissals from the drives of seals not branded. 
These dismissals in 1906 aggregated 3,980 on St. Paul and were all 
practically 2-year-olds, too small to render 5-pound skins. So few 
yearlings were included as to render their consideration of no value. 

Having found from the dismissals of branded 2-year-olds that they 
represented 16 per cent more than the number actually branded, and 
applying the same rule to the dismissals of 2-year-olds that were not 
branded, we can see that the 3,980 dismissals in tliis class represent 
approximately 3,300 animals. While, of course, tliis is only an 
approximation, it is based upon a rule containing so much of the ele- 
ments of certainty as to give a fair idea of the number of individuals 
included in the rejected class. 

These 3,300 2-year-olds, together with the 800 branded of that class 
on St. Paul, demonstrate that too close killing does not occur at the 
present time and insures an ample number of 3-year-olds for 1907. 



266 



?EAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



CLASSIFICATION OF LARGE SEALS REJECTED. 

During the summer on St. Paul 1,707 large seals were turned away 
from the" drives, of which, according to the classification made at the 
time of dismissal, 1,001 were 4-year-olds, 383 were 5-year-olds, 213 
were 6-year-olds, 72 were 7-year-olds, and 38 were mature bulls. The 
large number of 4-year-olds is significant and demonstrates the effi- 
cacy of the regulations of the department prohibiting the killing of 
4-year-old males, or, if killed, the sliipment of their skins. During 
the season of 1905 a similar record shows the dismissal of only 363 
4-year-olds. 

A schedule of these classified dismissals is appended as an exhibit. 

' ENUMERATION OF SEAL LIFE. 

An enumeration of breeding bulls on both islands showed a decrease 
from the previous year. 

On St. Paul, at the height of the season of 1906, 1,244 adult bulls 
were found on the rookeries. Of these, 1,205 had harems and 39 were 
idle. In addition to these were found 41 young bulls present on the 
rookeries, but not holding their positions when approached. These 
latter have been termed by us "quitters." 

On St. George in 1906, 204 adult bulls were found, of which 196 had 
harems and 8 were idle. In addition there were 13 "quitters." 

In 1905, 1,455 bulls with harems were found on St. Paul, together 
with 75 idle bulls and 44 young quitters, while on St. George 258 buUs 
with harems and 22 idle bulls were noted. A comparison of these 
figures with the counts made in 1906 shows a decrease in the year in 
bulls on St. Paul of 286, or 18 per cent, and on St. George of 76, or 
27 per cent. 

Following is given the count of buUs on St. Paul, by rookeries, 
made in 1906. The column marked "Bulls" does not include those 
counted as quitters: 

Count of bulls, St. Paul, 1906.' 



Date. 



July 13 
13 
13 
13 
13 
13 
13 
13 
13 
13 
14 
14 
14 
14 
14 
14 
16 



Rookeries. 



Gorhatch Cliffs. . 

Gorbatch 

Ardiguen 

Reef 

Ketovi 

Amphitheatei . . , 

Lukanin 

Little Polovina. 
Polovina Cliffs.. 

Polovina 

Zapadni 

Little Zapadni.. 
Zapadni Reef. . . 

Tolstoi 

Tolstoi Cliff.'!.-.. 

La?;oon 

Northeast Point 

Total 



Bulls 



111 
14 

206 
43 
7 
38 
12 
27 
38 

169 
81 
14 

112 
34 
23 

305 



1,244 



ITarems. 



7 

109 
14 

201 
40 
7 
36 
12 
26 
38 

162 
78 
14 

112 
32 
21 

296 



1,205 



Idle. 



39 



Quitters. 



It will be noted that no idle bulls were found on Ardiguen, Amplii- 
theater. Little Polovina, Zapadni Reef, and Tolstoi, while only 9 were 
found on the entire stretch of Northeast Point rookery, the largest 



SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



267 



breeding ground on the entire island, and only 5 were found on 
Keef rookery and 7 on Zapadni, the two rookeries next largest in size. 
' These counts were carefully made by Agent Judge, in company 
with Mr. Marsh, the naturalist of the Bureau of Fisheries. While I 
was occupied in the main with photographing the rookeries at the 
time these counts were made, I participated in several of them, thus 
furnishing an additional check upon their accuracy. They are not 
in any sense estimates or approximations based upon superficial 
observations, but actual enumerations in the strictest sense, embrac- 
ing every bull present at the height of the season. No locality where 
bulls were hauled up was overlooked in making these counts. 

The detailed counts of harems on St. George, made at the height of 
the season, follows : 

Bulls on St. George, 1906. 



Rookeries. 


Bulls with 
harems. 


Idle.bulls. 


Quitters. 


North 


78 
20 
34 
34 
16 
8 


3 


3 




2 




3 
2 


3 


East Cliffs . 


3 


East Reef 


2 










1 


Total 


196 


8 13 









These counts, as carefully made by Agents Chichester and Clark, 
disclose the lack of idle bulls on Staraya Artel, East Reef, and Little 
East rookeries. 

. BULLS ON SEA LION ROCK. 

A breeding rookery exists on Sea Lion Rock, off St. Paul, but it was 
not possible to reach this islet in a boat at the time harems were 
counted on the main island. On a visit, however, on June 24, I 
found 54 bulls hauled there. This early count, made three weeks 
before the height of the season, will nevertheless serve to show that 
this isolated breeding ground contains only a normal number of bulls 
and that it is not the abiding place of such a number of adult males 
as would disprove the statement that the bulls have decreased greatly. 

DESERTED HAULING GROUNDS. 

Such hauhng grounds as Zoltoi Sands, English Bay, and the sand 
beach west of Hutchinson Hill were devoid of seal life during the 
summer. No seals of any description were found on them. The 
same may be said of the beach line adjacent to Halfway Point (or 
Polovina) rookery and of those beaches or cliffs in the vicinity of 
each rookery where in former times young bulls were wont to haul up 
after having failed to enter the breeding area proper. In every 
instance in which counts were made on the various rookeries during 
the summer the agents not only covered the rookery itself, but 
searched the beach line on all sides of it to be sure that no stray 
"polsikatchie" were overlooked. In offering this count of bulls, 
therefore, I feel perfectly safe in assuring the department that it rep- 
resents all bulls present on the islands. 



268 SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

At the present time the hauling grounds of Zoltoi and EngUsh Bay 
have no more significance as abiding places for seals than Black Bluffs. 
They were absolutely destitute of seal life during the past summer. 
So far as their investigation is concerned, they could not figure in our 
notes except through the insertion of reiterated statements that there 
were no seals present. At the close of the season, after the rookery 
formation has disintegrated, these, as well as other, hauling grounds 

Erobably offered a resting place for a few former harem masters that 
ad deserted their rookery stations after a summer's service, and had 
hauled up there to recuperate ; but as these bulls had previously been 
counted on the rookeries where they had held harems, their further 
enumeration after the season's close would serve only to confuse the 
counts already made. 

In former years, when there was a superabundance of rookery bulls, 
young bulls were driven to the bachelors' hauling grounds, and the 
beaches adjoining breeding rookeries, because the adult bulls would 
not allow them to haul among the cows, and the youngsters were not 
strong enough to force their way in. At the present time, however, 
owing to the small number of rookery bulls present, the young males 
can find an entrance into almost any rookery and stand a good chance 
of picking up a cow or two before the season is over. The necessity 
for their frequenting these former hauling grounds is now lacking, 
and the young bulls do not resort to the hauling grounds, for the 
obvious reason that the breedmg rookeries offer more attraction. 

CONDITION OF ROOKERY BULLS. 

The number and character of the bulls stationed on the breeding 
rookeries with cows was given early attention. 

On my arrival on St. George, June 8, I visited North rookery on 
that island for the purpose of making a count of bulls. In going 
from point to point on the rookery, it was soon apparent that the 
bulls present displayed a larger proportion of fine young animals 
between 7 and 8 years of age than I had ever before observed. Only 
a few old bulls, distinguished by their rusty color, worn teeth, and 
comparative lack of spirit, could be seen. About 50 per cent of the 
bulls on that rookery were ma^nificient young animals just reaching 
maturity. The others were middle-aged bulls, showing the marks of 
previous service on the breeding grounds. An old bull was a rarity. 

Arrivmg at St. Paul the next day, and having in mind the unusual 
number of young bulls present on North rookery, I made a careful 
inspection of the bulls on Gorbatch and found the proportion of fully 
developed young animals there to be even greater than on St. George. 
On Gorbatch Cliffs, of 7 bulls found 5 were 3^oung animals fully 
grown, but not over 8 years of age. On Gorbatch, of the 77 bulls 
present 54 were not over 8 years. Only 10 bulls were found with 
broken-down teeth and other marks indicating old age. Only one 
was found that, on being aroused, did not show fight. Of the old 
bulls several chased me some distance, showing that their powers 
were in no wise diminished. 

The other rookeries were then gone oyer by myself and Agent 
Judge, and as careful an analysis as possible Avas made of the bulls 
present with regard to age. On all rookeries this practical absence of 
old animals was found, as well as the preponderance of young bulls, 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 269 

although in some instances the proportion of quite young bulls was 
not so great as that found on Gorbatch and on North rookery. 

This condition shows not so much an unusual mflux of young ani- 
mals as the practical disappearance of the old males, and the further 
significant fact that there were in existence young males to take their 
places. 

It is probable that during several years recently past the number 
of accessions of new bulls on the rookeries was small. This failure 
of new blood created a hiatus in the succession of rookery masters, 
which was apparent in the rapid decrease of bulls on the rookeries. 
This gap has been bridged over by the survival of those bulls already 
on the rookeries, but has left a sharp line of demarcation between the 
old and new bulls. The presence of this large proportion of young 
bulls shows that the crisis has been met and passed successfully. 

In 1904 the first reservation of 3-year-old males was made and 
the first prolubition against the Idlhng of 4-year-olds enforced. Of 
the supposed 3-year-olds reserved in that year some were undoubtedly 
small 4-3^ear-ords. The survivors of these 4-year-olds released or 
reserved in 1904 will be 7 years old in 1907, and will appear on the 
rookeries for the fu'st time as full rooker}^ bulls. It is too much to 
say that any benefit from these reservations was felt in 1906. It is 
certainly proper to claim, however, that the first benefits from tins 
source will accrue in the coming season of 1907; that the decrease in 
rookery bulls which has been constant for some years wdll be then 
checked in a measure at least and tliat a steady augmentation of 
rookery bulls will be noted from that year. 

There is but one factor that mU possibly operate to defeat this 
assurance of an increase in bulls, and that is the effect of pelagic 
seahng upon the reservations of young males. All of these reserved 
seals are in danger of being killed at sea b}^ pelagic sealers before 
they fully mature as bulls. How many of them are killed by tliis 
means can never be known. As before stated, the exemption of any 
seals that could be killed la^\iully on land is just so much encourage- 
ment to the pelagic sealer, and subsequent events must determine 
speedily whether it is the \\aser policy to create a reservation of male 
seals even for breeders or to kill all on land that can be taken under 
existing law. 

ABSENCE OF IDLE BULLS. 

As can be seen from the tables appended hereto, the scarcity of 
bulls was even greater in 1906 than in 1905, in which latter year 
the number of this class present was so small as to amount to a 
virtual disappearance. 

On the St. Paul rookeries in 1906 there were only 39 idle mature 
bulls. In 1905 there were 75 idle. In 1905 there were 44 "quitters" 
on these rookeries, while in 1906 there were 41, 3 per cent of the entire 
number of the bulls present. This is a larger percentage of "quit- 
ters" than was found in former years, and of itself shows that there 
was a larger percentage of young bulls present in 1906 than formerly. 
This is additional evidence of the fact, stated elsewhere, that the rook- 
eries in 1906 contained more young bulls than the year previous. 



270 SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

YOUNG BULLS IN CHAEGE OF COWS. 

During the summer a number of young bulls, which at first ran at 
our approach, afterwards obtained cows and held their ground, and 
were included by us among the full-grown harem bulls. These 
young animals were 7-year-olds and were fully capable of serving 
cows. 

On July 1 I found a harem on Gorbatch Chffs containing a cow 
and 2 pups deserted by its bull. There was no idle bull present at 
the time to fill the vacancy. On July 4 this harem was still without 
a bull. On July 6 a 7-year-old "quitter" had taken possession of this 
harem and had under him 2 cows and 3 pups. He ran into the water 
at my approach. On Juh^ 8 this young bull had 7 cows, over which, 
wliile I remained hidden, he lorded it with all the precision of a vet- 
eran, but from which he fled incontinently when I rose up from 
the liigh grass and showed myself. On July 9 this bull had 2 cows 
and 6 pups and again fled at my appearance. On July 11 he was still 
present, but great care had to be exercised in observing him to keep 
out of sight, as the least movement on my part through the high 
grass caused Mm to edge toward the water. 

This incident, typical in character, occurring on a portion of rook- 
ery space where no idle bulls were present, gives a fair idea of what 
happens on other rookery areas where a lack of bulls exists. It 
shows that cows do not escape impregnation, even if their first bull 
deserts. Had no other bull arrived to take the place of the one 
which abandoned this harem site, the deserted cows, by moving to 
either side, could have entered harems where there were bulls anxious 
to receive them. Whether any of these cows sought other bulls 
is not known, but it is very possible that some did, leaving their pups 
in the first harem. This fact is suggested strongly by the harem's 
containing only 2 cows with 6 pups on July 9. 

SITUATION AT HUTCHINSON HILL. 

In my report for 1905, I called attention to the fact that in the mass 
of seals under Hutchinson Hill at Northeast Point the harem forma- 
tions broke up at an earlier date than usual, and that on the 16th 
of July, when the rigidity of harem discipline should be greatest, the 
cows wandered at will over the sand flat in company with bachelors 
and half bulls. 

The reason for this was found in the fact that the large number of 
cows on the flat were in charge of only a few bulls, while no idle 
buUs were present. The engaged bulls were each required to serve 
an unusually large number of cows, causing them to reach the limit 
of their procreative power before the usual time. The harem forma- 
tions at this spot, therefore, instead of remaining intact until at 
least the 15th of July, became broken practically a week earlier. 

During the past summer (1906) considerable attention was given 
to the seals in this locality, wdth a view of determining whether the 
condition noted the year previous would be recurrent. 

On July 5 I found on the sand flat under the hiU, and exclusive 
of the beach slope which was obscured, 21 bulls and about 1,500 
cows, conservatively estimated. At the eastern end of the mass, 
sUghtly segregated, were 184 cows with 1 bull. Among the entire 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 271 

mass of cows were 11 bulls. In the rear of the mass and detached 
from it were 10 bulls, 2 of which were idle and the others had harems 
ranging from 1 to 9 cows. 

At this early date the 11 bulls in the mass, which was then com- 
pact, had on an average at least 125 cows each, and only 2 idle bulls 
were present. One of the latter was a young bull not stationed, 
wdiile the other was mature. 

On the 10th I found the mass still compact, with the number of 
bulls unchanged. A greater number of cows was present than was 
found on the 5th. At the time of this visit I took photographs of 
the mass, to contrast them with those to be taken when the cows 
should spread out over the sand fiat. 

On July 16 the compact formation had disappeared and the mass 
was found to have spread out over twice the former area occupied. 
The harem formation had also gone. The greater number of cows 
was found at the rear of the flat adjoining the liill when, before the 
disintegration, they were pressed close to the beach slope. On the 
flat area, in and immediateh^ adjoining the mass, were 21 bulls, none 
of which was idle. A number of bachelors was playing on the rocks 
awash in front of the beach line. While it was impossible at the time 
to make a thorough examination as to the number of bachelors in 
the mass, I could easil}^ distinguish several branded bachelors among 
the cows by their shaved heads, which were conspicuous. The bulls 
had lost or had relinquished control of the area and the cows moved 
as they pleased. 

The recurrence of this condition at this place in 1906 justifies the 
mention of it in my report for 1905. The significance of this situa- 
tion was mentioned in my last report. It means simply that in the 
massed area under Hutchinson Hill the normal number of cows for 
each bull has been exceeded. While some httle distance on either side 
of the mass or at the water's edge there were proably a few idle 
bufls, they retained their positions which the}^ fii'st preempted and 
did not move in to the cows under the hiU that probably needed them. 

I am frank to say that tliis condition was noted only at Hutchinson 
HiU. Undoubtedly, all cows were impregnated in that locality as in 
all others. I believe the bulls at this particular place had greater 
demands on their vitality than would have occurred in a state of 
nature, and it was to relieve a condition of this character that the 
practice of reserving young males from slaughter was commenced in 
1904 and continued thereafter. Unless the greater number of these 
reserved animals are destroyed by the pelagic sealers, whose efforts 
to take seals in the immediate vicinity of the islands have been 
redoubled in the last year, an augmentation of breeding bulls wiU be 
noted the coming year, which will relieve the condition of a scarcity 
of buUs. 

ALL cows SERVED. 

Particular attention was paid by me during the past summer to 
determine whether any evidence of failure of impregnation of cows 
could be found. In no instance was I able to discover that any cow 
had not received proper service from the bulls. On the contrary, 
every observation showed that during the season of 1905 aU cows in 
heat were served and bore young in 1906. 



272 SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

It was seen plainly last summer that all females landing on the 
rookeries during the breeding season were gravid, without an excep- 
tion noted, and that within 24 hours thereafter, generally speaking, 
they gave birth to their young. These cows, fresh from the water, 
could be distinguished by their brilliant coats of steel gray. These 
new arrivals were invariably seen to be gravid or with newborn pups 
at their sides. The brown cows, those that had been out of the water 
long enough to have lost the beautiful gray coloration, had pups by 
their sides. This was an invariable rule during the pupping season 
and showed conclusively that no lack of virile male life was encountered 
the previous season. 

Careful investigation has failed to disclose any evidence showing 
that the herd of cows has suifered in any way from the reduction in 
the number of bulls which has occurred for several years past. It is 
true that this falling off among bulls has been so marked as to justify 
its being considered at length and to necessitate the adoption of meas- 
ures to check this decrease; but it is also true that the breeding bulls 
have not reached that point of decrease where it would result in a 
lessened number of pups being born because of a scarcity of bulls, and 
that, with the present regulations in force, this condition can never 
happen. 

COUNTS OF PUPS. 

It has been the yearly practice heretofore to count all the live and 
dead pups on the St. George rookeries and about one-third of the en- 
tire number on the St. Paul rookeries, with a view of establishing a 
correct idea of the increase or decrease in seal life. This counting has 
been done as near July 31 as possible. 

It was the intention last summer to carry out this plan as usual. 
The aspect of affairs, however, was suddenly changed by the arrival 
around St. Paul Island of a large fleet of Japanese sealing schooners, 
operating so close to the rookeries as to be constantly in sight of land. 
Because of their immediate presence it was considered unwise to make 
any disturbance of the rookeries such as would be involved in a count 
of pups, thereby driving the female seals into the water to be killed 
by the pelagic sealers. The usual count of pups, therefore, on St. 
Paul Island was omitted last summer. 

Previous to the date of the first raid on the St. Paul rookeries, 
July 16, the usual daily counts of cows on the various rookeries on 
that island were made. In this way it was demonstrated that a de- 
crease had occurred in the number of cows on every rookery counted 
at the height of the season varying from 10 per cent to 28 per cent. 
In other words, at the time when the greatest number of cows was 
present on land on St. Paul in 1906 the counts showed their numbers 
to be from 10 to 28 per cent less than they were at the same time of 
the preceding season. 

This count of cows present has not been used heretofore as a basis 
for determining the whole number frequenting the rookeries, for the 
reason that all cows are never present on land at one time. It has 
been considered of value merely as establishing the rate of influx dur- 
ing the summer, the determination of the date when the height of the 
season occurs, and matters of that kind. The entire female popula- 
tion of a rookery can be ascertained only by a count of pups, as every 
breeding cow is taken to have a pup on shore. This count should be 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 273 

made as soon as possible after the puppinoj season is over and before 
the pups Jiave learned to swim. By this method the number of adult 
females can be ascertained correctly. 

While being less exact than an actual count of pups, by the enumer- 
ation of cows present on certain rookeries on given dates, and the com- 
parison of these counts with those made on similar dates the year pre- 
vious, it can be ascertained with reasonable exactness whether or not 
ihe herd of cows has decreased or diminished. An accurate idea of 
the rate of this change, however, can be arrived at only by an enu- 
meration of the pups. 

Both the daily counts of cows and the lessened amount of rookery 
space occupied demonstrate beyond question that a decrease has 
occurred in the number of cows on the St. Paul rookeries. A con- 
servative estimate would place tliis decrease in the neighborhood of 
20 per cent. The application of tliis rate of decrease to the number 
of cows present on this island in 1905 (65,884) would show that on 
August 1 last there were 52,700 breeding females on St. Paul. Tliis 
is as close an estimation as it is possible to make without an actual 
count of pups. 

Since August 1 , however, the seal herd has suffered from the com- 
bined attacks of both the Japanese and Canadian sealing fleets, with 
a total strength of probably 50 vessels, operating during the months 
of August and September and a portion of the month of October, the 
cateli of wliich represents in the neighborhood of 80 per cent of 
females. The loss from this source was unusually heavy and is not 
included in the numbers above given. It will be apparent on the 
islands in the death of pups from starvation, and reports concerning 
it will not be received until next spring. 

On St. George an actual count was made by Agents Cliichester 
and Clark of all pups born on that island last summer, wliich showed 
11,233 hve and 224 dead pups. In 1905, 12,699 hve and 253 dead 
pups were counted, from wliich it appears that a decrease on that 
island has occurred in pups born during the year's interval of 11 
per cent. 

Considering the increased activity in pelagic sealing during the 
past summer, an estimate would place the number in the w1id1# 
Pribilof Islands herd of seals at 180,000 animals of all classes. 

DEAD PUPS. 

A careful search was made during the summer for dead pups, with 
a view to determining whether any considerable number of deaths 
resulted before the effects of pelagic sealing became apparent on the 
rookeries through the presence of starved pups, and also the cause 
of death of those found. 

It is known, of course, that on the death of a mother seal the pup 
on shore dies of starvation, as no other female will suckle it. It fol^ 
lows, therefore, that for every adult cow killed at sea there is a 
corresponding death of a pup on shore. 

Wlien pelagic sealing was practiced only by vessels flying the 

Canadian flag, it was subject to the regulations of the Paris tribunal, 

which forbid seal killing between May 1 and August 1 of each year. 

As from 10 to 15 days are required for a pup to die of starvation, 

2403— H. Doc. 93, 62-1 18 



274 SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

the effect of sea killing on the newborn pups was not noticed on 
land much before August 15 of each year. Prior to this date, the 
death of pups could not be laid to pelagic sealing and liad to be 
ascribed to some other agency. 

Since the advent, however, of the Japanese as a factor in pelagic 
sealing the date when starved pups should be apparent on the 
rookeries has changed. The Japanese, as well as all other nations 
except the United States and Great Britain, are not bound by the 
Paris award, and they are free to engage in pelagic sealing at any 
time without regard to the closed season mentioned in the award. 
As the Japanese actually commence seal killing in Bering Sea previous 
to the 1st of July, deaths of pups from starvation occur at almost any 
time during that month. 

It is therefore impossible to say at the present time that any mor- 
tality in pups occurring before August 1 must be laid to some other 
source than pelagic sealing, as starved pups, whose mothers have been 
killed at sea, should now be found on the islands at any time during' 
the summer. 

Inquiries have been made recently of the department concerning 
the present effect of uncinaria on the seal pups, and it has been 
strongly intimated by certain persons that thousands of pups die 
annually from the ravages of tliis parasite, of which no mention is 
made in the agents' reports. The fact is that uncinaria has not now, 
nor has had for several years past, any known existence on the 
islands. This statement is justified by actual and careful examina- 
tions during the last three years. 

At the time of the investigations of the Jordan Commission in 
1896-97 numbers of dead pups were discovered prior to August 1, 
the cause of the death of which the commission finally ascribed to 
uncinaria, an intestinal parasite. 

From the thousands of dead pups found the commission made 345 
dissections in 1897, between the dates of July 25 and September 5, 
wliich resulted in their ascribing the death of 122 to uncinaria, 177 
to starvation, and 46 to other caus,es. Large numbers of these dead 
pups were found on the flat or sandy areas forming portions of the 
rookeries of Tolstoi and Zapadni, and on those areas the commission 
determined that uncinaria was specially deadly. They inferred that 
the ovum or embryo of the parasite was deposited in the sands or on 
the surface of these flat areas through the feces of adult seals, and 
were picked up on the fur of the mother during the breeding season. 
They were then nursed in by the pup and, lodging in its intestines, 
there developed and found its host, causing death from anaemia. 

It was claimed by the commission that uncinaria was actively an 
agent of death only on these flat areas. On the rocky beaches the 
ova were washed down between the interstices of the rocks and dis- 
appeared. The effect of this deadly parasite, therefore, must be looked 
for only on the flat areas. 

The conditions wliich were noted by the commission in 1896-97 
were probably abnormal. Since that time there has been observed no 
unusual number of dead pups on the areas described. The report of 
the commission states that dead pups were so numerous as to be 
thrown up in windrows on, the sands of English Bay by a storm. 
Nothing of this character has occurred since. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 275 

Whatever may have been the effect from this parasite in former 
years, tlie fact stands that for several years past neither of the areas 
wliich have been mentioned as being heavily impregnated with unci- 
naria was occupied by seals. Tliis is due to the shrinkage in the 
numbers of the herd and the consequent contraction of the space occu- 
pied. The flat stretch and gullies on Zapadni, known as the ''death 
trap," where so many uncinariated pups weie found by the Jordan 
Commission, do not contain seals at the present time. The seals on 
tliis, as on other rookeries, resort to the rocky beach. On Tolstoi the 
sand flat could be traversed almost at will at any time during the past 
season. 

The statement that uncinaria has no known existence on the islands 
at the present time is predicated mainly on the fact that during the. 
past summer Mr. M. C. Marsh, of the Bureau of Fisheries, an expert 
microscopist, in connection with the agents, made a careful search 
for dead pups, with a view of determining the causes of mortality. 
On Zapadni, as before stated, no pups were found on the area indi- 
cated by Dr. Jordan as being heavily infected. On Tolstoi a few 
sparse harems overlapped the sandy area from the beach line, but 
the number of seals thereon was small, and an observer at any time 
during the summer could have walked over the sand flat on that rook- 
ery. Agent Judge, in company with Mr. Marsh, visited the Tolstoi 
flat on several occasions with a view of determining the presence of 
dead pups and of ascertaining the cause of death of any found. On 
July 3 these gentlemen found a number of cows at the northern end of 
the area in charge of three bulls. About one-third of these cows were 
on the flat, while the remainder were on the rocky beach slope. In 
order to ascretain whether any dead pups were among these cows, 
they purposely stampeded them and drove nearly all into the water. 
On the rookery space vacated Mr. Judge counted 140 live pups, but 
found no dead. About 100 of these pups were on the sand. None of 
them showed signs of illness and when aroused, if sleeping, evinced 
abundant spirit. 

On July 4 Mr. Marsh obtained a dead pup on the Reef. On autopsy 
its lungs were found crushed, indicating trampling. On several other 
occasions dead pups were found by either Mr. Judge, Mr. Marsh, or 
myself on other rookeries which, upon dissection, showed that they 
Were either stillborn or had died immediately after birth. In these 
cases either the entire placenta or a portion of the umbilical cord still 
adhered. 

During the summer I took photographs of the gully on Zapadni to 
show that no seals were present thereon. Further examinations of 
dead pups during the period of my stay on the islands were not made, 
solely for the reason that no specimens other than those already men- 
tioned could be found. 

In addition, Mr. Marsh examined a number of specimens of feces of 
adult seals under the microscope and could find no ova of uncinaria 
therein. 

After July 16 the presence of so many sealing schooners in sight of 
the island made any disturbance of the seals on land decidedly unwise, 
and all counting or examination of the rookeries of such a nature as to 
drive the seals from land were discontinued. This is specially re- 
gretted, as it was contemplated to complete this examination by mak- 
ing a thorough count of all dead pups on the rookeries on or about 



276 SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 

August 1, and to examine enough of them to determine whether or not 
uncinaria caused the death of any of them. 

It can be stated, however, from such examination as could be made 
this summer, that uncinaria has no known existence on the islands, 
and that, if it is present at all, its effects are so slight as to from an 
inconsiderable feature in the death rate among pups. 

PELAGIC SEALING. 

Probably never in the histor}^ of the seal islands has the fur-seal 
herd suffered such a heavy blow as that which resulted from the oper- 
ations of the pelagic-sealing fleet during the past summer. This fleet 
consisted approximately of 15 Canadian and 30 Japanese schooners. 

The Canadian sealers, by the provisions of the "Paris award," are 
prohibited from killing seals in Bering Sea at any time with firearms, 
and are forced to observe a closed season between May 1 and July 31 
of each year. They are required also to operate outside of a closed 
zone with a radius of 60 miles about the Pribilof Islands, inside of 
which killing of seals is forbidden. 

No restrictions of this character, however, govern the Japanese 
vessels, so that in the open ocean they may take seals at any time and 
by any means. During the greater portion of the summer this latter 
fleet surrounded St. Paul Island, killing seals just outside the three- 
mile territorial limit. In some instances these vessels entered this 
limit, killing seals in violation of our laws. They even made a de- 
termined raid on the breeding rookeries themselves, in which the 
crews of four vessels apparently acted in concert. 

The latter incident may be stated briefly as follows : 

On the morning of July 16 a boat's crew of 6 Japanese landed at 
Northeast Point rookery, St. Paul Island, armed with a full equip- 
ment of clubs and other paraphernalia for seal killing, and were ar- 
rested by the agents of this department and the native guard before 
the marauders were able to kill any seals. 

On the morning of July 17 a boat's crew of 3 Japanese, attempting 
to land with firearms on the same rookery, were arrested by the na- 
tive guard and when escaping were fired upon and two of the boat's 
occupants killed and the third wounded. 

On the evening of the same day a Japanese schooner, the same one 
which the morning previous had landed a boat's crew, anchored 
within 300 yards of the same rookery under cover of a dense fog and, 
landing its crew by means of small boats, succeeded in killing about 
185 breeding seals, all but 2 of which were females in milk, and in 
securing the skins of about 120. Upon discovery by the agents and 
the native guard they attempted to escape with their plunder and, 
refusing to halt and submit to arrest, were fired upon by the native 
guard and 1 boat captured, containing 6 Japanese, 1 of whom was 
dead and 1 wounded. The body of another floated in the water and 
was not recovered by the boats, while the body of another is believed 
to have been thrown overboard from the schooner upon the return of 
the boats thereto. In this engagement the agents and the native 
guards were subjected to rifle fire from the deck of the schooner, 
without, however, any casualty. 

In this latter raid the party landed in 6 boats ahd consisted of at 
least 25 men. The native guard numbered about 15 men, only 6 of 
whom were armed. The agents were not armed. While only 1 of the 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 277 

boats was constrained to return to shore, several others could have 
been captured had the guard on shore been sufficiently equipped to 
have taken care of prisoners largely in excess of their own number. 

In addition to the raids noted above and while they were in prog- 
ress, on July 17, an attem])t to land under cover of the fog was made 
at Zapadni rookery, 14 miles away from Northeast Point, by 3 boats 
containing probably 18 men from another schooner. Upon discovery 
the native guard at that point, consisting of only 2 men, at once 
opened fire and continued firing until the boats retreated and were 
lost in the fog. On July 16, the day previous, a schooner was ob- 
served so close to Otter Island, whicli is 8 miles from St. Paul and 
uninhabited, as to make it very probable that a landing was made 
there. As this island does not contain a breeding rookery and is 
frequented at this season by only a few male seals, no practical dam- 
age from a raid there could result. On August 8 this island was 
again visited by a schooner and three boats' crews were seen to land 
there. 

While no further attempts were made to land on the island, sealing 
schooners were seen almost daily off St. Paul, sometimes close to 
shore. On quite a few occasions small boats were seen inside the 
3-mile limit. On August 1, 2, and 3, during a dense fog, shotgun 
firing from small boats was heard continuously close to land. An 
occasional lifting of the fog would show the presence of both schooners 
*and small boats close to the rookeries. On August 23 seven schooners 
were visible from the island at one time. From their action it would 
appear that the schooners took advantage of every foggy day to 
approach quite close to the island, while on clear days they kept 
outside the territorial 3-mile limit. 

The 12 prisoners captured on St. Paul were taken to Unalaska by 
the U. S. S. McCulloch, and, after being left there a week in the cus- 
tody of the United States deputy marshal while the revenue cutter 
took coal and returned to tlie island, were again taken aboard and 
transported to Kodiak, where they were formally committed before 
United States Commissioner Kelsey. They were sent thence by the 
mail steamer Dora to Valdez, where they were indicted. Five of the 
prisoners pleaded guilty of having killed seals. Six others were con- 
victed of an attempt to kill seals, while the remaining prisoner, after 
a trial in which the jury failed to agree, pleaded guilty to the charge 
of killing seals, and all were sentenced by United States District 
Judge Royal A. Gunnison to three months' imprisonment in the 
United States jail at Valdez. At the expiration of their sentences 
all the prisoners were deported to Japan. 

Notwithstanding the presence of so man}^ Japanese schooners in 
the close vicinity of the islands, no actual attempts were made by 
them to raid the rookeries on St. George Island. One schooner, 
however, after having approached the St. George village landing the 
previous day, sent several boats ashore on September 5 at Garden 
Cove. Upon discovery Agent Chichester and a native guard proceeded 
to the cove and found only one man from the schooner ashore. On 
the approach of Agent Chichester's party this man, a Japanese, hailed 
the ship, which was close inshore, asking the captain of the schooner 
to come to the beach. The latter, in a small boat manned by three 
sailors, came ashore in response to the hail, and all were placed under 
arrest, with the man already ashore. The captain stated to Mr. 



278 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Chichester that previous to this several of his boats had landed and 
taken water and ballast from the shore to the schooner. 

These prisoners were taken by the revenue cutter Perry to Unalaska 
and thence by the Dora to Valdez. Upon arrival there, and after 
examination of prisoners and witnesses by the United States attor- 
ney, they were released for the reason that that portion of the Revised 
Statutes which they violated (sec. 1959), which forbids landing on 
the islands without a permit, unfortunately carried no penalty other 
than summary removal from the islands. 

It is the fixed belief of both Agents Chichester and Clark, who 
were present on the island and supervised the capture of these pris- 
oners, that had the vessel been allowed to remain undisturbed and 
her crew permitted to land on the island at will, a serious raid on the 
rookeries would have resulted. The boats from this schooner landed 
within 2 miles of East rookery and 3 miles of Zapadni rookery, both 
of which contained large numbers of breeding seals. 

Aside from the determined raids made upon the breeding rookeries 
themselves, the continued killing of seals around the islands during 
the summer witliin a few miles of where they breed caused an im- 
mense loss of seal life. Falling, as it does, on a herd already deplete4 
to a minimum, there is little question that another year or two of 
such killing will result in the commercial extermination of the species. 

Incomplete returns from Victoria show that the spring catch of 
that fleet was 1,439 skins. I have not at hand at the present time 
any official statement showing what was the Canadian summer catch 
in Bering Sea. Their catch, however, can be best judged by the report 
of the London trade sales this winter, which show that 20,216 Pribi- 
lof sealskins, known to the trade as ''Northwest coast" skins, were 
offered for sale by the Canadian seaHng company. A rough esti- 
mate made by the consular agent at Hakodate places the Japanese 
summer catch from the Pribilof herd at 7,000. Tliis latter estimate 
undoubtedly is too low, but, accepting these figures as complete, it 
would show the pelagic catch from the Pribilof herd for 1906 to have 
been 27,216, as opposed to a land catch by the lessee of only 14,476. 
Tliis means that twice as many sealskins were taken in the water by 
pelagic hunters as were secured on land by the lessee under Govern- 
ment supervision. It indicates also that the ''monopoly" enjoyed by 
the lessee of the sealing right on the Pribilofs in effect is merely 
nominal. 

In contrasting the land and sea catches it must be remembered that, 
while the former represents the maximum of animals slain to secure 
the skins in the catch, the take of skins in the sea indicates on a fair 
average only one-fourth of the animals slain to secure it. Indeed, it 
was stated to Mr. Judge last summer by a Japanese castaway that 
7 out of every 10 seals shot in the water sink before the boats reach 
them. 

In a day's hunting a boat's crew probably fires on 10 seals for every 
one brought into the boat. Some of these are killed and immediately 
sink. Others are wounded, some superficially, others fatally. As 
the head of the seal, with its very thin skull, is usually the only por- 
tion of the animal exposed when the hunter fires, and as all sealers 
use heavy buckshot, it is more than probable that if the animal is 
shot and escapes it has received a dangerous or a fatal wound. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 279 

An instance in support of tliis came under my notice tliis summer. 
At Northeast Point on the morning of July 17 the watchmen heard 
almost incessant shotgun firing in the fog very close to shore. After 
tliis had continued for some minutes one of the boats landed and was 
captured. It contained the body of only one seal. Had all of the shots 
fired resulted in the capture of a seal the boat would have been 
swamped. 

Aside from the great loss in seals wliich are shot and not recover- 
able, it must be remembered that nearly 80 per cent of all seals taken 
in Bering Sea are pregnant females having nursing pups ashore, 
which die of starvation after the loss of the mother. The death of 
each pregnant female, therefore, means the loss of three lives to the herd, 
in addition to the great waste incident to the nonrecovery of seals 
shot in the water, which has just been referred to. 

In view of the facts just mentioned, it may fairly be believed that 
the catch of 27,216 skins by the pelagic fleets in 1907 represents a 
loss to tlie herd of upward of 75,000 animals. They show that to 
secure 27,000 skins on land only that number of animals need be 
killed, and they surplus males which can be spared witliout injury, 
while to secure 27,000 skins in the water practically 75,000 animals 
must be slaughtered. Stronger proof of the destructiveness of this 
practice and of the certainty and rapidity with which it reduces the 
lierd can not be given. 

The unexpected loss of so many breeding seals from the herd this 
-ummer shows plainly the necessity for speedy action on the part 
>f this Government if it w\ould preserve from extinction this val- 
uable and interesting species. Since 1870 this Government has re- 
ceived as revenue from the royalty on sealskins the sum of $9,022,- 
070.42. Under the present contract with the North American 
Commercial Co. it receives SI 0.22^ for each sealskin taken and 
shipped from the islands. With pelagic sealing abolished, it is 
estimated that in 10 years thereafter the Government will receive 
in royalty the sum of at least $250,000 per annum, which will be 
increased as the seals become more plentiful, with a strong proba- 
bility that even during the period mentioned the income will be 
greater than stated. Even with the herd in its present depleted 
condition, the Government will receive for the 14,476 skins taken in 
1906 the sum of $148,017.10. 

Aside from the commercial aspect of the situation, there is the 
higher one of preserving from extinction this most interesting species 
of wild animals. From a humane standpoint, if from no other, this 
Government should exert every effort to save to the world the fur 
seal, which otherwise will be numbered soon among the buffalo and 
other practically extinct species. 

The preservation and increase of the seal herd can be accomplished 
only by the stoppage of pelagic sealing. The most drastic measures 
to preserve and increase the seals will be ineffective so long as this 
practice continues. In view of the wanton waste of life which attends 
the hunting in the open sea, it would seem that this Government may 
at any time properly request the cooperation of other nations with 
the purpose of obtaining a cessation of the practice. 

As the result of overtures made by this Government to the Govern- 
ment of Great Britain, a tribunal of arbitration was convened at 
Paris in 1892, which made an award commonly known as the Paris 



280 SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

award. This award embodied regulations which prescribed a zone 
of 60 miles around the Pribilof Islands in which pelagic sealing was 
prohibited altogether, and a closed season from May 1 to July 31 of 
each year, during which seal hunting in the sea was to be discon- 
tinued by both nations. The award also forbids the use of firearms 
in Bering Sea and provides for a reopening of the question by mutual 
consent at the end of five years. 

Experience has shown that the 60-mile zone around the islands is 
wholly ineffective in protecting the breeding females from slaughter 
as they pass to and from the islands to their feeding grounds, as the 
females have been ascertained to go at least 150 miles to the south- 
ward of the islands to feed. V/hile these regulations undoubtedly 
have had the effect of checking in a measure the rate of destruction, 
they have been wholly ineffective in preventing the steady decrease 
in the numbers of the herd, which is the cause of this Government's 
anxiety in the matter. An effort to reopen the question before the 
High joint Commission in 1897 was frustrated by the intervention of 
the Alaska boundaiy dispute. 

At the time tliis award was made the United Strites and Great 
Britain were the only nations whose vessels engaged in pelagic seal- 
ing. Since that time the United States, by act of Congress, has for- 
bidden her citizens to hunt seals in the water. Since that time, how- 
ever, the subjects of Japan, aided by a substantial subsidy from their 
Government, have begun killing seals at sea and have followed it 
up with increasing vigor until now their fleet numbers 30 vessels, 
twice as many as now compose the Canadian fleet. These Japanese 
hunters, being unhampered by any regulation of their methods of 
killing seals in the water, absolutely nullify any beneficial effect the 
Paris award regulations may have had prior to the advent of the 
Japanese as a factor in pelagic sealing. 

It can be seen, therefore, that notwithstanding the efforts of this 
Government to obtain some satisfactory settlement of this question 
along diplomatic lines no agreement has been reached and the reduc- 
tion of the seal herd has continued steadily. It must be remem- 
bered also that the Paris award, inadequate as it has been shown to 
be, binds only this country and Great Britain, and is inefl'ective as 
regards Japan or any other nation. 

Considering the steady decrease in the seal herd, which has occurred 
each year since the commencement of pelagic sealing, together with 
the futility of the measures provided by the Paris award and the 
unusual and deadly menace involved in the operations of the Jap- 
anese pelagic fleet during the past summer, I urgently recommend 
that strong efforts be made to secure the abandonment of the practice 
of pelagic sealing through international agreement, which at least 
shall bind all nations having seaports on the Pacific. 

ROOKERY NUMBERS. 

The numbers painted in 1897 on rocks by the surveying party of 
the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey, to mark the approxi- 
mate boundaries of the various rookeries on the islands, have been 
renewed from year to year by the agents and are perfectly preserved 
at the present time. It is a fact, however, owing to the contraction 
of the area occupied by a fast diminishing herd, that these numbers 



SEAL ISLAl^DS OF ALASKA. 281 

serve little or no purpose in enumerations of seal life at the present 
time. On rookery stretches lying under abrupt cliffs, where at any 
time little expansion was possible, the numbers approach closely to 
the breeding seals at the present time, provided the beach is occupied 
by seals at all. But oii the flat areas, wliich in populous times gave 
place to the vast herd that thronged the rookeries, the shrinkage has 
been so great that the painted numbers are now nowhere near the 
seals. Tliis is specially true of the Reef, Zapadni, and Tolstoi. On 
Zapadni, in particular, these numbers are so far back that a person 
standing near the seals as they are to-day would have great diffi- 
culty in locating the numbers, which in 1897 were placed to mark 
the rookery space occupied. Notwithstanding tliis^ these numbers 
have been carefully preserved, and ^^'ill serve, if for no other purpose, 
to show approximately the limits of the breeding rookeries at the 
time when the numbers were first located. 

Tlie same may be said also of certain arbitrary marks and crosses 
painted on rocks by Mr. C. H. Townsend when making investigations 
on the islands under the United States Fish Commission. These 
crosses and other marks are carefully renewed with white paint each 
spring. 

There are certain rookeries on both islands the harems on which 
have to be counted from the cliffs above. As only portions of the 
rookery can be viewed at one time, it was formerly difficult in moving 
from place to place on the cliffs to determine the point where the 
previous count had ended and where the next count should begin. 
This has been simplified by divifling tlie rookery space into sections 
by means of broad lines painted in white on the rocks. B}^ counting 
the seals in each section separately no confusion is encountered, 
and the count thereby is made accurate. Tolstoi and Tolstoi Cliff's 
rookeries on St. Paul and East rookery on St. George have been so 
treated. 

PHOTOGRAPHS OF ROOKERIES. 

In 1906, as in 1905, the rookeries were photographed' by myself 
on St. Paul and by Mr. Chichester on St. George. To make these 
photographs of the most value they were taken wherever possible 
from tlie same stations as those taken by Townsend and Miller in 
189.5. thereby allowing a comparison to be made of the aspect of 
the rookeries at that time with that of the present da}^, after a lapse 
of 11 years. 

In view of my early departure from the islands last summer, as a 
result of the Japanese rai I, Mr. Judge completetl the photograpliing 
of St. Paul by making exposures on Reef, Gorbatch, Ardiguen, and 
Zapadni. 

The seal rookeries are now so much smaller that photographs taken 
from the stations used by Messrs. Townsend and Miller in 1895 give 
an inadequate idea of the present breeding grounds. Mr. Chichester 
on St. George has established a number of new stations, from which 
to better show the condition of the rookeries to-day. On St. Paul 
also, wherever possible, new stations were selected for the same 
reason. 

' Photographs not print* d. 



282 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA- 

NATIVE CENSUS. 

The censuses taken on both isUinds June 30, 1906, show 168 native 
residents on St. Paul and 91 on St. George, or a total of 259 for both 
islands. This represents a net increase during the year of 42.indi- 
viduals for St. Paul and 2 for St. George. On St. Paul there ,^were 
10 births and 6 deaths and on St. George there were 6 births, 2 deaths, 
and 2 removals to the Jesse Lee Home, at Unalaska. The detailed 
censuses are herewith submitted as exhibits. 

natives' earnings. 

On St. Paul there was divided among the native sealers at the 
close of the season of 1906, for taking 12,536 sealskins, at 75 cents 
each, the sum of $9,402. On St. George, for taldng 1,940 sealskins 
in 1906, the natives received $1,455, and for taking 456 blue-fox skins, 
at $5 each, and 11 wliite-fox sldns, at $1 each, the sum of $2,291. 
No fox skins were taken on St. Paul. These amounts were available 
for natives' support during the past winter and were disbursable by 
means of orders drawn on the company by the Government agents 
for necessary supplies to the native families. 

GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATION. 

In addition to the amounts already detailed as available for natives' 
support from their earnings in taking skins, the Government appro- 
priation of $19,500 for the fiscal year 1907 was apportioned to the 
two islands, at the rate of $8,500 for St. Paul and $5,300 for St. 
George. The remainder of the appropriation, namely, $5,700, was 
reserved for the purchase of 285 tons of coal, to be delivered in June, 
1907. 

PERFORMANCE OF CONTRACT BY LESSEE. 

During the past year the lessee satisfactorily performed the obli- 
gations of its contract with the Government. Schools with compe- 
tent teachers were maintained on both islands for the native children 
during eight months of the year. A physician and medical supphes 
were also furnished on each island during the entire year without cost 
to the natives. Such widows and orphans and aged and infirm per- 
sons as were unable to provide for themselves were furnished with the 
necessaries of life in sufficient quantity by the lessee, which also pro- 
vided dwellings for the entire native population and kept the same 
in repair, and furnished such quantity of salt salmon, salt, and bar- 
rels for preserving meat as were required by the natives. It also 
delivered the 80 tons of coal called for by the contract. 

FOXES. 

The fox catch on St. George during the j)ast winter, amounting to 
456 blues and 11 whites, was a gratifying increase over the number 
taken the previous winter, namely, 258 blues and 10 whites. During 
the past several years great attention has been paid by the Govern- 
ment agents on St. George to the feeding of foxes, everj^ effort being 
made to furnish them with as large a supply of food as possible. 



SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 283 

This undoubtedly has had the effect of increasing the number of ani- 
mals in the herd and, as weE, the number in the catch. A report by 
Agent Chichester, who had charge of St. George last winter, may be 
found appended as an exhibit, in which the condition of the fox herd 
on that island is gone into in detail. 

On St. Paul an increased number of foxes was noted on the island 
during the past summer and the winter previous. It would seem 
from this that the foxes on St. Paul are gradually recovering from 
the effects of the disastrous epidemic which occurred several years 
ago, in which almost all the foxes on St. Paul and a large number on 
St. George perished. It is possible that during the winter of 1906-7 
a small number of foxes will be taken on St. Paul by Agent Judge. 

DAILY FIELD NOTES. 

During the past summer Agent Judge and myself kept, as usual, 
a daily record of our observations of seal life. In the belief that 
this may be of some value in arriving at a correct understanding 
of the present conditions on St. Paul Island, a transcript of such is 
subjoined to this report. It must be remembered that these notes 
were not made for the purpose of pubUcation, but for our own use, 
and were hastily jotted down without amplification.' 

I desire to express my great appreciation of the services of the 
natives in guarding the rookeries and in repelling raids on the same 
during the past summer. None could have been more faithful or 
determined in performing that service. The agents of the lessee also 
rendered assistance by furnishing their teams gratis in transporting 
the guard from place to place, and by providing medical attendance, 
houses, and provisions for the prisoners during their stay on the 
islands. 

Respectfully, W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge of Seal Fisheries. 

The Secretary of Commerce and Labor. 

I The dally field notes were submited as Exhibit l to the report, but were omitted in printing. 



284 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



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286 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



Exhibit 3. — Statistics 


of killings, St. Paul, season of 


1906. 








Date. 


Killed. 


Number dismissed. 


Total 
driven. 




Rookeries. 


Not branded. 


New brands. 


1904 brands. 


Per 
cent 




Small. 


Large. 


Two 
years. 


Three 
years. 


Four 

years. 


Five 
years. 


killed. 


Zapadni 


1906. 
June 23 
June 25 
June 27 
June 28 
June 29 
June 30 
July 2 
...do.... 
July 3 
July 5 
July 6 
July 7 
July 9 
July 11 
July 13 
July 14 
July 15 
July 16 
July 17 
July 19 
July 20 
July 22 

...do 

July 24 
July 25 
JulV 27 
July 28 

...do.... 
July 30 
July 31 

...do 


183 
468 
457 
488 
167 
566 
114 
471 
14 
36 
847 
412 
719 
670 
836 
464 
27 
248 
113 
392 
302 
395 

63 
483 
296 
505 
425 
122 
316 
246 

37 


37 

86 

72 

122 

9 

97 

34 

107 

5 

1 

256 

135 

184 

243 

212 

150 

5 

110 

19 

163 

67 

203 


61 
176 
179 
136 
51 
163 
42 
70 
4 
30 
77 
31 
50 
34 
37 
31 
5 
8 
32 
45 
36 
18 


1 

1 

185 

110 

11 

20 

4 

42 

3 

2 

32 

39 

52 

32 

85 

54 

3 

4 

7 

50 

25 

11 


26 

4 

85 

58 

9 

15 

1 

33 

1 

1 

15 

22 

30 

14 

59 

28 

2 

12 

11 

36 

22 

20 


« 2 
16 
3 

2 

14 
1 


4 
15 
3 

4 

8' 

3' 


314 
766 
984 
918 
249 
883 
196 
726 
27 
75 

1,230 
644 

1,038 
995 

1,235 
728 
42 
382 
186 
686 
453 
656 


58 


Northeast Point 

Reef 

Zapadni 

Halfway Point 

Northeast Point 

Tolstoi 

Reef 

Zapadni 

Poloyina 

Northeast Point 

Reef 

Zapadni 

Northeast Point 

Reef and Gorbatch 

Zapadni 

Halfway Point 


61 
46 
53 
67 
63 
58 
64 
61 


2 

3 
1 

4" 

1 


5 

1 
2 
2 
2 
2 


48 
68 
63 
69 
67 
67 
63 
64 






65 


Tolstoi 

Reef 


1 


3 


60 
57 


Zapadni 

Northeast Point 

Northeast Point (killed 
by Japanese July 17, 
1904) 

Reef and Gorbatch 

Zapadni 

Northeast Point 

Reef and Gorbatch 

Tolstoi 


1 
5 


4' 


66 
60 


456 

248 

347 

278 

4(5 

189 

89 

10 


52 
61 
111 
37 
17 
42 
52 
19 


51 
46 
42 
42 
17 
34 
5 
2 


44 
29 
20 
45 
12 
22 
9 
8 


9 
3 
6 
2 


6 

4' 


1,101 
683 

1,095 
829 
214 
604 
403 
76 


43 
43 
51 
51 
57 


Zapadni 

Northeast Point 




1 

2 


52 
61 
48 












Total 


10,942 


3,980 


1,707 


1,012 


693 


76 


71 


18,411 


59 









Exhibit 4. — Classification of large seals dismissed, St 


Paul, 


season of 1906 




Rookeries. 


Date. 


Four 
years. 


Five 

years. 


Six 
years. 


Seven 
years. 


Eight 
and 
over. 


Total. 


Zapadni 


1906. 
June 23 
June 25 
June 27 
June 28 
June 29 
June 30 
July 2 
...do 


20 
87 

115 
98 
27 

100 
21 
42 


17 
43 
41 
24 
17 
30 
8 
20 


21 
32 
22 
10 
7 
22 
3 
3 
1 
6 
12 
4 
7 
3 
5 
1 
1 
1 
6 
6 
2 


3 
14 

4' 


i" 


61 


Northeast Point 


176 


Reef. 


179 




136 


Halfway Point 


51 


Northeast Point 


11 

10 
5 
3 

1 
5 




163 


Tolstoi 


42 


Reef 


70 


Zapadni 


July 3 
July 5 
July 6 
July 7 
July 9 
July 11 
July 13 
July 14 
July 15 
July 16 
July 17 
July 19 
July 20 
July 22 
July 24 
July 25 
July 27 
July 28 
...do 


4 


Poloyina • 


12 
52 
23 
36 
24 
28 
26 

3 

6 
20 
24 
23 
16 
31 
37 
46 
18 

8 
25 
27 

6 


11 

8 
4 

I 

4 

1 

1 

6 

8 

11 

2 

15 

20 

20 

13 

5 

13 

14 

13 


30 




77 


Reef 


31 


Zapadni 


1 




50 


Northeast Point 


34 


Reef 


2 


1 


37 


Zapadni 


31 


Halfway Point 






5 


Northeast Point 






8 


Tolstoi . 






32 


Reef 




7 


45 


Zapadni 


36 








18 


Reef and Gorbatch 


4' 

22 
4 
1 
4 
3 


1 

ii' 


5 

ii' 

2 
3 


62 




61 


Northeast Point 


111 


Reef and Gorbatch 


37 


Tolstoi 


17 


Zapadni 


July 30 
July 31 
...do. . .. 


42 


Northeast Point 




8 


52 


Polovina 


19 














Total 


1,001 


383 


213 


72 


38 


1,707 









SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



287 



Exhibit 5. — Counts of breeding rookeries, St. Paul, season of 1906. 
AMPHITHEATF.R OF KETOVI. 



Date. 


Bulls. 


Quit- 
ters. 


Ha- 
rems. 


Cows. 


Date. 


Bulls. 


Quit- 
ters. 


Ha- 
rems. 


Cows. 


May 14 


1 
2 
5 
5 
6 
6 
6 
7 
4 
5 
5 
6 








June 23 


6 
7 
7 
8 
8 
8 
8 
9 
9 
9 
7 
10 


3 

1 
1 

i' 

i' 

i" 

1 


2 
5 
5 
7 
7 
7 
8 
9 
9 
9 
7 
10 





23 








25 


6 










26 


9 










27 


16 


9 









30 


37 


11 • 


1 
1 






July 2 


58 


12 








104 


13 






6 


145 


15 


3 
3 
2 
2 






8 


173 


17 






11 


201 


19 






13 


176 


21 


1 


1 


1 23 


104 









LUKANIN. 



May 8 
14 
23 

June (i 
7 
9 
11 
12 
13 
15 
17 
19 



1 

5 
14 
32 
32 
33 
35 
35 
33 
33 
35 
37 






! 












1 






1 








2 
1 

1 
2 
2 

2 


■ ■ 








1 


i 


i 

3 
5 


1 

3 

, 



June 21 

23 

25 

26 

27 

30 

July 2 

4 

6 

8 

11 

13 



37 


2 


9 


34 


5 


14 


36 


3 


13 


35 


1 


15 


36 


3 


18 


35 


4 


21 


36 


2 


26 


37 


2 


31 


36 


2 


32 


36 


2 


32 


38 




35 


38 


2 


36 



13 
31 
58 

88 
111 
226 
273 
487 
674 
849 
921 



KETOVI, EXCLUSIVE OF AMPHITHEATER. 



May 23 

June 6 

7 

9 

11 

12 

13 

15 

17 

19 

21 

23 



4 

26 
27 
24 
'24 
24 
25 
22 
26 
28 
29 
27 





















9 
9 
9 

8 
12 
8 
3 

7 
9 


























1 
8 
12 


i 

8 
10 



33 


3 


21 


35 


2 


27 


36 


1 


28 


37 


1 


30 


35 


7 


31 


37 


4 


27 


39 


6 


34 


41 


5 


35 


45 


4 


40 


43 


3 


40 


46 


2 


44 



37 

49 
85 
180 
281 
434 
651 
846 
1,028 
950 
765 



LAGOON. 



June 11 


15 
15 

18 
19 


4 
3 

2 
2 






July 3 


19 
23 
23 
22 


4 

i' 

1 


13 
20 
23 
21 


177 


14 






9 


365 


17 






12 


450 


27 


11 


42 


14 


440 









TOLSTOI, 



May 2. 

4. 

20. 

June 11. 



June 14 
17 

July 12 
14 



90 




6 


99 


1 


13 


105 




104 


112 




112 



TOLSTOI CLIFFS. 



June 11 


23 
24 
26 
32 


3 
4 
2 

1 




July 3 


32 
33 
34 


2 
2 
1 


26 
32 
32 


384 


14 




12.. 


812 


17 


2 
23 


2 
105 


14 


788 


27 







288 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



Exhibit 5. — Counts of breeding rookeries, St. Paul, season of 1906 — Continued. 

LITTLE ZAPADNL 



Date. 


Bulls. 


Quit- Ha- I p 
ters. rems. i '^°^^- 

1 


1 

Date. Bulls. 


Quit- 
ters. 


Ha- 
rems. 


Cows. 


Mav 2 


2 
4 
4 
7 
25 






June 10 59 

21 62 

28 64 

July 14 ' 81 


5 
5 
3 












18 
36 

78 


35 


8 










15 . . 










20 





















ZAPADNI. 



May 4 


2 

5 

10 

15 

30 






1 June 4 






1 

2 

44 

162 


1 










10 


103 
127 
109 


5 
2 
3 


2 


8 








23 

July 14 




15 










20 























ZAPADNI REEF. 



May 20 . . 


6 
11 
14 


1 

1 . 




Julv 1.. 


14 
13 
14 


1 


10 
12 
14 


07 


June 10 


3 
1 






9 


225 


21 


3 


3 


14 


254 









GORBATCH CLIFFS. 



June 9 
13 
16 
17 
21 
22 
26 



7 
7 








1 




1 


1 


1 




1 


7 


1 




1 


7 
6 








1 




1 


7 






» 



June 27 

July 1 

4 

6 

13 

23 



8 




6 


6 


1 


8 




i' 


8 


8 




7 


( 




' 



15 
47 
90 
97 
145 



GORBATCH. 



May 6 
8 
17 
30 
June 5 
8 
9 



1 

4 

27 
35 
80 
81 
71 


























6 
2 
8 
















1 



June 13 
16 
17 
21 
22 

July 13 



80 


6 


5 


81 


t 


6 


85 


3 


6 


87 


4 


27 


90 


3 


35 


111 


1 


109 



REEF. 



May 2 

6 

8 

13 

20 

June 6 



2 

1 

7 

26 

48 

130 


















1 








5 

















June 8 
9 
15 
22 

July 13 



132 




1 


92 
179 


1 1 
13 




5 


190 


11 


53 


206 


13 


201 

! 



POLOVINA. 


May 31 


39 
38 
34 








June 20 


38 
39 
40 


6 
4 
2 


10 
21 
38 


20 




5 
5 


i 

3 


1 
3 


29 

July 13 




15 










POLOVINA CLIFFS. 


June 11 


17 
16 
20 


5 
8 
4 




July 5 


23 
27 


3" 


21 
26 


251 


15 




13 


655 


28 


15 45 















» From Reef Point to Mass at No. 18. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



289 



Exhibit 5. — Counts of breeding rookeries, St. Paul, season of 1906 — Continued. 

LITTLE POLOVINA. 



Date. 


Bulls. 


Quit- 
ters. 


Ha- 
rems. 


Cows. 


Date. 


Bulls. 


Quit- 
ters. 


Ha- 
rems. 


Cows. 


May 31 


5 

8 
6 








June 28 


10 
10 
12 


i' 


5 

9 
12 


60 










July 5 


246 


15 


2 


1 


1 


13 


441 









NORTHEAST POINT. 



May 5 
20. 
31. 



1 

82 
173 



























June 25. 
July 16. , 



249 
305 



127 
296 



NORTHEAST POINT, EAST SIDE. 



June 25 

29 

July 5 



13 


1 


3 


3 


13 


2 


9 


15 


14 


2 


13 


92 



July 10. 
16. 



217 



SEA LION ROCK. 



May 5. 
6. 



3 
19 


7 











May 13. 
June 21. 



NORTHEAST POINT, WEST SIDE. 



June 25 

29 

July 5 



15 


2 


9 


9 


18 


1 


17 


87 


20 


1 


18 


339 



July 10. 
16. 



21 


1 


21 


21 




21 



ARDIGUEN. 



May 8 


1 
2 
10 
11 
10 
11 
11 
11 
12 








June 21 


11 
11 
13 
13 
12 
14 
14 
14 
14 


2 

2 


4 
5 
8 
8 
9 

12 
12 
14 
14 


6 


20 








22 


10 


June 6 








26 


41 


8 








27 


43 


9 








July 1 


105 


13 


2 






4 


180 


15 






6 


231 


16 


1 


1 


1 


13 


336 


17. . . 


23 

















Exhibit 6. — Counts of harems, St. Paul, 1906. 



Date. 


Roolcery. 


Bulls. 


Harems. 


Idle. 


Quitters. 


July 13 


Gorbatch Clifis 


8 

111 
14 

206 
43 
7 
38 
12 
27 
46 

169 
81 
14 

112 
34 
23 

305 


7 

109 
14 

201 
40 
7 
36 
12 
26 
38 

162 
78 
14 

112 
32 
21 

296 


1 

2 




13 




1 


13. .. 






.13 


Reef 


5 
3 


13 


13 




3 


13 




1 


13 


Lukanin 


2 


2 


13 




1 


13 


Polovina Cliffs 


1 
2 
7 
3 


3 


13 




2 


14 


Zapadni . 


3 


14 






14 






14 


Tolstoi 






14 


Tolstoi Cliffs . 


2 
2 
9 


1 


14 




1 


16 


Northeast Point. . . 


10 




Total 






1,244 


1,205 


39 


41 









2403— H. Doc. 93, 62-1 19 



290 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 
Exhibit 7. 



St. Paul Island, Alaska, July 27, 1906. 
Dear Mr. Judge: In view of the fact that several schooners are hanging off the 
islands, I suggest that the count of dead pups and other counts required by the regu- 
lations be made without disturbing the rookeries any more than is necessary. Under 
no circumstances do I think the cows should be driven off the rookeries. 
Respectfully, 

Edwin W. Sims. 



Exhibit 8. — Census of dead pup seals, St. Paul Island, Alaska, 1905. 



Date of 
count. 


Rookery. 


Dead 
pups. 


Remarks. 




Oct. 17 




143 
15 
65 
45 
8 

153 
13 






17 






19 


Polovina 




19 


Polovina Cliffs 




19 






24 






24 


Ardiguen 




25 


The Reef 


407 


Rainy. 




25 


Tolstoi 


365 
200 
147 
14 
473 


Light rain. 




20 






26 


Little Zapadni 




26 






27 








Total 






2,048 










Respectfully, Ezra W. Clark, 





Assistant Agent, in Charge. 



Exhibit 9. — Native census, St. Paul Island, Alaska, year ended June 30, 1906. 



No. of 
family. 



Name. 



Family relation. 



Birthplace. 



Date of birth. 



Bogodanof, Nicoli 

Bogodanof, Uleta 

Bogodanofl, Agriflna 

Burdukofsky, Apollen 

Burdukofsky , Peter 

Buterin, Karp 

Buterin, Parascovia 

Buterin, Constantine 

Mazeekin, Wassilisai 

Fratis, John 

Fratis, Sandulia 

Fratis, Gabriel 

Galaktionef, Alexander 

Galaktionef, Lukeria 

Galaktionef, Mary 

Galaktionef, Matrona 

Hanson, Anna 

Gromof, Nicoli 

Gromof, Oulianna 

Stepetin, Pavla 

Volkof , Tecan 

Stepetin, Elary,,ir 

Kochutin, Jacob 

Kochutin, Alexandra 

Kochutin, Larion 

Mandrigan , Innokenty 

Mandrigan, Nekifer 

Koshevnikof, Paul 

Koshevnikof, Mary 

Koshevnikof, Constantine. 

Kochutin, John 

Kochutin, Claudia 

Kochutin, Nikanor 

Kochutin, Erena 

Vickilof, Alexander 



Husband 

Wife 

Niece 

Father 

Son 

Husband 

Wife.- 

Son 

Adopted daughter. 

Husband 

Wife 

Son 

Husband 

Wife 

Daughter 

do 

Stepdaughter 

Husband 

Wife 

Adopted daughter 

Orphan 

Adopted son 

Husband 

Wife 

Son 

Orphan 

do 

Husband 

Wife 

Son , 

Husband , 

Wife 

Son , 

Daughter 

Stepson 



34 

39 

9 

53 

27 

52 

50 

20 

11 

20 

16 

3mos. 

34 

29 

4 

3 

6 

38 

36 

14 

13 

5 

54 

44 

13 

14 

10 

22 

32 

1 

35 

26 

5 

3 



St. George. 

do 

St. Paul... 
Unalaska.. 
St. Paul... 

....do 

Unalaska. . 
St. Paul... 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

Atka 

St. Paul... 

.-..do 

....do 

....do 

Attu 

St. Paul... 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

Unalaska.. 
St. Paul... 

....do 

do 

do.... 

St. George 
St. Paul... 

do 

St. George 
St. Paul... 

do.... 

do 



June 
June 
Nov. 



June 
Feb. 
June 
Nov. 
Apr. 

Jan. 

May 
Oct. 
Aug. 



June 
June 
July 



Mar. 
Feb. 



Apr. 
Feb. 



Aug. 
May 
Sept 



30, 1897 
5,1853 
22, 1897 



2, 1886 
10, 1895 
14, 1886 
15, 1890 

7,1906 

1,1877 

29. 1902 

17. 1903 
14, 1900 



28. 1892 

12. 1893 
24, 1901 



8, 1893 

18, 1896 

17, 1874 
4,1905 , 

11,1901 
14, 1903 
2, 1S97 



i 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 291 

Exhibit 9. — Native census, St. Paul Island, Alaska, year ended June SO, 1906 — Con. 



Name. 



Kochutin, Trefan 

Kochcrgin, George 

Kochergin, Agafia 

Emanof, Mary 

Tetof , Peter 

Kozlof, Michael 

Kozlof, Paraseovia 

Serebrinikof, Ripsimia.. 

Kozlof, Nicoli 

Kozlof, Alexandra 

Krukof, John 

Krukof , Uleta 

Krukof, Alexandra 

Diakanof. Andrew 

Krukof, Nicoli 

Krukof, Catherine 

Krukof, Eustinia 

Emanof, Alexia 

Krukof. Metrofan 

Krukof, Pelegia 

Philimonof, Fekla 

Kushin, Michael 

Kushin, Matrona 

Kushin, Nestor 

Hanson , John 

Kushin, Oulianna 

Hopof, Nekita 

Kushin, Mary 

Melovidov, Alexander.. 

Melovidov, Salome 

Melovidov, Anton 

Melovidov, Alexandra. . 

Melovidov, Alfai 

Melovidov, Simoon 

Melovidov, Alexandra.. 
Melovidov, Margaret. . . 
Melovidov, Christopher. 
Melovidov, Alexander.. 
Melovidov, Simeon, jr. . 
Merculieff, Alexander. . . 
Merculieft", .\gafia. 



Family relation. 



Widower 

Husband 

Wife 

Cousin 

Adopted son... 

Son 

Mother 

Cousin 

Husband 

Wife 

Husband 

Wife 

Daughter 

Stepson 

Husband 

Wife 

Daughter 

Nephew 

Husband 

Wife 

Sister-in-law. . . 

Husband 

Wife 

Nephew 

do 

Daughter 

Bachelor 

AVidow 

Husband 

Wife 

Son 

Daugliter 

Son 

Husband 

Wife 

Daughter 

Son 

do 

do 

Husband 

Wile 



Merculieff, Paul ! Son. 



29 



Merculieff, -Vuxenia. 

Merculieff, Terenty 

Merculieff, Dorafay 

Merculieff, Paul 

Merculieff, John 

Merculieff, Avdotia 

Merculieff'. Serefima 

Nozekof, Simeon 

Nozekof, Ardotia 

Nozekof, Mary 

Kozeroff , Ivanally 

Kozeroft', Alexandra 

Orloff, J. E. (Rev.) 

Orloff , Nadia 

Orloff, Olga 

Orloff, Nicoli 

Orloff. Alexandra 

Nederazof, Catherine 

Pankof, Parfiri 

Pankpf, Martha 

Pankof, Vlass 

Pankof, Mary 

Rookovishnekof, Stepan 

Rookovishnekof, Elizabeth. 
Rookovishnekof, Andrew... 

Sedick, Theodore 

Sedick, Innokenty 

Sedick, John. 

Kochuten . Karp 

Kochuten , .Mary 

TCochuten, Theodore 

Shabolin, Necon 

Shabolin, Fekla 

Shabolin, Varvara 

Shabolin, Matrona 

Shabolin. Daniel 

Stepetin, Dorafay 

Stepetin, Luboff 

Stepetin, Chionia 

Stepetin, Auxenia , 

Stepetin, Helena 



Daughter 

Sou 

....do 

Brother 

Husband 

Wife 

Daughter 

Husband 

Wife 

Daughter 

Half brother 

Half sister 

Father 

Daughter 

do 

Son 

Daughter 

Housekeeper 

Father 

Daughter 

Son 

Daushter-in-law 

Husband 

Wife 

Son 

Father 

Son 

do 

Grandson 

Daughter 

Son-in-law 

Husband 

Wife 

Daughter 

do 

Son 

Husband 

Wife 

Daughter 

do 

do 



Age. 



Birthplace. 



20 
28 
26 
15 
4 
20 
47 
13 
18 
25 
26 
22 
Inf. 
12 
55 
45 
16 
8 
23 
18 
11 
21 
15 
13 
10 
; mos. 
18 
51 
31 
30 
12 
4 
3 
38 
38 
14 
12 
10 
7 

30 

28 

11 

10 

3 

1 

16 

20 

33 

2 

29 

31 

8 

18 

13 

48 

14 

16 

12 

9 

48 

43 

8 

18 

19 

25 

19 

1 

58 

21 

9 

1 

19 

18 

39 

36 

8 



3 

35 

30 

11 

7 

1 



St. Paul 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

Unalaska , 

St. Paul 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

Sitka 

Kamschatka. .. 

St. Paul 

do 

do 

St. George 

do 

St. Paul 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

St. George 

St. Paul 

do 

.....do 

do 

do 

do 

Akutan 

St. Paul 

do 



Date of birth. 



Oct. 
Oct. 

June 
Mar. 

Sept 

Oct. 
Mar. 
Jan. 
Dec. 
July 
May 



17,1885 
12, 1877 

14. 1891 
24,1902 
24, 1885 

10. 1892 
22, 1888 
20. 1881 
28, 1880 
25, 1884 
27,1906 



Oct. 15,1889 



Nov. 
Nov. 
Nov. 
Apr. 
Dec. 
Sept. 



21,1884 
27.1891 
7. 1892 
7.1896 
24, 1905 
27,1888 



.do. 
.do. 
.do. 
.do. 
.do. 
.do. 
.do. 
.do. 



Sept. 


2, 1874 


Aug. 


15,1875 


Dec. 


13.1893 


Feb. 


13,1902 


June 


13,1903 


Mar. 


18,1892 


Aug. 


11.1894 


Mav 


28. 1896 


June 


7,1899 


Aug. 


27,1875 


Mav 


9.1878 


July 


4,1894 


Apr. 


27,1896 


Apr. 


22, 1903 


Feb. 


22, 1905 


Mar. 


11 . 1890 



St. Paul 






St. Michael 






St. Paul 


Aug. 


10, 1904 


Unalaska 






St. Paul 






do 


Mar. 
July 
Feb. 


20,1898 


do 


14, 1888 


.do 


9.1893 


Sitka 




do 




.do 




do 




do 




.do 




St. Paul 




....do 


May 


12,1898 


....do 


Feb. 


21,1888 


do 


July 


31,1886 


do 


Jan. 


22.1881 


do 


June 


28,1887 


do 


July 


17,1905 


do 






do 


Oct. 


4, 1884 


do 


.\pr. 
Aug. 


11,1897 


do 


25,1905 


do 


July 
Mar. 


13, 1886 


do 


1,1888 


do 




St. George 




St. Paul 


Jan. 


18,1898 


do 


Apr. 
Dec. 

Dec. 


11,1900 


.do 


23,1902 


do 




do 

do 


9, 1895 


do 


Feb. 


6, 1899 


do 


May 


14,1905 



292 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Exhibit 9. — Native census, St. Paul Island, Alaska, year ended June SO, 1906 — Con. 



No. of 
family. 



Name. 



Family relation. 



Age. 



Birthplace. 



Date of birth. 



Stepetin, Elary 

Stepetin, Anna 

Stepetin, Agnes 

Stepetin, Nicoli 

Stepetin, Mark 

Stepetin, John 

Stepetin, Vera 

Stepetin, Vassili 

Stepetin, Larion 

Stepetin, Vassili 

Shaisnakof, George... 
Shaisnakof, Oulianna. 
Shaisnakof, Sergius... 

TetofE, Neon 

Tetoff, Agriflna 

Tetoff, Mary 

Tetoff, Demetri 

Tetoff, Irena 

TetoS, Agriflna 

Tetoff, John 

Tetoff, Peter 

Tetoff, Mary 

Kochuten, Varvara. . . 

Tetoff, Zachar 

Tetoff, Daria 

Tetoff, Paul 

Krukof , Condrat 

Krukof , Feotesta 

Mazeekin, John 

Seduli, Elizabeth 

Stepetin, Marina 



WIDOWS AND ORPHANS. 



Kochutin, Zenobia 

Kochutin, Innokenty 

Kochutin, Mark 

Krukof, Anna 

Krukof, Mary 

Emanof , Mary 

Emanof , Eneka 

Emanof, Peter 

Peeshnekof, Wassalisia 

Artomonof , Alexandra 

Vikilof , Alexandra 

Balakshin, Matrona 

Shaposhnikof , Parascovia 

B ookovlshnekof , Parascovia. 

Frates, Akalina 

Frates, Agrafina 

Frates, Simeon 

Frates, Oulianna 

Frates, Martha 



Husband 

Wife 

Daughter 

Son 

do 

Husband 

Wife ; 

Son 

do 

Nephew 

Husband 

Wife 

Son 

Husband 

Wife 

Daughter 

Son 

Daughter 

do 

Son 

Husband 

Wife 

Adopted daughter. 

Husoand 

Wife 

Son 

do 

Mother 

Bachelor 

Widow 

Daughter of John . . 



Mother. 
Son.... 



Nephew . 
Widow.. 



Daughter , 

Widow 

Son , 

do 

Widow , 

do 

Adopted daughter 

Widow.. 

Spinster 

Niece 

Widow 

Daughter 

Son 

Daughter 

do 



42 

35 

10 

3 

Inf. 

27 

26 

5 

2 

13 

24 

18 

1 

36 

31 

10 

8 

6 

4 

2 

41 

45 

9 

27 

26 

1 

16 

40 

17 

65 



St. Paul . . . 

Unalaska . . 

St. Paul... 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do..«.. 

Unalaska . . 

St. Paul... 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

St. George. 

St. Paul... 
do 

St. George. 

St. Paul... 

do 

do 

do 

Unalaska.. 

St. Paul... 



do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

Atka 

St. Paul 

do , 

do 

St. Michael. 
St. Paul.... 

do , 

do 



Unalaska. 
St. Paul.. 

do.... 

do.... 

do.... 



Feb. 

May 

May 

July 

June 

Jan. 

Nov. 

Feb. 

Apr. 

Nov. 

Nov. 

Sept. 

June 

Jan. 

Nov. 

Mar. 

June 

May 



1, 1896 

21. 1903 
8, 1906 
6, 1879 

16, 1880 
10, 1902 
3,1904 
8, 1893 
23, 1882 
1,1888 
30, 1905 
14, 1869 
23, 1885 

6. 1896 

6. 1897 
29, 1900 
14, 1902 

12. 1904 



Dec. 17,1896 
May 21,1879 
Mar. 31,1880 
June 5, 1905 
Mar. 22,1890 

Sept. 26,1889 

Mar. 17,1898 



Dec. 
Nov. 



7, 1902 
4, 1894 



Nov. 1,1901 
Oct. 11,1903 



Mar. 23,1889 

June 13,1891 
Feb. 15,1894 
Jan. 13,1896 
Feb. 19,1899 



RECAPITULATION. 

Hales 85 

Females 83 

Native population June 30, 1905 164 

Births during year ended June 30, 1906 10 

Total 174 

Deaths during year ended June 30, 1906 6 

Native population June 30, 1906 168 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 
Exhibit 10. 



29a 



St. Paul Island, Alaska, April 30, 1906. 
Mr. W. C. Allis, 

Agent North American Commercial Co. 
Dear Sir: I herewith submit to you the following school report for the eight months 
commencing September 4, 1905, and ending April 30, 1906, both inclusive: 



Pupils' names. 


be 
< 


1 
1 


m 

II 

C3 o 
00 o 

&§. 
fig 


>> 

1 
1 

Eh 


d 


a 
K 

m 






t 

o 

a) 
O 


O 


1 

1 

B 

■s 

1 


Fifth reader. 
Ludmilla Melovidov 


Yrs. 

14 
16 
14 

14 
14 

12 
12 
12 
14 

10 
15 
14 
14 
12 
12 
11 

10 
13 
14 
11 
12 
10 
12 

12 
11 
11 
15 

11 
11 
10 
10 
9 
10 
7 
7 
8 
10 

7 
8 
8 
8 
9 
9 
15 
14 


153 
145 
142 

148 
133 

150 
153 
152 
147 

147 
153 
152 
152 
150 
153 
149 

153 
152 
153 
153 
151 
152 
149 

153 
152 
151 

148 

153 
153 
151 
144 
139 
147 
148 
153 
149 
152 

142 
125 
150 
144 
153 
148 
152 
153 






3 
2 
3 

2 
2 

2 

2 
2 
2 

3 
2 
2 
2 
3 
3 
3 

3 
2 
3 
3 
3 
2 
3 

1 

1 
3 
2 

3 
3 
2 
3 
2 
3 
3 
3 
3 
2 

2 
3 
3 

1 
1 

1 



3 
2 
3 

2 
3 

3 
2 
3 
3 

2 
2 
2 
3 
3 
3 
3 

3 

1 

2 
1 
2 
2 





1 





3 
3 
3 

2 
2 

2 
3 
3 
2 

2 
2 
2 
2 
3 
2 
2 

3 


3 

2 
3 



3 
1 

3 
2 


3 
3 
3 

3 
3 

2 
2 
2 
2 

3 
3 
3 
2 
2 
2 


2 
2 
2 

1 
2 

2 
2 
2 
2 


2 
1 

1 






Olga OrlofE 


8 

11 

5 
20 

3 




3 


Nadia Orlofl 


3 


Fourth reader. 
Pavla Stepetin 


2 


Agraphina Fratis 

Third reader. 
Simeon Fratis 
















1 
6 

6 

'"'i' 

1 
3 


"'is' 

7 
5 












Second reader. 






























Nicholai Orlofl 








Andrew Diakanofl 










4 


5 


2 








First reader. 
Alexander Melovidov 


2 
2 
1 
2 
2 
3 
2 

2 
2 
2 
2 

2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
3 
2 
2 
1 

3 
2 
2 
2 


2 









Paul Merculiefl 


1 


....„ 








Vasselv Stepetin . ... 








John Hansson 








Mark Kotchooten 


2 

1 
4 

"i 

2 
5 

....„ 

9 
14 
6 
5 


10 

'"io 

7 

""s 

3 

5 
2 








Agnia Stepetin . . 
















First primer. 
Vassa Meezekin... 
















Mary Tetofl 
















Second primer. 
Chionia Stepetin... 








Feocla Philimonofl 








Mary Krukofl 








Agraphina Bogdanofl 












Mavra Pankofl 












Varvara Kotchooten 












Alexandra Orlofl 












Simeon Melovidov. . 













Alexia EmanoS 


4 

1 

11 
28 
3 
9 














John Sedick 












Third primer. 
(f artha Fratis . . 












Varvara Shabolin 












Auxenia Stepetin 












Marina Stepetin 













Demetry Tetofl... 


: : 








Alexander Vikolofl 


5 

1 














Innokenty Mandregan , 

Techan Volkoff 






































Total 




6,702 


183 


85 



































The characters of the pupils' recitations marked thus: Good, 3; medium or fair, 2; poor, 1; very poor, 0. 



294 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

General summary. 

Pupils enrolled (males 20, females 25) 45 

Average daily attendance 43it| 

Average daily absences (excused on account of sickness) \\^ 

Average per cent of attendance 97 + 

Average age of pupils llj 

Cases of tardiness 85 

Days of school 153 

Weeks of school 30f 

Holidays 13 

Days Christmas vacation 5 

Number of classes 8 

Pupils in — 

Reading 45 

Writing 45 

Spelling 29 

Arithmetic 29 

Geography 9 

Grammar 4 

United States history 4 

The following is the statement of time of tuition and study throughout eight months: 
9 o 'clock a. m., calling the roll, 5 minutes; arithmetic, 30 minutes; spelling, 20 minutes; 
fifth reader, 20 minutes; fourth reader, 15 minutes; slate work, 15 minutes; recess, 15 
minutes; third reader, 20 minutes; second reader, 35 minutes; calisthenics, 15 min- 
utes. 1 o'clock p. m., calling the roll, 5 minutes; first reader, 25 minutes; primer 
classes, 50 minutes; slate work, 40 minutes. Monday and Wednesday, geography 
and drawing; Tuesday and Thiusday, penmanship and grammar; Friday, United 
States history, singing, and reviews. 

Names of textbooks used: Baldwin's and McGuffy's readers and spellers, Robin- 
son's and White's arithmetics, Cornell's geography, Swin ton's first lessons in United 
States history, Swinton's language primer, California vertical copy books. 
Respectfully, 

Simeon A. Melovidov, Teacher. 



Exhibit 11. — Division of natives' earnings, St. Paul Island, Alaska, season of 1906. 

By 12, 536 fur-seal skins, at 75 cents $9, 402. 00 

To 23 first-class shares, at $252.75 .-. |5, 813. 25 

To 11 second-class shares, at .|202.20 2, 224. 20 

To 5 third-class shares, at 1151.65 758. 25 

To 5 fourth-class shares, at 1101.25 506. 25 

To 2 special-class shares 100. 05 

9,402.00 

First-class shares, 23 men, at $252.75, as follows: 

Alex. Melovidov. George Kochergin. 

Karp Buterin. John Kochutin. 

Jacob Kochutin. Alex. Merculieff. 

Nicoli Krukoff. Parfiri Pankoff. 

Simeon Melovidov. Elary Stepetin. 

Simeon Nozekoff. Neon Tetoff. 

Theo. Sedick. J. E. Orloff. 

Dorafay Stepetin. John Krukoff. 

John Stepetin. George Shaisnekoff. 

ApoUon Burdukofsky. Peter Tetoff. 

Nicoli Bogodanoff. Necon Shabolin. 

Zachar Tetoff. 
Second-class shares, 11 men, at 1202.20, as follows: 

Peter Burdukofsky. Paul Koshevnikoff. 

Nicoli Gromoff. Michael Kozloff. 

Michael Kushin. John Fratis. 

Innokenty Sedick. Metrofan Krukoff. 

Stepan Rookavishnikoff. John Merculieff. 

Trefan Kochutin. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 295 

Third-class shares, 5 men, at $151.65, as follows: 

Alex. Galaktioneff. Nicoli Kozloff. 

Constantine Buterin. Theo. Kochutin. 

Vlass Pankoff. 
Fourth-class shares. 5 men, at $101.25, as follows: 

Ivanally Kozeroff. Condrat Krukoff. 

Nekita Hopoff. Paul Merculieff. 

John Mazeekin. 
Special-class shares, 2 men, as follows: 

Karp Buterin, first chief $50. 05 

Alex. Merculieff, second chief 50. 00 

St. Paul Island, Alaska, Augusts, 1906. 
I hereby certify that the above division was made by me, in the manner detailed 
above, after conference with the representative of the North American Commercial 
Co. and the native chiefs on this island. 

James Judge, 
Assistant Agent Seal Fisheries. 

St. Paul Island, Alaska, August 8, 1906. 
I hereby certify that the amounts as above stated, representing the division on 
St. Paul Island for the season of 190G, will be placed to the credit of the respective 
natives on the books of the North American Commercial Co. 

The North American Commercl^l Co., 
By J. C. Redpath, Agent. 

St. Paul Island, Alaska, August 8, 1906. 
We hereby approve the division for St. Paul Island, for the season of 1906, as detailed 
above, for and on behalf of the natives of said island. 

Karp Buterin, First Chief. 

Nicoli Gromoff, Acting Second Chief. 



Exhibit 12. 

Island of St. Paul, 
Bering Sea, Alaska, A^igust 14, 1906. 
This is to certify that 12,536 fur sealskins have this day been shipped on board the 
North American Commercial Co.'s steamer Homer, consigned to the North American 
Commercial Co., San Francisco, Cal. 

James Judge, 
Assistant Agent Seal Fisheries. 
Shipper's load and count. 

A. Donaldson, Master Steamer "Homer." 



Exhibit 13. 

St. George Island, Alaska, June 1, 1906. 
Mr. Walter I. Lembkey, 

Special Agent, Department of Commerce and Labor, 

in Charge of the Seal Islands. 

Sir: I have the honor to submit herewith my report on the condition of affairs on 
St. George Island from August 14, 1905, to the present date. 

After the departure of the company's vessel W. H. Kruger August 14, 1905, the 
U. S. S. Manning called here three times, August 17, 26, and September 6, and the 
U. S. S. Bear, on her way out from the Arctic, August 29, and again on October 7, mak- 
ing a special trip from Dutch Harbor to bring mail, since which time we have seen 
no vessels of any kind. 

On the second trip of the Manning I sent the two little orphans — Alexandria and 
Stepanida Oustegof— to the Jesse Lee Home at Unalaska, Capt. Fengar kindly giving 
them passage. 

Shortly before dark on the 3d of October a schooner was sighted passing the west 
end of the island. The guard at Zapadni tele]3honed that she was heading in for 
that place. With an armed guard I immediately went over, arriving after dark. The 



296 SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 

natives reported her at anchor in the bay. Patrolled the rookery all night, but there 
was no attempt to raid, and when day dawned there was no vessel in sight. 

During the winter a part of a boat and considerable wreckage marked S. S. Corwin 
came ashore at Zapadni. 

School. — School opened on September 1 and was maintained for the period of eight 
months. Fourteen boys and 11 girls were in attendance. Mr. Edson, the teacher, 
carried on the school in a satisfactory manner. His report is inclosed herewith. 

Dead pups. — At the usual time in the fall I went carefully over the rookeries in 
search of dead pups, but none were found. The foxes eat them as fast as they die. 

Seals. — The 300 seals allowed the natives of this island for food during the fall were 
obtained. One hundred and thirty- three were secured the first drive, which was 
made on the 19th of October. Among the seals in this drive were 20 of those reserved 
last summer for breeding purposes, whose heads still bore evidences of clipping. 
The punch mark which I placed on the hind flipper of every seal branded last summer 
aided us in recognizing some of these seals, but in a great many instances nature had 
80 obliterated the mark in the process of repair that a very minute examination was 
required to tell whether the flipper had been punched or not, and in some cases it 
was impossible to tell at all with certainty. Wherever there was any doubt the seal 
was allowed to go. I think had the punch been smaller, cutting out a small round 
hole instead of a half moon, the results would have been more satisfactory. 

Stock raising. — Last summer the natives requested that they be allowed to purchase 
Bome pigs with a view to stock raising. As the plan, if successful, might result in 
obtaining a regular supply of much needed fresh meat for the people, as an experiment 
they were allowed to purchase 4 — 3 sows and a boar, the company kindly furnishing 
them at cost price. During the summer a snug warm sod house was built for them, 
and I have been agreeably surprised at the really excellent care the natives have 
bestowed upon them throughout the entire winter. During the fall a large quantity 
of dry grass was cut and stored for bedding and slops from the different houses fur- 
nished the food supply. The whole 4 came through the winter in good shape and 
have now increased to 13, with still 1 more sow to be heard from. 

Improvements. — A small addition to the Government house has been built to hold 
the entire year's supply of coal, and with the aid of the company's donkey engine it 
can be filled in a very short time, thus doing away with the necessity of having to carry 
coal up the long hill on the backs of men at intervals during the winter. 

The natives finished the interior of their clubhouse, which they were unable to do 
last year on account of lack of lumber. The structure is now complete and has proved 
a great comfort to the people. 

Roads have been repaired wherever it was necessary. 

The lines painted on East rookery last year to aid in the counting of the seals have 
been repainted and improved upon. 

General health. — The health of the native inhabitants has been exceptionally good. 
But 2 deaths have occurred, an adult of tubercular meningitis and a young infant of 
general debility. There have been 6 births — 2 boys and 4 girls. 

Foxing. — In accordance with the terms of the new lease I took entire charge of the 
feeding and trapping of foxes on this island. 

Feeding. — At the beginning of the season the agent of the North American Com- 
mercial Co. turned over to me 22,851 pounds of dried salmon, which when soaked 
up weighed in the neighborhood of 38,000 pounds, and 650 pounds of salted salmon. 
This, in addition to the 338 seal carcasses put up during the sealing season, constituted 
the available food supply for eight months. In view of the shortage of food, I delayed 
feeding in the fall as long as it was possible, beginning October 1 instead of September 
15, as IS the rule, and I found it necessary to dole out the food sparingly throughout 
the entire winter in order that I should have enough to carry through, deeming that 
a small supply of food all winter was far better than full feeding for four or five months 
and then nothing for the rest of the time. Where the food supply is practically unlim- 
ited, as it was the winter of 1904-5, the generous method of feeding as laid down in 
the "Regulations" can be easily carried out, but with the small amount of food I had 
at my disposal this year to have adhered closely to the regulations would have resulted 
in leaving the foxes without food for a period of several months, and at a time, too, when 
feeding is most essential. It has been the practice for several years past to put the 
carcasses of the seals killed at Zapadni into a hole in the ground without salt and cover 
them up with dirt. This method resulted sometimes in saving as much as one-fifth of 
the amount of meat originally put up, but in most cases it all spoiled. As every pound 
of meat was needed, I salted all the carcasses of seals killed at Zapadni last summer, 
amounting in all to 118. In February I sent a number of butter barrels over on sledges, 
in which, during the months of March and April, the meat was freshened and fed to the 
foxes. It was all eaten. For a few days toward the end of November vast numbers 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 297 

of sea quail gathered about the island. Patches containing an acre or more covered 
the surface of the water. Numbers of these birds drifted ashore and furnished many 
meals for the foxes. 

Trapping. — The company's agent having advised me that after the 20th of November 
he would accept skins, I began the trapping on November 21, and continued to do so at 
frequent intervals until February 9, when killing was discontinued, the skins begin- 
ning to show signs of becoming stagey. Three trappings were made after February 9 
for the purpose of ascertaining if there were still any unbranded foxes at large. The 
result was somewhat surprising, as 33 new ones were caught. They were branded and 
released. 

Two regular traps were used — one located at the fox house on the beach, the other at 
the company's barn — and 65 different trappings were made during the season. The 
work began usually about 3.30 p. m. and continued until 9 or 10 p. m., and sometimes 
even later, depending somewhat on the number of foxes hanging about the trap. 
They were very erratic in entering the trap. At times they came in freely and appar- 
ently without fear; at others they were timid and would not come in at all. This was 
especially noticeable when the wind blew through the house into the trap, carrying the 
scent of the man who is operating the drop. With a hope of doing away with the man- 
operating trap, I devised one which was sprung and reset automatically by the fox. 
^\Tiile it was perfect in its working and proved a valuable aid in the foxing operations, 
I am sorry to say it did not accomplish the object for which it was built. For some 
reason, which I was unable to discover, this form of trap never caught more than 8 
foxes in a single night, and its usual number was 1 or 2. Three of these machines 
were installed, 1 at the Government boathouse. East Landing, 1 at the east end of the 
village, and 1 at the fox house. The one at East Landing did the best work, catching 
during the season 52 foxes. The other 2 traps caught 31 between them. 

Three times during the season foxing gangs were sent to Zapadni, remaining a week 
each time. Seventy-four foxes were taken at this place. On the third trip the 
weather suddenly became very cold and the men nearly froze to death. 

A number of foxes were also taken at various parts of the village by the natives iising 
string traps. 

The total number of foxes caught was 1,044; of these 463 were killed and 581 released 
for breeding purposes. The foxes turned away for breeders were in every instance the 
finest and largest of the catch, and with but few exceptions were personally selected 
by me after careful examination and weighing. Of those turned away at Zapadni, I 
of course had to rely on the natives to do the selecting, but they were instructed to 
brand only first-class animals of standard weight. As the animals they killed were all 
of more or less inferior quality, judging from the skins, I have good reason to suppose 
that my instructions were faithfully carried out. 

The largest fox captiu-ed was an enormous female weighing 21J pounds. Her skin 
was dark in color, and she was, indeed, a magnificent animal. 

The weather throughout the entire season was, on the whole, more favorable to the 
trapping of foxes than to the foxes themselves, for while the early winter was mild 
and there was but little rain or snow, the latter part was of great severity, and the 
month of May was ushered in by a blizzard that lasted three days, and covered every- 
thing deep with wet snow, which must have been very hard on any foxes born at that 
time. 

Ice made its appearance on January 25 and remained three days. It did not return 
again until March 1, when it stayed nine days. Many foxes were observed wandering 
about over it. 

Branding. — At Mr. Judge's suggestion all male foxes released for breeding purposes 
were branded at the tip of the tail and all females close to the body. It was hoped 
that these distinguishing marks might assist in throwing some light on the subject of 
whether or not the foxes pair off in the spring. The results were of small value. 
While these marks made it quite easy to tell at a glance the sex of any fox which 
had passed through our hands it offered no means by which individual foxes might 
be recognized. A male and female fox may be seen together for hours and both may 
enter the same hole, but there is no way of telling that the foxes you see in this same 
locality to-morrow are the same foxes that you see to-day. 

It is a common sight in the spring to see foxes in pairs plapng together. It waa 
always supposed that such were male and female, and this fact has been used as an 
argument in favor of the pairing theory. In reality, these couples are just as likely 
to be 2 females or 2 males as male and female. The differential method of branding 
haa shown this much at least. 

During the whole of last summer I had an excellent opportunity for daily observing 
a family of foxes composed of a mother and 11 young ones whose home was under a 
small culvert within 50 feet of my window. One of the mother's forelegs waa stiff 



298 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

and useless and by this deformity could be easily recognized, even at a considerable 
distance. Never during the three months of my watching did I once see any other 
fox go under this culvert, bring food for the young or take any interest in them what- 
ever, except their mother. Neither did I see any fox act toward this female in a 
manner that would indicate he was her mate. 

From among the young males and females selected for breeding 50 of each sex were 
earmarked, a V-shaped section being taken from the left ear of each. 

Of the number of foxes that remained unbranded at the close of foxing there is no 
way of knowing, but it is pretty certain that the number must be considerable, for an 
March 7 out of 17 foxes hanging about the fox house 7 were unbranded, and a fair 
proportion of those met with about the island bear no marks on their tails. 

Dead foxes. — From August, 1905, to June, 1906, there have been picked up at vari- 
ous points about the island 23 dead foxes. Three met death by drowning, 1 was stoned 
to death by a small boy, 3 died of kidney disease, 1 of tuberculosis, and 3, probably, 
from eating salted salmon that had not been sufficiently freshened. What caused the 
death of the others is not known. Whenever it was practicable both Dr. Mills and 
myself autopsied the dead animals, but out of 16 such autopsies the cause of death in 
only 5 instances could be definitely ascertained. The extreme degree of emaciation 
exhibited by some of these dead foxes at once suggests starvation, but does not prove it, 
for emaciation may be the result of any one of half dozen different disorders. As foxes 
are afflicted with diseases of various kinds, tuberculosis, affections of the kidneys, 
intestinal worms, necrosis, and others, I have no doubt, of a more obscure character, it 
is a grave mistake to assume that all foxes, simply because they happen to be in poor 
flesh at the time of death, succumbed to starvation. 

The importance of disease as a factor in the mortality among the foxes I believe has 
been greatly underestimated if not entirely overlooked. 

Miscellaneous notes. — On my daily tramps about the island during the summer 
months I constantly observed that among the litters of young foxes met with there 
were a number of individuals that were part blue and part white. I counted as many 
as a dozen of these hybrids in different localities, yet after the month of September, 
with but one exception, when I saw one hanging about the field during a seal killing, 
I have never run across one of these animals. The only way that I can account for 
it is that as winter comes on their parti-colored coats become all white. 

Before the skins were packed for shipment I went over the whole lot and classified 
them. I found there were 289 first class, good fur and good color; 144 second class, 
good fur, slightly off color; 23 third class, poor fur, poor color, of little value. 

Examination of the bodies of foxes killed in trapping developed the peculiar and 
interesting fact that the 4-year-old and older foxes were almost without exception very 
fat. Many of these old foxes had not a tooth in their heads and yet were in prime con- 
dition. The yearlings were generally the poorest in flesh. I think this indicates 
that the older foxes are much more adept in the art of obtaining food than the yoiing 
ones, and that a fox's ability to obtain a good living is not dependent on the condition 
of his teeth. 

The young foxes are born in nests on top of the ground, where they remain for a 
phort time; they are then taken into the burrow, the mother carrying them in her 
mouth just as a cat does her kittens. 

Respectfully, H. D. Chichester, 

Assistunt Agent, Department of Commerce and Labor, 

[Inclosure A.] 

St. George Island, Alaska, February 15, 1906. 
This is to certify that during the foxing season ended February 9, 1906, the resident 
agent of the Department of Commerce and Labor has offered me 468 blue and 12 white 
fox skins, and that, as agent of the North American Commercial Co., I have accepted 
456 blue at $5 each and 11 white at |1 each, and rejected as defective and unde.sirable 
12 blue and 1 white. 

The money involved, which is hereby acknowledged as amounting to $2,291, will be 
entered as a credit on the books of this company in favor of the natives domiciled on 
this island, and shall be available for the support and maintenance of said natives as 
the agent of the Department of Commerce and Labor may direct. 

The North American Commercial Co., 
By J. A. Lake, Agent. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

[Inclosure B.) 

Live weights of foxes killed on St. George Island, season of 1905-6. 



299 



Weight. 


Male. 


Female. 


Weight. 


Male. 


Female. 


Pounds. 
4 

^ 

5 

5i 

5f 

6 

6i 

6i 

6f 

7 

7i 

7i 




1 

1 

2 

4 

3 

21 

3 

23 

7 

49 

29 

23 

9 

25 
2 
8 
6 


Pounds. 
9 
9i 
9i 
9J 
10 
lOi 
lOi 
10| 

11 
Hi 

Hi 

12 

13 

131 

14 


30 
12 
13 
1 
9 
1 
3 
2 
5 
1 
1 
2 
2 
1 
2 


11 
1 

7 
1 
5 






4 
1 
5 
3 
5 
G 

12 
t) 

11 
8 

2Q 


1 


1 




2 




8i i 






H 


14 


218 


245 



Does not include the foxes found dead. 

[Inclosure C] 

Live weights of foxes released for breeding on St. George Island, season of 1905-6. 



Weight. 


Male. 


Female. 


Weight. 


Male. 


Female. 


Pounds. 
7J 

? 

8i 

it 

9 
9i 
9i 
9f 
10 
lOi 
10* 
lOf 

11 

Hi 

lij 

11? 

12 

12i 

12J 




32 
11 
48 
25 
38 
15 
23 
6 
23 
7 

19 
1 
6 
4 
9 


Pounds. 

m 

13 

13i 

13i 

m 

14 

14J 

14f 

15 

15J 

15? 

16 

17 

17i 

17i 

20 

20i 

21? 


2 
12 

2 

3 
1 
6 
2 
2 
4 
1 
1 
2 
1 
2 
1 
1 
1 


I 

7 
2 

1 
















1 






1 


19 
64 
15 
30 
16 
30 

7 
16 

2 
26 

1 
10 














8 
2 
5 
2 
4 




1 




279 


302 



[Inclosure D.] 
Approximate ages of foxes hilled on St. George Island, season of 1905-6. 



Young, or approximately 1 year old 
Middle aged: 

2 years old 

3 years old 

Old, or over 3 years 

Total 



Female. 




300 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

[Inclosure E.] 
Approximate ages of foxes released for breeding on St. George Island, season of 1905-6. 

Female. 

Young, or approximately 1 year old 

Middle aged: 

2 years old 

3 years old 

Old, or over 3 years 

Total 

[Inclosure F.] 
Fox division, season 1905-6, St. George Island, June 1, 1906. 

By 456 blue-fox skins, at $5 $2, 280. 00 

By 11 white-fox skins, at $1 11. 00 

To 12 first-class men, at $111.75 |1, 341. 00 

To 8 second-class men, at $89.35 714.80 

To 2 third-class men, at $67.10 134. 20 

To 2 special-class men 65. 00 

To material for native club, pig house, and waterworks 36. 00 




Total 2, 291. 00 2, 291. 00 

FIRST CLASS. 

1. Stepan Lekanof $111. 75 

2. Demetri Lestenkof 111. 75 

3. Mike Lestenkof 111. 75 

4. Nicoli Malavansky 111. 75 

5. George Merculif 111. 75 

6. Joseph Merculif 111. 75 

7. Nicoli Merculif 111.75 

8. Andronic Philamonof 111. 75 

9. Gregory Philamonof 111. 75 

10. Simeon Philamonof 111. 75 

11. Peter Prokopief 111. 75 

12. Rev. Peter Kashavarof : IIL 75 

SECOND CLASS. 

1. Alexander Galanin 89. 35 

2. John Galanin 89. 35 

3. Walter Kashavarof .' 89. 35 

4. Peter Malavansky 89. 35 

5. Nicoli Nedarazof 89. 35 

6. Mike Shane 89. 35 

7. Gregory Swetzof 89. 35 

8. Manuel Zaharof 89. 35 

THIRD CLASS. 

1. Marka Merculif 67. 10 

2. Demetri Philamonof 67. 10 

SPECIAL CLASS. 

1. Stepan Lekanof, chief 35. 00 

2. Joseph Merculif, second chief 25. 00 

Joseph Merculif, hydrant keeper 5. 00 

The division as above made is hereby approved on behalf of the natives of this 
island. 

Stepan Lekanoff, First Chief. 

Joseph Merculiepp, Second Chief. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 301 

I certify that the amounts indicated herein have been placed to the credit of the 
respective natives on the books of the North American Commercial Co. ' 

The North American Commercial Co., 
By J. A. Lake, Agent. 

I certify that the above division was made by me after conference with the native 
chiefs, 

H. D. Chichester, 
Agent, United States Department of Commerce and Labor. 

[Inclosure G.] 

School report, 1906. 

St. George Island, Alaska, April 30, 1906. 
Mr. H. D. Chichester, 

Special Agent, United States Department Commerce and Labor, 

in Charge St. George Island, Alaska: 
As required by the lease of the seal islands of Alaska, by the North An^rican Com- 
mercial Co., a school for the native children of St. George Island has been maintained 
for eight months past, and instruction in the English language has been given to 
all children between the ages of 6 and 16 years. 

The school was attended throughout the year by 25 pupils — 14 boys and 11 girls — 
excepting absences of 25 days, as shown below. 

The usual vacation of 10 days at Christmas, Thanksgiving Day, Washington's Birth- 
day, and five "holy days" of the Russian Church has been observed.:/ 

Boys attending school 14 

Girls attending school 11 

Total 25 

Weeks in school year 35 

Days in school. year 171 

Holidays: 

Christmas recess days. . 10 

Thanksgiving Day do 1 

Washington's Birthday do 1 

Church do 5 

Total do 17 

School actually in session do 154 

Absences: 

Excused by Government agent 1 

Excused by doctor 33 

Unexcused 16 

Total absences 50 

Total, days 25 

Attendance for the year days. . 3, 825 

Average daily attendance 24{f | 

PC. R. Edson, 
Teacher Jor North American Commercial Co. 



302 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



[Inclosure H.] 
Annual statement of foxes caught on St. George Island, season of 1905-6. 





Location and style of trap. 


Killed. 


Released for 
breeders. 


Date. 


Blue. 


White. 


Blue. 




Male. 


Female. 


Male. 


Female. 


Male. 


Female. 


1905. 

Aug. 25 

to 


i Found dead 


6 

12 
8 
1 
1 
3 


6 

8 
7 
1 
2 
3 










Nov. 20 
20 


Barn, regular 


1 


2 


17 
3 

1 


24 


20 


Fox house, regular 


12 


21 


East Landing, automatic 

do 






1 


22 








23 


FoMtiouse, regular 








2 


23 


Barn, regular 






2 




24 


East Landing, automatic 

Fox house, automatic 


1 

1 


1 








24 










25 


do 


1 










25 


East Landing, automatic 

Barn, automatic 


2 










26 










2 


26 


Fox house, automatic 












1 


26 


East Landing, automatic 

Fox house, regular 


1 
6 

1 


1 

8 
2 

1 






3 

7 
2 


3 


27 






12 


27 


Barn, regular 






3 


27 


East Landing, automatic 


1 




1 


28 


do 






1 




28 


Fox house, automatic 










1 


29 


Fox house, regular 


6 
3 
1 
6 
3 


7 

1 






6 
3 


15 


29 


Barn, regular 




1 


3 


30 


Fox house, automatic 

Fox house, regular 




1 


Dec 1 


2 

1 






4 
2 
1 
2 


8 


1 


Bam, regular 






3 


1 


East Landing, automatic 






2 


1 


Fox house, automatic 


1 








1 


2 


East Landing, automatic 








1 


2 


Fox house, automatic 


1 


1 








■ 3 


4 


Village, automatic 






2 




4 


East Landing, automatic 




1 
5 
3 
3 








4 


Fox house, regular 


5 
4 
3 




1 


7 
3 
2 
1 
3 


7 


4 


Bam, regular 

East Landing, automatic 

Fox house, regular 




2 


5 








6 






1 


6 


Barn, regular 












6 


Village, automatic 










1 


6 


East Landing, automatic 




1 






2 




6 


Found dead 


1 
2 
2 
2 
9 
1 
1 
9 
1 
1 
2 








8 


Fox-house, regular 


1 






1 




8 


Barn, regular 






2 


8 


East Landing, automatic 

Fox house, regular 










1 


10 


5 






4 
1 


11 


11 


East Landing, automatic 

Fox house, automatic 








12 


1 

5 
1 

1 
1 
1 






1 


12 


do 






5 
2 


5 


12 


Barn, regular 






4 


13 


Fox house, automatic 








14 


Fox house, regular 






3 




15 


Fox house, automatic 








15 


East Landing, automatic 










1 


16 


Fox house, automatic 










2 


11-16 


Zapadni 


15 

1 


14 






16 


13 


17 


East Landing, automatic 

Fox house, automatic 








17 


1 










17 


Fox house, regular 


2 
1 
2 




1 


3 


2 


17 


Barn, regular 


1 
4 






18 








4 
2 
1 


6 


18 


Fox house, regular 






1 


18 


Barn, regular 


2 








19 


East Landing, automatic 


1 

2 








19 


Village 


1 

1 
4 
6 








6 


19 










1 


20 




2 
5 






9 
2 

1 
6 


9 


20 


Fox house, regular 






5 


21 


East Landing, automatic 







1 


21 


Village 


3 

1 
1 
1 
4 


1 
2 






5 


21 




1 




2 


22 










1 


22 


East Landing, automatic 

Village 








1 


22 


1 




3 


3 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 303 

Annual statement of foxes caught on St. George Island, season of 1905-6 — Continued. 



Location and style of trap. 



Found dead 

Fox house, automatic. 

do 

Japadni , 

Found dead, Zapadni. 

Village 

Fox house, regular 

Barn, regular 

Village 

Fox house, regular 

Barn, regular 

Village 

Fox house, regular 

do 

Bam, regular 



Village 

Kox house, regular. . 

Barn, regular 

Village 

Fox house, regular. . 

Barn, regular 

Fox house, regular. . 

Barn, regular 

Fox, regular 

Fox house, regular. 

Village 

....do 

Found dead 

Fox house, regular. 

Barn, regular 

Fox house, regular. 

Village 

Fox house, regular. 

do 

do 

Zapadni 

Village 

Fox house, regular. 

Barn, regular 

Fox house, regular . 

Barn, regular 

Fox house, regular. 

do 

do 

do 

Barn, regular 

Fox house, regular. 

do 

do 

Village 

Fox house, regular. 

do 

do 

do 

Found dead 

Fox hoase, regular. 

do 

Found dead 



Total. 



Killed. 



Blue. 



Male. Female. 



222 



White. 



Male. Female. 



Released for 
breeders. 



Blue. 



Male. Female. 



279 



Exhibit 14. 

St. George Island, Alaska, August 5, 1906. 
Sir: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations on this island 
from June 8, 1906, to date: , . ., , , 

Branding of bachelors.— The first drive for branding was made at /apadni on June 14, 
and 14 three-year-olds, 4 two-year-olds, and 11 four-year-olds were marked and liberated. 



304 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



From this date to June 30 drives for branding were made from the various rookeries as 
often as the number of seals thereon would warrant, and the quota secured. In addi- 
tion to the 200 three-year-olds and 200 two-year-olds branded we marked 58 four-year- 
olds. This was done to prevent accidental clubbing. Sheep shears only were used 
in the branding and no trouble was experienced, either in handling the seals or in clip- 
ping them after they had been secured. None died during the operations. During 
the summer the lessee killed 5 of the seals branded this year and to make this loss 
good I branded 5 more. 

A summary of the branding is as follows: 



Date. 


Kookery. 


Two-year. 


Three-year. 


Four-year. 






4 
46 
68 
19 
63 


14 
44 
70 
36 
23 
13 


11 


16 


Staraya Artel and North 




21 


do 


21 


22 


Zapadni 


19 


25 


Staraya Artel, East, and North 


4 


30 


do 


3 




Total 








200 
2 


200 
3 


58 




Killed by lessee during summer 












198 
2 


197 
3 




July 16 




Total 






200 


200 


58 









Drives. — During the summer the lessee made 14 drives and obtained 1,685 skins. 
This includes 3 drives for branding, from which the lessee was allowed to take 95 
Beals in order that the natives should have a necessary supply of fresh meat. In the 
fall of 1905 and spring of the present year 315 seals were killed by me for native food. 
Adding these skins to the 1,685 taken by the lessee this summer the quota of 2,000 
allowed this island is filled.- 

Weight of skins. — All sealskins taken on this island during the season just closed 
have been weighed by me personally. 

Until July 6 but few under or over weight skins were taken by the lessee, but on that 
date in a drive from North and Staraya Artel rookeries 14 seals having skins weighing 
less than 5 pounds were killed. I at once brought the matter to the attention of the 
lessee's agent, Dr. Noyes, protesting against the killing of these small seals. I 
also wrote him the letter a copy of which is herewith attached as Exhibit A. On 
July 21 a killing of 211 seals was made. On weighing in the skins I found that there 
were 22 underweight. Again I -vdgorously protested against the killing of this class 
of seals. In subsequent killings no underweight skins were taken. 

Of the 1,685 skins obtained by the lessee this season, 55 weigh less than 5 pounds 
and 5 over 8 J pounds. In accordance with instructions contained in departmental 
letters dated March 9 and May 12, 1906, I have forbidden the shipment of these skins 
from the island and hold same subject to further orders from the department. 

A summary in detail of the weights for this island is submitted as Exhibit B. 

Seals dismissed from drives.— The total number of seals dismissed this summer from 
the various drives was 1,729. Of these 747 were small, 621 branded this year, 344 
large, 9 branded on head with iron, and 8 branded across back with iron. A classifi- 
cation of the large seals released will be found in the summary submitted herewith 
as Exhibit C. 

In the drives made on June 21 and 25 there appeared a young bull with a large T 
brand across his back. As this form of brand was used only in 1899, this bull must be 
just 7 years old. On July 12 we found him at the water's edge near No. 17 North 
rookery, where he had established himself on the flank of a large harem presided 
over by 3 large bulls, and although they attacked and handled him pretty roughly 
from time to time they could not drive him away. On July 20 he had hauled out on 
the terrace back of his first location and had appropriated 11 cows from the large 
harem already mentioned. On July 29 when we counted pups we found him still in 
place, but with a considerably larger number of cows. 

It has been noted by both Maj . Clark and myself that seals which have been branded 
across the back with a hot iron are generally smaller than unbranded seals of the same 
age. This seems to be borne out by the fact that two 3-year-old bachelors killed this 
year, both of which were branded across the back, yielded skins weighing but 5 pounds 
each. 



SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



305 



Percentage of seals killed. — The total number of seals driven on this island during the 
killing season was 3,260. Of these, 1,685, or 51 per cent, were killed. 

The statistics of killings is submitted as Exhibit D. 

Counts of seals. — A large number of harem counts were made by Maj . Clark and 
myself during the summer. The results of this work is appended as Exhibit E. -^I 

At the height of the season counts of all the bulls on the island were made. The 
results are as follows: 

Count of bulls, St. George Island, 1906. 



Rookery. 


BuUs 

with 

harems. 


Idle 

bulls, 

stationed. 


Quit- 
ters. 


Total; 


North 


78 
26 
34 
34 
16 
8 


3 


3 
2 
3 
3 

2 


81 




26 




3 

2 


37 


East Cliffs 


36 


East Reef 


16 






8 










Total 


196 


8 


13 


204 







Comparing this with the counts made last year, it will be seen that there is a decrease 
of 62 harems on this island. The decrease in the idle bulls is quite as startling. Last 
year there were 22 idle bulls in place on the rookeries. This year there are but 8 — 
a loss of 63 per cent. 

Of all the rookeries Little East shows the greatest falling off. Last year there were 
on this rookery 16 harems, 298 cows, and 415 pups. This year there are but 8 harems, 
161 cows, and 239 pups. 

Counts of pups. — The annual counts of live pups were made on July 29, 31, and 
August 1, and the results are as follows: 



Date. 


Rookery. 


Live 
pups. 


Dead 
pups. 


Dead 

cows. 


July 29 
29 


North 


3,749 
1,958 
2,040 
967 
238 
2,281 


105 
48 
29 
12 
1 
29 


3 






31 

31 

31 

Aug. 1 


East Cliffs 


1 


East Reef 




Little East 






1 


Total 




11,233 


224 


5 







By reaf?on of the broken character of the ground on East Cliffs and North rookeries 
it is impossible to make a very accurate count of the pups thereon. \\Tienever it 
was possible the pups were pulled out of the holes and from under the rocks, but there 
were places where they could not be reached, and I have no doubt that some were 
overlooked. 

A comparison of the counts of this year with those of last show a decrease of 1,495 
pups on this island. 

The average harem, based on the count of live pups, is 58.4. 

Rookery photographs. — Photographs of the rookeries from the various stations, old 
and new, have been taken. I have made two sets of Velox prints from the negatives; 
one set I transmit herewith to you, the other is on file in this office. The negatives 
have been carefully packed and shipped to j^ou at Washington. 

Native earnings.— The earnings of the natives of this island for the season of 1906 are 
as follows: 

456 blue-fox skins, at $5 each, and 11 white-fox skins, at |1 each $2, 291 

1,940 sealskins, at 75 cents each 1,455 

Total 3,746 

A copy of the fox division I handed you in June. A copy of the seal division is 
herewith submitted as Exhibit F. 

2403— H. Doc. 93, 62-1 20 



306 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Expenditures, Government appropriation. — During the fiscal year ended June 30, 
1906, I expended for native maintenance the sum of $5,219.65 from the amount of the 
Government appropriation allotted this island and have forwarded to the department 
vouchers for that amount. 

Change in prices. — I have been advised by the agent of the company of a change in 
price of the following commodities: Potatoes, from 3 cents per pound to 3^ cents per 
pound; smoking tobacco, from 6 cents per ounce to 7^ cents per ounce; mustard and 
pepper, from 5 cents per ounce to 3| cents per ounce. 

The quality of the smoking tobacco furnished this year is superior to that of last year. 

Schooners. — On July 6 a schooner flying the flag of the Argentine Republic appeared 
off the village and then changing her coiu'se skirted the shore to the eastward, disap- 
pearing behind East Point. Several hours later she was again sighted headed to the 
northward. No attempt at landing by her was made. Armed guards were stationed 
on all the rookeries on this side of the island. The day following I rehabilitated the 
old guardhouse at East rookery and have maintained a watch there ever since. This 
schooner was easily within 2 miles of the land from the time she was sighted until she 
passed East Point. 

On July 26 a schooner sighted off East rookery. She was hull down and did not 
come nearer. 

On August 4 a Japanese schooner came within 400 yards of the village landing, dipped 
her flag, and bore away toward East rookery. This schooner I have made the subject 
of a special report. 

In view of the concerted raid on St. Paul by the sealers this summer and our own 
experience with them here, I would strongly urge that more guns and ammunition be 
furnished this island. Also telephone material sufficient to connect East and Staraya 
Artel rookeries with Government house. Our present armament consists of 6 modem 
rifles and 6 old Springfields, with about 300 rounds of ammunition for each. There are 
a few rifles among the natives, but they are mostly old and of little use. At least 20 
more "Krags" are needed. The following amount of telephone material will be 
necessary to carry out the suggestion made above: Six miles galvanized telephone 
wire, 300 glass insulators with wooden brackets, 200 feet insulated copper wire, 3 sets 
telephone receivers and transmitters, and 1 dozen dry batteries. 

Under the supposition that this material will be furnished, I shall at once collect 
such driftwood as I can find on the beaches that will be suitable for posts and construct 
the line. This done it will be but a day's work to string the wire. 
Respectfully, 

H. D. Chichester, 
Assistant Agent, in Charge St. George. 

Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 

Exhibit A. 

St. George Island, Alaska, July 6, 1906. 
Dr. L. A. Noyes, 

Agent North American Commercial Co., St. George Island, Alaska. 
Sir: I beg to call to your attention the fact that in the killing made by you to-day of 
seals driven from East, Staraya Artel, and North rookeries there were 14 skins vary- 
ing in weight from 4 to 4| pounds. As the killing of seals of this class is a direct viola- 
tion of section 8 of departmental instructions dated March 9, 1906, regulating the taking 
of seals on the Pribilof Islands, which provides that "no seals shall be killed having 
skins weighing less than 5 poimds or more than 8§ pounds," I have to request that in 
future killings you adopt such measures as will insure the taking of only such skins 
the weights of which will be within the limits set by the department. 
Very truly, yours, 

H. D. Chichester, 
Assistant Agent, Department of Commerce and Labor, 

in Charge of St. George Island. 



I 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



307 



[Inclosure 1.] 
Exhibit B. — Weights of sealskins taken on St. George Island, season of 1905-6. 



Date. 


Rookery. 


Weights (pounds). 


3 


4i 


4i 


4J 


5 


5i 


5i 


5f 


6 


6i 


6i 


1905. 
Oct. 19 


East 


1 






1 


1 


1 


19 
3 
11 

18 


4 
14 


22 

3 

1 


15 

7 


19 


19 


Zapadni 






2 




Staraya Artel, North, and East. 

Zflpadni 


1 












3 




{ 








1 


3 


3 


31 












Nov. 7 


Staraya Artel 














1 


10 


2 


3 


8 


Zapadni 














1 


13 


do 




















16 


East 












1 


6 

1 

2 
3 
3 


8 
1 


2 


1 


26 


Staraya Artel and North. 














1906. 
May 30 


Zapadni 


















June 8 


do 






















11 


North 










2 


1 


3 


5 

1 

6 

1 

1 

2 

17 

33 

13 

SO 

49 

13 

25 

13 

30 

37 

1 

8 




3 


14 


Zapadni 








16 


[staraya Artel and North 








1 


4 


4 


2 


2 


5 


8 


21 


Died on drive 








1 


22 


Zapadni 














2 

2 

14 
20 
12 
33 
32 

9 
12 

8 
35 
15 

■"'3' 


""'3" 

10 
15 

4 
25 
25 

1 
18 

4 
25 
18 

2 

4 




25 


Staraya Artel, North, and East. 
Zapadni 














6 
3 

17 
5 

16 
9 
3 

19 
5 
5 
4 


5 


27 










4 
15 

7 
12 
14 

2 

6 
17 
38 

6 


9 

20 

2 

13 

29 

3 

19 

10 

25 

5 

1 

4 


7 


30 


Staraya Artel and East 








2 
3 

7 
6 
1 
1 
4 
7 


35 


July 5 


Zapadni 








10 


^ 6 
10 


Staraya Artel, North, and East. 
do 




3 


4 


30 
40 


12 


Zapadni 








8 


16 


Staraya Artel and East 


^ 






28 


19 


Zapadni 






3 


21 


Staraya Artel and East 


1 


5 


9 


12 


25 


Staraya Artel, East, and North. 
Zapadni 


25 


27 












28 


North 










1 


i 


3 




Total 














2 


8 


14 


33 


130 


150 


266 


213 


341 


128 


250 









Date. 


Rookery. 


Weights (pounds). 


6i 


7 


7i 


7J 


7f 


8 


8i 


8i 


8i 


9 


9i 


1905. 
Oct. 19 


East 


13 

2 

1 


12 
4 
3 

12 

1 

2 


4 


2 


5 


2 














Staraya Artel, North, and East. 












27 


1 

4 


1 








1 








Nov. 7 














16 


East 


















1906. 
une 11 


North . 








1 












14 


Zapadni 






1 




1 








16 


jstaraya Artel and North 


2 

1 

■3' 

5 

3 
14 

9 


1 
...... 

6 
20 

8 
26 
21 

5 
17 

3 

8 
19 


5 

1 

'12 

"3 

11 
2 

7 

"i" 
3 


4 


1 










21 












25 


Staraya Artel, North, and East. 


2 
2 
15 

1 
6 
8 
1 
9 
2 
1 
8 
1 






1 

""2 
2 
2 


1 

1 

3 

...... 


1 






27 


"'i' 


2 
2 






30 


Staraya Artel and East 


""i" 


1 


1 


July 5 






6 


Staraya Artel, North, and East. 
do 




1 
1 
3 

"i" 


2 
3 






10 








12 














16 


Staraya Artel and East 


15 

1 
5 
8 
1 
1 


6 

1 
2 
5 


3 


3 

1 
2 
2 




1 




19 






21 










25 
27 


Staraya Artel, East, and North. 




1 




28 


North 


2 
















Total 


















97 


173 


59 


63 


14 


27 


10 


16 


2 


3 I 








.. 



In addition to these there ia the skin of one seal which died on the drive. It weighs 
14J pounds.. 



308 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

[Inclosure 2.] 
Exhibit C. — Seals released from drives, St. George Island, season of 1906. 





Rookery. 


m 


« 


-a 


2 
% 
a 

m 


1 

§ 

pq 


Age. 


Date. 


>. 

•«>« 


2 

U5 


ft 


t>> 


1905. 
Oct 19 


East 


419 
157 


9 


20 
3 






46 

7 


16 
2 


4 




27 










Total 












576 


9 


23 






53 


28 


4 




1906. 


North 


















9 

4 

24 

20 

11 

12 

15 

25 

3 

10 

14 

5 

5 

5 

4 

1 

3 


3 

3 

3 

26 

10 

4 

9 

11 

2 

" i" 

3 
5 

6 






14 












2 
3 
3 
1 






16 


North 






3 

24 
18 
56 
46 
143 
29 
42 
59 
27 
32 
43 
52 
44 
3 


'""i' 
""2 


2 
22 
4 
8 
15 
5 
4 
2 
2 
1 
1 
1 




21 


Staraya Artel and North . 






2 


22 


Zapadnl 


3 
14 


...... 

2 




25 




3 


27 




3 


30 




25 
17 
42 
85 
17 
69 
33 
163 
250 
29 






2 


July 5 










Staraya Artei, East, and North 

do 






1 


10 


2 




2 


12 






16 










19 










21 




2 






25 


Staraya Artel, East, and North 


1 




27 


1 








Total 










747 


4 


621 


8 


9 


170 


89 


68 


13 









[Inclosure 3.] 
Exhibit D. — Statistics of killings, St. George Island, 1906. 





Rookery. 


•6 

a 


Dismissed. 


§ 

1 
1 




Date. 


i 


M 


1 


J2 


f 


1 

M 
<s 

PL, 


1905. 
June 11 
16 


North 


22 
45 
31 

78 
219 

71 
247 
257 

49 
192 

73 
211 
157 

33 


12 

29 

27 

44 

45 

9 

13 

23 

6 

7 

9 

9 

8 

3 










34 

80 
130 
168 
432 
126 
344 
424 

99 
300 
158 
437 
459 

69 


64 




'"iV 
"'"25' 

17 
42 
85 
17 
69 
33 
163 
250 
29 


3 

56 
46 
143 
29 
42 
59 
27 
32 
43 
52 
44 
3 


...... 


3 



56 


25 
27 


Staraya Artel, North, and East 


23 
46 


30 
July 5 

6 
10 


Staraya Artel, East, and North 






50 






56 


Staraya Artel, East, and North 






71 






60 


12 








49 


16 








64 


19 
21 


Zapadni 






46 


2 




48 


25 

28 


Staraya Artel, East, and North 


34 


1 




47 




Total 






1,685 


244 


744 


579 


6 


3 


3,260 


51 









SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 

[Inclosure 4.] 

Exhibit E. — Counts of rookeries, St. George Island, season of 1906. 

NORTH. 



309 



Date. 


Bulls. 


Quitters. 


Harems. 


Cows. 


1906. 
YprilSO 


1 

16 
22 
43 
50 
50 
65 
61 
65 
68 
69 
71 
70 
70 
79 
79 
77 
80 
81 
81 
81 








May 14 •• 


1 






May 19 






May 24 


1 
2 






May 29 














2 

1 
2 

1 

1 
1 
3 

1 












June 10 


1 
4 
11 
16 
14 
38 
60 
62 
67 
72 
77 
78 
78 


1 




4 




11 




19 


June 21 


63 


Juae 24 


100 


June 28 


425 


June 30 


1 
2 
3 
1 

1 
3 


661 


July 2. 


1,024 


Julys 


1,636 


July 9. 


2,399 


July 12 


2,920 




2,430 







8TARAYA ARTEL. 



May 15. 
May 19. 
May 29. 
Junel. 
June 21 
July 13. 



12 
> 1,252 



ZAPADNI. 



May 17. ... 


12 
12 
14 
27 
28 
33 
33 
37 








May 18 








May 24 * ' ' 


3 




















June22 " . 




6 
14 
34 


26 


June 27 


1 
3 


223 


July 16 


U,547 







EAST CLIFFS. 



May 15 . . 


7 

10 
18 
27 
31 
31 
33 
32 
33 
32 
37 
37 
36 
35 
35 
36 
36 
36 








May 19 " 








May23. ... 


1 














1 
2 
1 
3 
1 






June 8 






June 10 


2 
3 

10 
16 
17 
25 
26 
28 
30 
32 
32 
34 


2 


June 16.. . 


3 


June 18 


11 


June 21 


37 


June 23 




78 


June 26 


2 
3 
3 
3 
2 
4 
3 


265 


June 28 


396 


June 30 


531 


July 4 


972 


July 8 


1,296 


July 10 


1,478 


July 13 


1,522 







1 Estimated. 



310 



SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



Exhibit E. — Counts of rookeries, St. George Island, season of 1906 — Continued. 

EAST REEF. 



Date. 


Bulls. 


Quitters. 


Harems. 


Cows. 


May 15 


4 
6 
7 
8 
8 
9 
11 
12 
10 
12 
11 
14 
14 
15 
15 
16 
16 
17 
16 
15 








May 19 








May 23 


1 






June 1 






June 5 








June 8 


2 






June 10 






June 16 


1 
2 
1 






June 18 






June 21 


1 
3 
5 
11 
14 
12 
16 
15 
15 
16 
15 


1 


June 23 


3 


June 26 




7 


June 28 




31 


June 30 




73 


July 4 




171 


July 8 




370 


July 10 


1 
2 
2 


469 




546 


July 15 


546 




458 









LITTLE EAST. 



May 15. 
May 19. 
May 23. 
June 1 . 
June 3. 
June 5. 
June 9. 
June 11 
June 14 
June 16 
June 18 
June 21 
June 23 
June 26 
June 28 
June 30 
July 8. . 
July 10. 
July 13. 
July 15. 
July 18. 



1 
5 

14 
35 
122 
145 
161 
136 
103 



SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



311 



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312 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

[Inclosure 6.] 
Expenditures of Government appropriation, St. George Island, 1906. 

Amount allotted St. George Island $4, 665. 00 

Amount allotted St. George Island by reduction in price of coal 625. 00 

Total 5, 290. 00 

EXPENDITUEES. 
1905. 

July, vouchers 1 to 9, inclusive $27. 80 

August, vouchers 10 to 55, inclusive 236. 65 

September, vouchers 56 to 160, inclusive 510. 45 

October, vouchers 161 to 244, inclusive 423. 75 

November, vouchers 245 to 326, inclusive 438. 15 

December, vouchers 327 to 426, inclusive 509. 95 

1906. 

January, vouchers 427 to 504, inclusive 400. 60 

February, vouchers 505 to 581, inclusive 385. 15 

March, vouchers 582 to 681, inclusive 530. 55 

April, vouchers 682 to 735, inclusive 322. 75 

May, vouchers 736 to 810, inclusive 377. 10 

June, vouchers 811 to 912, inclusive 1, 056. 75 

Total 5, 219. 65 

Amount unexpended 70. 35 

[Inclosure 7.] S 

Exhibit F. — Seal division, St. George Island, August 4, 1906. 

By 1,940 sealskins, at 75 cents $1, 455.00 

To 12 first-class men, at $65.40 $784. 80 

To 8 second-class men, at $52.30 418. 40 

To 4 third-class men, at $39.20 156. 80 

To 2 special-class men 75. 00 

To 1,000 pounds pig feed 20. 00 

Amount expended 1, 455. 00 

FIRST CLASS. 

1. Stepan Lekanof 65. 40 

2. Demetri Lestenkof 65. 40 

3. Mike Lestenkof 65. 40 

4. Nicoli Malavansky 65. 40 

5. George Merculif 65. 40 

6. Joseph Merculif 65. 40 

7. Nicolai Merculif 65. 40 

8. Andronic Philamonof 65. 40 

9. Gregory Philamonof 65. 40 

10. Simeon Philamonof 65. 40 

11. Peter Prokopief 65. 40 

12. Rev. Peter Kashavarof 65. 40 

SECOND CLASS. 

1. Alexander Galanin 52. 30 

2. John Galanin 52. 30 

3. Walter Kashavarof 52. 30 

4. Peter Malavansky 52. 30 

5. Nicoli Nedarazof 52. 30 

6. Mike Shane 52.30 

7. Gregory Swetzof 52. 30 

8. Manuel Zaharof 52. 30 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 313 

THIRD CLASS. 

1. Anatoli Lekanof $39. 20 

2. John Merculif 39. 20 

3. Marka Merculif 139. 20 

4. Demetri Philamonof 39. 20 

SPECIAL CLASS. | 

1. Stepan Lekanof, chief 40. 00 

2.{Jo8eph Merculif, second chief 35. 00 

The division as above made is hereby approved on behalf of the natives of this 
island. 

Stepan Lekanoff, First Chief. 
Joseph Mercxjlieff, Second Chief. 

I certify that the amounts indicated herein have been placed to the credit of the 
respective natives on the books of the North American Commercial Co. 

The North American Commercial Co., 
By Dr. L. A. Notes, Agent. 

I certify that the above division was made by me after conference with the native 
chiefs. 

H. D. Chichester, 
Assistant Agent, Department of Commerce and Labor, 

in Charge St. George Island. 



Exhibit 15. 

Island of St. George, 
Bering Sea, Alaska, August 9, 1906. 
This is to certify that 1,940 fur-seal skins have this day been shipped on board the 
North American Commercial Co.'s steamer Homer, consigned to the North American 
Commercial Co., San Francisco, Cal. 

H. D. Chichester, 
Assistant Agent, Department of Commerce and Labor, 
« m Charge St. George Island. 

Shipper's load and coimt. 

A. Donaldson, Master Steamship ''Eomer." 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Solicitor, 

Washington. 

Memorandum: In the matter of the increase of prices of com- 
modities sold to the natives on the Pribilof Islands by the North 
American Commercial Co. 

Since the year 1900 the prices charged on St. Paul and St. George 
Islands by the lessee company for necessaries of life have been 
increased materially. This action was sought to be justified by the 
company on the ground of increased wholesale cost to the retailer. 

As instances, the following items are cited : 

Coal increased from per ton. . $15.50 to $20.00 

Tobacco increased from per pound . . .30 to .50 

Hard bread increased from do 05 to .06 

Salt beef increased from do 10 to .12^ 

Butter (reduced in 1905 to $0.70 a square) increased from 

per square of 1^ poimds. . .60 to .80 

Drop shot increased from per povmd. . .10 to .12^ 

Hosiery (reduced in 1905 to $0.50 a pair) increased from. . .per pair. . .50 to .60 

Potatoes increased from per pound. . . 03 to . 03^ 

Shotgun primers increased from per box of 250 . . .40 to .50 



314 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



The increased cost to the natives of these articles amounts to 
approximately $3,500 per annum, representing the income from the 
labor incident to taking 7,000 sealskms. 

In 1891 the natives' compensation for taking sealskins was fixed 
by the Treasury Department at 50 cents per skin. Previous to that 
date the natives received 40 cents. Since 1891 no change in the rate 
of compensation has been made. In addition, also, the company has 
continued for many years to compensate the natives for miscellane- 
ous labor at the rate of 10 cents per hour, except for handling cargo, 
when 15 cents per hour is paid. It is understood that the same com- 
pany pays similar natives at Dutch Harbor for laboring at the rate of 
$1.50 per day of 10 hours with board. 

By reason of the rapidly diminishing catch of seals, the earnings of 
the Pribilof Islands natives will become correspondingly attenuated. 

The number of sealskins sold in London by the North American 
Commercial Co. and the average prices obtained since 1890 are 
appended, (See Hearings before Ways and Means, Mar. 9 and 10, 
1904, p. 76.) The catches of 1904 and 1905 have been inserted by me. 



Years. 


Number of 
skins. 


Average 

price per 

skin. 


1890 

1891 

1892 

1893 

1894 

1895 

1896 

1897 


28,859 
12,040 
7,511 
7,396 
16,270 
14,846 
30,654 
19,200 
18,047 
16, 812 
22,470 
22,672 
22, 190 
19,212 
1 13.12S 


$36.50 
30.00 
30.00 
27.00 
20.50 
20.25 
17.00 
15.50 
16.00 
26.00 
32.00 
34.00 
32.50 
29.50 


1898 


1899 

1900 

1901 

1902 

1903 

1904 


1905 . I14!3fi8 











1 Inserted. 

Since 1891 the wages for all classes of labor have increased generally 
throughout the United States, as a result of the increased cost of living. 
The wages of the seal-island natives have remained the same, but the 
lessee has found it necessary, on account of the increased cost of goods, 
to raise the prices of the same on the islands. It is submitted that an 
increase in the wages paid by the lessee to the natives should be made 
to offset the raise in prices. 

The compensation paid the natives for taking skins should be 
increased to 75 cents per skin. Based upon an estimated catch of 
13,000 seals this would result in a total increase of $3,250, which i8 
$250 less than the estimated increase in the total cost of provisions 
caused by increased prices. 

W. I. Lembkey. 

Fall, 1906. 



J 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 315 

Prices of articles sold on Pribilof Islands by North American Commercial Co. 



Articles. 



Quantity. 



Island price. 



San Fran- 
cisco retail 
price. 



Keduced 
island 
price. 



Apples, dried , 

Bacon 

Baking powder 

Beans, dried 

Bluing, balls 

Bread, pilot 

Butter 

Candles 

Canned beef : 

Roast 

Corned 

Canned fruits 

Canned vegetables: 

Beans 

Com 

Tomatoes 

Peas 

Clams 

Coal oil 

Coffee 

Crackers: 

Soda 

Sweet, assorted 

Currants, dried 

Flour 

Gunpowder, Black Golden Pheas- 
ant. 

Ham 

Jelly 

Lard 



Per pound 

do 

For 4 ounces 

Per pound 

Box 

Per pound 

Per square of IJ pounds. 
Per set of 6 



Per 2-pound tin. 

do 

....do 



Per can 

....do 

....do 

....do 

....do 

Per gallon . . 
Per pound . 



do 

do 

do 

Per i barrel . 
Per pound . . 



Matches, California, sulphur,. 

Milk, Borden's condensed 

Mustard 

Onions, fresh 

Oysters 

Peaches, dried 

Pepper 

Potatoes, fresh 

Prunes, dried 

Raisins 

Rice 

Salmon 

Salt beef 

Salt pork 

Sardmes, American 

Sauce, Worcester American Club.. 
Soap: 

Kitchen 

Ivory 

Soups: 

Franco- American 

Columbia 

Starch: 

Laundry 

Com 

Sugar, cube 

Sweet oil, American Durand's, 
cottonseed. 

Sirup, Crown Drip 

Tea 

Tobacco: 

Leaf 

D urham 

Mastiff 

Vinegar 

Yeast cakes 



..do 

..do 

/Per 2J pounds... 
\Per 5 pounds 

Per package 

Per can 

Per 4 pound 

Per pound 

Per can 

Per pound 

Per § pound 

Per pound 

do 

....do 

Per 3 pounds 

Per 2-pound tin . 

Per pound 

do 

Per 2 tins 

Per bottle 



For 4 bars. 
For 2 bars. 



Per can . 
do.. 



Per pound 

do 

do 

Per quart bottle. 



Per pound. 



do 

Per 34 ounces. 

do 

Per quart 

Per package... 



to. 15 
.25 
.20 
.084 
.25 
.06 
.80 
.20 

..30 
.30 
.30 

.20 
.20 
.20 
.20 
.25 
.40 
.36 

.10 
.20 
.15 

1.75 
.80 

.25 

.25 

.50 

.90 

.10 

.25 

.25 

.05 

.30 

.15 

.25 

.034 

.15 

.15 

.25 

.25 

.124 

.15 

.25 

.40 

.25 
.25 

.40 
.40 

.25 
.25 
.10 
.50 



.50 

.50 
.25 
.25 
.10 
.15 



$0.10 

.194 

1.20 

.05 

. 10 to . 25 

.45 
.20 

.30 

.25 

. 20 to . 25 

.15 
.15 
.124 
.124 
. 10 to . 20 
. 26 to . 31 
.25 

.10 
.15 
.15 
L25 
.35 

. 15 to . 20 
».20 
.40 
.65 
.05 
.15 
.20 



.20 
.15 
.20 
.02i 
.05 to. 124 
. 124 to . 15 
.25 
.20 
.10 



L.&P., .25 



<.25 
».25 



.35 



.124 
.10 
.074 
.20 

.40 
.50 



.05 



SO. 05 



• 6 ounce. 



* Three for 25 cents. 



' For 2 pounds. 



* 5 bars. 



» 3 bars. 



316 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



Prices of articles sold on Pribilof Islands by North American Commercial Co. — Contd. 

CLOTHING. 



Articles. 



Quantity. 



Island price. 



San Fran- 
cisco retail 
price. 



Reduced 
island 
price. 



Arctics: 

Men's short 

Women's short 

Misses' short 

Child's short 

Boots: 

Men's leather 

Youths' leather 

Boys' leather 

Buttons: 

It Dress, metal 

W White porcelain 

Calico 

Canton flannel 

Carpet, 2-ply ingrain 

Caps: 

Men's light 

Men's heavy 

Boys' light 

Clothing: 

Men's suits 

Boys' suits, according to size. 

Men's pants 

Thread, cotton, O. N. T 

Denim 

Dress goods: 

Mixed wool and cotton 



Per dozen. 

do 

Per yard . . 

do 

Per yard . . 



3 spools for. 
Per yard . . . 



Flannel, according to quality. 



Gingham 

Gloves: 

Men's heavy leather 

Men's light leather 

Wool gloves and mittens, heavy . 
Handkerchiefs: 

White, men's 

Red cotton 

Hooks and eyes 

Hose: 

Men's woolen socks 

Women's woolen hose 

Misses' woolen hose 

Child 's woolen hose 

Babies' cotton hose 

Leather: 

Soles and heels 

Uppers , for skin boots 

Muslin, barred, for dresses 

Common, according to quality. . 

Sheeting, according to width 

Neckties 

Oilskin coats 

Overalls: 

Pants 

Blouse 

Rubber boots: 

Men's hip 

Women's knee 

Rubber shoes: 

Men's 

Women's 

Child's 

Shirts: 

Men's woolen 

Men's white 

Men's negligee 

Shoes: 

Men's 

Women's 

Child's, according to size 

Shoe strings: 

Cotton 

Leather 

Silesia 

Suspenders 

White Swiss 

•Ticking, bed 



Per yard. 



Per paper . 



Per pair. 

'.'.'.'.do'.'. 
....do.. 
....do.. 



do... 

do... 

Per yard . 

do... 

do... 

Each 

do... 



Per pair . . 

Per yard. 
Per pair.. 
Per yard . 
....do... 



$2.25 
1.60 
1.25 
1.00 

6.00 
3.00 
2.50 

.25 
.02i 
.10 
.25 
LOO 

.75 
LOO 
1.50 

.50 

18.00 

5. 00-12. 00 

5.00 

.25 

.20 



f .50 

.60 

[ .75 

.15 

1.50 

1.25 

.60 

.25 
.20 
.10 

.60 
.60 
.50 
. 40, . 30 
.20 

.75 

.75 

.25 

.10, . 12J, . 15 

.20, .25 

. 50, . 75 

3.00 

1.00 
1.25 

6.00 
2.25 

1.00 

.90 

. 50, . 60, . 75 

2.00 

1.50 

,75,1.25,1.50 

4.50 

4.50 

1.00-3.00 

.05 
.10 

.20 

. 50, . 75 

.25 

.25 



JL75 
L25 
LOO 



$0.15 



. 05 each 



.05 

.50 
.50 
.35 
.25 
.15 



5.50 



4.00 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



317 



Prices of articles sold on Pribilof Islands by North American Commercial Co. — Contd. 

CLOTHING— Continued. 



Articles. 


Quantity. 


Island price. 


San Fran- 
cisco retail 
price. 


Reduced 
island 
price. 


Underwear: 

Men's heavy wool 


Per garment 


$1.50 

1.50 

.15 














Yam, Saxony, 12 hanks to iwund . . 


Per hank 















MISCELLANEOUS. 



Chimneys, lamp, all sizes. 

Cod line 

Cups 

Knives and forks (steel).. 

Spoons 

Plates 

Tumblers 

Nails 

Needles: 

Sewing 

Machine 

Paints (mixed): 

Lead , 

Zinc 

Saucers 

Shovels, small fire , 

Tacks, carpet 

Washboards 



Per pound 

Each 

Per pair 

Each 

2 for 25 cents, each 

3 for 25 cents, each 
Per pound 



Per package. 
2 for 



Per pound.. 

do 

Each 

do 

Per package. 
Each 



$0.15 
.40 
.10 
.35 
.10 
.12i 
.08 J 
.10 

.10 
.05 

.15 
.20 
.10 
.25 
.10 
.50 



$0.25 



.15 
.05 



Submitted by North American Commercial Co. 



Articles. 


Quantity. 


Retail 
island 
price. 


Retail 
San Fran- 
cisco 
price. 


Tea 


Pound 


$0.50 
.10 
.25 
.70 
.25 
.20 
.30 
.25 
.08J 
.18 
.10 
.20 
.15 
1.75 
.06 
.15 
.25 
.35 
.30 
.25 
.20 
.35 

.15 
.15 
.121 
.30 
.03* 
.05' 
.25 
.22J 
.15 
.20 
.30 
.50 
.06i 
.40 
4.50 


$0.50 


Sugar 


do 


.08J 
.15 


ronrlpntsprl millr , 


Can 


Butter 


Roll 


.70 


Canned fruit 


Can 


.25 


Canned vegetables 


do 


.20 


Canned beef 


do 


.30 


Jelly 


do 


.25 


Rice 


Pound 


.06+ 


Lard 


do 


.14 


Soda crackers 


do 


.10 


Assorted crackers 


do 


.20 


Raisins 


do 


.15 


Flour 


J sack 


1.25 




.08^ 
.15 


Candles 


do 


Lobster 


Can 


.30 


Soup 


do 


.35 


Clams 


do 


.20 


Oysters 


do 


.25 


Sirup 




.15 


Coffee 


Pound 


.35 


Sardines 


Box 


.12* 


Starch : 


Pound 


.12| 


Dried fruit 


do 


.15 


Salt beef 


do 


.10 


Salmon 


Can 


.25 


Potatoes 




.02} 


Onions 


do 


.07 


Bacon 


do 


.20 


Ham 


do 


.17J 


Salt pork 


do 


.15 


Baking powder 


i pound 


.15 


Sauce 


Bottle 


.25 


Sweet oil . . . . 


do 


.50 


Soap 


Bar 


.07 


Coal oil.. . . ... 


Gallon 


.35 


Heavy shoes 


Pair 


4.00 



318 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Submitted by North American Commercial Co. — Continued. 



Articles. 


Quantity. 


RetaU 
island 
price. 


1. RetaU 
San Fran- 
cisco 
price. 




Pair 


$6.00 

2.25 

1.50 

1.25 

2.60 

1.00 

.80 

3.00 

5.00 

1.25 

1.00 

.25 

.60 

.50 

1.50 

1.50 

.75 


15.50 




do 


1.75 




do 


1.25 




do 


1.00 




do 


2.50 




do 


1.00 




do 


.75 




Each 


2.25 




Pair 


4.50 




Each 


.75 




Pair 


.75 




do 


.25 




do 


.50 


I^Do ; 


do 


.35 




Garment 


1.25 




do 


1.25 




do 


.75 









St. Paul. 

Butter cost to company in San Francisco, per pound: Cents. 

1890 18 

1891 22i 

1892 20 

1893 20J 

1894 21 

1895 12i 

1896 16 

1897 17i 

1898 22i 

1899 20| 

1900 19i 

1901 18i 

1902 21 

1903 24 

1904 23 

1905 23} 

Average cost, San Francisco, 1890 to 1902 19j 

Average cost, San Francisco, 1903 to 1905 23. 41 

Advance in San Francisco, 1903 to 1905 over 1890 to 1902, 21yV per cent. 
Advance on St. Paul, 16f per cent. 

Flour cost to company in San Francisco, per barrel: 

1890 $4. 00 

1891 5.25 

1893 3. 70 

1894 3. 40 

' 1895 2.90 

1896 3. 50 

1897 4. 10 

1898 5. 25 

1899 3. 35 

1900 3. 15 

1901 2.90 

1902 3. 15 

1903 4. 10 

1904 4. 15 

1905 4. 35 

Average price, 1893 to 1902 3. 54 

Average price, 1903 to 1905 4. 20 

Advance in San Francisco, 1903 to 1905 over 1893 to 1902, ISy'V per cent. 
Advance on St. Paul Island, 16j per cent. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 31) 

Salt beef cost to company in San Francisco, per barrel: 

1890 : $10. 50 

1891 10. 50 

1892 10. 50 

1893 11. 00 

1894 11. 00 

1895 11. 00 

1896 11.00 

1897 11. 00 

1898 12. 00 

1899 13. 50 

1900 14. 50 

1901 12. 50 

1902 12. 50 

1903 12. 50 

1904 12. 50 

1905: - 12. 50 

Average cost, 1890 to 1898 10. 95 

Average cost, 1899 to 1905 12.95 

Advance in San Francisco, 1899 to 1905 over 1890 to 1898, ISfV per cent. 
Advance on St. Paul, 25 per cent. 



Part II. Communications Relative to Revenue-Cutter 

Patrol. 

April 25, 1906. 

Sir: I am in receipt of your letter of the 20th instant, with refer- 
ence to detaihng vessels of the Revenue-Cutter Service to aid in the 
enforcement of the laws governing the taking of fur seals and to enable 
this department to make its annual inspection of the Alaskan salmon 
fisheries. 

With reference to the fur-seal fisheries, I have the honor to request 
that arrangements be made for the usual patrol of Bering Sea by 
vessels of the Revenue-Cutter Service, for the enforcement of the 
laws and regulations in reference to the killing of fur seals. 

In view of the approaching negotiations to secure an international 
agreement which will put a. stop to pelagic sealing, the department 
is desirous of securing full information as to the present condition of 
the fur-seal fisheries. Accordingly it has been decided to send to the 
seal islands during the coming season Mr. E. W. Sims, solicitor of the 
department, who for some time past has had charge of this branch 
of the service. The department requests, therefore, that if possible 
arrangements be made to transport Mr. Sims to and from the islands. 

With reference to the Alaskan salmon fisheries, I have the honor 
to request that arrangements be made for the usual annual inspec- 
tion. Detailed information as to the extent of the mspection will be 
furnished as soon as the matter has been defuiitely determined by the 
department. In this connection I have the honor to request that 
arrangements be made to enable Hon. George M. Bowers, Commis- 
sioner of Fisheries, to make certain investigations with reference to 
the establishment of fish hatcheries in Alaska and for other purposes. 

In accordance with your suggestion, Mr. Bowers and Mr. Sims will 
confer as soon as practicable with the Chief of Division, Revenue- 
Cutter Service, relative to the route to be taken, time of inspection, 
etc. 

Respectfully, Lawrence O. Murray, 

Acting Secretary. 

The honorable the Secretary of the Treasury. 



320 seal, islands op alaska. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Secretary. 

Washington, May 22, 1906. 
The Commissioner of Fisheries, 

Department of Commerce and Labor. 
Sir: There is mclosed to you herewith, for your information, a 
copy of a letter addressed to this department by Hon. H. A. Taylor, 
Acting Secretary of the Treasury. 

RespectfuUy, V. H. Metcalf, 

Secretary. 

[Copy.] 

Treasury Department, 

Office of the Secretary, 

WasMngton, May 21, 1906. 
The honorable Secretary of Commerce and Labor. 

Sir: 1. I have the honor to state that the revenue cutter Thetis 
has been selected to make the cruise this season to the Arctic Ocean; 
also that the revenue cutters Perry and Rush have been designated 
by the President to cruise the present season in the waters of the 
northern Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea for the enforcement of the 
act of Congress approved December 29, 1897, and the regulations of 
the Paris Tribunal of Arbitration, decr^sed the loth day of August, 
1893, for the preservation of the fur seals. 

2. It is intended that the Perry shall perform the regular cruising 
in Bering Sea and around the Pribilof Islands, and that the Rush, in 
addition to any duties she may be able to perform in connection with 
the fur-seal fisheries, is to make the regular cannery cruise in Alaskan 
waters. 

3. I have respectfully to request that if there be any special duties 
that the Department of Commerce and X-abor desires these vessels 
to perform in addition to those for which requests have already been 
made, this department be advised at the earliest possible date. 

Respectfully, 

H. A. Taylor, 
Acting Secretary. 



Treasury Department, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, May 26, 1906. 
Capt. F. M. DuNWOODY, 

United States Revenue- Cutter Service, 

Commanding United States Revenue Cutter '^Perry,'^ 

Port Townsend, Wash. 

Sir: 1. You are informed that the President has designated the 
United States revenue cutter Perry, under your command, to patrol 
the waters of the North Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea, as far as may 
be practicable, the present season for the purpose of enforcing the 
act of Congress approved December 29, 1897, and the regulations of 
the Paris Tribunal of Arbitration decreed the 15th of August, 1893 
(copies inclosed). 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 321 

2. Under the provisions of the act of Congress above referred to, 
it is unlawful for any citizen or vessel of the United States to engage 
in pelagic sealing at any time or in any manner in the waters of the 
Pacific Ocean north of the thirty-fifth degree of north latitude, in the 
Bering Sea and the Sea of Okliotsk. You are therefore directed to 
seize any vessel of the United States found navigating the sea as 
above indicated, in violation of the law, and send the same to the 
nearest or most accessible port of the United States; upon arrival 
there to be surrendered to the custody of competent authority 
having jurisdiction. 

3. Since, under the enactment by Congress above referred to and 
given in full in the "Regulations, Fur-Seal Fishing Season of 1P02" 
(which apply to the present season), vessels of the United States 
are prohibited absolutely from engaging in fur-seal fishing within 
the geographical limits prescribed, it follows that the "Regulations 
of the Paris Tribunal of Arbitration" (given in full herewith), are 
applicable only to British vessels, and that fur-seal fishing is pro- 
hibited to subjects of Great Britain at any time or in any manner 
within a zone of 60 geographic miles around Pribilof Islands, inclu- 
sive of territorial waters, and from May 1 to July 31, in that part of 
the Pacific Ocean inclusive of Bering Sea, situated north of the thirty- 
fifth degree of north latitude and eastward of the one hundred and 
eightieth degi'ee of longitude from Greenwich, until it strikes the water 
boundary described in article 1 of the treaty of 1867 between the 
United States and Russia, and following that line up to Bering Strait. 

4. You will arrange with the senior British naval officer at Una- 
laska engaged in carr^^ing out the provisions of the award, for the 
mutual delivery of vessels of the one country seized by officers of the 
other. 

5. You will be governed by the following instructions while cruising 
for the enforcement of the fur-seal regulations : 

(a) The terms of the award apply only to vessels of the United 
States and Great Britain. The first duty of the boarding officer is 
to satisfy himself by an inspection of her documents as to the vessel's 
nationality. Vessels boarded beyond the legal jurisdiction of the 
United States and found to be of a nationality not included in the 
award are not to be searched or detained longer than is necessary 
to establish the fact. 

(h) Long chases are not advisable. After a vessel is brought 
wdthin reach of your guns, if she does not bring to, display the national 
ensign and open fire. Fire one blank and one solid shot as a warning. 
If she still neglects to come to the wind, aim to hit, and use the force 
at your command to compel her to submit to being boarded and 
searched. 

(c) A mere cursory or perfunctory search of vessels boarded is 
strictly forbidden. The search must be made by two commissioned 
officers, or one commissioned and one petty officer, and the necessary 
number of men, w^io are required to remain on board until every 
part of the vessel where a sealskin or a shotgun or rifle could be 
concealed has been searched. 

(d) Boarding officers are required to exercise courtesy and for- 
bearance and avoid all discussions. Offensive remarks or actions by 

2403— H. Doc. 93, 62-1 21 



322 SEAL ISLANDS OP ALASKA. 

members of the crew or others on board the vessel being searched 
are under no circumstances to be taken notice of. 

(e) Should a sealskin be found on board that bears satisfactory 
evidence of having been shot witliin the Bering Sea, or killed in any 
manner within the area of the award in the Pacific Ocean between 
April 30 and August 1, or within 60 miles of the Pribilof Islands at 
any time, the vessel must be seized. 

(/) Any vessel of Great Britain found within the area of the award 
during the closed season engaged in fur-seal fishing or fitted for fur- 
seal fishing and not being provided with the special sealing license 
is ordered seized. Or if any licensed vessel shall be found within the 
area of the award during the closed season haying on board a seal- 
hunting outfit suitable for taking seal but forbidden then and there 
to be used she is ordered seized. 

(g) Only saiHng vessels are permitted to engage in fur-seal fishing 
during the period of time and m the waters in which fur-seal fishing 
is allowed. Any vessel propelled in whole or in part by steam or 
other motive power than sail, found so engaged, is ordered seized. 

(h) If a vessel which appears to be a seaUng vessel is found witliin 
the area during the periods of time in which fur-seal fishing is forbid- 
den, you will ascertain whether she has been engaged m fur-seal 
fishing; whether she was carried there by stress of weather, by a 
mistake during foggy or thick weather, or is there in the ordinary 
course of navigation making the best of her way to any place. You 
must judge whether such vessel has been engaged in fur-seal fishing 
from the presence of sealskins or bodies of seals on board, or salt, 
and from other circumstances and indications. 

(i) If such vessel is found outside of the area of the award and it 
is evident that she has been engaged in fur-seal fishing within said 
area, and has thus committed an offense, you will seize her. A 
vessel may violate the law by her boats fur-seal fishing within said 
area wliile the vessel herself is outside of said area. 

(j) When you make a seizure, you will, at the time thereof, draw 
up a declaration in writing stating the conditions of the seized vessel, 
the date and exact place of seizure, giving latitude and longitude and 
any additional data by which exact location may be determined and 
circumstances showing guilt. Arms or skins found (the cause of 
seizure), as well as all papers, must be examined on board the seized 
vessel and so marked as to be readily identified by the boarding 
officers when produced in court or elsewhere. This is important 
and must not be neglected. 

(k) The seized vessel will be taken or sent, as soon as practicable, 
with all persons on board thereof, in charge of a suflacient force to 
insure delivery, together with witnesses and proofs, and the declara- 
tion of the officer making the seizure, if American, to the most conven- 
ient port of California, Oregon, Washington, or Alaska, and delivered 
to the officers of the United States court; and if British, to Unalaska, 
and there delivered to the senior British naval officer present, or 
taken to the most convenient port in British Columbia and dehvered 
to the proper authorities of Great Britain, or deliver her to the com- 
manding officer of any British vessel authorized to receive her. 

(?) A signed and certified hst of papers of the seized vessel will be 
delivered to the master thereof, and a duplicate copy transmitted 
with the declarations. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 323 

(m) Ally British vessel boarded and found not to be subject to 
seizure will be furnished with a copy of the fur-seal regulations. 

(n) Each vessel so boarded shall be given a written certificate 
showing the date and place of examination, the number of fur-seal 
skins and the number of bodies of seals on board. A duplicate of 
said certificate shall be preserved. 
Respectfully, 

J. B. Reynolds, 
Assistant Secretary. 
Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, May 28, 1906. 
Approved . 

Lawrence O. Murray, 

Assistant Secretary. 



Treasury Department, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, August 27, 1906. 
The honorable the Secretary of Commerce and Labor. 
Sir : I have the honor to transmit herewith copies of reports dated 
the 17th and 28th ultimo from Capt. F. M. Dunwoody, United States 
Revenue-Cutter Service, commanding the United States revenue 
cutter Perry, containing information in relation to the recent raid on 
St. Paul Island by the crews of certain Japanese vessels and the dis- 
position made of the prisoners, and regarding Japanese vessels 
engaged in salmon fishing near the island of Attn. 
Respectfully, 

J. B. Reynolds, 

Acting Secretary. 



[Copy.] 

United States Revenue-Cutter Service, 

Steamer "Perry," 
Unalaslca, Alaska, July 17, 1906. 
The honorable the Secretary of the Treasury, 

Washington, D. O. 

Sir: I have to report the arrival of the Perry at Unalaska from a 
cruise in Bering Sea as far to the westward as Attu, returning via seal 
islands. The object of extending the cruise to Attu was for the 
purpose of making inquuy mto a report brought to Unalaska by a 
man by the name of Dirks engaged in trading with natives of that 
island, and which report was sent by the last mail steamer to be 
telegraphed to the Associated Press, to the effect that Japanese fishing 
vessels returned to the islands in September of last year after having 
been warned away by the Perry, and had traded flour, rice, matches, 
coal oil, and other articles in violation of law, and to the injury of his 
busmess enterprises. We also intended to distribute a part of the 
clothing sent on board by the Woman's National Relief Society to 
destitute natives of the Aleutian Islands. 

The Perry left Unalaska at 5.40 a. m., July 5, and when off Cape 
Cheerful laid course for Bogoslof Islands with a view of verifying the 
report that a third island had risen in addition to the two which are 



324 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

already charted. The weather was overcast and hazy, with Hght 
westerly wind and smooth sea. At 11 a. m., sighted the smoke and 
steam from the new volcano. When the islands were bearing 
WSW. I W. distant about 4^ miles, fell in with a small vessel which 
was boarded and found to be the Japanese sealing schooner Toktura 
Maru, of Tokyo, F. Murao, master. She had been out since June 3 
and had succeeded in getting only two seals. Tlie Perry then con- 
tinued on toward Bogoslov, and when within probably a mile and a 
half of the island stopped and sent the cutter with several of the 
officers of the vessel to make a landing and investigate the new island. 
Lieut. Fisher was in charge of the boat and upon his return submitted 
to me a report of his observation and a rough sketch of the islands as 
they now appear, both of which are herewith inclosed for the informa- 
tion of the department, together with photographs taken by Asst. 
Surg. H. G. Egbert, United States Public Health and Marine-Hospital 
Service. 

At 3.25 continued on our course to Attu Island, where we arrived on 
the afternoon of the 10th, anchoring inSarrana Bay, where the Jap- 
anese vessels were found engaged in fishing last year. The natives 
live at this place during the summer engaged in catching and drying 
their supply of salmon to last them tlu-ough the year. 

From an interview with Filaret Prokopief, the head chief of the 
natives, I was able to gather the following information relative to 
the operations of the Japanese vessels engaged in fishing for salmon 
in those waters: 

It appears that of the four vessels warned away last season one 
returned about a week later to pick up six men who had gone back 
into the mountains. She left the harbor three or four days later. In 
September a small Japanese schooner appeared in one of the bays on 
the south side of the island. Filaret stated that he believed he came 
for the purpose of fishing, but it was too late in the season and she 
left a few days later without attempting to fish. This same vessel 
came into Sarrana Bay this year, remained about ten days, and 
caught about 3,000 salmon. The chief said he tried to stop them 
fishing, but was unable to do so until after the arrival of four Japanese 
sealing vessels, which came into Chigagoff Harbor for water, on 
board of one of which was a Japanese, whom he was able to make 
understand that it was unlawful for Japanese to engage in fishing 
operations, and who wrote and sent a letter to the master of the 
schooner then engaged in fishing in Sarrana Bay. Filaret told me 
that he did not know what information the letter contained, but the 
next day the fishing vessel left the harbor. This is the only vessel 
engaged in fishmg that had been in the bay this season. 

It appears that for the assistance rendered the Japanese in fishing 
by the natives last year the following articles were given the chief, 
who distributed them among the native families: One thousand two 
hundred and fifty pounds of flour, 3,200 pounds of rice, 200 packages 
(10 each) matches, and 30 gallons of coal oil. 

We found the natives in a very destitute condition as regards cloth- 
ing, and one-half of the supply sent on board by the W. N. R. S. was 
distributed among them. We left Attu on the evening of the 11th 
and arrived at St. Paul Island on morning of the 14th, where we 
received on board Mr. M. C. Marsh, of the Department of Commerce 
and Labor, and proceeded to St. George Island, where we arrived at 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 325 

9.15 p. m., same date, and anchored. On the morning of the 15th 
Mr. Marsh left the vessel. 

We remamed at St. George over Sunday. During the day Mr. 
Chichester, special agent, called. He informed me that one small 
schooner, flying the Argentine Republic flag, had been sighted this 
season within 2 miles of the island, but that no attempt to land or 
raid the rookeries had been made. I learned that a vessel had also 
been seen off Northeast Point, St. Paul Island, a short time before 
the arrival of the Perry. On the morning of the 16th, left St. George 
and arrived at Unalaska the following morning. 

As soon as the vessel is coaled and everything in readiness will 
proceed on a cruise and expect to touch at Chernofsky on the western 
end of Unalaska Island, where I am informed the natives are in a 
very destitute condition. 

To-day, the 18th, the monthly mail steamer arrived, bringing 
department letter of June 25, relative to investigating and submitting 
a report upon the third island, which has arisen m addition to the 
two which are now charted as Bogoslof Islands. Also letter of June 
26, inclosmg a copy of act of Congress, approved June 14, 1906 
(Public No. 228), entitled ''An act to prohibit aliens from fishing in 
the waters of Alaska." 

Respectfully, F. M. Dun woody, 

Captain, U. S. Revenue- Cutter Service, Commanding. 



[Copy.J 



United States Revenue-Cutter Service, 

Steamer " Perry," 
Dutch Harbor, Alasla, July 28, 1906. 
The honorable the Secretary of the Treasury, 

Washington, D. C. 

Sir: I respectfully inform the department that the Perry was in 
readiness to sail from Unalaska for a cruise in Bering Sea on the 21st 
instant, on which date the U. S. S. McCulloch arrived from the 
Pribilof Islands, having on board Special Agent Lembkey, of the 
Department of Commerce and Labor, in charge of 12 Japanese pris- 
oners who were captured on the 17th and 18th of July, 1906, 
while in the act of raiding the seal rookeries located at Northeast 
Point, St. Paul Island. In repelling the raid the guard, under the 
orders of Mr. Lembkey, fired upon the raiders and killed 5. L^pon 
the arrival of the McCulloch at St. Paul Island, Mr. Simms and Mr. 
Bowers, of the Department of Commerce and Labor, were landed, 
and as it was necessary for the McCulloch to proceed to Unalaska 
for a supply of coal, it was decided to transfer the prisoners, in charge 
of Mr. Lembkey, to her for transportation to Unalaska, where they 
could be put temporarily in the custody of the deputy United States 
marshal. 

Soon after the arrival of the McCullocJi I conferred with Capt. 
Cantwell and Agent Lembkey. As the McCulloch would be delayed 
several days coaling and making some necessary repairs, it was de- 
cided that the interests of the Government would be best served if 
the Perry furnished transportation to Mr. Lembkey to St. Paul 
Island, and there take on board Mr. Simms and Mr. Bowers to con- 



326 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

vey them to St. George Island and thence to Unalaska. The 
McCullocli would in the meantime have taken coal and have been 
ready to proceed with prisoners and witnesses to Valdez, where the 
United States district court is to meet on August 6. 

On the 22d instant, Mr. Lembkey being ready to return, the Perry 
got underway and proceeded to Dutch Harbor for the purpose of 
taking on board the mail for the seal islands. On arriving at Dutch 
Harbor it was reported necessary to adjust the valve chamber bonnet 
of main feed pump, which on examination was found to be cracked. 
The cracked bonnet was removed and replaced by the bonnet of the 
after feed pump, which was not in use. After a delay of about 20 
minutes the main engine was turned over preparatory to getting 
underway. Only one revolution of the engine had been made when 
the bonnet of the air pump gave way, disabling the engine com- 
pletely. The vessel was brought to anchor, Mr. Lembkey and the 
island mail were transferred to the McCulloch, and I requested Capt. 
Cantwell to detail Chief Engineer C. M. Green, United States Revenue- 
Cutter Service, and Second Asst. Engineer C. C. McMillan, United 
States Revenue-Cutter Service, of his command, to act with Chief 
Engineer Chas. H. Foote, United States Revenue-Cutter Service, of 
the Perry, as a board of investigation to examine into the cause and 
extent of the injuries sustained. The report of this board is for- 
warded under a separate cover. 

Suitable material and the use of a small power drill press were 
found available at Dutch Harbor, and it was considered possible for 
the engineer's force of the vessel to make a new cover for the air 
pump. An arrangement was made with the representative of the 
North American Commercial Co. for the use of the shop wuth power 
and tools at a cost of $10 a day, and to furnish material necessary for 
a new cover. 

The engineer's force made the repairs in accordance with recom- 
mendations of the board of investigation. The work has been com- 
pleted and an underway test made with satisfactory results, all 
parts of the machinery working as efficiently as before the accident 
occurred. 

Good weather prevailed most of the time the repairs were being 
made, giving the deck force an opportunity to touch up paint work 
on outside of hull, spars, smokestack, and boat davits. A detail of 
men was employed two days sacking coal for the McCulloch, so as to 
expedite her departure from Unalaska on her return from the seal 
islands. She is expected to arrive to-day. As soon as she returns 
I will confer with the officers representing the Department of Com- 
merce and Labor in sealing interests and then proceed on a cruise in 
the Bering Sea for the purpose of enforcing the act of Congress 
approved December 29, 1897, and the regulations of the Paris Tri- 
bunal of Arbitration. 

No British sealing vessels have arrived at Dutch Harbor this 
season, nor up to this date has any British naval vessel engaged in 
carrying out the provisions of the award. 
Respectfully, 

F. M. DUNWOODY, 

Captain, JJnited States Revenue- Cutter Service, Commanding. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. " 327 

August 9, 1906. 
Sir: Referring to two telegrams received from E. W. Sims, solicitor 
of this department, dated Sitka, Alaska, August 6, 1906, copies of 
which have been forwarded to you, this department has the honor 
to request that the captain of the revenue cutter McCulloch be 
authorized to transport Mr. Sims and Mr. Bowers from Sitka to 
Ketchikan, and that she proceed thence to Valdez and there take on 
board Government witnesses now attending court at that place and 
return them to the Pribilof Islands. 

It is further requested that the McCulloch be designated to patrol 
the waters of the North Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea in conjunction 
with the revenue cutter Perry during the present season, for the 
enforcement of the laws and regulations in reference to the killing of 
fur seals, under the same instructions as those issued to the captain 
of the Perry under date of May 26, 1906. 
Very respectfully, 

Lawrence O. Murray, 

Assistant Secretary. 
The honorable the Secretary of the Treasury. 



Part III. Communications Relative to Supervision of Seal 
Herd by Naturalist — Visit and Report of M. C. Marsh. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Secretary, 
Washington, February 6, 1906. 

Sir: I inclose herewith copies of communications addressed to the 
President by Dr. David Starr Jordan, in which he recommends that a 
naturalist be sent to the Pribilof Islands for the purpose of making 
an expert study and inspection of the fur-seal herd. 

In view of the contents of these communications it is my desire 
that, if possible, you detail one of the naturalists connected with 
your bureau to do this work, and that he proceed to the seal islands 
as early in the spring as practicable. The naturalist should be informed 
that in case he requires assistance in order to make his investigations 
thorough and complete he should apply to Mr. Lembkey, the agent 
in charge. 

I am informed that some of the appropriations made for your 
bureau are available for this work. If, however, you have no appro- 
priation available, or if for any other reason you will be unable to 
detail a naturalist for this work, please advise me at an early date. 

This action is taken in pursuance of the authority conferred by the 
act of March 3, 1893 (27 Stat., 585), which is as follows: 

The Commissioner of Fish and Fisheries is authorized and required to investigate, 
under the direction of the Secretary of Commerce and Labor, and when so requested 
report annually to him regarding the conditions of seal life upon the rookeries of the 
Pribilof Islands; and he is also directed to continue the inquiries relative to the life 
history and migrations of the fur seals frequenting the waters of Bering Sea. 

Respectfully, 

V. H. Metcalf, 

Secretary. 
The Commissioner of Fisheries. 



328 ' SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

[Copy.] 

Leland Stanford Junior UNiVERSirr, 

Office of the President, 

Stanford University, Col., January 16, 1906. 
Hon. Theodore Roosevelt, 

The White House, Washington, D. C. 

Dear Sir: I beg leave to acknowledge the receipt of three docu- 
ments, sent by Mr. Loeb, bearing on the fur-seal question, viz: (1) 
A memorandum to the President from Secretary Metcalf, (2) the 
printed report of the Secretary of the Department of Commerce and 
Labor, and (3) a letter addressed to Mr. Loeb by Mr. Henry W. 
Elliott. 

As to the first of these I may say that in most respects I concur in 
the statement of Secretary Metcalf. The sole cause of the decline in 
the fur-seal herd is found in pelagic sealing, and the abolition of this 
practice can only be secured by action through diplomatic channels. 
In saying that "the fur-seal question is now chiefly, almost wholly, 
biological" I referred solely to its administration on the islands. The 
abolition of pelagic sealing is, of course, a matter of diplomacy, and 
the guarding of the protected zone a matter for which the Revenue 
Service has been thus far responsible. 

It is true that, as I stated in 1902, I do not believe that any further 
investigation of the general fur-seal question is necessary. The state- 
ment quoted by the Secretary was intended to apply to any further 
inquiry as a basis for international negotiations. It did not apply 
to the purpose of the present memorandum regarding the subjecting 
of the herd to constant expert study and investigation with a view to 
improving its condition and understanding its problems. Such super- 
vision and study I believe it to be the duty of the Government to pro- 
vide. Had it been provided for when the herd came into our pos- 
session in the beginning there probably would not have been a fur-seal 
question. That the herd should be put in charge of a competent 
naturalist was the sole important recommendation of the cornmission 
of 1896-97, as w^ill be seen by reference to Chapter XIX, pages 
191-193, of the first volume of the commission's final report. 

It may be that I have underestimated the completeness of the 
reports of the local agents. As I look over those of Mr. Lembkey for 
1904 and 1905 I find that they are filled with important data. He 
has evidently done his work well. The figures he gives regarding the 
condition of the breeding herd as shown by the comparative counts 
of the rookeries are instructive and show the continued decline of the 
herd under pelagic sealing. As I look through the reports, however, 
I see no mention whatever of the eftects of the parasitic worm 
uncinaria, which we found in 1896-97 to be responsible for the death 
of upward of 12,000 pups, or practically 10 per cent of the birthrate 
of that year. This was one of the most important discoveries made 
by our commission. It is a destructive agency w^hich should be 
fought. We put in operation certain plans for doing this by covering 
with rocks certain sandy areas infested by tlie worm. The matter 
seems not to have been followed up and the only mention I have seen 
of it is in the statement made by Secretary Metcalf to the effect that 
"those breeding areas which were especially arranged with rock, 
foUomng certain recommendations, have never since been visited 
by the seals." 



I 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 329 

This information is highly important. The only phxces thus treated 
were certain "death traps," sandy depressions aUve with Uncinaria 
and consequently filled with dead pups, on Zapadni rookery of St. 
Paul. If, in fact, the seals have avoided these areas, it shows the 
complete success of the remedy proposed and the value of its adop- 
tion on all the rookeries havino; similarly infested tracts. The reports 
do not, however, show that this matter has received the attention of 
the agents, and Secretary Metcalf's reference to it classes it among 
the failures of the commission. 

In all the years of control and investigation this source of loss on 
the rookeries was unknown, and when the rookeries were crowded it 
must have been enormous, until it was discovered in 1897 by Mr. F. A. 
Lucas, of our commission. 

Another important omission I note in the reports is any mention of 
the survey of the rookeries made by the Coast and Geodetic Survey 
in 1897. Under our direction, the rookery boundaries of that season 
were marked with a view to use in future study of the herd. Appar- 
ently no use of these markings was made. 

The plans of fencing and brandmg the seals were suggestions of 
earlier investigators whicli the commission of 1896-97 merely tested 
as a part of its duty. They were expected to assist only in the dis- 
couraging of pelagic sealing should other means of prohibiting it fail. 
It is true that many suggestions have been barren of practical results, 
but others arising from scientific sources, as the control of the para- 
sitic worm, might be made fruitful under competent direction. Other 
ways of improving conditions on the rookeries would suggest them- 
selves to a trained investigator. 

What I meant by the statement that "the need of trained super- 
vision is forcibly shown by the present confusion and doubt as to 
present conditions of the rookeries" is well shown by reference to 
Mr. Lembkey's report for the past year. The one important subject 
brought out by this re])ort is the fact that of a remarkable diminution 
of adult male life. He finds the reserve of idle bulls small. He deduces 
from this a "scarcity" of bulls. The bulls are said to be "amiable" 
because "overtaxed." On certain rookeries they have "lost control 
of the breeding grounds," with the result that the bachelors are 
"hauling among the cows." He states that he is sure "all tlie cows 
were served," but he finds that the bulls "are not present in sufficient 
numbers to maintain a first-class rookery service." 

If this is true, it is a serious matter anti needs careful looldng after. 
In our recommendations of 1896-97 we classed as first and most im- 
portant among the subjects to be determined by the naturalist to be 
placed in charge of the herd a "determination of the proportion of 
males necessary to attend to the needs of the female breeding herd." 
Attention was called to the fact that this was a question that could 
not be "determined in a single season, nor in two, possibly not in 
five." It is a (juestion that can only be settled by a trained natu- 
ralist and investigator. All that Mr. Lembkey has contributed to 
this are certam superficial facts and certain deductions which may or 
may not be of value. They are as a matter of fact merely a reecho 
of very similar deductions made by Mr. Henry W. Elliott in 1890. 
Mr. Lembkey's report settles nothing and leaves only "confusion and 
doubt." 



330 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

The inference easily drawn from his fuidings is that there has been 
too close killing on land. The hasty and unfounded statements of 
Mr. Henry W. Elliott in 1890 to a similar effect furnished a basis on 
which the British commissioners were able to claim, by authority of 
our own agents, that land killing was in part at least responsible for 
the decline of the herd, our claim being that pelagic seahng was the 
sole cause. The importance of the agreement of the joint commission 
in 1897 was that it made pelagic seaUng solely responsible for the 
decline and freed the methods of land sealing from blame. If the 
killing is too close on the islands, tliis is a matter that should be 
brought out clearly; but if it is not true, then in view of the fact that 
further diplomatic negotiations will be required before the fur-seal 
question is settled, such inference as Mr. Lembkey makes mthout 
demonstration only serves to confuse and mislead, and may prove 
dangerous. 

In 1896-97 we found 4,500 active bulls on the rookeries, with 5,000 
idle bulls waiting for a chance to break in, and 10,000 young bulls 
approacliing the age of rookery service. Tliis we recognized as an 
extraordinary condition arising from the restricted killing of males 
during the modus vivendi of 1891-1893. It was a condition recog- 
nized by us as detrimental to the best interests of the herd. The data 
in Mr. Lembkey's report indicate an equally extreme condition in the 
opposite direction. He finds 1,758 active bulls, 141 idle bulls, and 
1,539 young bulls. This is not a condition that can be wholly 
accounted for by any kilHng of males wliich has occurred on the 
islands witliin the past four or five years. What the actual cause of 
this unusual dearth of adult male life may have been is one of the 
questions wliich a naturalist in charge of the herd since 1897 might 
easily have determined. The report of the agent does not give the 
answer. 

I do not know of any more effective argument in favor of the recom- 
mendation which I made in 1897, and which I have repeated in my 
recent memorandum, regarding the need of trained supervision for the 
herd than the condition presented by this one problem in seal Hfe 
to-day. 

There is tliis logical connection between the fur-seal matter and the 
Bureau of Fisheries, that the problems of the herd are closely allied 
to those wluch are being dealt with in the division of scientific inquiry 
of the bureau. It is true that the seal is a mammal and not a fish, 
but three-fourths of its existence is spent in the sea, and many of its 
problems, as its feeding and the mortality to wliich it is subject as a 
natural result of attacks of enemies and from storms, are pelagic 
problems. 

With reference to Mr. Elliott's letter, I do not wonder that Mr. 
Lembkey's conclusions interest him. They are practically identical 
with those put forward in 1890 by Mr. ElKott and which proved very 
embarrassing in our negotiation with Great Britain before the Paris 
Tribunal of Arbitration in 1893. These views of Mr. Elhott are fully 
discussed in the report of the commission of 1896-97, volume F, pages 
126 and following. 

The proper number of bull fur seals may be considered: (1) The 
actual number found in nature, (2) a number well within the limit 
of safety, and (3) the number below wliich female seals fail of 
impregnation. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 331 

In a state of nature, although polygamous, the numbers of male 
and female fur seals are equal. This has been tested by large counts 
of pups. In this state each male has from to 50 females in his 
harem, the average being about 30, those having no female^ lying 
on the outskirts of the rookeries as idle bulls. It is, therefore, 
apparent that the male life rnay be greatly reduced without danger 
to the life of the herd. From Mr. Lembkey's reports for the last two 
years, if we accept his conclusions, the killing of bulls would seem to 
have gone beyond the limits of a wise conservatism. It is, however, 
in my judgment not hkely that such kilhng has reached a point which 
would involve failure of proper procreation. The situation he describes 
may be susceptible of other explanation. If the memorandum 
referred to by Mr. Elliott as the "Hitchcock rules" of 1904 be enforced, 
as I suppose they have been, the matter wiU soon regulate itself. 
In any event there is not the slightest evidence that this alleged over- 
killing of males, if such we may call it, has produced any evil effects. 

I note that Mr. Elliott states with reference to tJie ''Hitchcock 
rules" that ''the Department of Commerce and Labor engaged to 
order them" at his instance. This may be true, but these rules were 
drawn up by myself in Mr. Hitchcock's office in 1904. They seemed 
to me to represent a fair conservatism, and it is gratifying to find that 
for once I was in agreement with Mr. Elliott in a matter involving 
executive procedure. 

While saying that I do not feel that the "scarcity" of bulls men- 
tioned by Mr. Lembkey on page 81 of the report indicates actual 
danger to the herd, I wish to emphasize the fact that this is an infer- 
ence merely based on my knowledge of the conditions both of the 
Pribilof Islands and on the Commander Islands in 1896-97. On 
the rookery of Poludionnoye, Bering Island, we found three bulls for 
between 500 and 1,000 females, and we found no reason to assume 
that aU the cows were not served. On Garbotch rookery, on St. 
Paul Island, in 1896, we found one buU holding in an isolated position 
100 females, and apparently caring for them all, meanwhile warding 
off at least three idle bulls as active as himself. I do not hold up 
these cases as representing desirable rookery conditions, but they 
certainly show that the capacity of the bulls to serve large harems 
is elastic, and there is nothing in the conditions on the Pribilof 
rookeries, as shown by Mr. Lembkey's report, that would warrant 
the assumption tliat the buUs there were overtaxed or unable to meet 
the needs of the herd. 

In fact I am of the belief that the condition he describes is possible 
of very simple explanation. The class of adult males which have been 
known as "idle" bulls and which have occupied definite locations 
in the rear of the breeding harems were probably bulls that either 
had had harems in those locations or in near-by locations in years 
past, a traditional instinct leading them to occupy these places after 
the shrinkage of the herd left them far beyond the line of possible 
harem location. These older bulls are now gradually dying oft". 
The younger bulls which make their way into the rookeries are 
doing so from the water front, and failing to do this are shifting 
about at sea or in locations where they are not conspicuous and 
have escaped observation. These younger bulls never having seen 
or held a harem on the hUlside like that of Garbotch, would hardly 
take up voluntarily a location there, such as did the numerous idle 



332 SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

bulls we saw in 1896-97 on this slope. The tradition of an actual 
harem in the particular spot which was the object of their defense 
must have inspired the actions of these old bulls. The young bulls 
in those seasons hung about the water front, and sometimes in the 
rear of the rookeries, but they were not a stable element of rookery 
population and were hard to estimate. There are doubtless many 
more than Mr. Lembkey thinks. 

I notice the notation of Mr. Elliott on the opening page of the 
report. He avers that the reduction of 58 per cent of male life on 
the breeding grounds is due alone to close killing on land since 1904. 
This is simply absurd. There could be no male life on the breeding 
grounds that was not 8 years old or over. The killing of any season 
is limited to approximately 3-year old animals. No killing of 
bachelors within the past three or four years at least on the islands 
has had anything to do with the decrease of adult bulls. AVhatever 
the cause, it dates further back and is dependent upon factors and 
conditions which are not understood by the agents, but which would 
in all probability have been clearly understood if the herd had been, 
since 1897, under expert inspection. 

I may say incidentally, with reference to the concluding remark 
of Mr. Elliott in his letter, that while I formed a very favorable 
opinion of Mr. Lembkey during his incumbency of a position in the 
Treasury Department in 1896-97, it is not just to him to say that 
''he owes his appointment" to my nomination. Nor is it fair to 
hold Mr. Lembkey responsible for the failure to solve these scientific 
questions. They demand a training which he doubtless has not had, 
and in any event they could not have been worked out successfully 
in addition to the ordinary duties and responsibilities of his position. 
The naturalist who is to understand the herd must spend practically 
all his time in observation of the rookeries. 

I wish to emphasize again that in recommending the transfer of 
the fur-seal matter to the Bureau of Fisheries I had in mind the fact 
that this bureau. could provide the scientific inspection and control 
necessary. I do not wish to embarrass the Secretary with suggestions 
as to the details of administration of the bureau under his charge. 
This would not be pertinent. If expert knowledge and supervision 
could be brought to bear on the control of the herd through any 
other method of administration than the one proposed the essential 
point would be met. It will be noted that in my memorandum 
onty two of the four agents need be naturalists or have any connection 
with the Bureau of Fisheries. The addition of a naturalist to the 
present staff would answer the purpose if he had power to carry out 
his plans. 

The essential point is the expert study and inspection. After our 
exhaustive investigations of 1896-97, I made what I considered the 
one important recommendation — that the herd be placed in charge 
of a competent naturalist. Now, after eight years, during which 
much of the value of our work has been lost through failure to follow 
it up properly, I again make the earnest recommendation that the 
fur-seal herd be placed in charge of a trained naturalist. 
Very respectfully, yours, 

David Starr Jordan, 
Former Commissioner in Charge of Fur-Seal Investigations. 



seal islands of alaska. 333 

Leland Stanford Junior University, 

Office of the President, 
Stanford University, CaL, January 26, 1906. 
Mr. William Loeb, Jr., 

Secretary to the President, Washington, D. C. 
Dear Sir: I am in receipt of a letter from Secretary Metcalf bear- 
ing date of January 18 and addressed to yourself. In this he speaks 
as follows regarding the work of the parasitic worm uncinaria: 

* * * the reports and statistics on file in tlie department at this time show that 
during the h\st tliree or four years tliere has been little or no loss of life from this dis- 
ease. It appears, therefore, that there is no occasion at this time at least to take steps 
to protect the seal herd from the ravages of uncinaria. 

This statement, I think, only emphasizes what I said in my letter 
of the 11th instant regarding this subject. It is true that the report 
of the agent for 1894 (1904) and 1895 (1905) do not indicate that 
there has been " any loss of life from this disease," but the significant 
fact is that the subject is not mentioned at all, and there is no evi- 
dence that the proper steps were taken to ascertain the facts. In 
order to determine the matter in 1896 we went on the rookeries with 
a force of natives, drove off the seals, and made a foot by foot in- 
spection, with the result that 11,045 dead pups were found, their 
bodies being gathered together in heaps. 

This worm uncinaria develops in the small intestine of the young 
pup, the myriads of threadlike worms sucking out the lifeblood and 
causing the pup to die of anemia. Wliere the animal dies, perhaps 
the worms die also; but where the attack is not severe enough to be 
fatal, the worms fully develop, depositing their eggs, which are voided 
with the excrement and retained in the sand during the winter, per- 
ha{)s indefinitely, for they are found to be veiy hardy. The following 
spring they are taken up on the fur of the mother seal as she lies on 
the sand, are nursed in by the pup, develop, and so carry on their life 
history. The various stages of the development of the worm were 
fully studied b}^ members of our commission during the season of 1897. 
From the nature of the disease it is useless to say that it has ceased to 
act or will cease without strenuous efforts to combat it. That this 
disease was operative prior to 1896 is evident from the bones of 
innumerable pups on Tolstoi, and we know that in 1892 Mr. Macoun, 
of the British commission, counted 4,500 dead pups on the sands of 
this rookery. The cause of their death was not known at that time, 
but it was plain after the investigations of 1896 and 1897. 

The situation as shown by the secretary's statement is very similar 
to that found in 1895, the year before our investigation. In this 
year Mr. 0. H. Townsend for the United States Fish I'ommission and 
Mr. F. W. True for the Smithsonian Institution carefully examined 
the rookeries. Mr. True discussing the question of dead pups speaks 
as follows in his published report: 

I saw a number of dead pups during my sojourn, but I do not think that the total 
would exceed 150 for all the rookeries of St. Paul. The largest number were found at 
the north end of Tolstoi rookery, where I observed 70 in one small area and about 25 
more a little farther south, on August 15. The area referred to was occupied earlier 
in the season by a great mass of .«eals and I regard the number of dead found here as 
representing the ordinary mortality of the young. 

These conclusions were based upon general observations. Mr. 
True did not go on the rookeries or attempt a close count. In 1896, 



334 SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

having Mr. True's words in mind, we gave the question of dead pups 
more or less attention in our observations of the rookeries during 
July and were unable to say that his estimate did not do the situation 
entire justice for the season of 1896 as well. In August, when the 
breeding season was over and we were able to go on the rookeries, 
we made the careful inspection noted above with the result that we 
found 11,045 dead pups, the area on Tolstoi rookery which occasioned 
the remarks made by Mr. True contributing 1,875 of the number. 
This was the same area on which in 1892 Mr. Macoun of the British 
commission found the 4,500 dead pups. 

I cite these examples to show that while the agents may be per- 
fectly conscientious m making their statements as to the absence of 
loss from this cause in 1893-1895, they in all probability do not know 
as to the real condition of the rookeries in this respect. They could 
not without the close systematic work which we gave to it. It may 
be safely said that of the 75,000 (approximately) pups born on the 
rookeries in 1905, probably no less than 5,000 of them died as a result 
of the ravages of this worm. 

This matter serves merely again to emphasize the need of definite 
expert information. I notice that in his report for the past season 
Mr. Lembkey mentions the epidemic among the blue foxes. He 
associates it with something similar reported among the reindeer and 
other animals in other parts of Alaska, He does not seem to have 
investigated the dead animals. It may have been an epidemic of 
uncinaria, as the foxes in 1896 were seen to feed on the dead pups. 
Young dogs and young monkeys in captivity are known to die 
through attacks of uncinaria. 

Very truly, yours, David S. Jordan. 



MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE AND LABOR IN 
REPLY TO A MEMORANDUM TO THE PRESIDENT BY DR. DAVID STARR 
JORDAN, WITH REFERENCE TO THE ALASKAN SEAL SERVICE. BY 
W. I. LEMBKEY, AGENT ALASKAN SEAL FISHERIES. 

History of Prihilof Islands seal Tierd. — ^In the latter part of the 
eighteenth century a profuse migration of fur seals through the 
Aleutian Passes was noted by the Russian explorers, and efforts were 
directed to discover their rendezvous. In 1786, after repeated 
unsuccessful efforts, Gorrasim Pribilof by accident discovered St. 
George Island, which received the name of his vessel. From the 
high land of St. George St. Paul was discovered, and was visited 
shortly afterwards. 

Settlements on these two islands were at once made by the Rus- 
sians. Fur seal, sea otter, walrus, sea hon, and foxes were found 
there in boundless numbers. The kilhng of all of these species of 
animals proceeded with wanton prodigality from the year 1786 until 
the year 1835, when the fur-seal herd was reduced to 4,100. (Ven- 
ianimor de Zapieskie, 1840.) This shrmkage was caused by the 
indiscriminate killing of both males and females. (Sir George Simp- 
son, Overland Journey. See also Gen. Resanof [governor's] letter to 
the Russian Government, July 28, 1805.) A closed season was 
established on the islands from 1835 to 1845-1850, during which 
only such seals were killed as were necessary to furnish food and 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 335 

clothing for the natives. Kilhng of females on land was also dis- 
continued after 1835 and was never again resumed. This resulted 
in a gradual rehabihtation of the Pribilof herd, allowing an increasing 
number of young male seals to be taken each year after 1850 untfl 
1870, the date of the commencement of the first lease of the sealing 
right to the Alaska Commercial Co. From that year, and during the 
20 years of this first lease, 100,000 young male seals were killed 
annually for commercial purposes and the skms marketed, with the 
exception of the years 1877 and 1883, when, owing to a glut in the 
market for skins, only 75,000 seals were killed. This reduction, 
however, was voluntary on the part of the lessee, and was not the 
result of a lack of seals. 

Pelagic sealing. — From evidence adduced before the Tribunal of 
Arbitration at Paris it would appear that pelagic sealing was nominal 
from the year 1868 to 1880. From 1881, however, when 10,000 skms 
were taken by pelagic sealers from the Pribilof herd, the increase in 
their catch was constant until 1891, when 141,000 skins were taken 
from the Pribilof and Commander herds, of which 59,568 were from 
the Pribilofs. Since 1891 the pelagic catch has steadily decreased 
because of scarcity of seals. During last season (1905) only 15,000 
skins, approximately, were taken by the Canadian fleet. The Japa- 
nese fleet took only 399 seals, last year, from the Pribilof herd. 

The increase of pelagic sealing has had direct relation to the diminu- 
tion of seals on the rookeries, and the present attenuated condition 
of the herd is due solely to the killing of females at sea. Land killing 
of surplus immature bachelors has had no effect whatever on the 
decrease. (Joint Statement, International Fur Seal Expert's Report, 
Fur Seal Investigations, 1896-97, pt. 1, pp. 241 et seq.) 

The joint statement just referred to was transmitted to the High 
Joint Commission in 1898, where efforts were made at the time to 
enter into an agreement with Great Britain to end the pelagic hunting 
of seals and thereby to rid seal life of the admitted cause of its destruc- 
tion. The question in all probability would have been settled there 
but for the interjection before the High Joint Commission of the 
Alaska boundary dispute, upon the settlement of which the determina- 
tion of the seal question was made contingent. The boundaiy dispute 
has since been settled. The seal question, however, has never been 
reopened for the elimination of the one admitted factor detrimental 
to the existence of seal life, namely, pelagic sealing. 

With this brief explanatory outline of conditions affecting the seal 
herd, it is now proposed to answer, as nearly categorically as possible, 
the statements contained in the memorandum in question, designed to 
change existing conditions on the islands. 

Visits of naturalists, and publications. — The first naturalist to visit 
the seal islands during American occupation was Henry W. Elliott, 
m 1872. He also visited the islands in 1874, in 1876, and in 1890. 
Mr. Elliott's studies were exliaustive, and the reports and books 
'WTitten by him are correspondmgly voluminous, the last reprint of 
his reports covering 538 octavo pages. An exhaustive scientific 
investigation of seal life was conducted on the islands in 1891-92 by 
Prof. Mendenhal, Dr. J. Hart Merriam, and Mr. Stanly-Brown, of the 
United States ; Profs. Macoun and Dawson, of Canada; and Sir George 
Baden-Powell, of England. The reports of these gentlemen, embrac- 
ing every phase of seal life, were extensive. Mr. F. W. True, of the 



336 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 

National Museum, spent tJie summer of 1895 on the seal islands, 
making afterwards a very compreliensive report. 

In 1896, and again in 1897, the fur seals and fur-seal islands were 
the subject of an elaborate investigation under a commission of which 
Dr. David Starr Jordan was in charge. Associated with him were 
Dr. Leonhard Stejneger and Frederic A. Lucas, of the National 
Museum; Jefferson F. Moser, United States Navy: Charles H. Town- 
send, of the United States Fish Commission; George A. Clark, secretary 
and stenographer, and Joseph Murray, special agent. The reports of 
these gentlemen, with special papers by other contributors, filled four 
large quarto volimies. During both these seasons Prof. Thompson, 
of the University of Dundee, and Mr. Barret-Hamilton, of the Lon- 
don Museum, v/ere likewise investigating seal life on belialf of Great 
Britain, tlio results of whicli are recorded in two quarto volumes. 

About the year 1884 Mr. C. H. Townsend, of the United States Fish 
Commission, landed on the seal islands. From the time of his first 
visit until the year 1900, with few if any exceptions, that gentleman 
spent his summers on the rookeries of the seal islands, returning in 
the fall to Wasliington and writing copiously on all matters pertaining 
to seal life. 

Many other scientific investigators have spent more or less time on 
the islands, studying the flora and fauna, whose observations, it is be- 
lieved, have been published. 

From these statements it can be seen that the seal islands have not 
suffered in any way from lack of scientific investigation, and that all 
conditions found there are fully known. 

Investigation by Fish Commission. — L'nder the act of March 3, 1893 
(27 Stats., U. S., 585, Feb. 14, 1903), the Commissioner of Fish and 
Fisheries is authorized and required to investigate, under the direction 
of the Secretary of Commerce and Labor, the condition of seal life on 
the rookeries of the Pribilof Islands. LTnder this statute, at various 
times prior to 1900, the Commissioner of Fish and Fisheries dispatched 
to the seal islands tlie naturahst of his commission, Mr. C. H, Townsend, 
to investigate the condition of the seal herd. Since 1900, however, 
although this provision of law still remains in full force, no action of 
this character has been taken, nor has any effort been made by the 
Commissioner of Fish and Fisheries to exercise his power under the 
law to secure any additional information regarding seal life. The rea- 
son for this is the fact that the principal work of the naturalist so de- 
tailed for this duty consisted of an enumeration by actual count of the 
number of seals on the breeding rookeries at the time of his various 
visits and the taking of photographs which were designed to show 
any increase or decrease in the area occupied by the breeding seals. 
In 1900, during the last visit paid to the islands by Mr. Townsend, he 
stated that in his o))inion further visits by himself or any other natu- 
ralist to the seal islands were unnecessary, as the work done by him 
during those visits had been and could be performed as well, if not 
better, by the Treasury agents on the islands, with whose work he was 
familiar and whose data he used gladl3^ It is a fact that since 1900 
the islands have not been visited by a naturalist and that the work 
previously done by a naturahst, of ascertaining the condition of seal 
life from year to year, has been performed by the agents in a manner 
satisfactory to the department. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 337 

Practical regulation hy scientists. — On the occasion of the investi- 
gation, in 1896-97, by Dr. Jordan's commission, their observation 
of the seal herd suggested a number of so-called improved methods of 
handling seals, preventing by the adoption of methods on land the 
decline of the herd. These methods were put into practice under the 
direction of the Government agents. A brief outline of several of 
them is here made: 

1. The acce])ted method of killmg seals, adopted through years of 
practical handhng of the animals, consists in the driving up of a 
number of bachelors from the hauling grounds, the separation of 
this "drive'' into small "pods" of from 20 to 40 animals, and the 
selection of the killables from each pod. The culling is done by 
expert clubbers who dispatch the Idllables while in the pod by a 
single blow on the head. The seals ineligible for killing are then 
driven off into the sea. 

This method, of course, involves the presence of nonkillable seals 
in the pod durmg clubbing, side by side with those seals which are to 
be killed. On rare occasions, by runnmg under the club, or by a 
glancing blow, some of these ineligibles are injured. To obviate 
any possible injur}' to nonldllable seals, the commission devised a 
chute, with entrance wings and two drop gates at the exit worked by 
pulleys. By driving the seals through the chute, and alternately 
opening and closing the two gates, it was sought to release the non- 
killables and retain the eligibles to be killed later. The chute proved 
a flat failure. In its conception, no account was taken of the stu- 
pidity of the fur seal and its incapability to choose between two given 
lines of action. The mere post which separated the two gates at 
the exit served as a formidable obstacle to the passage of the seals, 
'as the animals, after butting against this post, would turn back the 
way they came, unmindful of the fact that the gates on both sides 
of this post were open and offered an exit. With the chute full of 
seals, they sat down and piled over each other several deep. When 
a forward movement was fuialh^ induced, the animals rushed pell- 
mell tlirough the gates and appeared on the outside, as innocent of 
selection as they were before. 

2. A method was sought by the commission for the prevention on 
land of the killing of seals at sea, and the redriving of ineligibles. 
The plan adopted was the erection by the natives, under direction of 
the agents, of about 4 miles of wire fencing around a salt lagoon 
and a fresh-water lake on St. Paul. Into these all bachelors rejected 
from the killing field were to be driven. After the 1st of August 
drives were to be made, also from the hauling grounds, and the 
animals obtained to be incarcerated in the inclosures without food 
for as long a period as possible, thereby reducing by thousands the 
available number of animals from which the pelagic sealers made 
their catches. 

In evolving this theory, no account v\'as taken by the scientists 
of the fact that the fur seal is a creature wholly of instinct, and is 
not able to adjust itself to any new conditions which prevent it 
from following the course crystallized into habit by generations of 
reiterated action. The theory of herding these seals involved the 
necessity of confining them in places which, under normal conditions, 
they would never frequent, and for this reason could not be put into 

2403— H. Doc. 93, 62-1 22 



338 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

successful practice. The result of the inclosure of seals was dis- 
astrous. The animals were impounded by thousands. Once inside 
the inclosure, finding their return to the rookeries impeded, the 
animals began following the inside line of fence searching for egi-ess. 
A path 20 feet wide inside the entire length of lagoon fence was worn 
bare of vegetation by these traveling seals. This movement was 
continued until many died of exhaustion. Over 20 carcasses were 
picked up in one day. They also fell into holes, from which they could 
not extricate themselves, and perished. 

That greater numbers of these imprisoned animals did not die 
was due solely to the fact that they could not be confined in these 
inclosures over a cla}^ or two. Some climbed over the fence, dis- 
playing considerable agility m so doing; others, by main strength, 
tore holes in the stout wire netting and so escaped; others took 
advantage of depressions in the ground and forced their way out 
under the fence. I saw one great bull insert his nose among the 
wire meshes and by a magnificent display of the wonderful power 
of his neck muscles, tear the wire as though it were rotten yarn. 
Emerging through the oi>ening thus made, and catching sight of his 
comrades on the inside of the fence, he as readily tore another hole 
through the nettmg and stupidly rejomed his fellows on the inside. 
Had the wire netting been a tight board fence, the efforts of the 
imprisoned seals to escape would have resulted in the death through 
exhaustion of all confined. 

These attempts at incarceration were carried on through several 
years, resulting in every case in the death of some animals impris- 
oned and the early escape of the remainder by their own efforts. 

These facts outlined above have been reported to the department 
heretofore only by word of mouth, owing to a reluctance on the part 
of the agents to furnish any documentary evidence which could be 
used by Great Britain in any future arbitration proceedings that 
the death of seals was due in any way to methods practiced on land 
outside of the regular killing of bachelors. 

3. The branding of female pups: As the catch of the pelagic 
sealers consists mainly of females, especially in Bering Sea, it was 
thought by the Jordan commission that any means adopted whereby 
the value of the skins so taken could be impaired, would serve to deal 
the sealing industry a heavy blow. 

From this idea the practice of branding female pups was evolved. 

It consisted in herding the new-born pups on the several rookeries, 
segregating all females therein, and so searing their hides with red- 
hot irons that the hair follicles under the brand would be destroyed 
and the branded area be denuded of fur. During the year 1896 
branding operations were carried on with vigor. Thousands of 
nurslings were branded with at least one brand, and a large number 
with two and sometimes three brands. They continued, but with 
less rigor, until 1903, when stopped by order of the department. 

The main reason why branding females was not a success was that 
if the animal were seared so thoroughly as to destroy the commercial 
value of the pelt, the animal would die from the effects of the brand- 
ing; if not branded in this wholesale manner, the value of the skin 
was not affected materially. In either case no appreciable injury to 
the pelagic catch resulted. 



SEAL ISLANDS OP ALASKA. 339 

How many pups were permanently injured through hranding, and 
thereby lost their lives in the water through inability to withstand 
the hardships of their first migration, can never be known. The 
Indians along the iVleutian chain reported numbers of pups as being 
so injured by branding as to render their capture by bidarki hunters 
an easy matter. These reports, while creating a deep impression 
among outsiders that great nijury to the herd through branding was 
beingVrought, were not susceptible of confirmation. Complete sta- 
tistics of the number of branded skins contained in the catches of the 
pelagic schooners are not obtainable. The number of such skins in 
the whole catches for 1899 and 1900 did not approximate over 75 
sldns each year. It was reported that the brands on these skins did 
not injure the value of the pelt over the amount of $1. 

Dr. Jordan'' s remarlis on. foxes. — At page 339, volume 3, fur seal 
investigation, and following, Dr. Jordan and Mr. Clark print a chap- 
ter on the blue fox of the Pribilof Islands, in the course of which the 
conduct of the Treasury agents in providing food for the foxes and 
making artificial selection of the animals left as breeders is criticised, 
on the ground that such steps were undertaken without definite 
knowledge as to the facts and needs of the herd. Time, however, 
has since proved that the criticism was unwarranted and that the 
fox herd on St. George Island, while as numerous now as it was then, 
regardless of the fact that in the interval hundreds of the animals 
have been Idlled for their furs, has suffered only when the regulations 
then in operation have not been carried out. On St. Paul Island, 
where the foxes have not been artificially fed and where nothing has 
been done for them, the species is about extinct. 

On one occasion a celebrated naturalist, walking on the rookeries 
at Northeast Point, discovered what he supposed to be a number of 
dead seal cows and reported it to the Treasury agent in charge of St. 
Paul Island. The Treasury agent telephoned to the watchman at 
Northeast Point and ordered an investigation, and was shortly after 
amused by a report from the watchman that the dead animals sup- 
posed to be seal cows were in fact sea lion pups and not fur seals at 
all. The stor}^ is repeated here not with the intention of ridiculing 
anyone, but for the purpose of showing that in matters pertaining to 
seal life practical experience is often of greater importance than 
abstract biological knowledge. 

The foregoing facts are not akkiced for the purpose of attaching 
discredit to anyone. Tlieir citation here is excusable only in showing 
that, instead of the seal herds suffering from any lack of practical 
direction by l^iologists, every possible suggestion that could be made 
by as eminent a body of scientists as can be gathered in this country 
was adopted, fairly tried, and resulted in each case in the abandon- 
ment of the idea as impractical if not positively dangerous. In the 
light of these facts, the position assumed by Dr. Jordan, that the need 
of such trained supervision of the herd is clearly shown, is plainly 
untenable. 

The net result of the investigations of Dr. Jordan and other scien- 
tists on the islands has been to prove unmistakably that pelagic seal- 
ing alone is the cause of the decline in seal life. This, as Dr. Jonlan 
states elsewhere truly, is a question involving international action 
and is entirely outside the scope of either biologists or Government 
agents. The killing of mother seals at sea once and forever pro- 



340 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

liibited, the seal herd, by force of nature's own laws, will reestablish 
itself ''on the highly productive commercial basis of two decades ago,'' 
without aid from scientists or anyone else. (See Report Fur Seal 
Investigation, pt. 1, p. 241 et seq.) 

Nature of fur-seal question. — It is with considerable surprise that the 
statement of Dr. Jordan is encountered in his memorandum, that 
''the fur-seal question is now chiefly, almost wholly, biological in 
character." We are obliged to point out that this statement is 
totally at variance with Dr. Jordan's last published utterances on the 
subject, and Avith universally recognized facts. 

To show that Dr. Jordan heretofore has denied that any biological 
question concerning the seals was left open to discussion by the com- 
mission on the islands in 1896-97, it is cited that in a hearing before 
the Ways and Means Committee on February 18, 1902, on a bill to 
appoint a commission of two members at salaries of $5,000 each, to 
investigate seal life on the Pribilof Islands, a letter was read from 
Dr. Jordan to the chairman of the committee strongly inveighing 
against the action proposed. Without quoting his letter in full, the 
following extract therefrom will accurately portray his opinion: 

As to the provisions of the bill itself, I do not believe that any further investigation 
is necessary. If you will read the agreement reached by the conference of fur-seal 
experts (which has already been cited) you will find that all disputed points are settled 
by the agreement of the joint commissions of investigation. To reopen the question 
is unnecessary. The agreement fixed the fact of decline, its approximate rate, its 
cause, and by showing that the continuation of pelagic sealing was incompatible with 
the maintenance and restoration of the herd, indicated as nearly as need be that the 
only regulations possible for the protection of the fur-seal herd were such as would 
abolish absolutely pelagic sealing. This requii-es international action and is purely 
a diplomatic question. 

The modus vivendi proposed in section 3 of the bill is unobjectionable, but is need- 
less, except for diplomatic purposes. The agreement of 3897 specifically declared 
the methods of killing on land free from responsibility for the decline of the herd . Such 
killing is strictly confined to the superfluous males. 

Scientific supervision a failure. — In the light of these statements 
of the efforts of scientists to prevent the decrease of seals by the appli- 
cation of methods on land which have been demonstrated unmis- 
takably faulty. Dr. Jordan's dictum that the present need of these 
rookeries is the "tramed supervision" which these scientists afford 
is open to contradiction. As a matter of fact, every suggestion made 
by scientists who have visited the island, outside the scope of 
scientific research, and designed to change existing methods on the 
islands, has resulted in failure. 

There is nothing complicated about the seal business. In fact, the 
islands may be compared to a cattle ranch, with the exception that 
the seals require no feedmg or housing, and are absent in the water 
seven months in the year. All that is necessary is to msure the 
perpetuation of the species by the guarding of the females from 
slaughter and the provision of enough males for breeders. With 
these essential points safeguarded, the killing of the surplus males is not 
only not injurious, but is a positive benefit to the herd. This is true 
of both cattle and seals. On a cattle ranch the proprietor saves his 
cows and bulls for breeders, and markets his surplus males or steers. 
This same principle, practically, is observed on the islands. No 
females are killed, and the sufficiency of male breeders is assured by 
the branding each year of a certain number of choice bachelors, 
effectively rendering them immune from slaughter. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 341 

''Confusion" as to present condition. — Dr. Jordan's statement that 
"confusion and doubt exist as to the condition of the rookeries during 
the past seven years" is distinctly negatived by the fact that com- 
plete statistics of the condition of the herd during that period are to 
be found in the reports of the seal agents. On the recommendations 
made in these reports, the important action reserving bachelors for 
breedmg and restricting their killing, was taken two years ago. Pos- 
sibly these reports were overlooked by Dr. Jordan. 

Discovery of uncinaria. — During the period from 1884 to 1897, at 
least one competent scientist was present during the summer of each 
year on the islands, engaged m a study of seal life. Notwithstanding 
this fact, the presence of uncinaria as a cause of death of black pups 
was not discovered by any scientist until the winter of 1896, when 
Mr. F. A. Lucas submitted to Dr. Stiles, of Washington, alcohohc 
specimens of seal viscera, in the hope that that expert might find the 
presence of a parasite hitherto undetermined in seals, causing death 
to otherwise healthy young. 

The result was the discovery, in black pups, of the mtestinal worm 
uncinaria and the ascribing of the death to that agency of thousands 
of pups which Dr. Jordan had stated to have died from trampling by 
fighting bulls. 

The presence of uncinaria was first mdicated by a Treasury agent, 
J. W. Beaman, in 1879. He made an entry in the island log, under 
date of August 20, 1879, from which the following is an extract: 

Three seals were examined by Dr. White. In all cases the foramon ovulo and ductus 
arteriosus were closed. They were found open only in the 2-months-old pup from 
Speel. Microscopic examination revealed a probable parasite to the flat parasitic 
worm that infests the intestines of the seal. 

Dr. Jordan's comment on this entry is as follows: 

These observations seem to have approached very closely* the discovery of the 
parasite uncinaria. (Report of Fur-Seal Investigation, pt. 2, p. 272.) 

Through the efforts of an agent the presence of a parasitic worm 
identical wdth uncinaria in the intestines of cliildren on the islands, 
was recently discovered. 

Fitness of present agents. — It must be remembered that the present 
agents of the department have been on the islands for many con- 
secutive years, that they enjoy excellent health, that seal and fox 
life appeals to them in all its phases, and that in consequence thereof 
they have acquired a special training in the matter of seals and foxes 
equal if not superior to that of any biologist, however eminent, who 
at best has spent but a few months on the islands. In fact, no biolo- 
gist on either island has been able to handle bull seals with the ease, 
dexterity, carefidness, and lack of fear displayed by the department's 
agents in the past few years. During every sealing season since 1898 
the agents of the department at present in the service have made 
daily counts of cows on certain rookeries, occasional counts of bulls 
on all rookeries, a careful and accurate count of harems at the height 
of each season, an accurate count of all bachelors dismissed from the 
kilUng field, besides a count of all pups born on St. George and about 
one-tliird of all born on St. Paul. In 1896-97 the commission counted 
about one-tenth of all pups born on St. Paul and about one-fourteenth 
of all born on St. George. 

The extension of the work of counting pups far beyond anything 
attempted by the commission is due largely to the fact that by their 



342 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

increasing experience the agents have been able to entirely discard 
the crude methods of the commission for the handling of bull seals, 
insuring thereby both the safety of the seals and of themselves and 
enabling them to make thorough and accurate examinations. On 
page 45, Preliminary Report, Fur-Seal Investigation, 1896, is found 
the following statement by Dr. Jordan: 

Before the first week in August the ferocity of the bulls was such as to make it 
impossible to enter the rookeries or even to obtain a dead pup for dissection except 
on rare occasions when, by means of a fishhook attached to a long pole, a few outlying 
specimens were secured. On August 5 it was found possible, though with consider- 
able difficulty, to enter the breeding grounds. On this date the count of dead pups 
was begun and completed on August 12. 

On page 96, volume 1, Fur-Seal Investigation, it is stated that the 
count of pups for 1897 was made between the 2Sth of July and the 
30th of August. It thus appears that the 28th of July is the earliest 
date that any of the gentlemen comprising the commission ever ven- 
tured on the breeding grounds, and then only for the purpose of 
counting pups. In their counting of harems, massed portions of the 
rookeries were counted from whatever point of vantage could be 
obtained. 

In making the countings of harems, July 13 to 16, last summer. 
the agents of the department on the islands actually walked through 
the thickly massed places on Northeast Point, Reef, Polavina, Tolstoi, 
and Zapadni, the ''ferocity of the bulls" to the contrary notwith- 
standing, making without doubt the most accurate count cf harems 
ever made on the islands. 

When the present agents need a pup or other dead animal seen by 
them on the breeding rookeries (and many such are saved for museum 
purposes), the}' go in- and get^ it without using "a fishhook attached 
to a long pole." , 

In a footnote, page 109, volume 1, Fur-Seal Investigation, there is 
an account regarding a dispute as to an enumeration of pups, in which 
Dr. Jordan, after deciding in favor of Clark and Macoun, as against 
Thompson and Lucas, states: 

There is no work in which experience and adaptability count for more than in the 
counting of live pups. The original count (that made by Clark and Macoun) there- 
fore stands to the recount (that made by Lucas and Thompson) as the work of experts 
to that of amateurs. 

It must be remembered that both the "experts" and ''amateurs" 
above referred to had spent, with the exceptionof Macoun, only two 
summers on the islands, and that Lucas and Thompson, while classed 
by Dr. Jordan as "amateurs" in this respect, are recognized by the 
American and British Governments, respectively, as most competent 
observers, and also that I^ucas was the only man in the commission 
who made an original biological discovery during the life of the com- 
mission, nameh^, that of the parasitic worm uncinaria. 

Dr. Jordan's former view as to agents. — On page 387, volume 2, 
Fur-Seal Investigation, Dr. Jordan says: 

The Government should retain its competent agents during good behavior, as the 
company does. Messrs. Redpath and Webster have been long in the service of the 
two companies and have a thorough knowledge of every phase of the practice relating 
to seals. The Government changes its agents every four years, making appointments 
a matter of political spoils. * * * When the Government agent has become some- 
what experienced, a change puts a new and untried man in his place. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 343 

Dr. Jordan is well aware of the fact that in point of service on the 
islands the present Government agents rank the entire corps of 
company employees, with two exceptions, and that no change for 
political reasons has been made for years. 

Recommendation impracticahle. — The recommendation of Dr. 
Jordan that two agents only be retained, to have charge of the 
natives, is impracticable. 

By reason of the peculiar conditions surrounding the islands, and 
especially because of the isolation for eight months at a period, it is 
absolutely essential that there should be a relief provided for the 
man who, by virtue of his position, has been locked up for a year 
with natives whom he must punish and company employees whom 
he must oppose. The original law, which contemplated a relief 
every 3^ear, was wise without degree. To keep two men on the 
islands in the positions outlined, year after year, with no provision 
for their returning at certain periods to the States, would mean simply 
that each agent, at the end of a year or two, would be compelled to 
resign, if he had not already gone crazy or been murdered by the 
enemies he is forced to make in the faithful discharge of his duties. 

No logical connection with Fish Commission. — There is no "logical" 
connection between the Fish Commission and the seal islands. The 
fur seal is not a fish, but a mammal, and is claimed to be a descendant 
of the bear. It is slaughtered on land; it breeds on land; it lives 
on land half the year. In its annual migration the herd is scattered 
all over the eastern portion of Bering Sea and the North Pacific 
Ocean. Its study in the Vv^ater, except through the medium of 
pelagic sealing, is impossible. 

The equipment of the Fish Commission for the propagation of 
fish can not in any way be applied to any condition on the seal 
rookeries. By the use of none of its paraphernalia, or the appli- 
cation of any of its present methods, can a single seal life be saved 
from death or added to the herd. By reason of the fact that the 
seal islands are a revenue-producing agency (having produced more 
revenue than enough to pay the purchase price of Alaska), and of 
the further fact that the cpiestion has been inextricably involved in 
legal and diplomatic discussion, the service has been attached di- 
rectly to the Secretary's Office, and no reason is apparent why any 
change should be made. 

Dr. Jordan hhnself says: 

It is absurd that this animal, which in reality is more like a bear, should be called 
a "seal," thus confounding it with a distinctly different animal. But these names 
are all so closely identified with the animals and their history that it is useless to 
attempt to change them, and so we may expect the "sea bears" of the North Pacific 
to continue to produce "sealskins" which, though originally and properly taken 
only on land, will remain the product of a "fishery." (Fiu'-Seal Investigation, 
pt. 1, p. 46.) 

Revenues from seal islands. — During the lease of the sealing right 
to the Alaska Commercial Co. from 1870 to 1890, there was turned 
into the Treasur}^ as income from this lease. $5,981,036.50. The 
present lessee, the North American Commercial Co., whose lease 
began in 1890 and expires in 1910, will have paid by April 1, 1906, 
for sealskins already received by it, $2,852,901.17. 

Since 1876 to date there have been expended for salaries and 
expenses of agents on the islands $337,514.89, and for the support of 
the native inhabitants since 1893, $234,551.49. 



344 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

The cost of policing the waters of Bering Sea by tiie Navy and 
Revenue-Cutter Service to 1895 amounted to $1,410,721.96. Since 
that date a patrol more or less nominal has been maintained by the 
Revenue-Cutter Service. The vessel on such duty, however, per- 
formed in each case so much other service in the territory in matters 
having no relation to the seal islands that it is unfair to charge to the 
islands more than a small percentage of the cost of operating the 
patrol vessels. The expense incident to sending the Jordan Com- 
mission to the seal islands, exclusive of transportation on vessels of 
the United States, which embraces the detail of the Albatross during 
at least one summer, was $41,000.31. 

Conclusion. — The present agents, during the last six ^rears, have 
devoted themselves assiduously to the faithful administration of their 
offices. Not only have they performed all duties indicated by the 
department, but to make their work complete they have taken 
every further steps prompted by their knowledge of conditions. 
Their service has not been a perfunctory performance of duties pre- 
scribed, but an unstinted expenditure of time and energy in carrying 
on a work in which keen enjoyment of the task and justifiable pride 
in results have furnished the chief incentive. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

WdsJiington, February 8, 1906. 
The honorable the Secretary of Commerce and Labor. 

Sir: The receipt is acknowledged of 3rour letter of 6th instant, 
together with two inclosures from Dr. David Starr Jordan, relative to 
expert study and supervision of the fur-seal herd. 

Wliile one of the naturahsts of this bureau could be detailed to 
visit the seal islands and make such study of the problems involved 
as may be possible during a single season, it is not beheved thai a 
brief inspection of tliis kind, even by a trained scientist, would prove 
of material benefit. 

The scientific questions involved — the proper ratio of old males, 
bachelors, young males, and females necessary to the maximum 
efficiency of the herd, the uncinaria and other causes of disease 
among the, pups and also the adults, the modifications in the char- 
acter of the rookery grounds which may ameliorate or improve the 
existing conditions, and many other important questions — can not be 
solved in a single season. The securing of data for their solution 
must in the very nature of the problems be a slow process. Whether 
the observations of one or two seasons prove of permanent value will 
depend largely upon how often they are repeated and how carefully 
they are verified. 

The scientific method should be applied here as elsewhere with 
problems requiring biological data for their solution, and any rational 
scheme for the continuous supervision of the herd involves contin- 
uous attention to and consideration of the life history of the fur seal 
during its stay on the islands. Even after the data necessary to a 
scientific and satisfactory method of supervision have been secured, 
the expert naturalists can not then be dispensed with; they will still be 
needed, and continuous supervision by them will be essential. To 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 345 

then turn the herd over to business ao-ents untrained in the methods 
of biology would be as fatal as it would be to turn a hospital over to 
untrained hands after expert physicians and sldlled surgeons had 
once devised and put in operation a scheme for the care of the inmates. 

The necessity for expert supervision is readily understood when 
the past history of the management of the herd is recalled. It is not 
believed that a single important fact or prbiciple in the care of the 
herd has been discovered through the observations of the untrained 
business agents. 

It is not fair to the busmess agents to hold them responsible for 
the failure; it is the fault of the system which has continuously neg- 
lected the biological side of the question. 

In view of these facts, I would earnestly recommend that the 
President be requested to transfer to other positions two of the seal 
agents and thus enable two competent naturalists to be provided. 

In order to carr}^ out the spirit of act of March 3, 1893 (27 Stat., 
585), these naturalists should, of course, be of the personnel of the 
Bureau of Fisheries, and the supervision and control of the fur-seal 
herd should be lodged in that bureau. 

This arrangement would leave two business agents to look after all' 
matters of a business nature and provide two naturalists to have 
charge of the herd in accordance with the recommendations of Dr. 
Jordan, in which I fully concur. 

If this can be brought about, it is desirable that it be done as soon 
as practicable. Both of the naturalists should proceed to the islands 
at the first opportunity, to remain throughout the entire season, and 
at least one of them should remain there continuously. 
Respectfully, 

Geo. M. Bowers, 

Commissioner. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Secretary, 

WasMngton, February 10, 1906. 
Sir: The department is in receipt of your letter of the 8th instant, 
in which you state that "while one of the naturalists of this bureau 
could be detailed to visit the seal islands and make such study of the 

Eroblems involved as may be possible during a single season, it is not 
elieved that a brief inspection of this Idnd even by a trained scientist 
would prove of material benefit." You therefore recommend that 
the President be requested to transfer to two other positions two of 
the seal agents, and thus enable two competent naturalists connected 
with the Bureau of Fisheries to be detailed to cany this work on con- 
tinuously. 

In reply thereto you are informed that the department deems it 
advisable to secure the report of a naturahst as to what is needed in 
the way of further expert investigation before maldng any radical 
change in connection with the fur-seal service. I am advised that 
naturalists connected with the Fish Commission visited the seal 
islands almost annually during the period from 1884 to 1900, and 
compiled valuable statistics relating to the seal herd. The naturalist 
who visits the islands the comino- season should familiarize himself 



346 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

with these statistics and the data collected by the agents since the 
expert investigation ceased. 

If, after carefully analyzing the information on hand and thoroughly 
investigating the situation at the islands, the naturahst deems it 
necessary and advisable to have expert investigations continued unin- 
terruptedly by one or more naturalists, the matter will then receive 
the attention of the department. 

Respectfully, V. H. Metcalf, 

Secretary. 

The Commissioner of Fisheries. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Solicitor, 

Washington, March 9, 1906. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge of Seal Islands, 

Department of Commerce and Labor. 
Sir : You are informed that a naturalist connected with the Bureau 
of Fisheries will, in all probability, be detailed to make an expert 
investigation and study of the fur-seal herd on the Pribilof Islands 
during the coming summer. Wliile the investigation to be made will, 
of course, be wholly independent of the work devolving upon you 
and your associates, it is desired that you cooperate with him in every 
way possible in the furtherance of his work. 
Respectfully, 

V. H. Metcalf, Secretary. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, March 28, 1906. 
Sir: The department has been informed that the chartered 
steamer Homer of the North American Commercial Co., the lessee of 
the sealing right on the Pribilof Islands, is expected to sail from San 
Francisco on her spring trip to the islands on or about May 19, 1906. 
Owing to the fact that this vessel makes the only passage in the 
spring to the seal islands, arriving there in ample time for the season's 
work, it is expected that the department agents on the islands will 
take passage on her. It is suggested, therefore, that the naturalist 
connected with the Bureau of Fisheries detailed to inspect the fur- 
seal rookeries, confer at an early date with Mr. W. I. Lembkey, the 
agent in charge, with a view to taking the steps necessary to secure 
passage on the Homer on the trip above referred to. 
Respectfully, 

Lawrence O. Murray, 

Acting Secretary. 
The Commissioner of Fisheries. 



I 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 347 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Was'hingt07i, March 31, 1906. 

The Secretary of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C. 
Sir: Replying to the department's letter of March 28, regarding 
transportation to the Pribilof Islands, I have the honor to say that 
the naturahst of the Bureau of Fisheries detailed to inspect the fur- 
seal rookeries, has been instructed to confer with Mr. Lembkey A\ith 
a view to taking the steps necessary to secure passage on the Homer. 
Respectfully, 

Geo. M. Bowers, 

Commissioner. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
Washington, April 4, 1906. 
Mr. M. C. Marsh, 

Assistant, Bureau of Fisheries, Bayfield, Wis. 
Sir: A telegram just received from the North American Commer- 
cial Co. states that their steamer, the Homer, will sail for the seal 
islands from Portland, Oreg., May 17. Please make your arrange- 
ments to arrive in Portland in time to take passage on that vessel. 

Respectfully, 

- ^ 

Commissioner. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, April 28, 1906. 
llv. M. C. Marsh, 

Assistant, Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 
Sir: During your coming visit to the Pribilof Islands your work 
will be concerned \\ith the following subjects and questions, and 
will be guided bv the following directions : 

1. The adequacy of male fur seals for breeding purposes. The 
recent alleged scarcity of bulls is important, and you will carefully 
determine the number of idle and half bulls on the rookeries, and 
by comparison with earlier conditions ascertain any changes that have 
occurred, and in what direction, if any, the numbers of these classes 
of seals are changing. 

2. Effective methods of reserving each year a sufficient number 
of young male seals for the future needs of the herd. You will 
determine whether any plan of reserving males is made nugatory 
by subsequent kiHing"! as whether 3-year-olds saved one year are 
killed as 4-year-olds the next, whether those rejected at one drive 
are killed in the next, and whether food killings are allowed to affect 
the reserve. You will inquire into the use of branding as a mark 
of reserved seals, and the question of a convenient and effective 
method of branding in general. 

3. The fact and rate of decline of the herd.— This will form the most 
important part of your work and will requu-e a census of the breeding 



348 SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

herd. This census should closely follow the methods of the com- 
mission of 1896-97, that comparable data may be secured. You will, 
in fact, duplicate the enumerations made by that commission, at 
least in so far as it is possible for you to do so. Tliis will involve in 
detail a count of cows, harem bulls, and pups on the same St. Paul 
rookeries counted before, a count of other classes of males, idle bulls, 
half bulls, and wigged bachelors ; and a count of harems on all rooker- 
ies. The date of counting should correspond as closely as may be 
with the former dates, and should fall between July 12 and July 20, 
and the counts on St. Paul between July 13 aind 15. The pups, how- 
ever, should be counted later, between the 1st and 5th of August, 
and this count should be made with great care. 

.0. The mortality of pups. — So far as known pups may die from 
starvation as well as from natural causes, such as accidents, trampling, 
etc., and from one disease, caused by the worm uncinaria. . To deter- 
mine the deaths from other causes than starvation, you will inspect 
the rookeries between August 1 and 10. Deaths from starvation 
may be expected as early as August 15, but you need make no more 
than incidental observations on mortality from this cause. 

As for natural mortahty, however, you will study, as carefully and 
as thoroughly as possible and by every means at j^our command, the 
disease uncinariasis, and elicit any new facts possible, of whatever 
nature. You will also consider practical means for prevention of 
the disease, as by disinfection of the rookeries b}^ fire or chemical 
agents, by covering infected areas to keep the seals away, or by any 
other method whatever which appears to be of any practical use. 

You will further endeavor to discover whether any other disease 
affects the pups, or whether there is at present any unknown cause 
of mortality. 

5. So far as possible and so far as time permits, you will retrace the 
rookery maps to show their present extent and outline of each, and 
for comparison with those of 1897, utilizing the marks of the Coast 
and Geodetic ^Survey set up in 1897. 

6. You will duplicate such of the photographs of 1897, or take such 
additional ones as appear to be useful in throwing fight on the ques- 
tion of rookery contraction or expansion. 

7. The work concerning the fur seal permitting, you will make 
observations on the blue fox (Arctic fox) of the Pribilofs. These will 
be directed particularly toward the possibility of their infection with 
uncinaria (as from eating dead pups), or any other disease, in view 
of the agent's report of an epidemic among them, and toward any 
system of cultivation of this animal which will conserve the species 
and increase the abundance of foxes to become a source of greater 
revenue to the Government. 

8. Your observ^atious need not be limited to the lines cited, which, 
however, are first in importance. You will constantl}'' endeavor to 
discover any facts of interest and importance relating to the fur seal 
or the fox, whether in the directions mentioned above or not; any 
observations of a natural history or biological nature which time and 
opportunit}^ permit you to make will doubtless prove of value. 

Respectfully, 

- ^ ^ 

Gommissioner. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 349 

[Copy — original too faint for reproduction.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, April 28, 1906. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Chief Seal Agent, Department of Commerce and, Labor, 

Washington, D. C. 
Sir: This department is sending Mr. M. C. Marsh, of the Bureau of 
Fisheries, to the seal islands to enable him to make certain studies of 
the fur-seal rookeries on those islands. He expects to sail for the 
north on the steamer of the North American Co., scheduled to leave 
San Francisco on or about May 19, and remain upon the islands until 
fall. 

It is desired that you alTord Mr. Marsh ever\' facility possible to 
enable him to carry on his investigations, and that you issue similar 
instructions to your assistants. 

Respectfully, Lawrence O. Murray, 

' Assistant Secretary. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Assistant Secretary, 

Washington, May 1, 1906. 
Sir: The department is in receipt of a telegram from the North 
American Commercial Co., intimatmg that on account of the recent 
disaster at San Francisco the date of the sailing of the company's 
steamer for the Pribilof Islands may be changed, and stating that 
the company will notify the department later when the final arrange- 
ments regarding the steamer have been decided upon. 

In view of this fact, to avoid possible delay on the coast, it is 
suggested that Mr. Marsh's departure for the coast be deferred until 
the receipt of further advice from the company, which will be 
promptly communicated to you. 

Respectfully, Lawrence O. Murray, 

Assistant Secretary. 
The Commissioner of Fisheries. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Assistant Secretary, 

Washington, May 4, 1906. 
Sir: The department has been advised by the North American 
Commercial Co. that the companj-'s steamer Homer will sail fi'om 
Portland, Oreg., for the Pribilof Islands on May 17. It is expected 
that Mr. Marsh, of your bureau, who has been detailed to make a 
scientific investigation on the islands during the coming season, will 
take passage on this steamer. 

Respectfully, Lawrence O. Murray, 

Assistant Secretary. 
The Commissioner of Fisheries. 



350 seal islands of alaska. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
Portland, Oreg., May 24, 1906. 
Ish. E. L. Goldsborough, 

Acting Assistant in Charge Scientific Inquiry, 

Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, I). C. 
Dear Sir: ^\y address will be, until further notice, "Care North 
American Coinuiercial Co., Hotel Oregon, Portland, Ores;." 

I forwarded \^esterday the typewritten copy of the j)ollution article, 
having noted a few corrections. 

The steamer Homer arrived here Tuesday night, the 22d, and will 
sail for the Pribilofs either to-morrow or the 26th. I am in readiness 
for departure. 

Very respectfully, 

M. C. Marsh, Assistant. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
Portland, Greg., May 25, 1906. 
Mr. E. L. Goldsborough, 

Acting Assistant in Charge Scientific Inquiry, 

Bureau of Fisheries. 
Dear Sir : I leave this afternoon on the steamer Homer for the seal 
islands. 

I have not 3"et been informed from the office whether it was able to 
make definite arrangements for my transj)ortation to and from St. 
George Island by revenue cutter, about the middle of July. It is 
understood here tliat a probable visit to the islands may be made by a 
cutter about July 15. Mail can reach me by this vessel before the 
second trip of the company's boat, and should be addressed as already 
advised, care North American Commercial Co., Hotel Oregon, Port- 
land, Oreg. 

Very respectfully, 

M. C. ]\:rARSH, Assistant. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
Dutch Harbor, Alaska, June 6, 1906. 
Mr. E. L. Goldsborough, 

Acting Assistant in Charge Scientific Inquiry, 

Bureau of Fisheries. 
Dear Sir: I arrived yesterday at Dutch Harbor. The steamer 
will sail for St. George Island to-morrow, arriving there June 8, and 
a day or two later will be at St. Paul Island. 
Verv respectfully, 

M. C. Marsh, 

Assistant. 



seal islands of alaska. 351 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
St. Paul Island, AlasJca, June 20, 1906. 

Mr. E. L. GOLDSBOROUGH, 

Acting Assistant in Charge Scientific Inquiry, _ 

Bureau of Fisheries, }Vashington, D. C. 
Sir: I arrived at St. George Island June 8 and at St. Paul Island 
June 9. .* . . 

I have visited several times all the seal rookeries on this island save 
those at Northeast Point, and have made counts of seals. There is a 
marked decrease in rookery bulls as against the same dates last j'ear. 
Kitovi and Lukanin had jointly 25 per cent fewer bulls yesterday 
than on June 19, 1905. The decrease for all rookeries may not be as 
liigh as this. 

The steamer Homer will leave to-morrow for Portland, via Dutch 
Harbor. She will leave Portland on the return tri]) July 26. My 
address, as before stated, is ''North American Commercial Co.. Hotel 
Oregon, Portland, Oreg." 

Very respectfully. M. C. Marsh, 

Assistant. 



Department of Commerce and I-iAbor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

St. Paul Island, Alaslca, July SI, 1906. 
Dr. B. W. E verm ANN, 

In Charge Scientific Inquiry, 

Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. 0. 
Sir: I went to St. George Island July 14 on the cutter Perry and 
returned July 26 on tlie McCuUocli. On account of the recent raids 
on the rookeries the department has directed that the rookeries be 
not disturbed. This will prevent the pup counts and will considerably 
curtail my work. I do not see but that it will be best for me to take 
the company's vessel down in August. She is scheduled to arrive in 
San Francisco August 28. Accordingly I will do so, an<l will j^robably 
go from there to Bayfield, Wis. 

I close tliis letter here in order to get it on tlie Perry, though it may 
not reach you sooner than mail by the company's vessel in August. 
Verv respectfully, 

M. C. Marsh, 

Assistant. 



report on a visit to the pribilof fur-seal rookeries in the 

SUMMER of 1906, by M. C. MARSH, ASSISTANT, BUREAU OF 

fisheries. 

Under instructions of April 28, 1906, I left Washington April 30 
for Bayfield, W^is., and there s])ent two wrecks in continuing former 
investigations unrelated to the seals. In order to reach Portland, 
Oreg., for the sailing of the North American (\niimercial Co.'s steamer 
Homer on May 24, as directed in instructions of May 7, I left Bay- 
field May 18 and arrived in Portland May 22. I left Portland on the 
Homer May 25 for the seal islands, arrived at Dutch Harbor June 6, 



352 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

at St. George Island June 8, and at St. Paul Island June 9. I remained 
on St. Paul Island until July 14, when the United vStates reveuue cut- 
ter Perry arrived, with instructions to give me passage to St. George 
Island. I arrived at St. George Island July 15 and remained until 
July 26, when I returned to St. Paul Island by the revenue cutter 
McCulloch, no opportunity having offered to return sooner. I then, 
remained on St. Paul until tlie departure of the steamer Homer, 
August 14, wlien I took passage for San Francisco. 

Census of the Jierd. — Prior to the height of the season many visits 
were made to the St. Paul rookeries, and counts were made, usually 
in company with one of the Government agents, of the daily increasing 
numbers of bulls and later of the cows until they became numer- 
ous. On Lukanin, Kitovi, and the Amphitheater counts were made 
regularly about every other day until the height of the season. 
These intermediate counts are submitted. The figures for the 
various classes of animals at the height of the season are given in the 
following tables. All these counts for St. George (save of pups) were 
made by myself and for St. Paul, with the exception of Kitovi, 
Lukanin, the Amphitheater, and the Northeast Point rookeries. 
The figures for these are taken from the counts of the Government 
agents. The necessity of leaving St. Paul July 14, before I had 
visited these rookeries, prevented me from counting them at the 
height of the season. All the other St. Paul rookeries were counted 
July 13 and 14. 

Cows were counted at the height of the season only on certain 
of the smaller rookeries, on account both of the difficulty of counting 
them on the larger rookeries and because this count is not essential 
to the census. The "water bulls" are half bulls seen swimming about 
or loafing in the sea in front of the rookery. A "quitter" is an 
expressive term adopted by the Government agents for an idle bull, 
with a more or less definite station, but which takes to the water when 
approached. In the present depleted condition of the herd this 
class is plainly recognized, and though insignificant in numbers they 
are nearly as abundant as the idle bulls. 

In accordance with instructions of the department prohibiting 
visits to the St. Paul rookeries, which involved driving cows into the 
water after the raids by Japanese sealers soon after the height of 
the season, no counts of pups were made on this island. All pups on 
St. George Island were counted by the agents, Messrs. Cliichester and 
Clark, and their figures are here given. At the pup-counting season 
I was on St. Paul Island. 

The census for pups and cows is therefore based on St. George 
rookeries, and tliis fact gives an element of uncertainty to the figures 
for St. Paul. The average harem for St. George is 57.86. If this 
is applied to St. Paul Island, a considerable increase of cows over 
1905 appears. It is obviously incorrect to so apply it, since no one 
doubts that the cows are fewer in number, and since for the last 
two years the average harem on St. Paul has been considerably less 
than on St. George. In 1905 it was 13.3 per cent less, and if this 
correction is applied for 1906, the St. Paul average harem becomes 
50.17. In 1905 it was by actual count of several rookeries 43.52. 
The average harem has for several years steadily increased. There 
is a falling off in the numbers of all classes of animals, and the decrease, 
as in recent years, is more rapid among the active bulls than among 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 353 

the cows. The percentage of decrease in active bulls on St. Paul 
is about the same as last year, while on St. George it is much greater, 
being over 23 per cent. Likewise the decrease of cows on St. George 
is much greater than last year (11 .6 per cent against 4.6 percent), while 
on St. Paul the condition is apparently reversed, the cows having 
decreased but 4.6 per cent against 13.67 per cent last year, though 
the figures for this year are subject to the uncertainty above men- 
tioned. Like^dse the decrease of cows for both islands (5.8 per cent) 
contains the same error. 

.Under present conditions two men each with a stout pole can make 
their way wdth little danger to practically any point on any rookery at 
any time in the season. 

Without including specific estimates for the different classes of 
animals which can not be satisfactorily counted, as half bulls, 3-year 
bachelors, 2-year animals of both sexes, and yearlings, it may be said 
that in round numbers 200,000 seals visited the Pribilofs the past 
summer, the number being rather less than more. From this should 
be deducted the quota, taken from the 2 and 3 year bachelors, some- 
thing over 14,000, and the losses from disease and starvation, which 
are not accurately known. 

Comparing the present conditions of the herd numerically with 
those of 1897, the last year of the fur-seal commission's observations, 
during the intervening nine years the harems have fallen off 68.3 per 
cent, the idle bulls 99 per cent, the pups (and cows) 44.4 per cent, 
while the whole herd has been about cut in half. 

Young hulls on rooJceries after the JieigJit of season. — The latter part 
of July and August a particular effort was made to find half bulls 
doing rookery duty after the regular harem discipline of the season 
had become relaxed and the regular rookery bulls had withdrawn to 
feed or rest. As no count could be made which would definitely give 
the numbers of these animals the actual notes made at the time bear- 
ing on this subject are submitted. 

July 28: Drive from Reef hauling grounds. Went to Gorbatch 
and Ardiguen in the afternoon. One dead 2-year-old cow on Zoltoi. 
Been dead several days, probably succumbed from last drive or 
came in from the water. Not wounded. Three half bulls on Zoltoi. 
These are the first seals seen by me this season on Zoltoi. Only 1 
stands liis ground. Limps a little in fore flipper. Probably these 
were rejected from drive tnis morning. Another on the rocks adjoin- 
ing. Returning later a decrepit and toothless gray old bull is hauled 
out on the sands. Slowly makes for the water. Counted harems 
and cows on Gorbatch Clifl's. Harems much disorganized. Four 
harem bulls, 1 idle bull, 1 quitter, 65 cows. (July 13, 7 harem bulls, 
1 idle, 145 cows.) Between Nos. 22 and 23 were 6 pups alone, no 
bulls or cows. Three half bulls playing in water in front of rookery. 

Attempted to count harems on Gorbatch, but gave it up, as no de- 
cent count could be made without frightening off many cows. Forty 
harem bulls, 2 idle half bulls, 1 idle adult, counted after about one-half 
the rookery had been covered. Evident that cows and bulls are fewer. 
Two pods of bachelors on the slope. The first had 8 half bulls (5 to 7 
years); second about 12 of 4 years and over. 

On Ardiguen 11 harem bulls, 218 cows, none idle. (July 13, 14 
harems, '332 cows.) No half bulls on or near Ardiguen. 

2403— H. Doc. 93, 62-1 23 



354 SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

July 29: Kitovi, Lukanin, and Tolstoi. At two points in front of 
Kitovi were bachelors aggregating 200. Ten of these 5 to 7 years. 
Separated, or in small pods, about the rookery 13 bulls upwards of 4 
to 7 years, idle. On Lukanin 30 harem bulls in charge of cows were 
counted. Several, at least 4, of these are young bulls recently come 
on rookery. Two half bulls idle. No seals on Lukanin Sands. 
Tolstoi: Three seals seen in the distance under Middle Hill. First 
seen on these sands this summer, despite many observations. 
Whether old bulls resting or bachelors could not be made out. About 
200 bachelors just off Tolstoi Sands (hauling grounds), on the rookery 
portion. About 25 of these are 5 years old and upward. There was a 
drive from this place yesterday. None of these seem to be rookery 
bulls of this season. Many 2-year-olds in front of rookery. Scanning 
the water front at a distance with the glass some 10 to 15 half bulls 
were made out. It is evident that a number of them, 4 to 5 years old, 
have entered the rookery and are chasing about and playing with the 
cows; no count of all bulls could be made on account of frightening 
cows. 

August 7: Judge and I went to Tolstoi to get some dead pups if 
possible. Harem system almost broken up. Cows lay prone for the 
most part and many bulls gone. About 13 seals scattered along under 
Middle Hill. Mostly adult bulls, by glass. Several large bulls lay on 
end of Tolstoi sands, but the bachelors formerly hauling here this sum- 
mer have withdrawn to the grass and rocks adjoining and just above 
the rookery; over 100 here. 

August 10: Gorbatch and Ardiguen. Along the first half of Gor- 
batch only 2 young bulls (under 7 years) were seen. None along 
water front. Harems are open to the young bulls now; compara- 
tively few of the rookery bulls of the season present. Cows hauled 
far back. No counts made. Cows alarmed at slightest disturbance. 
■ Further part of Gorbatch not examined. On Ardiguen there were 
but 5 bulls, 3 of these young, one only 4 years apparently. Only 2 
of the season's regular bulls left. No water bulls. Cows much 
scattered. 

Throughout the season the sands of English Bay, Lukanin, and 
Zoltoi were of course frequently examined, but no seals at all hauled 
save the few on Zoltoi and Middle Hill at the end of the season, as 
mentioned above. Zapadni Head was visited once, when 3 bachelor 
seals were seen. North Shore has been visited once, but no seals 
seen. 

The number of half bulls mentioned in the preceding notes, though 
not large, is not inconsiderable in the present state of the herd. The 
number of large rejections on both islands, wliich shows a heavy 
increase over last year, is for the quota driving season, 2,089, and 
this is the best index of the abundance of half bulls. The increase 
must be due to the reservations of killables in 1904 and 1905. 

The census shows the continued decline of the herd. The scarcity 
of adult bulls, which has occasioned some concern in recent years, 
becomes still more pronounced as shown by the heavy decrease in 
harem and idle bulls. The end of tliis state of aif airs is foreshadowed 
in the considerable increase of half bulls, the estimate of these being 
based on the largely increased number of large dismissals. This is 
the natural result of the annual reservation by branding of* 2 and 3 
year old bachelors, which began in 1904. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 355 

The question of the adequacy of male fur seals for breeding pur- 
poses is not one which should occasion alarm. The reservations of 
male life have not yet affected the breeding bulls and the numbers of 
these constantly decreasing for 3^ears are now at their lowest ebb. 
The average harem has nearly doubled since 1897. Just what the 
needs of the herd are with respect to adult bulls has never been deter- 
mined. It is possible that the number of active bulls might vary 
within quite wide limits without affecting the welfare of the herd one 
way or the other, but it is more likely that there is a normal harem 
of narrower range in size, wliicli makes the best conditions for the 
increase of the herd. No one questions that in 1897 there was no 
possible doubt of the adequacy of male life, there being more idle bulls 
read}^ and willing to manage harems than there were bulls in pos- 
session of harems. The question may now arise whether, under the 
present conditions, with the idle bull class almost extinct and each 
harem master serving about 50 cows, the ideal harem relations, as to 
numbers, are reahzed; whether a bull can properly manage many 
more than 50 cows; or whether the limit of safety has already been 
passed and too great a tax placed upon the active bulls, with the 
result that some cows have failed of impregnation, or some other 
form of injury to the herd resulted. Such other form of injury may 
be conceived to be the propagation of seals by bulls ph3"sically inferior 
which are enabled to hold harems by reason of the lessened rivalry 
due to fewer bulls and the absence of idle bulls, and the results of 
this would not be apparent until some years thereafter. It is not 
known that any evidence has yet been found that the herd is deterio- 
rating from this cause. 

Some observations were made during the present summer which 
have a bearing on the capacity of the bull seal in relation to the 
size of the harem. The journal of the fur-seal commission records 
two occasions on which two copulations by the same bull were 
observed the same day by Mr. F. A. Lucas. On July 6, 1897, a bull 
on Lukanin rookery served 2 cows within one hour, and 5 minutes 
later successfull}' fought off a rival. Next day on Amphitheater 1 
bull serA^ed twice within 40 minutes. This season on North rookery 
July 17, between survey Nos. 3 and 4, 1 bull served twdce Avithin 20 
minutes. The duration of the first service was 6 minutes, of the 
second, 3 minutes. Presumably 2 cows were concerned, but this 
was not determined wdth certainty. On July 23 on North rookery 
in the breeding mass between Nos. 10 and 11, one bull served about 
11a. m., the duration being about normal, 5 or 6 minutes, though 
not exactly observed. In the afternoon after two chfferent \asits 
tt) the place, a third visit at 5.45 p. m. cUscovered a second observed 
service b}?^ this bull lasting 6 minutes. The interval between the 
two was about 7 hours, and in the meantime he may have served 
other cows unobserved, as he was seen to go through the prehminaries 
without actually covering. 

It should be remembered that the above occurred after the height 
of the season had passed, and after the bulls concerned, which had 
good-sized harems (massed at these points), must have already had 
much ser\dce. The harem master's actual service of cows is spread 
over a period of perhaps 40 days. (SerAdce was observed as late as 
Aug. 3 this season.) It would seem that an average serA^ce of 2 
cows per day or 80 cows during the season would be a mere bagatelle 



356 



SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



for an animal whose great vitality and whole energies are almost 
entirely given over to this purpose during the season. The difficulty 
lies in"^ the fact that his attentions are not distributed uniformly 
throughout the period of service. At each end of the season Httle is 
required of him, but since the cows arrive rather rapidly just before 
the height of the season, several of his harem would come in heat 
each day for some days about the middle of July. One may get 
some idea of the number under present conditions by the counts of 
Kitovi rookery for the present season. The first cow arrived between 
June 17 and 19. The counts were made about every second day 
up to July 13. The following table shows the average number of 
cows per harem bull, actually present when each count was made. 
There were always some bulls without harems and of course early 
in the season relatively many. 





Harem 
bulls. 


Cows. 


Cows per 

harem 

bull, 

average. 




1 
8 
12 
21 
28 
30 
31 
27 
34 
35 
40 
40 


1 

8 
16 
37 
85 
180 
281 
434 
651 
846 
1,028 
950 


t.O 


21 


1.0 


23 


1.3 


25 


1.7 


27 


3.0 


30 


6.0 


July 2 


9.0 


4 


16.0 


6 . 


19.1 


8 


24.1 


n . 


25.7 


13 


23.7 







From this it appears that the greatest average increase of cows per 
harem bull occurred between July 2 and 4, or between July 6 and 8, 
namely, 5 cows for each 2-day interval. Since about half the cows 
only are present at once this may be multiplied by 2, giving 5 cows 
as the largest accession to any harem bull in 1 day, on the average, for 
Kitovi rookery. Five cows per day might therefore come in heat at 
once, but only for a day or two, and on all other days a fewer number. 
How long cows unserved remain in heat is not known. Biship Ven- 
iaminof in his account of the sea bear says: ''The sikatch is able to 
cover from 15 to 24 females in 24 hours." 

On the whole the evidence all supports the belief that the bulls the 
past season were able to perform all the service required of them. 

Methods of reserving young males. — In 1904 the practice of marldng 
and releasing a number of bachelors of killable age for the express 

Eurpose of securing an adequate increment to the class of harem 
ulls, was begun and has continued each year. The number, 1,000 
two-year-olds and 1,000 three-year-olds, seems entirely adequate. The 
mark of identification or brand is made by clipping the hair and fur 
on top of the head with shears. The mark is conspicuous and can 
be made out from a considerable distance. The head brand is prefer- 
able to a mark on the body as far as protection at the Idllings is con- 
cerned. Many seals are clubbed when the body is largely concealed 
by other seals in the pod, and no place for carrying the brand more 
constantly visible than the top of the head could be found. Even 
then when seals are wet the brand tends to be obscured, and a few 
branded seals are inadvertently killed each year. It is easy, however, 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 357 

to make effective the reservation of males in this way. The branding 
is expeditious and requires Httle apparatus. For St. Paul Island it 
was accomphshed in three drives, June 15, 22, and 23, representing 
only several hours' work. 

The 3-year branded seals are in no danger of killing as 4-year-olds, 
since 4-year-olds are rTot killed. The brand, however, is entirely 
temporary and has disappeared by the following season. Some of 
the 2-year-old brands may therefore be, and are, killed the next year 
as 3-year olds. The 2-year brands mainly pro^dde 3-year-olds for the 
following season, and the permanently reserved seal comes mainly 
from tliis class. Since there are only 1,400 harem bulls, it seems 
plain that 1,000 three-year-olds are more than sufficient to replace 
losses and effect an increase in their number. 

Food killings do not affect the reserve particularly. In the fall the 
brand would still to some extent protect. In the spring presumably 
some branded seals, on which the brand no longer shows, may be 
killed, but the number can not be large. 

The temporaiy brand is as effective as any if placed upon the 
oldest killables, "which ^^^ll be the next year protected by their age 
and size. A permanent brand on the 2-year-olds would merely have 
the advantage of persisting on the 3-year, and aU the brands might 
then be placed on the 2-year class. The brand with shears is cer- 
tainly the most convenient and effective method at present known 
for reserving seals. To compete with it any form of permanent brand- 
ing must needs have nearly the same certainty and rapidity of appli- 
cation and freedom from cumbersome apparatus, since permanence 
itself does not add greatly to the value of a method for this purpose. 
It is desirable that the branding quota be quickly secured and marked, 
that the drives for the quota of skins may proceed unhampered. 

It is perhaps too much to say that it is unlikely that a permanent 
brand which burns the skin can be applied with the convenience and 
rapidity of the present temporary brand. Electrical branding, ap- 
proved in principle by the fur-seal commission, has never, it appears, 
received a thorough test on the branding grounds. Few burn brands 
have been made of recent years on the seal islands. It is desired to 
offer two suggestions concerning methods of making such brands. 
A re<l or white hot metal rod or wire, kept almost constantly in this 
condition, is required. In the electrical method the metal was heated 
by electricity, and this may prove the acceptable method of the future. 
The metal may be heated in other ways. A rod raised to white heat 
by a blast of burning gasoline or other vapor, after the fashion of the 
physician's paquelin, offers a method for experiment. The apparatus 
mvolved would probably be simpler than the machinery required by 
the electrical method. The difficulty would probably come in lack 
of durability of the metal branding points, which must sear the oily 
hair, fur, and thick skin. The principle of this device is actually 
used for soldering irons. 

In considering the above one comes to doubt the necessity of any 
any liighly heated metal with which to deliver the brand. A naked 
blast of nonluminous flame could, be delivered from a metal tube, 
somewhat like that of the plumber's or painter's torcli or of various 
blast-lamp devices, or this flame could be dehvered in the form of a 
sheet. Smce the region of high temperature would be less sharply 
defined than with the metal, a pattern or stencil, say of asbestos, 



358 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

would be necessary, in which the brand was cut. The blast should 
play upon this stencil, applied to the seal, long enough to burn through 
the fur and scar the skin. The torch itself need be no larger or heavier 
than could be held in the hand and so apphed. This would seem to 
allow rapid branding. The brand itself would probably not be so 
conspicuous at a distance as that made by shears. 

Aside from branding the reserve quota an improved method of 
permanent branding is desirable for the purpose of securing certain 
data concerning the herd, such as the natural term of life of the 
animals, their movements, return to the same rookeries, etc. These 
questions will probably some time be definitely answered and brand- 
ing affords a feasible means helping to this end. 

A rapid, certain, and harmless method of permanent branding 
would replace all other methods, for whatever purpose it is desired to 
mark the seal. 

Mortality of pups. — Following instructions, it was intended to 
examine dead pups for uncinariasis, and to test bacteriologically the 
blood of dead pups in cases where the cause of death did not appear, 
in order to determine causes, if any, of pup mortality at present 
unknown. Uncinariated pups were not expected in any number 
before the middle of July or later. Nevertheless early in the season 
many efforts were made to find dead pups in the hope of getting the 
earliest specimens infected with uncinaria. Scarcely any were found 
early in the season about the edges of the rookeries, or visible from 
outside the rookeries. On July 4, several large harems were driven 
off Reef rookery in the search for dead pups, but only one was found. 
Up to July 14 only 7 dead pups had been secured on St. Paul Island. 
The cause of death was determined in every case but one which had 
been nearly eaten up by gulls. One had been trampled, one starved, 
one stillborn, and three suffocated before breathing was well estab- 
hshed. One dead pup examined on St. George Island had died of 
a malformation of the intestines. On St. Paul, July 28, one pup was 
found on the outskirts of Gorbatch rookery. It had been dead a 
long time, was in very bad condition, but was examined and found 
free of uncinaria. 

All pups were examined for uncinaria save those whose condition 
made it useless or unnecessary. No uncinaria was seen at any time 
during the season. Following are the notes of the autopsies on dead 
pups : 

July 4 : One dead female from Reef. Secured after driving off cows 
from large harem. Fur rather wet, but body cold and had been dead 
perhaps one week. Eyes picked out (gulls). Viscera seem fresh, no 
odor of decomposition. Lungs collapsed, but pup had breathed. 
Left lung normal, right lung witli tear or wound which had bled, 
leaving clot in thorax. Ribs not broken. Death from trampling. 
Intestines slit and examined; normal, no uncinaria. 

July 4 : One dead female brought by Mr. Judge from Kitovi. Ijungs 
atelectatic. Pup had never taken a breath — stillborn or immediately 
suffocated. Other organs normal. Examined intestines carefully. 
No uncinaria. 

July 5: One female from Little Polovini. Apparently in good 
condition and of good size. Eyes in place. Been dead only few 
days. Organs normal. About 6 inches of cord attached. Lungs 



SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 359 

with a few small areas containing air, rest atelectatic. Suffocated 
as it was getting its first gasps. 

July 11: One well-nourished female with placenta attached, from 
Vostochni. Trampled or suffocated. Another near Hutchinson 
Hill. Intestines normal. No uncinaria. Lungs with little air. 
Suffocated. 

July 11 : Morjovi. Along sand beach of Walrus Bight 2 dead pups 
washed up by surf. One decomposing, eyes gone, body greatly 
emaciated, without blubber. Probably starved. Other more fresh, 
but partly eaten by gulls. 

July 20 : North rookery. St. George Island. Near harem on the 
flat rocks at No. 14, one dead pup. Comparatively fresh. A few 
inches of umbilical cord attached. On opening, remarkable malfor- 
mation of intestines. Duplication of large intestine. Stomach 
normal to pylorus. There a laige intestine began, resembling a 
normal large intestine, but longer and much more widely distended. 
It ended in two constrictions, bhnd. A small intestine then began, 
its blind end hung in the mesentery close to the end just mentioned, 
but in no way connected with it. This small intestine was of about 
normal length or somewhat shorter and connected pioperly at a 
normal caecum with a normal large intestine, which was fuU of 
masses of light-colored firm waxy material. There was no con- 
tinuity to the digestive tract and food could not pass through. All 
the milk ingested had remamed in the first-mentioned large mtestine, 
which was distended with gas and foul material. 1 he smaU intestine 
contamed nothing but mucous secretion, and food had never passed 
through it. The large intestine from anus to caecum had probably 
never voided, and the wax}^ masses must have been in place at birth. 
There was considerable blood free in abdominal ca^dty, none in 
thorax. Lungs had been ordy partly filled with air and breathing 
had been imperfect. Pup probably lived very few days, but had lost 
placenta. Was of good size and otherwise normal, and had plenty of 
subcutaneous fat. Killed by failure of functions due to malforma- 
tion. 

July 28: One dead pup orr Gorbatch. Very badly decomposed. 
Fur coming out. Examined small intestine. Many gas bubbles of 
decomposition held in intestinal wall, but no uncinaria. Did not 
look further for cause of death on account of condition of the specimen. 

Little can be said from observations the past summer of the status, 
of the disease caused by the parasite uncinaria. Failure to furd it 
early in the season does not mean ver}^ much, since its ravages are not 
expected until later. Since, however, prior to the season for starved 
pups, not many dead pups were seen, it is unlikely that it caused 
heav}- losses. On July 13, while counting Reef rooker}^, only 2 
dead pups were noticed. On the other hand, it is probably maintain- 
ing its existence, while the lessened numbers of the seal herd aflord 
somewhat less favorable conditions for its spread. 

While the instructions from departmental authority prevented 
entering the rookeries at the proper season for obtaining uncinariated 
specimens, a great increase in dead pups could be observed from the- 
rear of the rookeries the latter part of Jul}^ and the first half of August. 
The starved pups, however, become a large factor at this time, so 
that no significance is attached to this fact as far as the parasite is 
concerned. Evidence of pelagic sealing was abundant about the 



;360 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

islands in July, as well as in August, and many pups starved before 
the legal opening of the pelagic season. On August 10 when cau- 
tiously proceeding along the rear of Gorbatch, without disturbing 
the rookery population, in the little basin near survey No. 12, 9 
dead pups were seen, and 7 of these had plainly starved. Besides 
these 3 or 4 starvelings were seen on or near the same small area. 

It was not intended to pay any but incidental attention to starved 
pups. The Japanese raid on Vostochni rookery, however, afforded 
some evidence on a considerable scale of the length of time required 
to starve pups. On July 17 the Japanese Idlled 180 cows. Four 
times thereafter the dead pups were counted on the area occupied 
by the cows. 

40 pups died within 9 days. 

27 pups died between the 9th and 14th day. 

64 pups died between the 14th and 18th day. 

53 pups died between the 18th and 26th daj'. 

184 

While on the 26th day 9 starvelings had not yet succumbed. Of 
these 193 pups, of course some were dead as a result of cows killed at 
sea, and probably some of the 180 Mlled on land had not yet, on 
July 17, been delivered of their pups. Most of tlie counts M'^ere made 
by Mr. Judge. 

The feces of pups and adult bulls was examined by the microscope 
for uncinaria or its eggs. In that from pups no parasites or eggs 
were seen. Samples freshly obtained from rookery bulls early in the 
season showed frequently the living eggs of (probably) Ascaris in 
process of segmentation. Since these nematodes are known to almost 
constantly inhabit the seals, the eggs were to be expected. In addi- 
tion to these, an elliptical egg was occasionally seen. It was dead, 
with the contents more or less disintegrated. Though seen only 
singly and in an occasional field of the microscope, their numbers in 
the intestinal contents must have been appreciable, since a ver}^ small 
amount of material was examined in each field. The identity of these 
eggs is yet unknown. They are of the general form of uncinaria 
eggs, which were not available on tJie islands, for comparison. 
Recently in Washington I was permitted to examine the egg of unci- 
naria lucasi, the seal parasite, by the courtes}^ of Dr. C. W. Stiles, the 
author of the species. From tliis examination tlie fecal eggs are with 
reasonable certainty not those of the seal uncinaria. They are more 
pointed and some approach an oval outline. They are probably 
nematode eggs of an allied group and may, of course, come from any 
of the sources from which the seal gets its food. Though the hypoth- 
esis that the rookeries are reinfected each spring or summer by the 
older animals does not receive much support from these observations, 
it is a suggestive fact that the bulls void elliptical nematode eggs 
approacliing the form of uncinaria eggs, and future search should be 
made on many individual seals for similar eggs, since it may be only 
occasional animals wliich carry the reinfection. 

At the quota drives a considerable number of bachelors were 
examined throughout the length of the small intestine for uncinaria. 
All these animals were healthy and vigorous and the intestines were 
without lesions. 

Maps of the present rookery area. — Instructions directed the retrac- 
ing of rookery maps as far as possible to show the present outlines of 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 361 

the rookeries for purposes of comparison with past and future condi- 
tions. In accordance several maps are submitted herewith which 
fulfill the instructions in a modified form. On these the position of 
each harem bull is indicated by a filled circle in red, and idle bulls 
are so marked. The United States Coast and Geodetic Surve}^ maps 
of 1897 were thus marked for Gorbatch, Tolstoi, Little Zapadni, 
Polovina, and Little Polovina rookeries on St. Paul, and for North, 
Staraya Artiel, Zapadni, and East Clitrs rookeries on St. George. In 
addition to this the number of cows actually present in each harem 
at the height of the season counts was indicated on the maps for Gor- 
batch Chfis, Ardiguen, Lagoon, Tolstoi Cliffs, Zapadni Reef, Polo- 
vina Clifl's, Lukanin, Kitovi, and Amphitheater on St. Paul, and 
East Reef and Little East on St. George. The positions of the bulls 
on Lukanin, Amphitheater, Kitovi, Tolstoi Cliffs, and Gorbatch 
were marked a few days prior to the height of the season, and the 
maps were reconstructed later by slight changes to agree with the 
height of the season count. All the otliers were made at the height of 
the season. 

No actual outline of breeding masses of seals is traced on these 
maps, but as the cows are never far from the harem master a sub- 
stantially correct idea can be obtained of the rookery extent. The 
position of the bull on the map was not obtained by measurement 
out was marked with the aid of the survey numbers, the contour lines, 
and other topographical points indicated on the maps and still recog- 
nizable on the land. It is believed that the red circles represent 
with reasonable accuracy the position of the bull at the height of the 
season. 

Photograplis. — It was not thought necessaiy to photograph the 
rookeries extensively for the purpose of showing their contraction, 
which is so much more definitely shown by the census and by the 
maps. The few days of the height of the season were filled with 
the work of making these counts and maps. A few exposures, how- 
ever, were made on Ardiguen and Amphitheater, prior to the height 
of the season, in the latter case duplicating certain photographs of 
1897. All views of the upper level of Ardiguen would show no seals 
whatever and have shown none for some years. The seals at present 
are close down b}'' the sea and do not even extend up the "slide." 

The Arctic fox. — My instructions directed that observations be made 
on the foxes of the Pribilofs, particidarly with reference to their dis- 
eases, if any, and looking toward any measures that might conserve 
and increase the herd. On St. Paul Island the foxes are nearly wiped 
out. One sees only occasionally a fox, or a pair of foxes. Con- 
sequently not much material representing diseased specimens could 
be expected, though three or four carcasses in an advanced stage of 
decay were seen during the summer. During the 10 days spent on 
St. George Island many foxes were seen and were a source of con- 
tinual interest. Only one dead fox was seen, a young one of the sea- 
son, with a portion of the umbilical cord still attached. It lay at 
arm's length from the mouth of the warren, and though it had prob- 
abl}^ been dead some days, it was in fairly good condition. It was 
intended to dissect this specimen, but the' vixen, hovering close and 
showing anxiety to recover it, was allowed to pick it up, whereupon 
she quickly liid it in some rocks nearby, where it could not be found. 
However, Vultures could not have been made, as the materials for 



362 SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

this purpose were on St. Paul. Of course many of the young die 
under natural conditions, as is the rule among wild animals. It is, 
however, entirely possible that some specific infection forms a part of 
the cause of these deaths, and while knowledge of this fact would not 
insure its prevention, it would be a first step in any attempt to reduce 
this death rate. It is evident, however, that there was no fatal 
epidemic or disease prevalent among the adult foxes the past summer. 
It is desired to call attention to the reports of Mr. James Judge, an 
assistant agent of the department, particularly one of date July 10, 
1903, on tlie subject of the foxes on St. George Island. This report 
is a valuable contribution to the knowledge of the Pribilof fox herd 
from both the natural history and economic standpoint, and must 
form the basis and starting point of future work on the foxes. It 
includes observations on the habits and food of the animal, its 
abimdance, size and weight, the management of the herd, offers 
explanations of certain cases of \musual mortality, and sets forth a 
reasonable plan of improving the herd by selecting, branding,^ and 
releasing tlie superior animals and killing the inferior for the skins. 
This plan of improvement by selection began in the season of 1902-3 
and is believed by its author to have shown its first results during the 
past trapping season. It is not likely that it is the whole secret 
which will lead to the recuperation of the herd to its former numbers, 
but it seems commendable on general principles. The question of 

Eoh^gamy of the fox, important in its bearing on management of the 
erd, is not discussed, and the balance of evidence cited is perhaps 
somewhat in favor of polygamy, but it is regarded as still an open 
question. Certain periods of unusual mortality among foxes are 
cited and are referred to three chief causes — starvation, salt meat 
(unfreshened seal carcasses), and ice about the islands. Epidemic 
disease is dismissed as a cause of large mortality among foxes. Arti- 
ficial feeding is held to be necessary for the support and increase of 
the herd, and its present management is based upon belief in the 
total inadequacy of natural available food as a means of subsistence 
of even the present diminished herd throughout the year. Facts and 
observations are cited tending to show that the food furnished by the 
sea at the beach is insignificant in amount., On St. George not only 
are all seal carcasses not used for human food lightly salted for seal 
food, but large quantities of dried salmon are purchased for the same 
purpose. 

Foxes certainly get some food from the rookeries, independent of 
seals killed by man, since the placentas are frequently seen about 
the warrens and the young have been observed chewing them. The 
winter must in any case afford much less food than summer. The 
question, then, suggests itself whether the fox may not store up by 
abundant summer and autumn feeding vitality which tides him oyer 
the season of scarcity and fasting just as a bull seal acquires during 
winter and spring the condition which permits a three months' fast. 
It is difficult to correlate the large catch of foxes from 1842 to 
1862 with the size of the herd. For this period an average of 1,800 
fox skins per annum were taken on both islands, and the number on 
St. George alone was never less than 1,000. The seal quota is not 
given by years, but during these 20 years 372,894 sealskins were 
taken from the Pribilofs, or an average of 18,600 annually. The 
average quota for these years was not, therefore, very greatly in 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



363 



excess of the present quota. But this quota may not be an index 
of the size of the herd at this time, since the product of the liauhng 
grounds was not always completely or largely taken. Since the herd 
was greatly dimmished in 1834, it had probably not recuperated to 
its maximum in the early part of this 20-year period. On the other 
hand, smce in 1864 the herd was near a maximum, the latter part of 
the period certainly saw a very large seal herd, without any great 
increase in fox skms taken as compared with the early part. 

It should be remarked in passing that the figures for the fox catch 
on the Pribilofs from 1890 to 1896, given in part 3, page 340, of the 
report of the fur-seal commission, seem to be largely erroneous; at 
least they do not agree with the logs of the two islands. 

The following figures are extracted from the St. George log: 

Blue-fox skins taken. 



Year. 


Number. 


1890-91 

1891-92 


1,123 


1892-93 


929 
557 


1893 (Dec.) 


1894-95 ... 


1895-96 


251 
355 


1896-97 





As for "any system of cultivation of this animal (the blue fox) 
which will conserve the species and increase the abundance of foxes 
to become a greater source of revenue to the Government," quoting 
from my instructions, I acquired no information on which to base a 
recommendation for any different general method than that of con- 
tinued selection and preservation of the best animals as practiced by 
Mr. Judge. This practice in fact might profitably be followed inde- 
pendent of any adclitional measures. More attention, however, should 
be given to the mortality problem. Microscopical and bacteriological 
examination should be made of the organs, tissues, and blood of dead 
foxes of any age. TJncinaria has been found by Dr. C. W. Stiles in 
dead seal pups born in the zoological park of parents from the 
Pribilof Islands. The parasite is not uncinaria lucasi, that of the 
seal, but another form — a very interesting fact. 

Of course observations of the animals in rutting season should be 
continued, as it will accumulate data bearing on the relations of the 
sexes, though no doubt slowly on account of the difficulty of identi- 
fying and following up individuals. 

The report of Mr. Judge is dwelt upon m some detail both to show 
that the fox question has received intelUgent study and treatment 
which has resulted in bringing to light mteresting and useful facts, 
and that despite this some fundamental questions remain unsettled. 
It is not certain whether the sexes pair or whether the females should 
be in excess. It can by no means be safely concluded that no dis- 
eases decimate their numbers. It is not clear whether or not the 
former abundance of foxes was dependent on or related to the size 
of the seal herd. It is held, and very plausibly, that the foxes 
need artificial feeding ; but if so on what did the large herd of former 
years subsist when no attention was paid to feedmg ? In brief, the 



364 



SEAL ISLANDS OP ALASKA. 



essential cause for their present scarcity has not been found and a 
knowledge of it may put a new face on the fox problem. 

Miscellaneous. — On June 25 at Northeast Point an unusual oppor- 
tunity occurred to witness a rookery of sea lions, m company with 
Mr. Judge. It was at the point near No. 41. The wind was blowing 
from the rookery toward us and the heavy surf increased the uproar 
made by the animals and wind. The sea lions usually take fright 
and make for the water at the slightest disturbance. On this occasion 
after surveying them with glasses at a distance we walked rapidly 
nearer and to the very edge of the breeding area, and though they 
were thrown into much confusion only the cows and a few bulls left the 
rookery. The remaining bulls seemed scarcely to realize the presence 
of intruders and took little notice, but fought with each other and 
disported themselves, some only a few feet from our position. The 
pups were all about us, 125 being counted from where we stood, and 
there were from 200 to 250 on this rookery. The cows which had 
fled to the water remained swimming about close by, and all classes 
united their voices in an indescribable roar. 

The same day near No. 62 on Vostochni a sea-lion harem consisting 
of one bull, one cow, and a pup was surprised. The bull immediately 
left while the cow was asleep and the pup nursing. On awakening 
the cow promptly took to the water while the pup remained and 
seemed pleased when the top of its head was scratched. This cow 
had a large hemispherical swelling about the size of two fists on the 
side of its nack. This growth was apjvarently a tumor. On June 29 
near No. S4 of the same rookery the same harem was seen again. 
The cow had the same unusual growth on the neck and was doubtless 
the same animal. Both bull and cow immediately plunged into the 
water. The pup remained curled up asleep and did not awake until 
it had been gently stroked and its head scratched for some time. 
Slowly it awoke and gazed stupidly for awhile and finally, being 
petted and scratched meanwhile, became alarmed and scrambled 
slowly into the water. It could swim pretty well, and set out along 
a course parallel to the shore line. In the meantime the cow and bull 
were not far offshore, the cow bawling loudly and scanning the shore 
line for the pup apparently having lost knowledge of its whereabouts. 
The pup a considerable distance away finally turned shoreward as if 
to liaul out again and was lost sight of, but the cow, after we left, 
came ashore at No. 84 looking for the pup and calling at intervals. 

Temperature of seals. — The following temperature readings were 
taken on the fur seal : 



Date. 


Drive. 


Heart. 


Rectum. 


Throat. 


Age. 


Condition. 


June 30 
July 2 


Northeast Point.... 
Reef 


41 
39 


43 

39.^ 

38i 

39 

39 

39i 

39 

37^ 


41 

39i 

38i 

39i 

39 

39+ 

39i 


3 years . . 

2 years . . 

3 years . . 

...do 

...do 

...do 

...do 

Pup 


Much hazed. 

Less excited. Weather cool. 


2 


....do.- 


Do. 


7 


do 


39 
39 
39J 
39 


Cool and wet. Little hazed. 


7 


do 


Do. 


7 


do 


Do. 




. ..do 


Do. 


Aug. 10 

















Nearly all driven seals are visibly excited and usually show evi- 
dence of heating by panting and fanning with the flippers. Their 
actual temperature is above the normal. All the driven seals probably 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 365 

have an elevation of bodily temperature. Those of June 30 were 
much exhausted and heated by the drive, mainly on account of the 
weather. Cool and wet conditions exhaust and heat the seals in 
drives much less than warmer and drier weather. The pup examined 
August 10 was seized and a reading quickly tf^ken, presumably before 
the excitement had time to affect the reading. The normal tempera- 
ture is probably that of this pup, or about 37.5° C. 

The Coast Survey numbers. — The Coast and Geodetic Survey num- 
bers, printed on the maps and painted on the rocks of the rookeries, 
w^ere of considerable assistance in various waj^s, particularly in 
marking the harems on the maps. The painted numbers have been 
renewed frequently and are usually conspicuous. Some of them, 
however, have disappeared entirely, as on Polovina Cliffs, where pos- 
sibly the stone has crumbled or been located close to an edge which 
has later fallen. 

Collection ofjisJies and Crustacea. — Incidentally advantage was taken 
of the opportunity to secure some of the the tide-pool fishes, the 
sticklebacks from salt water and from the fresh-water lakes, and the 
small Crustacea which abound in some of these lakes. Large numbers 
of both young and adult of both the marine and lake sticklebacks were 
thus secured. The tide-pool fishes were sculpins. One young Alaska 
pollock was taken from a pool on the edge of the Lagoon left by the 
tide. Mr. Lembkey contributed one specimen of a gunnel witliout 
label, but taken on St. Paul Island, date unknown. From the upper 
ice-house lake, from Webster Lake, and a smaller lake adjoining, 
through which the seals are driven, a considerable quantity of mmute 
Crustacea, mostly entomostraca, was taken. These lakes swarmed 
with them. 

Relations with the agents and lessees. — The chief agent, Mr. W. I. 
Lembke}^, and his assistants, gave me every possible opportunity to 
carrv out my instructions, and I received, besides, numerous courte- 
sies from them. Likewise the lessees, from whom subsistence and 
quarters were obtamed and passage to and from the seal islands, pro- 
vided me with a workroom, transportation about the island, and 
various courteous assistance. 

Biological study of the seal herd. — The Pribilof Islands furnish an 
almost unique opportunity for the study of the fur seal. The inves- 
tigations of the fur-seal commission of 1896-97 have shown in an 
epoch-making way the correlation of the natural history of the seal 
with its economic possibilities. They have established the general 
principles which must govern the management of the seal herd to 
maintain it at its highest productiveness. The management of the 
herd is thus a biological problem. The herd is now at low ebb, 
perhaps the lowest in the memory of anyone living. In the course of 
its increase, which must sooner or later come to its former maximum 
or a greater, new conditions and questions must arise. Some of these 
have already been foreseen, others will be unknown until they present 
themselves. It is probable, for example, that disease, almost inevi- 
tably incidental to an animal of the habits of the fur seal and definitely 
known to exist in the .Pribilof herd, is at present little evident or in 
abeyance, corresponding to the greatly diminished numbers of the 
seals. Even in 1897 important losses are known to have occurred 
from this cause, and with the rookeries again rapidly extending it 
may be predicted with entire confidence that this check oii the herd 



366 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

will increase faster than pro rata with the increase of the herd. A 
study of this phase of the seal problem, though not, of course, neces- 
sarily resulting in the abatement of the evil, would obviously be the 
proper step. 

The large quantities of marine food, and particularly of fish, con- 
sumed by the seal suggests immediately the interrelation, the 
interdependence of the seal, and other fishery questions. The seal 
feeds largely on salmon, and as the herd increases its effect must be 
felt by the salmon industries which have developed largely on the 
Pacific coast since the former greatness of the seal herd. The seal 
fishery is thus one of many which depend on the resources of the sea, 
and which is not independent but interlocked in a mutual adjustment. 
The injury of one may be the concern of others or of all. 

The desirability of biological study of the seal herd is manifest in 
two general directions. One of these, an economic one, is of the 
more immediate and practical importance to the Government. One 
need only cite the investigations of the last fur-seal commission, 
wliich satisfied both sides of the fur-seal controversy of the essential 
<;ause of the decline of the herd, and tliis after years of insufficiently 
informed discussion, lacking the commission's exact and decisive 
facts and figures, had failed to establish the supreme factor involved. 
This commission further outlined plans for future studies and obser- 
vations — plans which its high authority and valuable services entitled 
to consideration. If in its short existence it accomplished results of 
paramount importance, it is reasonable to believe tliat a permanently 
established supervi.sion and study of the seals along biological lines 
will prove a wise economy on the part of the Government. 

But it is not an economic policy wliich should alone control the 
Government in its administration of its fur-seal interests. Were all 
questions of purely economic management considered settled and 
immutable and the seals treated by rigid and predetermined rules, 
there would still remain a field for observation in natural liistory, 
and one which can only be utilized by or under the auspices of the 
Government. The fur seal is a remarkable animal, of surpassing 
interest, and there are but few places wliere it may be observed at 
close quarters. It has well repaid the attention given it in the past 
and it will continue to repay its future study, from whatever stand- 
point one chooses to estimate results. 

Recommendation. — In accordance with the preceding considera- 
tions it is recommended that the departmental staff for the seal 
islands be provided with two naturalists of adjudged competency, a 
chief naturalist and an assistant, these to be attached to the Division 
of Scientific Inquiry of the Bureau of Fisheries, to which shall be 
turned over all matters directly related to the seal herd, as the 
fixing of the quota, the reservation of bachelors for breeding purposes, 
the census of the herd, the selection and supervision of drives, limita- 
tion of age or size of animals killed or of size or weights of skins to be 
taken, all branding of seals, regulation of the rookeries, and- general 
supervision and control of the seal herd. 

The agents to have charge, as at present, of the seal islands in 
general, of all relations between the Government, natives and lessees, 
to conduct all business negotiations, to take charge of the drives on 
the killing grounds, and see that the killing regulations are observed. 

M. C. Marsh. 

November 1, 1906. 



SEAX, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



367 



Census of fur seals. 
COUNT OF HAREMS, IDLE BULLS, AND "QUITTERS," ETC., ON ST. PAUL ISLAND. 



Rookery. 



Date. 



Harems. 



Idle 
bulls. 



Quitters. 



Water 
bulls. 



Cows. 



Vostochni 

Morjovi 

Reef 

Gorbatch 

Gorbatch Cliffs. 

Ardiguen 

Lagoon 

Tolstoi (flats).., 
Tolstoi Cliffs.... 

Kitovi 

Amphitheater. . 

Lukanin 

Zapadni 

Little Zapadni., 
Zapadni Reef. . , 

Polovina 

Polovina Cliffs . 
Little Polovina. 



July 16 

..do 

July 13 

..do 

..do 

..do 

July 14 

..do 

..do 

..do 

..do 

..do 

...do...., 
...do...., 
...do.... 
July 13 

...do 

...do..... 



220 
76 

201 

109 
7 

14 
21 

112 
32 
40 
7 
36 

162 
78 
14 
38 
26 
12 



145 
332 
440 



950 
176 
855 



254 



655 
441 



Total. 



1,205 



39 



5,036 



Sea Lion Rock. 



June 21 



39 



COUNT OF HAREMS, IDLE BULLS, AND "QUITTERS," ETC., ON ST. GEORGE ISLAND. 



North 

Staraya Artiel. 
Zapadni 

Little East 

East Reef 

East Cliffs 



Total. 



July 15 

...do 

July 16 
July 15 

...do 

...do 



»2,359 



136 
545 



3,040 



» July 17. 
COUNT OF PUPS, ST. GEORGE ISLAND. (H. D. CHICHESTER AND E. W. CLARK.) 



Date. 


Rookery. 


Live 
pups. 


Dead 
pups. 


Average 
harem. 


July 29 

Aug. 1 

July 29 

31 


North 


3,749 
2,281 
1,958 
238 
967 
2,040 


105 
29 
48 

1 

n 

29 












Little East 




31 


East Reef 




31 


East Cliffs 






Total .y. 






11,233 


224 


57.86 









ESTIMATE OF BREEDING SEALS AND YOUNG. 

[Based on the actual average harem for St. George and the average harem for St. Paul, estimated by the 

same reduction as in 1905.] 



Island. 


Average 
harem by 
counts. 


Average 
harem.' 


Cows. 


Pups. 


Harem 
bulls. 


St. George 


57.86 




11,456 
60,455 


11,456 
60, 455 


198 


St. Paul 


50.17 


1,205 








Total 




71,911 


71,911 


1,403 













> 13.3 per cent reduction of St. George average harem, 1906. 
SUMMARY OF BREEDING SEALS AND YOUNG. 

Cows and pups ^^?' ?^ 

Harem bulls ^.^3 

Breeding seals and young 145, 225 



368 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



Census of fur seals — Continued. 

PERCENTAGE OF FALLING OFF SINCE 1905. 



Island. 



St. Paul 

St. George.. 
Both islands 



Harem 
bulls. 



17.2 
23.3 
18.1 



Cows. 



4.6 

11.6 

5.8 



Idle 
bulls. 



Breedino 

seals and 

young. 



STATISTICS OF KILLINGS, ST. PAUL ISLAND, 1906. 





Rookery. 


Killed. 


Dismissed. 


1906 new- 
brands. 


1904 brands. 


Total 
driven. 


Per 

cent 

killed. 




Large. 


Small. 


2 
years. 


3 

years. 


4 
years. 


5 
years. 


Skins on 


hand Aug. 16,1905 


281 


































1905. 
Oct. 20 
23 
Nov. 2 

7 


Reef 


152 
155 
175 
378 
6 
115 
195 

28 

154 

8 

54 
183 
468 
457 
488 
167 
566 
114 
471 

14 

36 
847 
412 
719 
670 
836 
464 

27 
248 
113 
392 
302 
395 

163 

483 
296 
565 
425 
122 
316 
246 
37 


26 
35 
98 
35 


103 
117 
150 
155 














do 

Reef and Tolstoi 

Northeast Point 

do 






































14 














16 


Reef 


22 
12 

36 
208 


26 
214 














29 


do 














1906. 
May 13 
25 
















do 


67 














31 

June 4 

23 


Northeast Point 














145 
61 
176 
179 
136 
51 
163 
42 
70 
4 
30 
77 
31 
50 
34 
37 
31 
5 
8 
32 
38 
36 
18 


43 

37 

86 

72 

122 

9 

97 

34 

107 

5 

1 

256 

135 

184 

243 

212 

150 

5 

110 

19 

163 

67 

203 














.. . do 


1 

1 

185 

110 

11 

20 

4 

42 

3 

2 

32 

39 

52 

32 

85 

54 

3 

4 

7 

50 

■ 25 

11 


26 

4 

85 

68 

9 

15 

1 

33 

1 

1 

15 

22 

30 

14 

59 

28 

2 

12 

11 

36 

22 

20 


2 
16 
3 

2 

14 
1 


4 
15 
3 
4 

8' 

3' 


314 
766 
984 
918 
249 
883 
196 
726 
27 
75 

1,230 
644 

1,038 
995 

1,235 
728 
42 
382 
186 
679 
4.53 
656 


58 


25 
27 


Northeast Point 

Reef 


61 
46 


28 




53 


29 




67 


30 

July 2 

2 


Northeast Point 

Tolstoi 


63 

58 


Reef 


64 


3 




51 


5 




i 

1 

4' 

1 


2 
1 
2 
2 
5 
2 


48 


6 

7 
9 


Northeast Point 

Reef and Gorbatch 


68 
63 
69 


11 
13 
14 


Northeast Point 

Reef and Gorbatch 


67 
67 
63 


15 




64 


16 
17 


Northeast Point 

Tolstoi 






65 


1 


3 


60 


19 


Reef 


57 


20 




1 

5 


4' 


66 


22 
22 


Northeast Point 

Northeast Point (Japa- 


60 


24 
25 


Reef and Gorbatch 


52 
61 
111 
37 
17 
42 
52 
19 


456 

248 

347 

278 

46 

189 

89 

10 


5I 
46 
42 
42 
17 
34 

1 


44 
29 
20 
45 
12 
22 
9 
8 


9 
3 
6 
2 


6 
4 


1,101 
683 

1,095 
829 
214 
604 
403 
76 


43 
43 


27 

28 
28 


Northeast Point 

Reef and Gorbatch 

Tolstoi 


51 
51 

57 


30 






1 
2 


52 


31 
31 


Northeast Point 


61 

48 




Total 










12,643 


2,317 


4,855 


1,032 


693 


76 


70 


18,411. 


1,744 









1 61 COWS, 2 bachelors. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



369 



Census of fur seals — Continued. 

AGE OF LARGE DISMISSALS ON ST. PAUL ISLAND, 1906. 



Rookery. 



Zapadni 

Northeast Point 

Reef 

Zapadni 

Polovina 

Northeast Point 

Tolstoi 

Reef 

Zapadni 

Polovina 

Northeast Point 

Reef and Gorbatch. . . 

Zapadni 

Northeast Point 

Reef and Gorbatch . , . 

Zapadni 

Polovina 

Northeast Point 

Tolstoi 

Reef 

Zapadni 

Northeast Point 

Zapadni 

Northeast Point 

Reef and Gorbatch. . . 

Tolstoi 

Zapadni 

Northeast Point 

Polovina 



Total. 



4 years. 



20 

87 
115 
98 
27 
100 
21 
42 



5 years. 



970 



368 



6 years. 



213 



7 years. 



8 years 
and over. 



33 



SEALS DISMISSED FROM DRIVES, ST. GEORGE ISLAND 
[Exhibit C, of W. I. Lembkey.] 





Rookery. 


Small. 


Bulls. 


Brands. 


Age of large dismissals. 


Date. 


1906 


Iron. 


4 


5 


6 


7 




Back. 


Head. 


1905. 
Oct 19 


East 


419 
157 


9 


20 






46 

7 


16 
2 


4 




27 


Staraya Artiel and North 

North 


3 





















576 


9 . 2."? 






53 


18 


4 




1906. 


















9 
4 
24 
20 
11 
12 
15 
25 
3 

10 
14 
5 
6 
5 
4 
1 
3 


3 

3 

3 

26 

10 

4 

9 

11 

2 

""3 

'"'i' 

3 

5 
6 






14 




1 






2 

i 

1 






16 


North 


1 


3 

24 
18 
56 
46 
143 
29 

42 
59 
27 
32 
43 
52 
44 
3 


i" 

2 


2 
22 
4 
8 
15 
6 
4 

2 
2 

1 

1 
1 




21 




1 


2 


22 




3 ' 




25 
27 


Staraya Artiel and East 


14 


2 

2 


3 
3 


30 


Staraya Artiel and East 

Zapadni 


25 






2 


July 5 
6 


17 i 

421 

85! 

17 

69 

33 

163 

250 

29 .-. 








Staraya Artiel, East, and 
North 






1 


10 




2 




2 


12 






16 


Staraya Artiel and East 








19 








21 
25 


Straraya Artiel and East 

Staraya Artiel and North 

North and Zapadni 

Total 


2 







i 




27 


1 














747 j 4 


621 


8 


9 


170 


89 


68 


13 



2403— H. Doc. 93, 62-1 24 



370 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



Census of fur seals — Continued. 

STATISTICS OF KILLINGS, ST. GEORGE ISLAND. 
[Exhibit D, of W. I. Lembkey.J 



Date. 


Rookery. 


Killed. 


Dism 
Large. 


issed. 
Small. 


1906 
new- 
brands. 


Iron brands. 


Total 
driven. 


Per 

cent 

kUled. 


Back. 


Head. 


1906. 


North.... 


22 
45 

31 

78 

219 
71 

247 
257 

49 
192 

73 
211 

157 
33 


12 
29 

27 
44 

45 
9 

13 
23 
6 

7 
9 
9 

8 
3 


i 




34 
80 

130 
168 

432 
126 

344 
424 
99 
300 
158 
437 

459 
69 


64 


16 
25 


Staraya Artiel and North 

Staraya Artiel, North, and 
East 


14 

25 
17 

42 
85 
17 
69 
33 
163 

250 
29 


3 

56 
46 

143 
29 

42 
59 
27 
32 
43 
52 

44 
3 


2 


3 


56 
23 


27 


Zapadni 


46 


30 


Staraya Artiel, East, and 
North 






50 


July 5 
6 


Zapadni 






56 


Starya Artiel, East, and 
North 






71 


10 


do 






60 


12 


Zapadni 






49 


16 


Staraya Artiel and East 






64 


19 






46 


21 
25 


Staraya Arliel and East 

Staraya Artiel, East, and 
North 


2 




48 
34 


28 


North and Zapadni 


1 




47 




Total 






1,685 


244 


744 


579 


5 


3 


3,260 


51 









Intermediate counts. 

KITOVI. 



. Date. 


Bulls. 


Quitters. 


Harems. 


Cows. 


Name. 




24 
24 
22 
26 
29 
29 
27 
33 
36 
37 
35 
37 
39 
41 
45 
43 


9 
9 
12 
8 
3 
7 
9 
3 
1 
1 
7 
4 
6 
5 
4 
3 








12 








15 








17 








19 


1 
8 
12 
21 
28 
30 
31 
27 
34 
35 
40 
40 


1 

8 

16 

37 

85 

180 

281 

434 

651 

846 

1,028 

950 




21 




23 




25 




27 




30 


James Judge. 
W. I. Lembkey. 


July 2 


4 


James Judge. 


6 : 




8 




11 




13 


W. I. Lembkey. 







AMPHITHEATER. 





6 
6 
4 
5 
5 
6 
6 
7 
8 
8 
8 
8 
9 
9 
9 
8 










12 


1 
3 
3 

2 
2 
3 

1 








15 








17 








19 








21 


1 
2 
5 

7 
7 
7 
8 
9 
9 
9 
7 


I 

6 

16 

37 

58 

104 

145 

173 

201 

176 




23 




25 




27 




30 




James Judge. 


July 2 


1 


W. I. Lembkey. 


4 


James Judge. 


6 


1 




8 




11 


1 
1 




13 


W. I. Lembkey. 







SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Intermediate counts — Continued. 
LUKANIN. 



371 



Date. 


BuUs. 


Quitters. 


Harems. 


Cows. 


Name. 


June 9 


33 
35 
33 
35 
37 
37 
34 
36 
36 
35 
36 
37 
36 
36 
38 
38 


2 
1 
2 
2 
2 
2 
5 
3 
3 
4 
2 
2 
2 
2 

2 








12 


1 
1 
3 
5 
9 

14 
13 
18 
21 
26 
31 
32 
32 
35 
36 


1 

1 

3 

6 

13 

31 

58 

111 

226 

273 

487 

627 

849 

921 

855 




15 




17 




19 




21 




23 




25 




27 




30 


James Judge. 
W. I. Lembkey. 
James Judge. 


uly 2 


4 


6 


8 




11 




13 


W. I. Lembkey. 





Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, October 24, 1906. 

memorandum to dr. evermann. 

It is desired to explain the absence from my report, presently to 
be submitted, of a visit to the seal islands the past summer, of cer- 
tain data called for by instructions. These are the count of live 
pups on St. Paul Island and of nearly all information concerning mor- 
tality and disease of pups after the height of the season. I returned 
from St. George Island to St. Paul Island by the cutter McCulloch 
July 26 and met Mr. Sims, the solicitor of the department. It was 
expected to begin the pup counts in a very few days and to imme- 
diately look for uncinariated pups. In conversation with Mr. Sims 
he remarked that the agents intended to count pups on all the rook- 
eries, but that he thought it unwise to disturb so many and that they 
should be counted on onlyia few rookeries. He was probably mis- 
taken as to the intention of the agents, as they never count pups on 
all St. Paul rookeries. At any rate tliis was satisfactory to me, as 
my instructions asked for counts only on a few rookeries. Mr. Sims 
left the island the evening of the 26tli on the McCulloch, the vessel 
going to Northeast Point. He did not return to the village. The 
next day Mr. Judge, assistant agent, who had been left in charge, 
announced that instructions had come over the telephone from 
Northeast Point to count no pups save in so far as it could be done 
from the rear of the rookeries. He later obtained the instructions 
in writing from Mr. Sims. I have no copy of tliis order, though I saw 
it, but it was in substance as above, directing that no one should 
go upon the rookeries "unless it can be done without driving the 
cows into the water," as near as I remember the phraseology, and 
ending "on no account do I tliink any cows should be driven off." 
At tliis season the cows flee at the first sight of a moving person. 
After considerable discussion with Mr. Judge, he construed this as 
forbidding entering the rookeries for either counting live or dead 
pups or securing dead pups. I did not tlunk a count from the rear 



372 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

of the rookeries was worth making and, in fact, even tliis could not 
have been made without driving off many cows. Neither Mr. Judge 
nor myself made any counts of pups. 

What of value could have been learned concerning the mortality of 
pups is of course unknown. The count, however, would have given 
the usual basis for the census of seals. As it is, the census is based 
on the count of pups on St. George alone, which has probably between 
one-sixth and one-fifth of the herd, Appl3dng the St. George average 
harem to St. Paul would show nearly a 6 per cent increase in cows 
and pups over 1905, and about a 3 per cent increase for the w^hole herd. 
No such increase is credible. Since for at least the past two years 
the average harem for St. Paul has been lower than for St. George, 

Eerhaps the most accurate estimate of pups on St, Paul for 1906 will 
e obtained by reducing the St. George average harem for 1906 in 
the same proportion as the St. Paul average harem for 1905 was less 
than that of St. .George for 1905. It was 13.3 per cent less. This 
has been done and to this extent the whole census of cows and pups 
for 1906 is an estimate. 

It is largely in this matter of pup counts, of not counting them by 
entering the rookery itself according to the methods of the fur-seal 
commission of 1896-97, now agreed on all sides to be the only possible 
way of obtaining the number of pups born, that the statistics of the 
departmental agents for the early years following the commission are 
confusing and misleading when it is attempted to compare the 
annual results, 

M. C. ISIarsh, 

Assistant. 



COMMENTS ON THE REPORT OF MR. M. C. MARSH, OF THE BUREAU OF 
FISHERIES, ON HIS VISIT TO THE PRIBILOF ISLANDS IN THE SUM- 
MER OF 1906. 

While the instructions in pursuance of which Mr. Marsh visited 
the Pribilof Islands last summer are not submitted with his report, 
it must be remembered that Dr. Jordan, of Stanford University, dur- 
ing the past winter urged with great force the transfer of the seal- 
island service to the Fish Commission, and the substitution for two 
of the agents of two biologists, who were to have exclusive charge of 
the management of the seal herd. In supporting his recommenda- 
tions. Dr. Jordan took occasion to attack the veracity and correctness 
of the reports and statistics relating to seal life submitted by the 
agents on the seal islands during the past few years, as otherwise no 
reason for the change would be apparent, and to assert that an ob- 
server of recognized biological ability would find an entirely different 
condition of affairs to exist. Because of Dr. Jordan's recommenda- 
tions, and his assertions that the Government's interests on the seal 
islands were being unskillfully conducted by the present corps of offi- 
cers, the department detailed Mr. M. C. Marsh to visit the seal islands, 
to investigate and report upon the conditions present there. 

In his communications to the President and the Secretary of Com- 
merce and Labor, Dr. Jordan alleged: (1) That the counts showing 
a scarcity of adult male life on the rookeries were inaccurate and 
erroneous, in that the agents overlooked a number of bulls that were 



SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 373 

actually present on distant rookeries and unfrequented hauling 
grounds, or, in other words, that the condition of a scarcity of male 
life, as reported by the agents, could not possibly exist; (2) that the 
agents had ignored the presence of uncinaria as a cause of death 
among seal pups, and that probably thousands of deaths had resulted 
from this cause Avhich were entirely overlooked by the agents in their 
reports; (3) that the rookeries had been charted and numbered dur- 
ing the investigation by the Jordan commission, and that these num- 
bers had been allowed to become obliterated through negligence; (4) 
that the deductions and conclusions of the agents respecting seal life 
were, in general, incorrect, improbable, and not founded in fact. 

Mr. Marsh, in his visit to the islands, enjoyed every possible facility 
for carrying on his work. He was invited by the agents to accompany 
them on all of their visits to the rookeries, and, as a fact, did not visit 
the rookeries a half-dozen times except in the company of an agent, 
while the latter was performing his usual work of counting seals, and 
what not. In addition to this he was asked to be present at, and 
allowed to participate in, the work of branding the bachelors, enum- 
erating the rejected seals, weighing the sldns, and, in fact, in all of the 
work that falls to the agents during the seahng season. 

While Mr. Marsh during liis stay on the islands made his head- 
quarters at the company house, and did not avail himself of the room 
i)laced at his disposal at the Government house, yet he visited the lat- 
ter frequently for the ])urpose of obtaining the counts of seals and 
other statistics gathered by the agents from time to time during the 
summer, and which he has included in his report as connected counts 
of the various classes of seals enumerated. 

Upon his arrival at San Francisco from the seal islands, before re- 
turnmg to the department, Mr. Marsh visited Dr. Jordan at Stanford 
University and had an extended conference with that gentleman. It 
is fair to believe, therefore, that Mr. Marsh's report lias tlie indorse- 
ment of Dr. Jordan, and can be accepted as voicing his sentiments. 

With these preliminary statements, attention is called to the con- 
tents of the report itself. From its examination it will be seen that 
it contains merely the same class of statistics comphed for years by 
the agents, and which, in fact, were gathered by them this year during 
the presence of Mr. Marsh. Without any reflection upon that gentle- 
man, it can be said that, if he had not been present on the islands 
last summer, the same statistics would have been collated and sub- 
mitted to the department by the agents as Mr. Marsh has embodied 
in his report. 

The report could easily be dismissed Vsdth the statement that it con- 
tains nothing on the seal question that has not already been ascer- 
tained, were it not for the fact that in it Mr. Marsh verifies and con- 
firms all the statements of the agents which were so uniformly con- 
demned by Dr. Jordan as being inaccurate and unreliable. Mr. 
Marsh finds : 

1. That the class of idle bulls has been practically eliminated, as reported by the 
agents. 

2. That the methods of the agents in enumerating seal life leave no improvement to 
be suggested. 

3. That there are no "distant rookeries " or hauling grounds which the agents fail to 
include in their statistics. 

4. That the percentage of decrease in breeding bulls is more rapid than among bleed- 
ing females, as already reported by the agents and questioned by Dr. Jordan. 



374 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

5. That, as reported by the agents, the decrease in cows on the two islands is of differ- 
ing ratios. 

6. That it is likely that a smaller harem (hence more bulls, as recommended by the 
agents) would make the best condition for the increase of the herd. 

7. That the method of marking seals for breeding (as established by the agents) is 
efficient for checking the decrease in male life. 

8. That undnaria, which was found by Mr. F. A. Lucas on St. Paul in 1897, and 
adopted by Dr. Jordan as a potent and important agent in the destruction of infant 
seal life, notwithstanding the fact that only 122 instances of death from undnaria 
were discovered by his commission in 1897, and which Dr. Jordan now suggests as a 
destroying force not taken into account by the agents, has as at present no known 
existence on the islands. 

In point of fact, not one of the criticisms against the conduct of 
the service made by Dr. Jordan was founded in fact, as determined 
by the investigation of Mr. Marsh. 

In his investigation of fox life on the islands Mr. Marsh dismisses' 
the subject without further consideration, after recommending 
favorably to the department a report on foxes, made in 1903 hj 
Assistant Agent James Judge, which, as Mr. Marsh justly states, is 
a valuable contribution to the knowledge of the Pribilof fox herd, 
from both the natural history and economic standpoints. 

After vindicating in detail the methods of the agents in their treat- 
ment of seal life, and not only adopting these methods in his own 
work, but using their statistics as the basis of his own report, one 
would fairly think that an honest treatment of the subject would 
suggest no change in the present methods or personnel. It is, there- 
fore, a matter of surprise that Mr. Marsh should conclude his report 
with the recommendations previously urged by Dr. Jordan that two 
of the agents be replaced by two biologists, who should have charge 
of the herd. In this matter Mr. Marsh is clearly illogical, in that he 
approves methods, but thinks they should be abandoned ; he approves 
the agents, but thinks they should be supplanted; he finds in favor 
of the present system, but pronounces judgment against it. For an 
investigator to indorse the work of the officer investigated, adopt 
that work as his own, and then recommend that the officer be dis- 
placed without alleging proper grounds therefor, is unreasonable, 
and suggests the almost inevitable conclusion that the principal 
object of Mr. Marsh's visit was the reiteration of Dr. Jordan's recom- 
mendations rather than an impartial ascertainment of facts and con- 
ditions. 

There are numerous inconsistencies in the report of Mr. Marsh 
which might be pointed out. For instance, Mr. Marsh states that 
"the seal feeds largely on salmon," when it is known that salmon 
forms an inconsiderable portion of its diet. Since the discovery of 
the Russian seal islands a good-sized salmon fishery has been main- 
tained side by side with the largest rookery there, which the seals 
have never been known either to de]:)lete or disturb. He predicts that 
the diseases affecting seal life will increase in greater ratio than the 
seals themselves, when it is known positively that seal rookeries, 
when left absolutely undisturbed by man, will replete themselves 
to the point of natural equilibrium m a few years, their "diseases" 
notwithstanding. He alleges that the investigation by Dr. Jordan's 
commission established the "general principles which must govern 
the management of the seal herd to maintain it at its highest pro- 
ductiveness," when it is a fact that not one of the plans recommended 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 375 

by the commission for the conservation of seal life on land has been 
found in application to have any value. He states that the seal question 
is a "biological" one, when, in point of fact, it is wholly a diplomatic 
question and is so admitted by all. 

It is regretted that Mr. Marsh, in dealing with the question of the 
diminution of seal life, fails to mention the one admitted and primary 
cause of the herd's decHne, namely, pelagic sealing. A failure to 
consider the situation from this standpoint is an omission which must 
cast doubt upon the accuracy of any conclusion arrived at by a 
student of the question. Mr. Marsh very properly has concluded 
that there is nothing in the metliods of treatment which the seals 
receive on land tending toward their decrease. Having arrived 
at this conclusion, he could state, with perfect justice to himself 
and to the facts, that the sole cause of their dimmution is the killing 
of female seals at sea by pelagic sealers, and that nothing short of the 
abolition of this practice through international agreement will save 
them from extermination. 

Paet IV. Visit and Keport of Edwin W. Sims. 

[Copy.] 

June 21, 1906. 
Edwin W. Sims, Esq., 

Solicitor, Department of Commerce and Labor. 

Sir: You are hereby detailed and instructed to make a thorough 
investigation of the fur- seal fisheries of Alaska. To accomphsh 
the purpose of such investigation, you are directed to examine into 
the condition of the seal herd on the Pribilof Islands and in adjoining 
waters; to secure information concerning pelagic seahng; to ascer- 
tain whether or not the terms of the contract between the United 
States and the North American Commercial Co., by virtue of which 
that company is granted exclusive right of taking fur seals on the 
Pribilof Islands, are being strictly comphed with, particularly in so 
far as it relates to the natives; to examine into the condition of the 
schools, churches, and dwelhngs of the natives; to ascertain whether or 
not the law and the regulations governing the taking of fur seals are 
being comphed with in all particulars ; and in fact to make a thorough 
investigation of all the conditions surrounding the fur-seal fisheries 
of Alaska. 

To secure a basis for intelligent and official action on the part of the 
Government, it is important that the department should at an early 
date be put in possession of complete and comprehensive information 
concerning all matters relating to the seal herd and the conditions on 
the Pribitof Islands. I beheve the decrease wliich reports indicate 
is taking place in the seal hfe on the islands to be directly attributable 
to pelagic seahng, and have already recommended that strong afforts 
be made to secure international regulations wliich will but a stop to it. 
In addition to this, the contract between the United States and the 
North American Commercial Co. is about to expire, and the depart- 
ment should be in possession of such information as to conditions in 
general as will enable it to recommend intelligent action at this time. 

Your expenses of subsistence and travel will be paid from the appro- 
priation "Contingent expenses, Department of Commerce and Labor, 



376 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

fiscal year 1906 and 1907," and you are authorized to further incur 
all reasonable and proper expense for other objects necessary and 
proper for the complete performance of such duties. 
Respectfully, 

V. M. Metcalf, 

Secretary. 



[Telegram.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Enderlin, N. Dale., July 4, 1906. 
Hon. Victor H. Metcalf, 

Secretary Commerce and Labor, Washington, D. C: 
Sims and I leave Seattle Saturday. Further instructions may be 
wired Renier Grand Hotel. 

George L. Bowers. 
July 5, 1906. 

[Copy— original too faint for reproduction.] 
• [Telegram.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Wasidngton, July 5, 1906. 
Edwin W. Sims or George M. Bowers, 

Renier Grand Hotel, Seattle, Wash.: 
No further instructions. Impossible for me to go with you. 

V. H. Metcalf, 

Secretary. 

[Telegram.] • 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

SitTca, AlasTca, August 9, 1906. 
Secretary Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C: 
Leaving here commercial steamer to-day. Can be reached Rainier 
Grand, Seattle, August 12. Have return ticket via San Francisco 
and will see Secretary if there. 

Sims. 
August 10, 1906. 

[Telegram.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Seattle, Wash., August 15, 1906. 
Secretary Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C: 
Please advise me at Chicago whether to send written report of seal 
raids from there or come to Washington now to report verbally as well. 
Should reach Chicago August 22. 

Sims. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 377 

[Telegram.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor. 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, October 5, 1906. 
Edwin W. Sims, 

United States District Attorney, Chicago, III.: 
Must have your report on fur-seal islands not later than October 8. 
Report should cover revenue-cutter patrol. 

V. H. Metcalf, 

Secretary. 

Department of Justice, 
Office of United States Attorney, 

Northern District of Illinois, 

Chicago, October 7, 1906. 
Hon. Victor H. Metcalf, 

Secretary of Commerce and Labor, Washington, D. C. 

My Dear Mr. Secretary: I am inclosmo; my report on the con- 
ditions of the Alaskan fur-seal fisheries. While the document now 
submitted is a full report and is complete in itself, you will receive 
in the course of a day or two appendixes which contain tables and 
statistical information which I believe will be useful to you in the 
future. The appendixes have been completed by me and I am 
sending them on by this mail to the solicitor's office to be type- 
written. As soon as they have been typewritten, they will be de- 
livered to you. As I have before stated, however, the report which 
accompanies this letter is complete in itself and can be taken by you 
as final. 

I have endeavored to include in the report enough mformation as 
to the Pribilof Islands, the fur-seal herd, existing laws and treaties 
and the history thereof, to give you in a few minutes a good working 
knowledge of the whole subject. When I first took up the matter 
of the Alaskan fur-seal fisheries I found that in order to get a com- 
prehensive idea of the subject I had to read what would be equiva- 
lent to the contents of about 30 volumes of the Supreme Court 
reports. It has been m}' aim to state in that part of this report 
which deals with the conditions in general the substance of all 
essential information with reference to the fisheries. 

In case the revenue-cutter patrol pleads lack of time as an excuse 
for not properly guarding the fur-seal fisheries, I suggest that you 
call for a report as to the number of days the vessels were actually 
engaged on the patrol as distmguished from the number of days 
spent in port. It also seems to me that information as to the num- 
ber of days the vessels are actually being navigated as against the 
days they spend in port each year would be important as indicating 
whether or not they have been pressed for time. 

I have dated this report August 31 and signed it as solicitor, that 
being the official capacity in which I made the investigation. 
Very respectfullv, 

Edwin W. Sims. 

P. S. — For statements as to revenue-cutter patrol, see pages 5 
and 41. 



378 seal island.s of alaska. 

keport of the solicitor of the department of commerce and 
labor on the alaskan fur-seal fisheries, august 31, 1906. 

Department of Justice, 
Office of the Solicitor of the 
Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, August 31, 1906. 
Sir: I have the honor to submit lierewith a report on the condi- 
tion of the ALxskan fur-seal fisheries. 
Very respectfully, 

Edwin W. Sims, 
Solicitor of the Department of Commerce and Labor. 

The Secretary of Commerce and Labor. 



Hon. Victor H. Metcalf, 

Secretary of Commerce and Labor. 

Sir: I have the honor to advise you that in accordance with the 
terms of your letter of June 21, 1906, directing me to investigate 
the conditions of the Alaskan fur-seal fisheries, I visited St. Paul, 
St. George, and Otter Islands of the Pribilof group in Bering Sea, 
Unalaska, Kodiak, Sitka, and other places in Alaska, during the 
months of July and August, and collected information bearing upon 
the subject to be investigated. I spent an entire week on the island 
of St. Paul, during which time I personally visited all of the seal 
rookeries and witnessed several drives. 

As the result of my observation and investigation I have the honor 
to submit the following report : 

Destruction of the seal herd by pelagic sealers. — The Pribilof fur- 
seal herd is being rapidly wiped out of existence as the result of pelagic 
sealing — the killing of seals in the water. The destructive effect of 
tliis method of taking seals has not been fully realized, and unless 
prompt measures are taken to stop it the entire herd will soon be 
annihilated. 

Estimates as to the number of seals in the Pribilof herd at the time 
this Goyernment purchased Alaska vary from two to seven millions. 
The best estimate, in my judgment, is that it consisted of about 
4,000,000 seals. To-day the herd numbers less than 180,000 seals. 
In other words, there are fewer seals in the Pribilof herd to-day than 
there were in 1835, when the Russian Government felt impelled to 
adopt drastic measures to prevent its destruction. 

During the first 20 years of American ownership it was at all times 
possible to secure 100,000 skins annually on the Pribilof Islands. 
From 1890 down to the present time the number of skins which could 
be obtained has steadily decreased. This season the lessee of the 
seahng privilege was unable to secure even the 15,000 skins which it 
was authorized to take. 

Herd is in a most critical condition. — -While it is true that the size 
of the herd has been steadily decreasing for a number of years, I 
believe that its existence is more seriously threatened at this time 
than ever before in its history. The herd is in a most critical condi- 
tion. 

The high price paid for sealskins in the London market last year 
has not only led to renewed activity on the part of the Canadian seal- 



i 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 379 

ing fleet, but is unquestionably responsible for the appearance in 
Bering Sea this year of the largest fleet of Japanese vessels which has 
ever directed its operations against the Pribilof herd. Authentic 
reports are to the effect that the Canadian fleet engaged in pelagic 
seahng the past season numbered upward of 30 vessels. Reports 
vary as to the size of the Japanese fleet, some placing it at 13 and 
others at 30 vessels. Fleets of this size can not long prey on the 
already diminished herd without soon annihilating it. 

Importance oj the Alaskan fur-seal fisheries. — Since the purchase 
of Alaska in 1867, the United States has received a revenue from the 
lease of the sealing privilege on the Pribilof Islands of nearly $9,000,- 
000— almost $2,000,000 more than it paid for all Alaska. In addi- 
tion to this the Government annually collects a large sum in customs 
revenue on manufactured sealskins which are reimported from Lon- 
don, where they are sent in their raw state for treatment. The trade 
in skins taken on these islands by citizens of the United States since 
the purchase of Alaska, aggregates more than $50,000,000. 

Treaties and laws violated hy pelagic sealers. — From information 
furnished me during the course of my investigation, I believe that a 
part, at least five or six, of the vessels of the Canadian fleet this year 
continued their pelagic sealing operations in the vicinity of Sitka, 
and at other points in Alaska, during the months of May and June, 
in violation of article 2 of the Articles of Award of the Paris Tri- 
bunal of Arbitration, establishing a vearly closed season from May 1 
to July 31. 

On the other hand, the vessels of the Japanese fleet not only took 
thousands of seals within the territorial waters of the United States 
surrounding the Pribilof Islands during the past summer, but during 
a period of two days — July 16 and 17 — the crews of four of the 
schooners committed a series of unla^v^ful acts which terrorized the 
native inhabitants and injuriously disturbed the seal life on the rook- 
eries of St. Paul Island. Raiding parties from three of these schooners 
actually landed on the island. One of the parties which landed 
killed 185 seals and got away with 120 skins before it was discovered. 

As a result of the raids 5 of the poachers were killed while attempt- 
ing to escape arrest, and 12, including 2 wounded, were captured. 
Three small boats and some arms and paraphernaha for killing seals 
on land were also captured. The force protecting the islands suf- 
fered no casualties, although it was subject to a rifle fire from the 
decks of a schooner anchored close inshore, while making arrests on 
the second day. 

Existing revenue cutter 'patrol ineifectire. — Tlie patrol for the 
enforcement of the laws for the protection' of the seal fisheries, 
nominally maintained by the vessels of the Revenue-Cutter Service, 
is wholly, insufiicient to meet the actual needs of the situation. 
Without doubt it was the known ineft'ectiveness of this patrol that 
led some of the Canadian schooners to take chances and engage in 
pelagic sealing during the closed season. I was reliabl}' informed by 
a man who had this year talked mth a number of the captains of the 
Canadian seaUng fleet that the}^ have Httle or no fear of the patrol 
maintained by this Government. It is also apparent that the 
presence of a revenue cutter in the vicinity of the islands would have 
prevented the depredations of the Japanese schooners at that point. 

While nothing short of an absolute cessation of pelagic seahng will 



380 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

prevent the iitimate destruction of the seal herd, it is obvious that 
the strict enforcement of the laws and treaties by an active patrol 
will do much to preserve its existence. 

Before going into the details of the operations of the Japanese 
seaUng fleet during the past season, I shall at this point refer b'iefly 
to some general facts in connection with the Pribilof Islands and the 
seal herd in order that you may more fully appreciate existing 
conditions. 

Tlie Pribilof Islands. — The Pribilof Islands, which are the home 
of the fur-seal herd which takes their name, were discovered in 1786 
by Gerassim Pribilof, a navigator in the employ of one of the Russian 
trading companies. They are situated in Bering Sea about 2,000 
miles from Seattle by the most direct route. The group consists 
of St. Paul, St. George, Walrus, and Otter Islands, and Sea Lion 
Rock. They are completely isolated from other land, the nearest 
port being Unalaska, which is 214 miles to the southward. The 
islands are of volcanic origin and are desert islands to the extent 
that they produce nothing capable of sustaining man. The island 
of St. Paul, which is the largest of the group, is 13^ miles long and 
7 1 miles wide, and has a shore line of 45^ miles. It has a popula- 
tion of 168. St. George Island, which lies at a distance of about 
40 miles southeast of St. Paul, is 12 miles long and 4^ miles wide, 
with a shore line of 30 miles. It has a population of 91. Otter 
Island, Walrus Island, and Sea Lion Rock are much smaller and are 
uninhabited. During a large part of the year the islands and the 
surrounding sea are enveloped in a dense fog. There are no vessels 
on the islands capable of being navigated to the mainland or the 
nearest port, and the only time the residents come in touch with 
the outside world is when the North American Commercial Co.'s 
steamer calls there twice each year, and at irregular intervals when 
a revenue cutter chances to stop for -a few hours. 

The Pribilof fur-seal herd. — The islands which I have just de- 
scribed are the natural retreat and the only breeding ground of the 
Pribilof or American fur-seal herd, which even in its depleted condi- 
tion is the largest fur-seal herd in the world. 

The seals of this herd breed upon the islands of St. Paul and St. 
George during the summer and annually, in the fall, leave them and 

Proceed through Bermg Sea and the passes between the Aleutian 
slands into the Pacific Ocean. Some of them go as far south as the 
Santa Barbara Channel off southern California. Generally speaking, 
this annual migration of the fur-seal herd may be said to commence in 
November, and by the latter part of December there are few, if any, 
animals left on the islands. They remain away until the following 
spring, the first arrivals usually appearing about the 1st of May and 
the last the latter part of June or 1st of July. In the interval be- 
tween their arrival in the spring and tlieir departure in the fall, the 
offices of reproduction are accomplished. 

Within a few hours after she arrives on the island the cow gives 
birth to her pup ; five or six days later she comes in heat and is served 
by the bull. As the females do not leave the island from the time 
they first land until after impregnation, it follows that all adult cows 
whenever found at sea are pregnant. During the period of about six 
months which the seals annually spend on the islands the females 
make frequent and regular trips to the feeding grounds, about 150 



i 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 381 

miles to the southward in Bering Sea. After feeding tliey go to sleep 
on the surface of the water while the food they have taken digests. 
When rested they return to the islands where they nurse the pup. 
The female seal gives birth to one pup each year for probably 10 
years, commencing the third year of her existence. 

Variations in the size of the herd. — At the time of the discovery of the 
islands by the Russians, fur seal, sea otter, walrus, sea lions, and 
foxes were found on them in almost unlimited numbers. The killing 
of all these species of animals proceeded with wanton prodigality 
from the year 1786 until the year 183 5, when the fur-seal herd was 
reduced to less than 200,000. This shrinkage was caused by the 
indiscriminate killing of both male and female. A closed season 
was established on the islands from 1835 to 1845-1850, during wliich 
period only such seals were killed as were necessary to furnish food 
and clo tiling for the natives. The killing of females on land was also 
discontinued after 1835 and was never again resumed. 

This resulted in a gradual rehabihtation of the herd, allomng an 
increasing number of young male seals to be taken each year from 
1850 until 1870, the date of the commencement of the first lease of 
the sealing rights to the Alaska Commercial Co. From that year 
and during the 20 years of tliis first lease, 100,000 young male seals 
were killed annually for commercial purposes and the skins marketed, 
with the exception of the years 1877 and 1883, when, owing to a glut 
in the market for skins, only 75,000 seals were killed. Tliis reduction, 
however, was voluntary on the part of the lessee, and was not the 
result of a lack of seals. 

Methods of securing sealslcins. — The skins of seals for commercial 
purposes are secured in two ways: (1) By killing the seal on land; 
(2) by killing the seal in the water, i. e., pelagic sealing. 

1. The killing of seals on land is confined to the Pribilof Islands, is 
engaged in only by those who lease that right from the Government, 
and is limited to those surplus immature bachelors wliich may be 
taken without affecting the herd. The proliibition against the killing 
of females, established by the Russians in 1835, has been embodied 
in our laws and is always strictly observed. The character and 
number of the seals to be taken is determined by law and by the 
regulations of the Secretary of Commerce and Labor, and the opera- 
tions of the lessee on the islands are subject to the direct surveillance 
of Government agents appointed for that purpose. The history of the 
herd conclusively demonstrates that a rational and carefully regulated 
land killing is beneficial rather than detrimental to the herd. 

2. The killing of seals in the water — pelagic sealing — is engaged in 
by vessels owned and manned by the citizens of other nations and by 
Indians dwelling on certain of the coasts of the United States and 
Canada.^ It is a wantonly destructive method of securing furs. 
The Indians are allowed to take seals in canoes or undecked boats 
propelled wholly by paddles, oars, or sails and not transported by or 
used in connection with other vessels or manned by more than five 
persons. The vessels of other nations wliich engage in pelagic seal- 
ing are schooners ranging in size from 25 to 125 tons burden. Each 
vessel carries a crew of from 10 to 50 men, usually about 30, and 
carries from 5 to 20 boats or canoes. The schooner cruises about 
until she comes into sealing territory, when the small boats, which 

1 See act of Apr. 6, 1894, 28 Stat., 52, art. 8. 



382 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

are usually manned by three men, are lowered. These boats scatter 
out in search of seals. Seals in motion are shot; seals asleep or 
resting on the water are usually speared. In the spring the pelagic 
sealers pick up the herd off northern California and follow it north- 
ward. In the summer they cruise around the feeding grounds in 
Bering Sea. The catch at this point is chiefly females which have 
come to feed, and which, if unmolested, would return to the Pribilof 
Islands to nourish their young. One of the Japanese sealers of a 
party which landed on St. Paul Island during the summer stated 
under oath that 7 or 8 out of every 10 seals taken in Bering Sea by 
the echooner on which he belonged were females. 

Pelagic sealing was nominal from the year 1868 to 1880. From 
1881, however, when 10,000 skins were taken by pelagic sealers from 
the Pribilof herd, this catch increased annually until 1894, when 
61,838 skins were taken. The pelagic catch for 1905 was 25,320. 
The decrease in the pelagic catch from 1894 down to the present time 
is due to a steady decrease in the size of the herd. The increase of 
the pelagic sealing has had direct relation to the diminution of the 
number of seals on the rookeries, and the present low condition of the 
herd is, in my judgment, due solely to the killing of female seals at 
sea. The rational land killing of surplus, immature bachelors, which 
has been carried on under lease from this Government, has had 
nothing to do with the decrease in the size of the herd. 

Thelcilling of females a wanton destruction of seal life. — The killing 
of female seals at any time or an;^ place results in wanton destruc- 
tion of seal life. Those females killed while the herd is on its way 
northward in the spring are pregnant, and their death results in the 
loss of two lives to the herd. Those females killed on the feeding 
grounds in Bering Sea in the summer and early fall are not only preg- 
nant, but they have a nursing pup on shore, which dies of starvation 
when they fail to return. Their death thus results in the loss of 
three lives to the herd. In addition to this, the skins secured by the 
pelagic sealer represent only about 50 per cent of those he has 
actually killed. The other half sink and are not recoverable or, when 
only wounded, escape and die later from their wounds. These facts, 
coupled with the Imowledge that the pelagic sealer has since 1890 
secured almost twice as many skins as have been secured on the 
islands, fixes beyond question the cause of the depletion of the herd. 

Terms of the lease from the Government. — Since 1870 the exclusive 
right to engage in the business of taking fur seals on the Pribilof 
Islands has been exercised by American companies operating under 
lease from the Government. From 1870 to 1890 the right was exer- 
cised by the Alaska Commercial Co. At the present time the North 
American Commercial Co. is the lessee under a contract which 
expires in 1910. Under the terms of this contract as construed by 
the United States Supreme Court (U. S. v. North American Com- 
mercial Co., 171 U. S., 110) the company pays at the rate of $10.22^ 
for each skin taken. The Secretary of Commerce and Labor deter- 
mines by regulation the kind and number of seals to be taken each 
year and the method of killing. In addition to the sum paid the 
Government for each skin the company furnishes free to the natives 
on the islands dried salmon and salt and salt barrels for preserving a 
supply of meat; 80 tons of coal annually; comfortable dwellings and 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 383 

necessary schooUiouses, which it keeps in repair; conipeteiit teachers 
and a free school for the education of the children eight months of 
the year; competent physicians, medicines and medical supplies, and 
the necessaries of life for the widows and orphans and aged and 
infirm inhabitants of the islands unable to provide for themselves. 
The company also employs the natives to perform such work on the 
islands as they are fitted to perform at a compensation fixed from 
time to time by the Secretary of Commerce and Labor, 

TJie tribunal of arhitraiion. — As the result of certain differences 
which had arisen between Great Britain and the United States over 
the seizures of Canadian vessels and the efforts of this Government to 
protect the seal herd, these. two nations, on February 29, 1892, con- 
cluded a treaty whereby they agreed to submit the questions in dispute 
to a tribunal of arbitration. 1 his tribunal, which concluded its labors 
in Paris in 1893, is usually spoken of as the Paris Tribunal of Arbi- 
tration and its findings and award as the award of the Paris tribunal. 

Generally speaking, the chief contentions of the United States 
before this tribunal were: (1) That Bering Sea was a closed sea and 
(2) that it had a property right in the seal herd which justified it in 
protecting the seals on the high seas. The treaty also provided that 
in case the determination of the questions submitted as to the ex- 
clusive jurisdiction of the United States left the subject in such 
position that the concurrence of Great Britain was necessary to the 
establishment of regulations for the proper protection of the fur-seal 
herd, the arbitrators were to determme what concurrent regulations 
outside of the jurisdictional limit of the respective Governments were 
necessary, and over what waters such regulations should extend.* 

The tribunal found that Bering Sea was not a closed sea, and also 
decided adversely to the United States on the question of its right 
to protect the seal herd outside of territorial waters, Accordmgly 
a set of regulations were adopted, the essential features of which were 
the establishment of. a closed zone of 60 miles in Bering Sea about the 
Pribilof Islands and a closed season from May 1 to August 1, within 
which all sealing was prohibited, 

Wliile the treaty of 1892 provides that " the high contracting parties 
engage to consider the result of the proceedings of the tribunal of 
arbitration as a full, perfect, and final settlement of all the questions 
referred to the arbitrators" (Article XIV), it is in this connection 
worthy of note that the regulations, which were part of the award, 
provide in terms that they ''shall be submitted every five years to 
a new examination, so as to enable both interested Governments 
to consider whether, in the light of past experience, there is occasion 
for any modification thereof." (Article IX.) 

TTie modus vivendi. — For the purpose of avoiding the irritating 
differences with a view to promoting the friendly settlement of the 
questions pending between the two Governments, an agreement was 
entered into on June 15, 1891, for a modus vivendi in relation to the 
fur-seal fisheries in Bering Sea. By the terms of the modus vivendi, 
which remained effective until the award of the Paris tribunal, the 
killing of all seals, with the exception of a limited number for the sus- 
tenance of the native inhabitants of the Pribilof Islands, was suspended. 

' Article VII. 



384 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Existing laws and treaties.^ — The substance of existing laws and 
treaties is as follows: The laws of the United States prohibit American 
citizens and subjects from killing any seals at any time in the waters of 
the North Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea or on any land or in any of 
the waters of Alaska subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. 
Indians dwelling on the coast of the United States may, however, kill 
seals in the water under certain restrictions, and those persons or cor- 
porations operating under lease from the Government may kill seals on 
the Pribilof Islands. These are the only exceptions to an absolute 
and universal prohibition running against citizens and subjects of the 
United States. 

Now, while that feature of these laws which prohibits Americans 
from killing seals in the open ocean — the waters of the North Pacific 
Ocean and Bering Sea^s not effective as against the citizens and sub- 
jects of other nations, those provisions which absolutely prohibit the 
killing of seals on any land or in any water subject to the jurisdic- 
tion of the United States in Alaska is effective as against all the world, 
aliens as well as citizens. It follows, therefore, that with the excep- 
tion of the Indians and those operating under lease from the Govern- 
ment no person may lawfully kill seals in Alaska or in Alaskan waters. 

Citizens and subjects of Great Britain and of the United States, in 
addition to being bound, in common with other people who come 
within the jurisdiction of the United States, to yield obedience to its 
laws, are subject to the award of the Paris tribunal. The articles of 
this award provide for a closed zone of 60 miles around the Pribilof 
Islands, within which the citizens of both parties are forbidden to kill 
seals at any time; provide a closed season from May 1 to August 1 
each year, during which the citizens of both nations are prohibited 
from killing seals in the waters of tlie North Pacific Ocean, including 
Bering Sea, north of the thirty-fifth degree of north latitude and east 
of the one hundred and eightieth meridian of longitude, till it strikes 
the water boundary between the United States and Russia ; forbid the 
use of firearms in Bering Sea and include other minor regulations. 
Subsequent to the award, American citizens were, by the act of 
December 29, 1897, denied the privilege accorded by the Paris aAvard, 
and are now, as I have before indicated, absolutely forbidden to kill 
any seals at any time in the waters of the North Pacific Ocean or 
Bering Sea north of the thirty-fifth degree of north latitude. This 
prohibition does not, however, run against Indians dwelling on the 
coast of the North Pacific Ocean. 

So far as I am aware Great Britain is the only nation with which 
we have any treaty regulating the Idlhng of seals from the Pribilof 
herd.^ The legal situation may therefore be summarized as follows: 

American citizens, with the exceptions noted, and all others are 
prohibited from kilhng seals in the waters of the North Pacific Ocean 
or on any land or in any of the waters of Alaska subject to the juris- 
diction of the United States. 

The subjects of Great Britain are prohibited from kilhng seals at 
any time within a zone of 60 miles surrounding the Pribilof Islands 
and during the closed season, from the 1st of May to the 1st of 
August, in those waters of the North Pacific Ocean above described. 

1 See vol. 3, Comp. Stat., p. 3003. 

» For terms of a modus vivendi with Russia respecting killing on the Asiatic side of the Pacific, sec. 28, 
Stat., 1208. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 385 

Citizens of all other nations may, therefore, kill seals at any time 
and at any place, excepting the land and water areas of Alaska sub- 
ject to the jurisdiction of the United States. 

St. Paul and St. George a Government reservation. — The laws of the 
United States, for the purpose of protecting the seals on their breed- 
ing rookeries, declare the islands of St. Paul and St. George to be a 
special reservation for Government purposes,^ on which no one, not 
even a citizen of the United States, may land or remain except by 
the authority of the Secretary of Commerce and Labor. Any per- 
son found on either of the islands in violation of these laws is directed 
to be summarily removed, and it is made the duty of the Secretary 
of War to carry the direction into effect. 

For some years after they were made a Government reservation 
the seal rookeries, which are located at widely separated points on 
the shores of St. George and St. Paul Islands, were guarded by a 
detachment of United States sokhers. Since the withdrawal of tliis 
military guard the rookeries have been guarded by armed natives 
designated for that duty by the agent in charge. This guard is 
maintained each year during the period when the seals are present 
on the rookeries and was being maintained at the time of the raids 
in July. 

The laws also prohibit the killing of an}^ seals within the Umits of 
Alaska or the waters thereof, and make it a sepai'ate offense to kill 
any seals in the w^aters adjacent to St. Paul or St. George, or on the 
beach, chffs, or rocks of those islands where they haul up from the 
sea to remain. Other provisions expressh^ proliibit the killing of 
female seals and make it an offense to kill any seals at any time by 
the use of firearms or by other means tending to drive them away 
from the islands. The penalties for violations of these laws include 
fines ranging from $200 to 1 1,000 or imprisonment, or both line and 
imprisonment for each offense. Provision is also made for the for- 
feiture of vessels whose crews are found violating the laws. 

Supervision and control of the fur-seal fisheries.— The law vests the 
supervision and control of the fur-seal fisheries in the Secretary of 
Commerce and Labor, and authorizes liim to make all needful regu- 
lations to carry into full e "ect all of its provisions. The management 
and supervision of the seal fisheries on the islands are exercised through 
agents which he is authorized to appoint, and who are charged with 
the performance of such duties as may be assigned to them by him. 

Existing regulations promulgated by the Secretary of Commerce 
and Labor advise the agents that the only persons entitled to land 
on the islands are Government ofhcers, representatives and employees 
of the North American Commercial Co., and duly accredited repre- 
sentatives of the Russian Church, and authorize them to remove 
persons who endanger the peace and good government of the inhabi- 
tants of the islands. The regulations also authorize the employment 
of tlie natives in guarding the rookeries, and instruct the agents to 
take such action as sound judgment directs in case of emergency. 

At the time of the raids on St. Paul during the past summer the 
a:fairs of the island were in charge of Mr. W. I. Lembkey, cliief agent, 
and Mr. James Judge, assistant agent. 

»R. S., 1959; also see. 176, act of Mar. 3, 1899, 30 Stat., 1280. 
2403— H. Doc. 93, 62-1 25 



386 SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

OPERATIONS OF THE JAPANESE FLEET. 

Seals Mlled dose to the Pribilqf Islands. — The Japanese pelagic 
sealing fleet wiiicli operated in Bering Sea during the summer con- 
sisted of at least 13 vessels, each of which carried a crew of about 
30 men and from 5 to 7 small boats for sealing. It is evident from 
the number of vessels sighted from the islands that the entire fleet 
operated exclusively in the waters surrounding the islands and on 
many occasions Idlled seals within the 3-mile limit. The seals 
which breed on these islands have been undisturbed in the waters 
surroimding them for many years, and they undoubtedly fell an easy 
prey to this unexpected onslaught. In view of this fact, and in 
view of the further fact that large numbers of breeding females are 
continually passing from the islands to the feeding grounds about 150 
miles southwest and from there back to the islands, the seal herd has 
without doubt su-Tered a heavier blow as the result of the operations 
of this fleet during the past season than has been administered to it 
for many j^ears past. 

Wholly aside from the fact that this fleet of vessels engaged in 
pelagic sealing at the/ very doors of a reserA^ation wliich has been set 
aside by this Government for breeding purposes, the crews of some 
of the vessels engaged in a series of high-handed and outrageous 
depredations withm the land and water territory of the United States, 
which included repeated violations of express provisions of its laws. 
They used shotguns to Idll the seals in the water, and used cannon, 
probably for signaling. The reports of shotgun firing and the boom 
of cannon, which were continually heard on the shore nearly all of 
two days, were so close as to disturb injuriously the rookeries. They 
Idlled seals in the w^ater close to the shore, easil}^ within the 3-mile 
limit, and landed on St. Paul Island. They killed seals on land, 95 
per cent of which were females. At the time of these depredations 
the entire armament of the 38 men over 21 years of age on St. Paul 
tsland consisted of 12 rifles. On the other hand, each schooner 
probably carried a crew of more than 30 men. If the four schooners 
wliich were seen hovering around the islands on these days, and wliich 
were undoubtedly acting in concert, had united their crews in a raid, 
they could have mustered a force of upward of 120 men. 

Agents 'powerless until poachers landed. — Without water craft the 
Government agents were unable to do anything to stop the |)oachers 
from killing seals in the water, using firearms, and engaging in other 
unlawful operations within the 3-mile limit. It was only when the 
crews of the schooners landed, or attempted to land, on the islands 
that they were able to make arrests, and those of the Japanese vvlio 
were killed belong to parties which were caught red-handed and were 
attempting to escape arrest. 

I have made the foregoing general statements at this point in 
order that you may appreciate the excitement and apprehension 
under which the residents of the island were laboring, and the courage 
they displayed when the crew^s of the schooners actually landed and 
attempted to transfer the scene of their depredations from the waters 
surrounding the island to the island itself. A more detailed account 
of the raids on the rookeries on St. Paul Island, July 16 and 17, is 
as follows: 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 387 

Landing of Japanese poachers on St. Paul Island July 16. — About 
9 o'clock on the morning of July 16 the native watchmen at North- 
east Point, St. Paul Island, reported a schooner, about 2 miles out, 
sailing toward the shore. Upon the receipt of this information Chief 
Agent W. I. Lembkey and Assistant Agent James Judge, each accom- 
panied by three or four natives, proceeded to a point on the shore 
from which the schooner could be seen. These agents and their 
parties then separated and concealed themselves at points where 
landings were feasible, close to two of the principal breeding areas, 
and about half a mile from each other. The schooner, which was 
easily seen by these parties, continued to cruise parallel with the shore 
at a distance of about 2 miles out until 10.30, when a small boat put 
off and approached within a half mile of the shore. This movement 
was evidently for the purpose of locating the seal rookery, for upon 
discovering that there were no seals at that particular place, the boat 
returned to the schooner and was taken about a mile farther on 
to a point opposite the breeding areas under Hutchinson Hill, where 
it again put olf from the schooner and headed for the shore. The boat 
shortly afterwards made a landing about 200 yards east of the largest 
breeding area on the island — that located under Hutchinson Hill — 
and a crew of six Japanese disembarked, pulled up the boat, and pro- 
ceeded to cross the beach to the grassy plateau beyond. 

A few yards from the water's edge they were surprised by Chief 
Agent Lembkey and the native guard under his command, and in 
compliance with his order threw up their hands without resistance. 
In reply to an inquiry, one of the landing party who spoke some 
English stated to Mr. Lembkey that they had come ashore for water. 
It was obvious, however, after investigating the contents of the boat 
that this statement was untrue. The only receptacle capable of con- 
taining water carried by the boat was a 5-gallon cask, which was full 
of fresh water. On the other hand, it was manifest from the presence 
of sealing clubs, skinning knives, and other paraphernalia for taking 
seals on land that the purpose of their visit was to raid the rookery. 
The men were accordingly placed in charge of a native guard and later 
in the day were taken to the village 12 miles distant on the other end 
of the island. The party elFecting this capture consisted of Chief 
Agent W. I. Lembkey and three or four natives. The only arms of 
the Government agent's force were two rifles carried by the natives. 

The boat in which the raiders landed was taken charge of by the 
Government agents, and is now in their keeping. It is of the Otter 
boat type, about 18 feet long, and in addition to carrying 6 oars, was 
equipped with a mainsail and jib. The boat and its equipment is 
typical of the small boats usually carried by the schooners engaged 
in pelagic sealing. The oars were muffled and the rowlocks wound 
witli rope, which was greased with tallow, so that the boat might be 
propelled through the water without noise. The oars were fastened 
to the boat, so that when suddenly dropped they would not float 
away, and in front of each seat on both sides of the boat, and within 
easy reach of the oarsmen, was a canvas knife shield. The boat was 
also provided with a gun rack. When captured it contained six 
sealing clubs, two skinning knives, a compass, a cask full of fresh 
water, some ship's biscuits, a short sealing club for killing seals in 
the water, and bamboo poles, with iron hooks, for hauling them 
aboard. 



388 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

The seal rookeries at Northeast Point, where the raid was attempted, 
are the largest and most extensive on the island. A conservative 
estimate, based upon an actual count of seals on certain portions, 
places the total number of seals on these particular rookeries at the 
time of the attempted raid at 30,000. Of these, 15,000 were females. 

During the remainder of the day the schooner from which the boat 
put off continued to cruise around Northeast Point, sometimes close 
in shore and at other times farther out, but easily within the 3-mile 
limit many times. Upon my arrival at St. Paid Island, July 20, I 
examined, through an interpreter, the men captured, as above 
described. They at that time stated that the name of the schooner 
from which they came was the Dai Ni Toyai Maru — i. e., Toyai Maru 
No. 2 — that she carried a crew of 32 men and had sailed from Hako- 
date, Japan, May 20, 1906. They stated that she was not a pelagic 
sealer, and denied that she was one of a regular Japanese sealing 
fleet, but admitted that since entering Bering Sea she had spoken 
two or three other Japanese schooners, among which they named 
the Boso Maru. 

Other schooners sighted July 16. — At about the same time the Toyai 
Maru No. 2 was discovered olF Northeast Point on the morning of 
July 16 another schooner was sighted at the south end of the island. 
She cruised off the southwest part of the island within the territorial 
waters of the United States for about two hours. Reef rookery, the 
second largest breeding rookery on the island, is located at this point. 
No attempt was made to land, however, and the vessel finally dis- 
appeared in a fog to the southward. 

About 3 o'clock in the afternoon of the same day still another 
schooner was sighted cruising oil' Halfway Point, which is on the 
south side of the island, and about midway between the points where 
the other schooners were seen. A native guard was placed at this 
point for the night, but the vessel, which was about 1 mile from shore, 
was soon obscured by the fog. Lukanin and Polovina rookeries are 
situated a short distance from where the schooner was seen. The 
reports of small arms and the boom of cannon, hred a short distance 
from shore, were heard on different parts of the island during the 
day. 

Ja/panese 'poachers Mlled hy native guard July 17. — About 8 o'clock 
on the morning of July 17 the native guard at Northeast Point 
heard the report of shotguns, which were evidently being fired at 
seals in the water a short distance from shore. Ihe guards could 
not see more than a few yards owing to a dense fog, and at that 
time were unable to make out any boats. One of the guards went 
inland to report to Agent Lembkey at the watch house, and the two 
remaining, Michael Kozlofr and John Fratis, proceeded to a point on 
the shore opposite the firing, and concealing themselves awaited 
developments. About half an hour later, during which time the 
shotgun firing on the water continued at irregular intervals, the 
guards discovered three boats a short distance out headed for thel 
shore. The one closest in contained three Japanese, one of whom 
occupied a position in the bow with a shotgun in his hands. After 
the occupants of the foremost boat had lowered the sails, and just as 
they were about to land on the beach, the two watchmen, who had 
remained concealed, appeared on the scene and shouted ''Hands up." 
The men in the boat instead of complying with tliis command hur- 



I 



I 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 389 

rieclly turned about and commenced to row the boat awa}^ from the 
shore. Guard Kozlo.T, who was in charge, motioned with his hands 
and called to them to come ashore, and when the boat continued on 
her way three rifle shots were fired in the water close to her. She 
did not stop, however, and the guards a few seconds later fired six 
shots in rapid succession directly at the boat. Following this shoot- 
ing the men ceased to row and dropped into the bottom of the boat, 
and the boat slowly drifted in toward shore. The two other boats had 
in the meantime disappeared in the fog. 

Chief Agent Lembkey, who arrived on the scene shortly after the 
shooting, recovered the boat and it was hauled up on the beach. Two 
of its occupants were dead and the other was suiTering from a wound 
in the shoulder. 

The boat was of the same type and equipment as the one captured 
the day before. Among other things it contained a quantity of food, 
fresh water, two loaded shotguns, and 146 loaded and 9 empty shells. 
Most of the loaded shells were charged with buckshot, although on 
subsequent examination some were found to contain a heavy lead 
slug like a rifle bullet. The shotguns showed evidence of having been 
recently fired. The boat also contained a seal which apparently had 
been killed with a charge of buckshot a short time before. 

I learned from the woimded prisoner, whom I interviewed upon my 
arrival at the island, that the boat was not from the schooner whose 
boat had been captured the day previous, but was from another 
schooner, the Mei Maru. The prisoner further stated that the 
schooner carried a crew of 30 men and had sailed from Hakodate, 
Japan, May 23, 1906. At the time the Japanese attempted to land 
and when ithe shooting occurred, as above described, the entire force 
on guard at that point consisted of 2 natives, each armed with a rifle. 

Poachers off' Zapadni roolcery fiird on. — -At Zapadni rooker}^ which 
is about 12 mOes from Northeast Point, where the events just de- 
scribed took place, shotgun firing close inshore was heard at frequent 
intervals during the day and undoubtedly a large number of seals 
were Idlled in the water. These operations were carried on under 
the protection of a dense fog, and it was not until 3 o'clock in the 
afternoon, when it lifted, that tlie native guard discovered three 
boats a short distance from shore. The boats contained about 18 
men and were headed for land. The guards, two in number, who 
were evidently excited over the shooting which had been going on 
around them and who believed that the force, whicli greatly out- 
numbered them, was about to land and raid the rookery, opened 
fire without del a}'. The boats immediately pulled out of sight and 
it is not known v.diether any of the marauders were injured. 

Poachers land and h'dl seals. —Notwithstanding the capture of the 
boat on the morning of Tuesda3^ July 17. the re])orts of shotguns evi- 
dently fired at seals in the water were heard oft' different parts of 
Northeast Point almost incessantly during the day. The boom of 
cannon, probably used for the purpose of signahng in the fog, was also 
heard at frequent intervals. The widely separated points at which 
these shots were heard indicates that several boats were thus engaged. 
A dense fog which hung over the island partiafly lifted about 8 
o'clock p. m. and disclosed a schooner riding at anchor less than 300 
yards from the breeding rookery on the west side of Northeast Point. 
Although the watchmen failed to discover it, owing to the fog, 18 or 



390 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

20 men had landed and were at that time killing seals on the rookery- 
close to the water at a point where their operations could not be seen 
farther inland. 

The presence of the schooner was immediately reported to the watch 
house and Chief Agent Lembkey and Assistant Agent Judge, at the 
head of a force of about 15 natives, hurried to the scene. In the 
meantime the raiders, who had evidently been warned of the approach 
of the native guard by an outpost, hurriedly collected the sealskins 
already taken and embarked in their boats, and when the guard 
arrived at the shore they were already a few yards off and rowing for 
the schooner. Upon their refusing to come ashore in compliance with 
an order given by the Government agents, the native guard was 
directed to fire. This fire was returned from the deck of the schooner, 
but no one of the island guard was injured. The boats soon came to a 
stop and the order was given to cease firing. 

The raiding force consisted of a flotilla of five small boats contain- 
ing about 20 men. It appears that two of the boats were being used to 
carry away skins. The force under the Government agents consisted 
of 15 natives, only 6 of whom were armed. 

As the boats drew inshore and it became apparent that the raiders 
outnumbered the native force. Agent Judge concluded that it would 
be dangerous to attempt to capture the entire party with a force 
armed with only six rifles. In consequence of this the crew of only 
one of the small boats was allowed to land, and the remaining boats 
were motioned off and returned to the schooner, which still remained 
at anchor a short distance from shore. Had the devastation which 
the raiders had wrought on the rookery been known at this time, none 
of the boats would have been permitted to return to the schooner. 

The boat which was compelled to return to shore contained six men, 
one of whom was dead and one wounded. The body of one man who 
had evidently fallen overboard when he was shot floated ofl' and was 
not picked up by the boats. It is believed that the body of a third 
was thrown overboard when the boats reached the schooner. The 
boats of the raiding flotilla were of the same general character as those 
previousl}' captured and which I have heretofore described in detail. 

Methods of raiders outrageous and cruel. — Upon making an exam- 
ination of the rookeries at the point where the small boats were first 
seen, the Government agents discovered that the raiders had prac- 
tically wiped out of existence one section of a breeding rookery. 
More than 183 seals had been killed. Of this number 120 had been 
skinned and the skins loaded into the boats, which had unwittingly 
been permitted to return to the schooner. It was apparent that the 
raiders had been frightened away in the midst of their raid, because 
63 dead and wounded seals, some partially skinned and others 
untouched, were found. That part of the rookery which was raided 
was what is known as a breeding rookery and was occupied by several 
hundred female seals, new born seal pups, and a few breeding bulls. 
Bachelor or young male seals do not frequent these breeding grounds. 
All of the seals killed, with the exception of two, were females. 
When it is remembered that the killing of female seals is universally 
condemned, was prohibited by the Russians as early as 1835, and has 
never been permitted by this Government, the fact that over 95 per 
cent of the seals killed on the island by the marauders were females 
stands out as especially malevolent. 



SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 391 

The raid was not only in violation of law, but the method of 
killing proceeded along the most cruel and inhuman lines. At this 
season of the year female seals have a nursing pup and are also preg- 
nant. Thus the killing of a female results in the loss oi three lives to 
the herd. While an actual count had not been made before I left 
the island, it is estimated that at least 180 pups died of starvation as 
a result of the raid. 

Some of the seals were only stunned and not killed before being 
sldnned. Upon their arrival at the scene shortly after the raid, the 
Government agents found that some of the 63 seals which had been 
clubbed by the raiders, and which had been partially skinned, were 
not yet dead. 

It also appears that the raiders had been unable to drive away or 
kill with their clubs some of the large breeding bulls, which stood their 
ground in an effort to protect the rookery, and in order to render 
them harmless the raiders had pounded out their eyes with sealing 
clubs. When the Government agents and natives reached the scene 
these sightless old fellows still maintained their guard of the rookery. 
These, as well as the other seals which had been maimed beyond hope 
of recovery, were soon put out of misery by the natives. About 20 
sealing clubs and 4 sealing knives were found on the rookery after 
the raid. 

Results of the two days' raids. — It appears, therefore, that so far as 
is definitely known on the islands, the occurrences above described 
resulted in the death of 5 of the raiders, the wounding of 2, and the 
capture of a total of 12 prisoners, including those wounded. The 
prisoners, in compliance mth an order of the Government agent, 
buried their dead on Hutchinson Hill on the afternoon of July 18. 
The wounded were early given medical attention by Dr. F. B. Smith, 
the physician on the island. 

On the evening of July 18 a schooner was sighted off Northeast 
Point, but the Japanese prisoners, who were given an opportunity to 
examine her through the glasses, seemed to be unable to identify her. 

Disposition of the captured raiders. — I arrived at St. Paul Island in 
company with Hon. George M. Bowers, Commissioner of Fisheries, 
on the afternoon of July 20, 1906, on the Revenue Cutter McCuUoch, 
Capt. J. C. Cantwell, commanding. The Government agents and the 
natives were very anxious to get rid of the prisoners, and they were 
at once turned over to the McCulloch, which proceeded to Unalaska. 
At that place the 10 uninjured men were turned over to the deputy 
United States marshal, and the wounded men, who had been placed 
under the care of Dr. T. B. McClintic, were retained on the cutter. 

The prisoners were again taken on board the cutter on July 31 and 
carried from Unalaska to Kodiak, where a prehminarv hearing was 
had before United States Commissioner Fred D. Kelsey. As a result 
of this hetiring they were held to the grand jury and were turned over 
to the custody of United States Marshal L. L. Bowers, at Kodiak, for 
delivery at Valdez. Chief Agent W. I. Lembkey and the native 
mtnesses then proceeded to Valdez. 

Raiders sentenced to imprisonment. — I have since been advised that 
all of the prisoners were indicted by the grand jury at Valdez, and as 
a result of subsequent proceedings each of them was sentenced to 
imprisonment for three months in the Valdez jail. While the pun- 
ishment meted out to the raiders is hardly commensurate with the 



392 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

outrageous character of their acts, still it must not be forgotten that 
they were merely seamen who, according to their own statements, 
went ashore in compliance with the orders of their superior oflicers. 

Many schooners sighted near St. Paul Island.— During the week I 
spent on St. Paul Island schooners were frequently seen. On July 23 
one was sighted cruising about 5 miles to the southeast; on July 24 
at 2 p. m. one was seen about the same point, and at 7 o'clock in the 
evening another was sighted sailing less than 2 miles from shore off 
the salt liouse at Northeast Point, which at that time contained 3,700 
skins. She was standing in toward shore when sighted, and the reg- 
ular guard of four natives was doubled. On this day a guard of 
armed natives was also placed at Zapadni rookery. On July 26 a 
schooner was seen off Zapadni Point m the morning and another off 
Northeast Point in the evening. 

As the McCulloch was leaving the island on the morning of July 27 
the fog lifted and disclosed a schooner laying to, about 2 miles from 
Walrus Island. The cutter at once gave chase, but the schooner put 
on all sail and headed for a fog bank, in which she was soon lost to 
sight and escaped. On the afternoon of the same day the cutter over- 
hauled another schooner, the ToMowa Maru. She was outside the 
3-mile limit, however, and as there was nothing to indicate that she 
had jjarticipated in the recent raids she was not even spoken by the 
cutter. 

Since my return I have been advised that schooners were frequently 
seen in the vicinity of the islands during August, and that on the 8th 
of August a watchman on St. Paul Island saw a schooner make a 
landing on Otter Island. At the time I visited Otter Island, in the 
latter part of July, there were only a few seals there. I am informed, 
however, that later in the season the number of seals on this island 
increases and that more than 1,000 seals liave been found there on 
occasions. 

Raids evidently planned in advance. — It is evident that the four 
schooners seen around St. Paul Island on the days of the raids were 
acting in concert in pursuance of plans carefully laid previous to their 
departure from a Japanese port. At least three of these schooners 
sailed from the same port in Japan about the same time. They spoke 
each other after arri^^dng in Bering Sea, and appeared off widely sepa- 
rated points of the island about the same time. It is improbable that 
these coincidents were accidental. 

Government agents entitled, to credit. — ^Chief Agent W. I. Lembkey 
and Assistant Agent James Judge are entitled to great credit for 
the intelligent and courageous way they liandled what in my judg- 
ment was a dangerous and difficult situation. The native guards 
also demonstrated that they could be relied on in case of emergency, 
and are entitled to credit for the splendid support they gave the 
Government agents. 

The Russian as well as the Amierican islands have always been 
looked upon with envious eyes by the pelagic sealers. The Govern- 
ment agents knew that tlie jetxr pre^^ous the crews of schooners, 
acting in concert, had effected a landing on the Russian seal islands 
and had Jield off the armed guard at least two weeks, during wliich 
time both sides suffered many casLialties and many seals were IdUed. 

At the time of the raids the entire male population of St. Paul 
Island, including the two Government agents, the company's repre- 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 393 

sentatives, ami all the natives over 21 years of age, was 38. The 
combined crews of the schooners which appeared off the island 
greatly outnumbered this force, and had they once gainetl a foothold 
there was nothing to prevent their killing an unhmited number of 
seals, robbing the salt houses, committing other depredations, and 
saihng away. 

Knowledge of these facts, coupled with an appreciation of their 
helplessness and inability to stop the unlawful killing of seals in the 
water a short distance from shore, undoubtedly prompted the Govern- 
ment agents to take summary action when the marauders landed and 
attempted to transfer the^r operations from the water to the land. 
Manifestly the situation was one which called for such action. 

While neither tlie law nor the regulations in terms direct the agents 
to use force in protecting the rookeries, their duty and authority so 
to do is beyond question. They are sent to the islands for the 
purpose, among other things, of enforcing the laws; are supplied with 
arms and ammunition, and are authorized to employ the natives in 
guarding the rookeries. They were familiar "with the fact that 
poaching vessels had been seized by the agents and revenue cutters 
on previous occasions, and that on at least one occasion the native 
guard had fired on tlie crew of a vessel wliich attempted to raid the 
rookeries. 

Lack of cooiyeration on imrt of reveivue-cutter 'patrol. — The unlawful 
kilhng of seals within the territorial waters surrounding the islands, 
the landing on St. Paul, and the commission of other depredations, 
such as those of the past summer, can undoubtedly be prevented by 
the establishment of an active and ellicient revenue-cutter patrol. 
It is imperative, however, if the seals are to be protected on their 
rookeries that a closer and more continuous surveillance of the waters 
surrounding the islands be maintained permanently in the future. 

I believe that the ineihciency of the existing patrol is m a large 
measure due to the fact that the officers of the Revenue-Cutter Service 
have failed to cooperate with tlie Government agents on the islands. 
As typical of this lack of cooperation, I refer to the follo\\ing facts: 

The records of St. Paul Island show that a number of times in the 
last few years the cutters which appeared off the island, instead of 
attempting to land or communicate with the Government agents as 
to the situation, have signaled "Send your letters," "Send a boat," 
"Make haste," "Can you send boat"; that at times the cutters 
have sailed away without any further attempt to communicate, and 
that one cutter left after the agent had signaled a reply "Will send 
a boat if possible," and while he was engaged in laun(diing it. 

The people on the island are not in tlie business of navigation. 
Their business is the protection of the seals. They have no boats to 
speak of and are not skilled in their navigation, and even if they 
were, it has not infrequently occurred that all of those able to work 
were engaged in a seal drive 14 miles distant on the other end of the 
island when some cutter appeared and raised a signal "Send out a 
boat" and then sailed away because it was not sent. 

On other occasions when the Government agents have been able to 
man a boat and go out to a cutter, they have been informed that the 
supplies or mail, as the case might be, would be passed down to them, 
and that thev could not come aboard because she was in a hurry. 



394 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

On still another occasion a cutter proceedino; from Unalaska to the 
islands absolutely refused to carry one of the Government agents 
who was marooned at that place, notwithstanding the Government 
agent informed the captain that he was acting under instructions to 
proceed to the islands as expeditiously as possible. As a result of 
the refusal of the cutter to carry the agent, he was compelled to waste 
three weeks at Unalaska during the height of the sealing season wliile 
waiting for the company's steamer. 

Should take advantage of the island watch service. — The effectiveness 
of the revenue-cutter patrol would also be greatly increased if the 
officers of the cutters availed themselves of such information as the 
agents possess with reference to the presence of poaching schooners 
in those waters. The agents maintain a well-organized watch service 
while the seals are on the islands. Under their direction armed na- 
tives stand a continuous day and night watch on the high points of 
land in the vicinity of the principal rookeries and j^romptly report 
all vessels sighted. It is obvious that this information would be of 
great assistance to the oflicers of vessels desirous of maintaining an 
effective patrol. 

A large part of the year the islands are covered by a dense fog and 
it often happens that a vessel may be within a few rods of the shore 
without being able to determine its exact location. No signals have 
ever been agreed upon and, whiie the Government agents promptly 
reply, by means of a small cannon, to a vessel's whistle, they have no 
means of knowing, in the absence of prearranged signals, whether or 
not their reply has been heard on the vessel. A code of signals, which 
it seems to me could easily be arranged if taken in hand by the officers 
of the Revenue-Cutter Service,would obviate this difficulty and facili- 
tate landings in foggy weather. 

The necessity for cooperation and the isolated character of the 
islands can readily be appreciated when it is understood that the only 
vessels that touch at the islands are the company's steamer, which 
comes twice a year, and the revenue cutters, which call at irregular 
intervals. During the period of eight months preceding the arrival 
of the McCulloch on July 20, 1906, but two vessels had called at the 
island — the company's steamer, on June 9, and the revenue cutter 
Perry, for about three hours, on July 14. 

The Government agents appreciate the desirability of preserving 
friendly relations with the officers of the Revenue-Cutter Service and, 
so far as I was able to ascertain, have at all times stood ready and 
willing to cooperate with them. I presume it is for that reason that 
the occurrences above referred to were never reported to the depart- 
ment by them. I have referred to them here, however, because I 
believe that the situation is one that requires attention. 

The officers of the Revenue-Cutter Service seem to feel and act as 
though the seal patrol which they are required to maintain is some- 
thing outside of their regular line of duties, and that its maintenance 
by them is in the nature of a favor to the officers charged with the 
supervision and management of the seal fisheries. A patrol main- 
tained under these circumstances can not be effective. If the vessels 
of the Revenue-Cutter Service can not properly be called upon to 
render this service, the sooner that point is settled and arrangements 
made to secure other vessels the better it will be for the seal fisheries. 



SEAL. ISLANDS Oh' ALASKA. 395 

Recommendations as to revenue- cutter patrol. — The patrol maintained 
by the vessels of the Revenue-Cutter Service has for a number of 
years past consisted largely of cruisers around the 60-mile zone in 
Bering Sea. The vessel detailed on this duty does not, under ordi- 
nary circumstances, reach the sea until about the 1st of August, 
that being the time vessels of the Canadian fleet are permitted, by 
the terms of the award of the Paris tribunal, to enter these waters 
The nominal purpose of the patrol is to prevent the vessels of the 
Canadian fleet from sealing inside the 60-mile zone. I recommend 
that this patrol be reorganized along the following lines: 

One of the important provisions of the award is that which forbids 
the citizens and subjects of Great Britain and the United States to 
kill, capture, or pursue in any manner whatever, during the season 
extending each year from the 1st of May to the 31st of July, both 
inclusive, fur seals on the high seas in the North Pacific Ocean or 
Bering Sea.^ At that time the females are heavy with young and the 
herd is proceeding northward along the Pacific coast and through the 
Aleutian Passes to Bering Sea and the Pribilof Islands. It is a most 
humane provision and should be strictly enforced. I am convinced, 
however, from the reports I received while in Alaska that at least five 
or six Canadian schooners failed to bring their operations to a close on 
the 1st of May last. 

In view of these facts I recommend that a revenue cutter be 
required to cruise along the coast of Alaska from the 1st of May until 
the middle or latter part of June, along the ro te known to be taken 
by the seal herd. It is possible to ascertain with a icasonable degree 
of certainty the general location of the herd at that time of the year, 
Ihe pelagic sealers know where to find the seals and how to follow 
them up. The cutter detailed on this patrol should also secure that 
information and pursue the same course as that pursued by the pelagic 
sealers; that is, in a general way, to follow up the herd. 

It also developed during the course of my investigation that it is 
the practice of the vessels of the Canadian fleet to cruise in the waters 
of the North Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea before the closed season 
comes to an end, in order that they may be on the ground at the time 
it opens. It has been persistently reported that some of these vessels 
do not wait until the season opens before commencing operations. I 
therefore recommend that the vessel which has been engaged in fol- 
lowing the herd northward along the coast from the 1st of May cruise 
around the Aleutian Islands, both outside and inside of Bering Sea, 
during the month of July. 

This vessel should then be required to maintain the usual patrol 
around the confines of the 60-mile zone from the 1st of August until 
such a time as the vessels of the Canadian fleet cease their operations 
and leave the sea. 

From my knowledge of the situation I believe it to be entirely pos- 
sible for one vessel to maintain the patrol as above outlined. 

An additional jjatrol should he established.- — In addition to the fore- 
going, I recommend that a vessel of the Revenue-Cutter Service^ be 
directed to patrol the waters of Bering Sea in the vicinity of the Pribi- 
lof Islands continually from the 1st of June as late into October as 

1 3 Comp. Slat., p. 3005, art. 3. 



396 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

the weatJier permits or as the pelagic sealing ileet of any nation,' 
other than that of Great Britain, is in those waters. This vesse 
should cruise close to the islands and should be rec{uircd to call at 
eacii island not less than once every two weeks for the purpose of 
securing from tlie agent in charge information as to the number and 
character of vessels sighted from the islands during the time it has 
been cruising elsewhere. 

The vessels engaged on the patrol should be required not only to 
cooperate with the chief agent of the seal fisheries, but to transport 
him to points in Alaska, to the various islands of the Pribilof group, 
and to comply with such other requests as he may fmd it necessary 
to make in connection with the discharge of his duties. 

Officers should tnake detailed reports. — The olHcers of these vessels 
should also make a detailed annual report to the Secretary of v.'om- 
merce and Labor. This report should contain information as to the 
date the patrol is commenced ; the course or route of the vessel ; the 
number of days, exclusive of those spent in port, that the vessel was 
on the patrol; the number of times it called at the seal islands; and 
the time the patrol came to a close. 

In view of the fact that one or more vessels of the Revenue-'Giatter 
Service have for years been engaged on the seal patrol, the carrying 
out of the foregoing recommendations will not entail any considerable 
additional expense on the Government. 

Recommendations as to streiigthening the laws. — The laws for the pro- 
tection of the seal fisheries are in a very unsatisfactory condition and, 
in my judgment, are insuflicient to meet existing conditions. As they 
now stand, they consist of disconnected and wholly unrelated provi- 
sions, which have been enacted at diiTerent times to meet emergencies, 
and as some of the later provisions modify or constructively repeal 
some of the earlier provisions, there is considerable room for confusion 
and doubt. It is highly desirable that all of the laws with reference 
to the seal fisheries be embodied in one comprehensive act and that 
existing ^pro visions be strengthened and supplemented in the follow- 
ing important particulars: 

The law should expressly set aside all of tlie islands of the Pribilof 
group as a special reservation for Government purposes. As it now 
stands, it in terms includes only the islands of St. Paul and St. George, 
in consequence of which there is grave doubt as to the status of Otter 
Island, Walrus Island, and Sea Lion Rock. Thousands of seals fre- 
quent Sea Lion Rock, and some seasons a considerable number resort 
to Otter Island. The islands referred to are only a few miles from the 
island of St. Paul, the largest of the Pribilof group, and it is essential 
that tliey be included in all laws enacted for the protection and pres- 
ervation of the seal herd. 

It should in terms be declared unlawful for aliens, as well as citi- 
zens, either to enter the Territorial waters surrounding the islands or 
to land on the islands themselves without a permit so to do from the 
Secretary of Commerce and Labor, except in cases of stress of weather 
or for water. Vessels entering the waters for these excepted pur- 
poses should, however, be required to approach the islands at the 
villages and not attempt to land at isolated portions of St. Paid or 
St. George Islands, wjiere are located the principal breeding rooker- 
ies. Landings on the uninhabited islands of the group should also 
be prohibited. 



J 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 397 

Those provisions which make it unlawful for any person to kill 
seals in the water or kill seals by the use of firearms, or by any means 
tending to drive the seals away from the islands, or to kill female 
seals should be strengthened and continued in force. No person, of 
course, should be permitted to kdl seals on land except those oper- 
ating under lease from the Government. 

Authority of Government agents should he extended. — The Govern- 
ment agents on the islands sliould, under the direction of the Secretary 
of Commerce and Labor, be charged with the enforcement of the law 
and expressly authorized to use force in carrying its provisions into 
effect and in protecting the rookeries, including the right to make 
arrests. They should also be expressly authorized to designate, arm, 
and maintain a native guard to assist them in preserving order, 
enforcing the law, and in making arrests. 

The chief agent on the island should be empowered to take action 
in case of violations of the seal laws similar to that taken by United 
States commissioners in case of violations of laws of the United 
States; that is to say, he should be authorized to conduct hearings 
and bind over to the grand jury, or commit, pending investigation, 
persons arrested for the violation of those laws. 

Owing to the isolated situation of the islands, it is highly desirable 
that some person have authority to conduct an official investigation 
on the ground, where wdtnesses are available, in cases of arrest sim- 
ilar to those which were made during the past summer. 

The act should also contain a provision making it an offense to 
attempt to do any of the things declared to be unlawful. The pen- 
alties for violations of the laws should be more severe, and it should 
be made the duty of the officers of vessels of the Revenue-Cutter 
Service and of the Navy to search any vessel found within the Terri- 
torial waters surrounding the islands. 

Authority should also be given to seize and forfeit any vessel 
found within these waters with seals or sealskins and the parapher- 
nalia for taldng or ca])turing tlie same. 

Lack of proper arins and ammunition. — I also recommend that the 
department give early consideration to the matter of placing at the 
disposal of the agents on the islands a proper supply of arms and 
ammunition. Aside from a small brass cannon used for signahng 
and a few rifles owned by the natives, the entire equipment available 
for use in protecting the seal rookeries, and the vdlages and salt 
houses on the islands, consists at the present time of 12 rifles on St. 
Paul and 6 on St. George. 

It is obvious that under existing circumstances it would be entirely 
possible for the combined crews of four or five schooners, such as 
cruised around the islands during the past summer, or for a crew of 
pirates, such as that on the Carmencita, which liovered around the 
islands last year, to land and not only raid the rookeries, but plunder 
the village and salt houses, where are stored valuable sldns. 

The handful of people on these islands can not reasonably be 
expected to successful^ guard seal rookeries worth milhons of dollars, 
and which the lawless crews of a score of poaching schooners are ever 
ready to raid, unless they are furnished with tlie proj)er arms. All 
the world knows that the "United States owns the Prdjilof Islands, and 
that in the exercise of its sovereign power and for the purpose of pre- 
serving the seal herd which frequents those islands it has enacted 



398 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

laws making it unlawful for any person to land or remain thereon, 
and all the world should be given to understand in no unmistakable 
terms that vessels which approach within the 3-niile limit do so at 
their peril. 

Recommendations as to arms and other equipment. — In view of the 
foregoing, I urgently recommend that the islands of St. Paul and St. 
George be equipped with a sufficient number of small cannon to permit 
of the placing of one or more at the various points of land and in the 
vicinity of the principal seal rookeries. To avoid all danger of inter- 
national compHcations, the cannon suppHed may very properly be 
limited to guns firing a solid shot and having a maximum range of 
3 miles or less. Each island should also be equipped with one or more 
rapid-fire guns for use in case of an attempt by a landing party to 
plunder the salt houses or the villages. The supply of rifles and 
ammunition should also be increased. 

I found on investigation that those interested in pelagic sealing 
keep themselves well posted on the measures taken by this Govern- 
ment to enforce its laws and regulations and the provisions of treaties 
with other nations. They are, for instance, not slow, as has been 
demonstrated by the events of the past summer, to take advantage of 
the unprotected condition of the seal islands or the laxity of the 
revenue-cutter patrol. In view of this fact, I believe that if it became 
known that vessels coming within 3 miles of the Pribilof Islands 
were liable to be fired upon, pelagic sealers would on all occasions give 
those islands a wide berth. Further than this, it must be remembered 
that the vessels which frequent these waters are engaged at our very 
doors in a practice forbidden to our own citizens and frowned upon 
by our laws — that of pelagic sealing. I can see no reason why any 
special consideration should be shown them. Vessels engaged in 
legitimate business do not frequent these waters. No one goes there 
for pleasure, and as the islands are more than 50 miles out of their 
course, commercial steamers never call. 

It is also highly desirable that the Government agent in charge 
be furnished with a gasoline launch of sufficient size to permit of the 
mounting of a light gun. A vessel of this kind would be of material 
assistance in preventing the crews of poaching schooners from using 
firearms and killing seals in the water within tlie 3-mile limit. 

The agents on St. Paul Island should also be supplied with a team 
of horses and a light wagon, and the necessary equipment for main- 
taining the same. The native village is located on the southern 
extremity of the island at distances ranging from 3 to 14 miles from 
the various rookeries. Without means for rapidh^ transporting the 
agents and native guard from the village to these distant rookeries, 
it is entirely possible for a boat's crew to land and raid a rookery 
before the Government agents can reach the spot and stop their 
operations. 

Military guard not necessary. — I do not believe it is either neces- 
sary or desirable to station a marine or military guard on the islands. 
If the Government agents and native guards are supplied with the 
necessary arms and ammunition, they will without doubt be able 
to meet any emergency which may arise. Tliis was conclusively 
demonstrated by the events of the past summer. 

Duties of chief agent should he extended. — I also recommend that 
the chief agent, at least once each season, visit all of the seal islands, 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 399 

examine into the conditions, and make full report thereof in person 
to the Secretary of Commerce and Labor at the close of the season. 
He should also annually investigate and report on the catch of seals 
by the coast Indians of Alaska. Under existing conditions it is 
impossible for the chief agent to do any of these things, and in the 
regular course of events he comes to Washington only every other 
winter. Tliis is due to the fact that the present force consists of 
but one chief agent and three assistant agents. At least one assistant 
agent should be added to the force. The nature of the duties of these 
agents is such that at least two agents should be present on each 
island during the summer and at least one agent duruig the remainder 
of the time. It is imperative that at least one agent be present 
continually on St. Paul and one on St. George. Under these circum- 
stances the cliief agent, in addition to supervising and managing the 
fisheries, must discharge the duties of one of the assistant agents. 
It is therefore impossible for him to properly supervise the work on 
any island other than the one on which he is located. It is also 
impossible for liim to report to and confer with the department at 
Washington each year, wliich in my judgment is essential. I recom- 
mend, therefore, that an additional assistant agent be appointed, 
and that the duties of the chief agent be enlarged as above indicated. 

Killing of seals by coast Indians should he regulated. — Notwithstand- 
ing the fact that a large number of seals are killed annually by the coast 
Indians of Alaska, that branch of the sealing industry has received little 
attention at the hands of the Government. I recommend that it be 
investigated, with a view to its regulation and supervision. The 
department should be advised of the methods of killing and the dis- 
position of the skins. In this connection I also suggest that the col- 
lectors and deputy collectors of customs in Alaska be directed to 
report annually in the fall to the department such information with 
reference to the taking of seals as may come into their possession 
during the year. They should also furnish detailed information- as 
to all shipments of skins. 

Importance of previous recommendations as to pelagic sealing. — In 
your last annual report you made the following statement and recom- 
mendation: "The decrease in seal life on the Pribilof Islands is directly 
attributable to pelagic sealing, and a strong elfort should be made to 
secure international regulations which will stop it." The existing 
condition of the seal herd conclusively demonstrates the correctness 
of your statement and the wisdom of your recommendation. I am 
convinced, as a result of the study I have given the subject and the 
investigation made during the past summer, that the total cessation 
of pelagic sealing is imperative in order to preserve the herd. 

Decrease in seal life due solely to pelagic sealing. — That the decrease 
in seal life, on the Pribilof Islands is due solely to pelagic sealing can 
not seriously be questioned. "Owing to the polygamous habit of 
fur seals," states the report of the Jordan commission, "the greater 
part of the male life born is superfluous for breeding purposes. For 
the 130,000 breeding cows found on the rookeries of St. Paul and St. 
George Islands in the season of 1897, 4,418 bulls were adequate, or at 
least out of fully 10,000 bulls ready and willing to serve harems, only 
this number were able to obtain them. Therefore, only 1 bull in 30 
is absolutely necessary under present conditions. That this limit 
could be materially lowered without positive danger to the herd is 



400 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

conclusively shown by the history of the Russian herd on Bering 
Island, where the observations of the past three years, as detailed by 
Dr. Stejnegar, show that a male fur seal is capable of attending to the 
wants of between 100 and 200 cows." ^ 

There never has been a time since this Government came into con- 
trol of the herd when there were no idle bulls on the islands. It is 
manifest, therefore, that the decrease in the herd is due to the killing 
of females, which are taken only by pelagic sealers. The number of 
idle bulls present on the island is a matter which has always been care- 
fully watched. Three years ago, when it became apparent that there 
was a decrease in idle bulls, the department established regulations 
whereby 2,000 choice 2 and 3 year old males were selected, branded, 
and dismissed from the herd for breeding purposes before the company 
commenced taldng its quota for commercial purposes. This action 
was not due to an entire absence of idle bulls, but was taken solely 
because they were decreasing in numbers. Furthermore, the result 
of the regulation is already apparent, and as soon as the seals thus 
reserved reach the breeding age, the number of idle bulls on the island 
will have again reached a safe margin. 

Unnecessary and inexpedient to stop land hilling. — Regardless of 
whether the Government concludes to again lease the sealing privilege 
or to itself conduct the sealing industry, it is manifest that the land 
killing of seals should not be stopped. It is neither necesssary nor 
expedient. It is unnecessary for the reason that there is no abnormal 
shortage in male seals which are killed on land ; and it is not expedient 
for the reason that if no sealskins were used, it would result in the 
substitution of something else for Alaskan fur-seal skins. The two 
companies which have operated on the islands under lease from the 
Government have spent thousands of dollars in building up the seal 
fur trade. The first company which secured this right was for some 
years unable to profitably dispose of its annual catch because there 
was no demand for fur-seal skins. Fur-seal skins are now and have 
been for a number of years past in demand, because it is now and has 
been the fashion to wear them. The fashion controls the demand. 

With a view to determining the effect of a rational land killing in 
the event of a total cessation of pelagic sealing, Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 
agent in charge and an expert in these matters, at my request prepared 
a table ^ which I believe is a very conservative estimate of the probable 
increase in the size of the herd. It is manifest from this table that 
if pelagic sealing is stopped, a limited number of male seals may be 
killed on the islands each year in increasing numbers without impeding 
the natural increase of the herd. It is my judgment, therefore, in 
view of the foregoing, that the killing on land should not be stopped, 
but should be permitted to proceed on a rational basis. 

Reduction of herd to a breeding nucleus undesirable.— The suggestion 
not infrequently made in recent years that this Government authorize 
the killing of all save a breeding nucleus of a few hundred seals as a 
means of stopping pelagic sealing is neither sensible nor humane. In 
the first place, if left alone the pelagic sealers will accomplish this 
result in a very short time : and in the second place, it would not 
settle the question. Just as soon as the herd increased to a size 

1 Report of Fiir-Seal Investigations, 1896-97, pt. 1, p. U9. 
'•'Submitted herewith as Appendix B. 



m 



SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 401 

sufficient to make land killing permissible and profitable, pelagic 
sealing would be profitable, and the question would again be an 
open one. 

A reconsideration of certain questions desiraMe. — ^At the time the 
points of difference between the United States and Great Britain 
with reference to the Alaskan fur-seal fisheries were submitted to 
the tribunal of arbitration, one of the chief contentions of this 
Government was that the Pribilof fur-seal lierd was the property of 
the Ignited States, and therefore that this Government had a right 
to protect it on the high seas. The decision on this point, in common 
with that on all other pomts submitted, was adverse to the United 
States. Wliile it is true that the United States and Great Britain 
as parties to tlie treaty of February 29, 1S92, "engaged to consider 
the result of the proceedings of the tribunal of arbitration as a full, 
perfect, and final settlement of all the questions referred to the 
arbitrators/' * it is equally true tliat the scientific investigation 
and exhaustive stud}^ of the subject, which have subsequently been 
made by commissions and officers of tliis Government, have resulted 
in the discovery of new and important facts m connection with the 
points considered. 

For instance, during the years 1896-97 a commission of eminent 
scientists and experts made an investigation and study of the whole 
subject. This commission was under the personal direction of Dr. 
David Starr Jordan, president of Leland Stanford Junior University, 
who is generally recognized as one of the leading authorities on fur 
seals and the fur-seal fisheries. The report of this commission con- 
tains a great deal of mformation \^dth reference to the life and habits 
of the seals and with reference to general conditions which were 
unknown and unappreciated at the time the matter was considered 
and passed on by the tribunal of arbitration. 

Furthermore, the citizens and subjects of Japan, which is not a 
party to the award of the tribunal, have within recent years engaged 
largely in pelagic sealing in Bering Sea. In view of these facts it 
seems to hie highly desirable, in the event of steps being taken to 
secure an international agreement to stop pelagic sealing, that the 
United States attempt to secure a reconsideration of the question of its 
property rights in the seals, if it may properly make such an attempt. 

The fur seals are begotten, born, and reared on the Pribilof Islands, 
owned by the United States; the}'- make these islands their home 
and have, so far as is known, always done so ; they spend a large part 
of each year on the islands, and when they leave on their annual 
migration it is with the fixed intention of returning to them — this 
they do with unvarymg regularity, never resorting to any other land. 
They are domestic in their habits and are subject to the control of 
man wliile on the islands. The existence of the herd depends upon 
the care, industry, and forbearance practiced by this Government. 
Without the protection which the United States furnishes the herd 
it would soon be destroyed. In fact it is within the power of the 
United States to absolutely exterminate the herd in one season. 
The habits of the seals are such that the United States alone can take 
the natural increase of the herd without mjury to it. This is possible 

»Artio;exiv^. 
2403— H. Doc. 93, 62-1 26 



402 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

for the reason that owning the islands wliich the herd frequents the 
Government can, in securing seals for commercial purposes, exercise 
the necessary discrimination as to sex and ao-e. On the other hand, 
the taking of seals in the sea is necessarily without discrimination as 
to sex and age.^ 

Experiments with hrands and tags suggested. — In this connection 
permit me to suggest that if, after full consideration, it is linally con- 
cluded that the newly discovered evidence has not effected a change 
in the situation sufhcient to warrant tliis Government in asking a 
reconsideration of the question of its property rights in the seals, I 
believe that it would be practicable to brand or tag all of the seals 
born on the islands in the same way that the great herds of cattle 
which roam the western prairies are branded. In my judgment, 
action of this kind on the part of tliis Government would reduce the 
seals to its possession and justify it in protecting them on the high 
seas. The experience of recent years in annually branding 2,000 
young male seals demonstrates, hrst, that a brand of a permanent 
nature can be placed on the seal mthout injury to the animal; and, 
second, that the branded animals return to the islands from year to 
year. In view of the foregoing, I recommend that the department 
conduct experiments with brands and metal tags. I believe it would 
be entirely possible to attach to the young seals before they leave the 
islands a metal tag on which might be stamped the words ''Property 
of the United States." If this tag was uniformly fastened by means 
of a wire on the same part of the body of the seal, it would leave a 
mark on the inner side of the sldn which would be sullicient to identify 
t in case the seal was killed, even if the tag had in the meantime been 
i removed. 

Statistical information. — For your further information I attach 
hereto, as Appendix A, certain statistical information with reference 
to the Pribilof fur-seal herd from the time of the discovery of the 
Pribilof Islands to date, as follows: 

Table 1. — Number of seals killed on the Pribilof Islands, Alaska, 
from 1786 to 1906, inclusive. 

Table 2. — Pelagic and land catches from the Pribilof herd from 
1868, when the Pribilof Islands came into the possession of the United 
States, to 1906; the revenue derived by the Government and the 
average prices obtained for the skins. 

Table 3. — Size of the Pribilof herd since its discovery, in 1786. 

Table 4. — Annual quotas allowed lessees of the seal islands and 
the skins shipped thereunder from 1870 to 1905. 

Table 5. — Receipts and expenditures in connection with the admin- 
istration of the fur-seal fisheries. 

Very respectfully, Edwin W. Sims, 

Solicitor of the Department of Commerce and Labor. ' 

Washington, August 31, 1906. 

1 Final report of Hon. John W. Foster. Proceedings Paris Tribunal, ■■, o'. 1 p. 10. 



seal islands of alaska. 403 

The White House, 

Washington, October 9, 1906. 

My Dear Secretary Metcalf: I return the admirable report 
of the sohcitor of the department on the Alaskan fur-seal fisheries. 
Please have all the recommendations therein made that can be 
carried out without the action of Congress so carried out. I have 
Avritten to the Treasury Department requesting immediate and 
thorough investigation of the conduct of the Revenue-Cutter Service, 
and I shall issue to them a warning that any dereliction of duty in 
this respect in the future will be summarily punished. There is 
one point upon which I doubt the wisdom of the recommendation. 
It seems to me that a detachment of marines should be sent to the 
islands and also that a small United States war vessel should cruise 
near the islands next summer in addition to the revenue cutters. 

Please make public my letter of recommendation to the guard 
which took such summary and efficient action in repulsing the 
attacks of, and putting ^n end to the depredations of, the seal pirates. 
Sincerely, yours, 

Theodore Roosevelt. 

Instead of sending a guard to the islands, we will send a United 
States war vessel during the close season, and as long afterwards as 
may be necessary. 

Hon. V. H. Metcalf, 

Secretary of Commerce and Labor. 



Treasury Department, 

Washington, October 13, 1906. 
My Dear Mr. Murray: Will you be kind enough to hand to 
Capt. Worth G. Ross, Chief of the Revenue-Cutter Service, a copy 
of the report made b}^ the solicitor of your department on the x'Uaskan 
fur-seal fisheries ? 

Yours, very truly, 

J. H. Edwards. 
Hon. Lawrence O. Murray, 

Assistant Secretary, 
Department of Commerce and Labor. 

Across the face : Presented to Secty. Metcalf in absence of Secty. 
Murray. Oct. 13, '06. L. A. C. Gave report to Capt. Ross Sat- 
urday morning, Oct. 13, 1906. V. H. M. 



The White House, 

Washington, October 23, 1906. 
My Dear Mu. Secretary: The President directs me to send you 
the inclosed letter from Secretary Shaw, and to ask if the portion of 
the report referred to can not be held until the investigation the Sec- 
retary mentions has been completed. Please communicate with Sec- 
retary Shaw in the matter. 

Very truly, yours, Wivr. Loeb, Jr., 

Secretary to the President. 
Hon. V. H. Metcalf, 

Secretary of Commerce and Labor, 



404 SEAL, ISLANDS OP ALASKA. 

New York City, October 22, 1906. 

My Dear Mr. President: I referred briefly last night to a report 
of someone, I think a Mr. Simms, which contains some strictures 
against the conduct of the Revenue-Cutter Service in Alaska. I now 
write to formally request that the report be not printed until the 
charges can be investigated. I think this is but fair. I say charges, 
because Mr. Simms, if that is his name, did not make an investigation. 
He made inquiry of no one connected with the Revenue-Cutter 
Service. He did not examine the log of any of the vessels. He 
stated that the cutters did not arrive at the seal islands until August. 
This year the vessel arrived on June 27, which was the latest date 
for several years. He says in effect that if they had been in the 
locahty they could have prevented the capture of seals by the Japa- 
nese boats. At the time of the incident to wliich he refers, the boat 
was anchored at one of the islands. He objects that the boats are 
away from the islands so much. They have to go 250 miles for coal. 
He objects because the boat went to the "v^est-most island of the 
group, which is 700 miles from the main island. Last year they 
found shacks of Japanese poachers on these islands and burned them. 
Their cruise has always included this island. The cutter's log shows 
that it sailed over 1 1 ,000 miles during the cruise. He says that the 
Japanese fleet contained 13 vessels. The cutter's log shows they 
boarded 16 Japanese vessels, a fact which Mr. Simms does not men- 
tion, because of course he did not know. He knew nothing about it 
except from hearsay. If I am rightly advised, his report does not 
give the testimony, but gives his conclusions. He must have ob- 
tained it from some source, but fails to give the source. I know of 
no better source concerning the course of a vessel than the log. 

But I need not extend this. I wish you would have Mr. Metcalf 
withhold that part of the report until the matter can be thoroughly 
investigated. This is being done. The captain of the vessel will 
be in Washington at an early date. 
Very truly, yours, 

L. M. Shaw. 

The President, 

The White House. 



October 25, 1906. 
My Dear Capt. Ross: I wish you would please hand to my sec- 
retary a copy of the answer prepared by the Revenue-Cutter Service 
to Mr. Sims's report on the Alaskan seal fisheries. 
Very truly, yours, 

V. H. Metcalf, 

Secretary, 
Capt. Worth G. Ross, 

Chief, Revenue-Cutter Service. 



seal. islands of alaska. 405 

Treasury Department, 
Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, October 25, 1906. 
My Dear Mr. Metcalf: As you request, I send by your secretary 
a copy of the memorandum prepared by this office, which I read to 
you at our recent interview, regarding certain matters in Mr. Sims's 
report of August 31 on the Alaskan seal fisheries, pertaining to the 
Bering Sea patrol by the Revenue-Cutter Service the past season. 
Very truly, yours, 

Worth G. Ross. 
Hon. V. H. Metcalf. 

Secretary, Department of Commerce and Labor. 



[Memorandum relative to report of Solicitor of Department of Commerce and Labor on the Alaskan fur- 
seal fisheries in so far as it relates to patrol by Revenue-Cutter Service. Pages indicated refer to solicitor's 
report.] 

Page 5: Report states: '' Existing revenue-cutter patrol ineffi- 
cient." 

(a) The patrol has been maintained strictly in accordance with the 
requests of the Department of Commerce and Labor. 

(b) No complaint has heretofore come from that department in 
relation to the patrol. 

(c\ The statement that the presence of a revenue cutter in the 
vicinity of the islands would have prevented the depredations of the 
Japanese schooners is not true, for, as a matter of fact, the Perry was 
anchored off the island of St. George on the morning of July 16, the 
very day when the Japanese hrst landed on St. Paul Island, 40 miles 
distant. If the Perry had been at St. Paul Island and the raid 
occurred on St. George, the same criticism might have been made and 
with an equal lack of justice. 

(d) This season the Perry was designated for the seal patrol, 
together with the Rush, the latter vessel being ordered also to make 
the regular cannery cruise. This arrangement met the approval of 
the Department of Commerce and Labor, and a careful investigation 
of the reports of the operations of these vessels shows that they per- 
formed their duties zealously and efficiently. 

The Perry cruised during the season 11,127 miles and boarded 21 
vessels, of wliich number 16 were Japanese sealers. (Mr. Sims's 
report, p. 22, states: "The Japanese pelagic sealing fleet which 
operated in Bering Sea during the summer consisted of at least 13 
vessels.") The Perry actually boarded more than this number of 
Japanese sealers. 

The Rush made the regular cannery cruise in Alaskan waters, 
steaming 3,798 miles and boarding 75 vessels, of which number 18 
were reported for violations of the navigation laws. 

(e) Mr. Sims has evidentl}^ obtained no trustworthy information 
relative to the revenue-cutter patrol and has not examined any official 
log books, records of cruising, etc., nor made any effort to consult 
such records. His charges as to laxity are based on seven days' res- 
idence on the seal islands and interviews with agents, wlio themselves 
can not know whether the cutters are or are not actively patrolhng in 
Bering Sea. 



406 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

(f) In the summer of 1905 Assistant Secretary Taylor, of the Treas- 
ury Department, made a trip to the Pribilof Islands on the revenue 
cutter Manning to investigate the conditions, and no complaint what- 
ever was made there as to revenue-cutter patrol. 

Page 22. The raid on the islands this year was unprecedented and 
entirely unexpected by all concerned. (Mr. Sims's report states, p. 
22: "The seals wliich herd on these islands have been undisturbed in 
the waters surrounding them for many years and they undoubtedly 
fell an easy prey to this unexpected onslaught.") 

Page 41. (a) The report refers to alleged lack of cooperation on the 
part of the revenue-cutter patrol with agents on the Pribilof Islands. 
As a matter of fact, the cutters have uniformly endeavored to carry 
out both the official and personal wishes of the agents on those 
islands. 

(d) The report states that the records of St. Paul Island show that 
a number of times in the last few years the cutters which appeared 
off the island, instead of attempting to land or communicate with the 
Government agents as to the situation, have signaled "Send your 
letters," "Send a boat," "Make haste," "Can you send boat?" 
Such comments indicate ignorance of the conditions affecting navi- 
gation in the vicinity of the islands. The landing places on the 
islands are exposed, there are no protected anchorages, and often it is 
dangerous for a vessel to remain for any length of time on account of 
the weather conditions. Anyone fainihar with such matters knows 
that the nature of the surf can be determined more accurately from 
the shore than from a vessel, and that good seamanship will always 
dictate that the person on shore determine whether it is safe to send 
a boat through the surf or not; hence such signals as "Send a boat," 
"Can you communicate with us?" etc. The report gives no dates 
when the signals referred to were displayed. They were evidently 
picked out at random over a period of years. Doubtless each signal 
can be satisfactorily explained when the circumstances of wind and 
weather at the particular time are known. 

During the past season the Perry communicated by personal inter- 
views with the agents on the Pribilof Islands whenever the vessel was 
off either island, except on two occasions — August 11 at St. Pau| 
Island, the sea being too rough to send a boat, and August 17, when 
the Perry communicated by international code signal with two 
points on St. Paul Island. These signals were: "Have you seen 
Japanese vessels ? " and in both cases the signal "No" was displayed 
on the island. 

Page 42. (a) Occasions when Government agents have not been 
allowed to come on board a revenue cutter at the seal islands, unless 
the weather conditions absolutely forbade, are unknown, and such 
charges should have been substantiated by giving the date and name 
of ship when the episode occurred. 

(b) The report states that on one occasion a cutter, proceeding 
from Unalaska to the islands, absolutely refused to carry one of the 
Government agents who was "marooned" at that place. In the 38 
years that the Revenue-Cutter Service has operated in Bering Sea no 
such refusal has ever before been reported to the department, and 
mere justice demands that the time when such an unprecedented 
occurrence happened should have been set forth, in order that the 
department might investigate it. 



SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 407 

Page 43. (a) Officers of the Revenue-Cutter Service do avail them- 
selves of any information given them by the agents on the islands. 
On July 14, two days prior to the Japanese raid, the Perry visited St. 
Paul Island and conferred with the agent; also St. George Island the 
next day. The report of her commanding officer states: "Received 
no important news at either island and proceeded to Unalaska." 
Thus two days before the raid the revenue cutter did confer with the 
agents on both islands and received no news of importance. 

(b) The report refers to the absence of any prearranged signals for 
use between the revenue cutters and the islands. Communication 
has been carried on for years by means of the International Code, 
which answers every purpose when signals can be seen. The incident 
mentioned above, where the Perry ascertained by signal from St. Paul 
Island that no Japanese A^essels had been sighted, shows the feasibility 
of communicating any important news to a revenue cutter coming 
within sight of the islands. The Revenue-Cutter Service will under- 
take the elaboration of an}^ other S3^stem desired. No suggestion as 
to the necessity of another code of signals has ever been presented to 
this department. 

Page 44. (a) The report states that the Perry was at St. Paul Island 
on July 14 for about three hours. As a matter of fact, the Perry was 
at anchor at that place on that date from 9.30 a. m. to 3.50 p. m., 
a period of 6 hours and 20 minutes. This misstatement is in line witli 
the general untrustworthiness of the report in so far as it concerns the 
patrol o'f the Revenue-Cutter Service. 

(b) If the Government agents were cognizant of any neglect of duty 
on the part of the officers of the revenue cutters, it was their plain duty 
to report such derelictions. 

(c) The statement that "the officers of the Revenue-Cutter Service 
seem to feel and act as though the seal patrol which they are required 
to maintain is something outside of their regular hne of duties," is 
entirely untrue and has no foundation in fact. The service has pa- 
trolled Bering Sea since 1868. A large proportion of the commis- 
sioned officers now in the service, probably in excess of 60 per cent, 
have had experience in the Bering Sea fur-seal patrol. The idea thai 
any officer would feel that his duty did not pertain to the service is 
ridiculous on its face, and any such statement indicates only an atti- 
tude of bias and unwarranted criticism. 

Page 45. (a) The report says : " If the vessels of the Revenue-Cutter 
Service can not properl}^ be called upon to render this service, the 
sooner that point is settled and arrangements made to secure other 
vessels the better it will be for the seal fisheries." Inasmuch as the 
vessels of the Revenue-Cutter Service have by their effective and con- 
tinuous patrol of the Bering Sea prevented in all probability the 
entire destruction of the seal herd, no Government official can in good 
faith question the propriety of their continuing the performance of 
this duty. 

(b) The following appears: "The vessel detailed on this duty (fuF- 
seal patrol) does not under ordinary circumstances reach the sea until 
about the 1st of August." 

The following are the dates of arrival in Bering Sea of the revenue 
cutters detailed for duty in Alaskan waters during the three seasons 
when the Department of Commerce and Labor has had charge of the 
protection of the fur-seal industry. 



408 SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Season of 1904- 

McCulloch June 25, 1904 

Perry July 8, 1904 

Thetis July 12, 1904 

Season of 1905. 

Manning June 14, 1905 

Perry June 16, 1905 

Bear June 16, 1905 

Season of 1906. 

Perry June 27, 1906 

Rush June 28, 1906 

■ Thetis June 29, 1906 

The statement referred to in the report is therefore entirely untrue. 

Pages 46 et seq. The recommendations of Mr. Sims regarding the 
patrol are not new. The s^-stem he proposes was carried out by the 
Kevenue-Cutter Service when the enforcement of the fur-seal regula- 
tions was vested in the Treasury Department, and at times on a more 
extensive scale than he suggests. Since the enforcement of these reg- 
ulations was transferred to the Department of Commerce and Labor, 
conditions have changed owing to the enactment of tlie law prohibit- 
ing American citizens from engaging in pelagic sealing, and in recent 
years it has not been necessary to assign as many cutters to patrol 
duty as formerly. Assistant Secretary H. A. T?,ylor, of the Treasury 
Department, in a report to the Secretary of the Treasury, dated August 
12, 1905, says: 

It does not appear that the necessity for vessels to protect the seals exists as for- 
merly, as, so far as I was able to learn, there have been no poachers in those waters 
at this season. 

The Revenue- Cutter Service has carried out its full duty in handling 
the patrol in accordance with the requests of the Department of Com- 
merce and Labor, which has entire control over the matter. No sug- 
gestions for the improvement of the patrol have been received from 
that Department, nor has the Revenue-Cutter Service been invited to 
make recommendations relative thereto. 

The report recommends (p. 47) that a revenue cutter be directed to 
cruise continually in the vicinity of the Pribilof Islands, and that this 
vessel be required also (p. 48) to transport the chief agent of the seal 
fisheries to points in Alaska and comply with his other requests rel- 
ative to his duties. It would appear a difficult matter for a revenue 
cutter to be continually in the vicinity of the Pribilof Islands and also 
convey the chief agent to other points in Alaska beyond the islands. 
Mr. Sims apparentlj^ does not take into consideration the necessity for 
vessels to coal, clean boilers, overhaul machinery, etc. In fact, his 
whole report, in so far as it relates to the patrol of Bering Sea, dis- 
plays an entire ignorance of the conditions confronting such a patrol 
and of the manner in which such conditions have been met with and 
overcome by the revenue cutters engaged in this duty. 

Mr. Sims recommends (p. 48) that the officers of the revenue cutters 
make a detailed annual report to the Secretary of Commerce and 
Labor. Full reports of their operations are made and have always 
been made to their own department, and copies are sent to the Depart- 
ment of Commerce and Labor for its information. 

Page 51. In the solicitor's report it is recommended that it should 
be made the duty of officers of the Revenue-Cutter Service to search 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 409 

any vessel witliiii the territorial waters surrounding the islands. Ves- 
sels are now searched when permissible under the law, in accordance 
with the following instructions issued to the revenue service: 

A mere cursory or perfunctory search of vessels boarded is strictly forbidden. The 
search must be made by two commissioned and one petty officer, and the necessary 
number of men who are required to remain on board until every part of the vessel 
where a sealskin or a shotgun or rifle could be concealed has been searched. 

These instructions relative to boarding vessels received the approval 
M&j 26. 1906, of the Department of Commerce and Labor. 

Page 53. Relative to the recommendation that rifles, cannon, and 
rapid-fire guns be supplied the islands, to be operated by the natives, 
it may be said that the Revenue-Cutter Service is prepared at any 
time, at the request of the Department of Commerce and Labor, to 
place an armed guard under commissioned officers on the Pribilof 
Islands that will insure against any raids on the rookeries. In former 
years a guard was detailed from the revenue cutters whenever 
necessary. 

The report of the soHcitor contains criticisms and reflections that 
are entirely unjust to the officers of the Revenue-Cutter Service who 
for years have preformed with commendable zeal and devotion the 
duties assigned them in cruising in the waters of Alaska. From 1867 
to the present day, excepting only the season of 1876, revenue cutters 
have cruised actively in Bering Sea and Alaskan waters, where fog 
and gales of wind prevail, with imperfect charts, and where until very 
recently no hghthouses, buoys, or other aids to navigation existed. 
The work of the service in Alaska has been efficiently and earnestly 
performed. No adverse comments have been made in the past, nor 
can they justly be made now. 

No other branch of the Government has been so closely identified 
with the Territory of Alaska from the day of its acquisition as has 
the Revenue-Cutter Service. No other body of men under the Gov- 
ernment are so familiar with the conditions of navigation in the waters 
of Alaska as are the officers of the Revenue-Cutter Service. No 
marine patrol could be more effectually carried out with the force at 
hand than has been the patrol of Bering Sea bv the Revenue-Cutter 
fleet. 

After a residence of seven days on the Pribilof Islands and interviews 
with agents on those islands who can know nothing of the details of 
the patrol, Mr. Sims takes occasion in his report to criticise the con- 
duct of the patrol by the Revenue-Cutter Service and to describe it as 
lax and inefficient. Such an accusation is untrue and entirely unjusti- 
fiable in anv sense whatever. 



October 26, 1906. 
My Dear Mr. Secretary: I am just in receipt, by reference from 
the White House, of your letter of the 22d instant "to the President 
relative to the report made by Mr. Sims on the fur-seal islands. 

As requested by you, I shall withhold and not pubhsh that portion 
of Mr. Sims's report referring to the Revenue-Cutter Service. 
Yours, truly, 

V. H. Metcalf. 
Hon. Leslie M. Shaw, 

Secretary of the Treasury, 



410 seal islands of alaska. 

October 26, 1906. 
My Dear Mr. Loeb : I have your letter of the 23d instant, inclosing 
letter written to the President by Secretary Shaw. 

I will see to it that that portion of Mr. Sims's report on the fur-seal 
islands bearing on the Revenue-Cutter Service is withheld from 
publication. 

I have communicated with Secretary Shaw, as you request. 
Yours, truly, 

V. H. Metcalf, 
Hon. William Loeb, Jr., 

Secretary to the President. 



Department of Justice, 
Office of United States Attorney, 

Northern District of Illinois, 

Chicago, November 10, 1906. 
Hon. Victor H. Metcalf, 

Secretary of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C. 
My Dear Mr. Secretary : I have the honor to transmit herewith 
a reply to the memorandum submitted by the Revenue-Cutter Service 
with reference to my report on the Alaskan fur-seal fisheries. 
With kindest personal regards, I am. 
Very sincerely, yours, 

Edwin W. Sims, 
United States Attorney, 



REPLY TO THE MEMORANDUM RELATIVE TO THAT PART OF THE REPORT 
OF THE SOLICITOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND LABOR 
ON THE ALASKAN FUR-SEAL FISHERIES WHICH RELATES TO THE 
PATROL BY THE REVENUE-CUTTER SERVICE. 

[Pages indicated refer to solicitor's report; letters refer to paragraph of memorandum.] 

Page 5. (a) The report submitted by me contains this statement: 

Existing revenue-cutter patrol ineffective. The patrol for the enforcement of the 
laws for the protection of the seal fisheries nominally maintained by the vessels of the 
Revenue-Cutter Service is wholly insufficient to meet the actual needs of the situation. 

In reply thereto the memorandum states : 

The patrol has been maintained strictly in accordance with the requests of the 
Department of Commerce and Labor. 

In this connection attention is called to the fact that under date of 
April 2, 1904, Secretary Cortelyou inquired as to the possibility of 
assigning "at least one additional cutter to this service in order to 
determine with greater certainty whether the fur-seal regulations are 
being violated." He was advised, under date of April 6, 1904, that 
such an additional assignment could not be made without abandoning 
some of the regular duties assigned to the Revenue-Cutter Service on 
the Pacific coast. 

(c) The memorandum alleges that the statement contained in the 
report "that the presence of a revenue cutter in the vicinity of the 
islands would have prevented the depredations of the Japanese 



SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 411 

schooners at that point" is not true. The memorandum then goes 
on to state: 

For, as a matter of fact, the Perry was anchored off the island of St. George on the 
morning of July 16, the very day when the Japanese first landed on St. Paul, 40 miles 
distant. If the Perry had been off St. Paul and the raid had occurred on St. George, 
the same criticism might have been made. * * * 

The same criticism should be made. A vessel at anchor or in port 
is, in my judgment, not conducting an active and effective patrol. A 
fleet of four or five Jananese vessels was engaged in the waters sur- 
rounding St. Paul Island for at least two da;^s, July 16 and 17. If 
the Perry, instead of lying at anchor or cruising elsewhere, as the 
memorandum indicates she did, had cruised to St. Paul Island, 40 
mUes distant, a run of four hours, on either of those days, she would 
undoubtedly have frightened away the Japanese schooners. 

Furthermore, it appears that if the Perry was in fact anchored off 
St. George Island on the morning of July 16 she failed to communicate 
with the Government agent at the village. Maj. Clark's log does not 
show that he had any official communication with the cutter on that 
date, although it appears that during the day a landing was made on 
one of the rookeries by a boat from the cutter. 

{d) I know nothing about the movements of the Rush. I have 
always understood that she was engaged exclusively on what is Icnown 
as the ''cannery cruise." It is manifest that a vessel engaged on the 
cannery cruise can be of no service in connection with the seal patrol. 

I ha\e not the shghtest doubt as to the truth of the statement con- 
tained in the memorandum to the effect that the Perry actually 
boarded more Japanese pelagic sealers than my report indicates oper- 
ated in Bering Sea during the summer. I concluded my investiga- 
tions in Bering Sea July 29, and the statement contamed in my report 
as to the size of tlie Japanese sealing fleet was based upon information 
secured from the captain of the Perry on July 28 and from other 
sources previous to that time. At the time of my conference with 
the captain of the Perry I indicated to him my belief that the situa- 
tion in Bering Sea was critical and that, in my judgment, it was the 
duty of the vessels of the Revenue-Cutter Service to cruise close 
around the islands and search and seize such Japanese scliooners as 
were found violating the law within the 3-mile limit. I infer from 
the information given me by the captain and the statements made 
in the memorandum that practically aU of the Japanese pelagic sealers 
boarded by the officers of the Perry were boarded after the date of my 
interview with him. 

ie) The memorandum states: 

Mr. Sims has evidently obtained no trustworthy information relative to the revenue- 
cutter patrol, and has not examined any official log books, records of cruising, etc., or 
made any effort to consult such records. His charges as to laxity are based on seven 
days' residence on the seal islands and interviews with agents, who themselves can 
not know whether the cutters are or are not actively patrolling in Bering Sea. 

The best evidence as to whether or not the vessels of the Revenue- 
Cutter Service were or were not actively and effectively patroUing in 
Bering Sea is the results accomplished by such patrol. During the 
past year five or six vessels of the Canadian fleet continued their oper- 
ations for several weeks into the closed season; a number of Japanese 
schooners conducted pelagic sealing operations within the 3-mile limit 
in the vicinity of the Pribilof Islands, and on two or three occasions 



412 SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

their crews landed and raided, or attempted to raid, the rookeries. 
It requires no argument to demonstrate that a patrol which fails to 
discover and prevent occurrences of this kind is neither active nor 
effective. 

My report carefully avoids referring to any matter which can not 
be substantiated. The statements which it contains are statements 
of fact, based upon record evidence and first-hand information from 
responsible parties. I did not examine the official log books, records 
of cruising, etc., of the revenue cutters for the reason that I was not in 
Alaska for the purpose of investigating tb.e Revenue-Cutter vService. 
The statements and recommendations embodied in my report affect 
the Revenue-Cutter Service only in so far as it relates to the condi- 
tion of the Alaskan fur-seal fisheries. The charges of laxity are not 
based solely upon a seven days' residence on the islands, but are based 
upon observations and investigations made during the course of the 
entire trip. 

Page 22. The memorandum states that "The raid on the islands 
this year was unprecedented and entirely unexpected by all con- 
cerned, " and in support of this statement refers to a sentence in my 
report to the effect that the seals on the islands had been undisturbed 
for many years. 

The fact that the seals had been undisturbed in the waters surround- 
ing the islands for many years can by no stretch of the imagination 
justify the inference that the raids on the island ware unprecedented 
and entirely unexpected by all concerned. On the contrary, the 
situation in general was such as to put an active and effective patrol 
on inquiry. The Government agents knew that the year previous 
the crews of schooners, acting in concert, had effected a landing on 
the Russian seal islands and had held off the armed guard for two 
weeks, during wMch time both sides suffered many casualties and 
many seals were killed. The oificers of the Perry had positive infor- 
mation early in July that at least four or five Japanese schooners 
were in Bering Sea. In view of the fact that these Japanese schooners 
could no longer take fish in Alaskan waters their presence, it seems 
to me, should have put an active an effective patrol on inquiry as to 
their intentions. While the raids were, to a certain extent, unex- 
pected, they are not unprecedented, and it is manifest from what 
transpired on the island that the Government agents and the native 
guard were prepared to properly handle the situation. 

Page 41. (h) The memorandum attributes the criticisms with refer- 
ence to the use of such signals as "Send your letters, " "Send a boat, " 
etc., to ignorance as to the conditions affecting navigation in the 
vicinity of the islands. Such is not the fact. I made most careful 
inquiry and investigation concerning this matter. I discovered that 
there were no protected anchorages at the island and that, as stated 
in the memorandum, the people on shore were in better position to 
determine whether or not a landing could safely be made than those 
on a vessel some distance away. I found on inquiry, however, that 
the Government agents always make an inspection of the landing 
places and indicate by means of a signal, hoisted at the various land- 
mgs, at which place a landing may safely be made. If the weather 
conditions are such that no landing is possible, no signal is hoisted. 
If one landing is safe and another dangerous, the signal is hoisted at 
the safe landing. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



413 



The official log kept by the Government agents on St. Paul Island 
indicates that the class of signals I have referred to were given as 
follows : 



Date. 


Name of vessel. 


Signal displayed. 


1900. 
July 12 
25 


Rush 

do 


Send your letters. 
Send a boat. 


29 


do 


Do. 


Sept. 4 

1902. 
Oct. 23 


do 

Manning 


Do. 
Make haste. 


1903. 
Aug. 3 

1904. 
Aug. 14 

19 
24 


McCuUoch 

do 

do 

do 


Send a boat with Sinclair. 

Send a boat. (All the available men were away at the seal rookeries and 

the cutter sailed away without further communicating with the shore.) 
Have stores for you. 
Send a boat. 


29 


do 


(Anchored off East Landing. Did not communicate.) 

Have stores for you. ( Bad landing, but she steamed westward before wait- 
ing for reply. Landed stores at Northeast Point on the same day.) 

Have stores for you. (To this signal the island answered "Will send aboat 
if possible." While boat was being launched the cutter steamed away.) 

Can vou send boat ? 


Sept. 3 
9 


do 

do 


10 


.... do 


Oct. 17 


do 




1905. 
July 3 


do 


Have letters for you. 







Page 42. (a) The memorandum states that — 

Occasions when Government agents have not been allowed to come on board a reve- 
nue cutter at the seal islands, unless the weather absolutely forbade, are unknown — • 

and suggests that such charges be substantiated by giving the date 
and name of the ship when the episode occurred. 

On or about August 19, 1904, the McCulloch visited St. George 
Island. In response to her signal ''Send a boat," a shore boat con- 
veying Mr. Judge, the Government agent, went out to her. The boat 
was given mail for the island, but its occupants were mformed by 
the officer at the gangway that no one would be permitted to come 
on board, as the cutter was leaving immediately. Consequently she 
was not boarded, and the Government agent had no opportunity to 
advise her officers as to the conditions on the islands. 

Page 42. (6) The statement that— 

A cutter proceeding from Unalaska to the islands absolutely refused to carry one of 
the Government agents, who was marooned at that place — 

is, as requested, herewith substantiated as follows: 

On or about August 8, 1900, Mr. W. I. Lembkey, then assistant agent, 
who was. proceeding to the islands in the company's vessel Homer, 
with important information from the department, growing out of the 
unexpected death of Chief Agent John M. Morton, was compelled to 
wait at Dutch Harbor for three weeks until the company's vessel 
resumed her voyage to the islands. 

The cutter Rush, Capt. Cusliing, of the Bering Sea seal patrol, 
was at Dutch Harbor during that time. When the cutter was about 
to sail for the islands, Mr. Lembkey hired a rowboat, went out to 
her, and explained to the captain the urgency of his mission and of 



414 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

the importance of liis reaching the islands at once, and requested 
passage thereto. The captain refused to take him on board on the 
ground that he intended to patrol around the islands and would not 
call in at either village. The cutter, which left Dutch Harbor soon 
after this refusal, sailed directly for St. Paul, where her officers 
notified the residents that Mr. Lembkey was at Dutch Harbor, and 
would arrive at the islands on the company's steamer. 

It appears, further, that occasions of this kind are not, as claimed 
in the memorandum, wholly unprecedented, in view of the following 
occurrence : 

On or about July 16, 1901, Capt. Buehner, of the Manning, under 
instructions to take Agent Chichester from St. George to St. Paul to 
photograph the seal rookeries, called at St. George and took on board 
Mr. Chichester. This necessitated the stay of Chief Agent Lem])key 
on St. George Island until tlie return of Mr. Chichester. In pur- 
suance of an understanding between the agents, Mr. Chichester 
requested Capt. Buehner to return him to St. George Island about 
Juty 20, so as to allow Mr. Lembkey to go back to St. Paul Island 
and resume the discharge of his duties there. Capt. Buehner's 
reply to Mr. Chichester's request was, in substance, as follows: 

Do you think I am running a ferryboat for the convenience of the Government 
agents? 

The cutter did not, in fact, return Mr. Chichester to his station 
on St. George, and he was able to get back only through the cour- 
tesy of the British cruiser Condor, which performed the service at 
the request of Agent Lembkey. 

Page 4.3. (a) In reply to the suggestion in my report that ''the 
effectiveness of the revenue cutter ])atrol would also be largely 
increased if the officers of the cutters availed themselves of such 
information as the agent possesses with reference to the presence 
of poaching schooners in those waters," the memorandum states 
that tlie officers do avail themselves of any information given them 
by the agents, and alleges that "on July 14, two days prior to the 
Japanese raid, the Perry visited St. Paul Island and conferred with 
the agent; also, St. George Island the next day. The report of her 
commanding officer states: 'Received no important news at either 
island and proceeded to Unalaska.' Thus, two days before the raid, 
the revenue cutter did confer with the agent on both islands and 
received no news of importance." 

The fact of the matter is that when the Perry called at St. Paul 
Island on July 14 she was advised by the Government agent that a 
sealing schooner had been sighted in close proximity to the island 
a week before her arrival. While the record I made at the time of 
my investigation is silent as to whether or not the officers of the 
Perry held any communication with the Government agent on St. 
George Island, it is apparent that if they did hold such conference 
they must have learned that a schooner had been sighted near that 
island on July 8. It is manifest, therefore, that if the cutter 
"received no important information at either island" she failed to 
properly cooperate with the Government agents. 

Nor can I agree with the correctness of the conclusion reached in 
the memorandum that tbe news received was "unimportant" and 
that it justified tlie only revenue cutter in those waters in at once 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 415 

jibandoning the patrol and sailing away to Dutch Harbor, 240 miles 
distant. As I have before stated, the positive information that 
several Japanese schooners were in Bering Sea, coupled with the 
information that scliooners had been sighted in close proximity to 
the islands, should, in my judgment, have been sufficient to have 
indicated to an active and effective patrol the necessity for maintain- 
ing a close surveillance of the waters surrounding the reservation. 
Chief Agent W. I. Lembkey, who during the past summer was sta- 
tioned on St. Paul, and Assistant Agent Clark, who was stationed on 
St. George, are both in Washington and will verify the foregoing 
statement. 

In this connection I have the honor to suggest that the best evidence 
as to whether or not there was a proper cooperation and as to whether 
or not the patrol was active and effective, will be that evidence which 
shows the exact whereabouts of the Perry from June 27, the date the 
memorandum alleges she entered Bering Sea until July 29, the day 
I left those waters. My report does not deal with the condition of 
the patrol subsequent to July 29. So far as the memorandum sub- 
mitted for my consideration shows, she is accounted for only on two 
da^'s — July 14 at St. Paul Island, and at anchor off" St. George Island 
on the morning of Jvdy 16. Even conceding the correctness of the 
contention that there is no occasion to maintain a patrol until July 1, 
I suggest that tlie Perry's log will demonstrate whether the patrol 
being conducted by her was active and effective. 

Dutch Harbor, tiie coaling port nearest to the Pribilof Islands is 
about 240 miles distant. It would, therefore, take a vessel making 
average speed (10 miles an hour) 24 hours to run from the islands to 
Dutch Harbor. Vessels having the same coal capacity as revenue 
cutters on the fur-seal patrol, coal in from 8 to 10 or 12 hours. Allow- 
ing, therefore, one day to go to Dutch Harbor, one day to coal, and 
one day to return, the Perry, knowing that a number of Japanese 
schooners were in Bering Sea and that schooners had been sighted 
from both St. Paul and St. George Islands, might have been back at 
the islands on July 19. She was still in Dutch Harbor on July 29 
Avhen I passed through there on the McCuUoch. I do not know where 
she was from the 1st to the 14th of July. There seems to be little 
dispute, however, that so far as the Government's agents were aware 
she was in the vicinity of the islands on two days only — July 14 and 
16. Where was she the remainder of the month ? 

Page 43. (h) The paragraph commenting on my recommendation 
that a code of signals be arranged for foggy weather, refers to the use 
of the International Code, during fair weather. I am aware that the 
International Code of Signals has been used with great success. My 
recommendation, however, was that a code of signals be agreed upon 
for foggy weather, and in view of the fact that the islands are enveloped 
in a dense fog a large portion of the time, it was my judgment that 
the establishment of such a code is highly important. The statement 
that "no suggestion as to the necessity of another code of signals 
has ever been presented to this department," in no'wise reflects upon 
the Government agents or the Department of Commerce and Labor, 
It is obvious that the establishment of signals, or any other matter 
whereby landings at the islands may be facilitated, more properly 
belongs to the Kevenue-Cutter Service than to anyone else. 



416 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Page 44. (a) I may be in error in having stated that the Fetrif 
was at St. Paul Island on July 14 ''for about three hours," instead 
of having stated precisely and exactly that she was there for "'a period 
of 6 hours and 20 minutes." Tliis seeming inaccuracy is, however, of 
no importance as compared with a determination of the location of 
the Perry from July 1 to July 31. Further than tliis, my information 
was secured from the most trustworthy sources on the island, and 
the period of three hours, it will be noted; is qualified by the word 
"about." 

Page 45. (6) The memorandum contains a statement of the dates 
of arrival in Bering Sea of the revenue cutters detailed for duty in 
Alaskan waters for the last three years. In the statement with 
reference to the season of 1906, I notice that the Perry is supposed to 
have arrived in Bering Sea June 27, 1906. In my judgment an 
arrival at Dutch Harbor or Unalaska is not an arrival at Bering Sea 
in the sense that the vessel has arrived at the point where she enters 
upon the discharge of her duties in connection with the fur-seal 
fisheries patrol. 

The statement as to the arrival of the Rush on June 28, and the 
arrival of the Thetis on June 29, has notliing to do with the seal 
patrol. The Rush was engaged on the cannery cruise, and so far 
as I am aware the Thetis was engaged in other matters. 

There is a material discrepancy between the dates of arrival on the 
patrol as shown by the Government Tog on wSt. Paul Island and the 
statements contained in the memorandum. This discrepancy will 
undoubtedly be cleared up by determining just what is meant by the 
language "arrival in Bering Sea" as used in the memorandum. In 
any event, it appears that if the vessels entered upon the patrol 
duties on the dates mentioned, they did not put themselves into 
communication with the agents on the islands, and therefore did 
not know the condition of affairs at the islands until a much later 
date. This is clearly shown by the following tables: 

Information contained in memorandum Extracts from the log kept by the 

as to "the dates of arrival in Bering Sea Government agents on St. Paul Island, 

of the revenue cutters detailed for duty showing the date of the first arrival in the 

in Alaskan waters " : years mentioned of the vessels referred to: 

Season of 1904. Season of 1904. 

McCulloch, June 25, 1904. McCulloch, August 1, 1904. 

Perry, July 8, 1904. Perry; did not call at St. Paul Island at 

all. 

Thetis, July 12, 1904. Thetis, July 27, 1904. 

(It appears, therefore, that if the Mc- 
Culloch arrived at Bering Sea on June 25, 
she did not touch at St. Paul Island until 
August 1. I presume her log will show 
whether or not she was in the meantime 
engaged on the seal patrol.) 

Season of 1905. Season of 1905. 

Manning, June 14, 1905. Manning, June 26, 1905. 

Perry, June 16, 1905. Perry, July 3, 1905. 

Bear, June — , 1905. Bear, August 28, 1905. 

(It appears from the foregoing, there- 
lore, that if the Perry arrived at Bering 
Sea on June 16, she did not call at St. 
Paul until Julys.) 



SEAL ISLANDS OP ALASKA. 417 

Season of 1906. Season of 1906. 

Perry, June 27, 1906. Perry, July 14, 1906. 

Rush, June 28, 1906. Rush; had not called previous to July 

27. 

Thetis, June 29, 1906. Thetis; had not called previous to July 

27. 

(It appears from the foregoing, there- 
fore, that the Perry had been in Bering 
Sea 17 days before she placed herself in 
communication with the Government 
agents on the Government seal reserva- 
tion.) 

The memorandum states on page 8 : 

Mr. Sims apparently does not take into consideration the necessity for vessels to coal, 
clean boilers, overhaul machinery, etc. 

On the contrary, in submitting my report I took all of these things 
into consideration. As I have before stated, it is usual and customary 
for vessels the size of the revenue cutters to coal in from 8 to 10 and 
12 hours. If it becomes apparent that the vessels of the Revenue- 
Cutter Service require a longer time to coal, it will, of course, be neces- 
sary to increase the number of vessels on the patrol. In my judg- 
ment a vessel can not spend five or six days in port every time she 
coals and conduct an active and effective patrol of the fur-seal fish 
eries, at least during the time when the combined Japanese and Cana 
dian fleets number upward of 50 vessels. 

As to the matter of cleaning boilers, overhauling machinery, etc., 
I am not famihar. 1 do know, however, that commercial vessels ply- 
ing in the Alaskan waters make trips of several thousand miles with- 
out having to lay up for any extended time, either to clean boilers or 
overhaul their machinery. But, as I have before stated, I was not 
sent up to Alaska to investigate the Revenue-Cutter Service. I have 
no information, therefore, as to whether during the winter months 
they have the same opportunities as commercial steamers to overhaul 
their machinery and put themselves in sliipshape for the ensuing sea- 
son. It seems to me, however, that vessels manned with a large and 
competent crew of officers and men should have no occasion to spend 
any more time in port taking on coal, cleaning boilers, and overhaul- 
ing machinery than do commercial steamers. 

The memorandum states, page 9, referring to page 53 of report, 
that the Revenue-Cutter Service is prepared at any time to place an 
armed guard, under commissioned ofi^lcers, on the Pribilof Islands, 
and will insure against any raids of the rookeries. So far as I was 
able to learn, there is at the present time nothing the matter with 
the armed guard on either of the islands, other than that they should 
be supplied with additional arms and ammunition. The Government 
agents and the armed guard promptly and effectively handled the 
raids on the rookeries. It was the operations of the raiders in the 
waters surrounding the islands that were carried on unchecked, and 
this was due not to the absence of a properly armed guard on shore, 
but to the absence of vessels in the waters surrounding the islands. 
In my judgment it is neither necessary nor desirable to station a 
marine or military guard on the islands, and I recommend that the 
department call for a report from the Government agent as to this 
matter before taldng any action of that kind. 

Respectfully submitted. Edwin W. Sims. 

2403— H. Doc. 93, 62-1 27 



418 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

EEJOINDER TO A REPLY SUBMITTED BY MR. EDWIN W. SIMS TO 
A MEMORANDUM RELATIVE TO A REPORT OF THE SOLICITOR OF 
THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND LABOR ON THE ALASKAN FUR- 
SEAL FISHERIES IN SO FAR AS IT RELATES TO THE PATROL BY THE 
REVENUE-CUTTER SERVICE. 

Page. 

Whereabouts of Perry at time of first landing of Japanese ._ .... 5 

Perry boarded more Japanese sealers than original report of Mr. Sims indicates 

were in Bering Sea - . - 8 

The number of sealers changed in Mr. Sims's printed report to accord with 

information contained in Capt. Ross's memorandum 8 

Mr. Sims did not investigate the patrol of the Revenue-Cutter Service 10 

Sketch of Mr. Sims's trip on McCulloch 11 

Facts in connection with signals referred to in Mr. Sims's reply.. 14-17 

Facts in connection with three incidents cited by Mr. Sims (particularly Capt. 

Cushing's statement) 19-24 

Note letter of Agent Clark to Caj)t. Cushing 23 

Why did not agents report derelictions of duty when they occurred? 25 

Whereabouts of Perry June 27 to July 29, period particularly mentioned by 

Mr. Sims 27-29 

Number of times Perry communicated with islands 29 

Relative to Mr. Sims's statement that vessel on seal patrol does not under ordi- 
nary circumstances reach the sea until about Aug. 1; note table of arrivals.. 32-34 

Capt. Ross's efforts to interview Mr. Sims relative to report 36-37 

Capt. Ross has thoroughly investigated records of Perry during past season. ... 37 
Mr. Sims might have at least conferred with Treasury Department to ascertain 
facts before making criticisms 38 



REJOINDER TO A REPLY SUBMITTED BY MR. EDWIN W. SIMS TO A 
MEMORANDUM RELATIVE TO A REPORT OF THE SOLICITOR OF THE 
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND LABOR ON THE ALASKAN FUR-SEAL 
FISHERIES IN SO FAR AS IT RELATES TO THE PATROL BY THE 
REVENUE-CUTTER SERVICE. 

[Paragraphs are numbered to accord with designations in Mr. Sims's reply.] 

In his reply to the memorandum submitted by me Mr. Sims 
endeavors to answer only certain of the points set forth in the said 
memorandum, ignoring other important points which serve to 
refute his criticisms on the patrol conducted by the Revenue-Cutter 
Service. The following matters are dealt with in his reply: 

Page 5. (a) The memorandum stated: 

The patrol has been maintained strictly in accordance with the requests of the 
Department of Commerce and Labor. 

In his reply Mr. Sims states : 

In this connection attention is called to the fact that under date of April 2, 1904, 
Secretary Cortelyou inquired as to the possibility of assigning at least one additional 
cutter to this service in order to determine with greater certainty whether the fur- 
seal regulations are being violated. He was advised under date of April 6, 1904, 
that such an additional assignment could not be made without abandoning some of 
the regular duties assigned to the Revenue-Cutter Service on the Pacific coast. 

Ill his letter of April 6, 1904, referred to, Secretary vShaw stated as 
follows: 

There are in service on the Pacific coast four revenue cutters suitable for the work 
referred to, and without abandoning all the stations under this department from 
Sitka, Alaska, to San Diego, Cal., but one vessel for the work indicated can be spared. 

As a graphic illustration of the patrol of Bering Sea performed by the fleet of revenue 
cutters while that work was under the jurisdiction of this department, I forward here- 



SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 419 

with a chart showing the tracks made by the fleet of cutters, the work performed by 
each being indicated by the different colored lines and any one of those lines will show 
the activity or vigilance of a single cutter. 

That the Department of Commerce and Labor was convuiced that 
the presence of one revenue cutter in Bering Sea was sufficient to 
meet the conditions then existing is to be inferred from the fact that 
no further communication was received from that department on the 
matter, and that for the seasons of 1905 and 1906 the Department 
of Commerce and Labor requested that the Revenue-Cutter Service 
estabhsh "the usual patrol" in Bering Sea. 

As indicating that the Revenue-' \itter Service has manifested an 
interest in the efficiency of the seal patrol it may be remarked that 
just prior to the season of 1906 the Treasury Department, not hav- 
ing heard from the Department of Commerce and Labor on the sub- 
ject, called its attention to the advisability of making an official 
application for a seal patrol for the ensuing season. 

The statement in my memorandum that "no complaint has here- 
tofore come from that dcDartment (Commerce and Labor) in rela- 
tion to the patrol" is emphatically renewed. There is not on file in 
this office any communication from the Department of Commerce 
and Labor that reflects in any manner on the efficiency of tiie patrol 
of the Revenue-Cutter Service in Bering Sea or that calls in question 
the zeal and attention to duty of the officers engaged in that work. 

(c) The original report of Mr. Sims stated: 

The presence of a revenue cutter in the vicinity of the islands would have pre- 
vented the depredations of the Japanese schooners at that point. 

Such an allegation is not true, and my memorandum went on to 
state: 

As a matter of fact the Perry was anchored off the island of St. George on the morn- 
ing of July 16, the very day when the Japanese first landed on St. Paul Island, 40 
miles distant. If the Perry had been at St. Paul and the raid occurred on St. George, 
the same criticism might have been made and with an equal lack of justice. 

In reply, Mr. Sims says: 

The same criticism should be made. A vessel at anchor or in port is, in my judg- 
ment, not conducting an active and effective patrol. * * * if the Perry, instead 
of lying at anchor or cruising elsewhere, as the memorandum indicates she did, had 
cruised to St. Paul Island, 40 miles distant, a run of four hours, on either of those 
days, she would undoubtedly have frightened away the Japanese schooners. 

The above rejoinder illustrates the injustice of Mr. Sims's general 
method of attack upon the revenue-cutter patrol in Bering Sea. 

The facts in the case relative to the movements of the cutter Perry 
at the time of tlie attempted raid by the Japanese on St. Paul Island 
are as follows: 

The first landing of the Japanese on St. Paul Island occurred 
July 16, 1906. 

On July 14 the Perry touched at St. Paul Island, sent an officer 
to communicate with Mr. Ijcmbkey, agent in charge, and learned 
that nothing unusual had occurred there, only one vessel, supposed 
to be a sealing schooner — although the identity of the vessel, owing 
to her distance oft" the island, could not be determined with accu- 
racy — having been seen oft' Northeast Point a short time before the 
Perry arrived. 

On the evening of July 14 the Perry arrived at St. George Island, 
and on tlie 15th sent an ofiicer to deliver mail and communicate with 



420 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

the Government and company agents. The officer saw Assistant 
Agent Clark, who sent his compliments to the commanding officer. 
During the afternoon of July 15 Assistant Agent Chichester vis- 
ited the Perry and conferred with the commanding officer. IVIr. 
Chichester reported that one small schooner, flying the Argentine 
Republic flag, had been sighted in close proximity to the island, but 
that no attempt had been made to land or raid the seal rookeries. 
Similar incidents had occurred in recent years since Japanese vessels 
had been engaged in pelagic sealing, but at neither island was any 
fear or apprehension expressed as to any attempt to raid the rookeries. 
Such bemg the situation at the seal islands on July 16, the Perry 
left St. George Island and proceeded to Unalaska to replenish her 
supply of coal. 

It appears, therefore, that the Perry conferred with the agent at 
St. Paul Island two days before the landing of the Japanese, that she 
conferred with the agent at St. George Island one day before the land- 
ing of the Japanese, and that on the morning of the day the Japanese 
landed at one of the Pribilof Islands the Perry was at anchor at the 
other one of those islands. Without actual knowledge of the plans 
of the Japanese poachers to land at St. Paul Island, and without more 
than human prescience, the commanding officer of the Perry can not 
properly be subjected to criticism for his action at this time. 

Mr. Sims 's original report contains various criticisms of the revenue 
cutters because they did not cooperate with the agents on the islands; 
yet in his reply to my memorandum he criticizes the Perry because 
she was at anchor overnight in the vicinity of the seal rookeries on 
St. George Island in order that she might confer with the agent on 
that island. 

In his reply Mr. Sims states : 

Furthermore, it appears that if the Perry was in fact anchored off St. George Island 
on the morning of July 16 she failed to communicate with the Government agent at 
the village. Maj. Clark's log does not show that he had any official communication 
with the cutter on that date, although it appears that during the day a landing was 
made on one of the rookeries by a boat from the cutter. 

Maj. Clark's log is in error if it appears therein that on July 16 a 
landing was made on one of the rookeries by a boat from the Perry. 
The Perry got underway from her anchorage at St. George at 7 a. m. 
on the morning of July 16 and stood to the eastward, but Maj. 
Clark's log does show or should show that on Jidy 15 an officer from 
the Perry did communicate with him, and furthermore that Mr. 
Chichester on the same day held an official conference with the com- 
manding officer of the cutter. 
id) The reply states: 

I know nothing about the movements of the Rush. I have always understood that 
she was engaged exclusively on what is known as the " cannery cruise. " It is manifest 
that a vessel engaged on the cannery cruise can be of no service in connection with the 
seal patrol. 

Instructions issued to the Rush relative to her duties in Alaskan 
waters during the past season contain the following : 

While in Bering Sea in the course of your regular cruising, should you fall in with 
a sealing vessel you will be governed by the instructions heretofore sent to the vessels 
of the service assigned to enforce the rules and regulations regarding fur-seal fishing, 
as set forth in the copy of department letter herewith transmitted. 



SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 421 

The Rush was engaged in the cannery cruise in accordance with the 
wishes of the Department of Commerce and Labor. This vessel ar- 
rived at Unahiska June 28 and was in the waters of 'Bering Sea until 
August 14. The fact that the movements of the Rush did not bring 
her into that part of Bering Sea where pelagic sealing was in operation 
is due solely to her duties in connection with the cannery cruise, on 
which she was engaged at the request of the Department of Commerce 
and Labor. 

The Secretary of Commerce and Labor, in a letter dated October 
23, 1906, and addressed to the Secretary of the Treasury, says: 

In reply to your favor of the 16th instant, inquiring whether the work of the revenue 
cutter Rush, which had been detailed to make the Alaskan cannery cruise the past 
season, with Mr. John N. Cobb, of the Biureau of Fisheries, aboard, was satisfactory, 
I have the honor to state that I have been advised by Mr. Cobb that the work of the 
Riish was very satisfactory in every particular, and the thanks of the department are 
due the officers and men of the cutter for their cordial cooperation and aid in the 
performance of this trying work. 

Mr. Sims's reply goes on to state : 

I have not the slightest doubt as to the truth of the statement contained in the 
memorandum to the effect that the Perry actually boarded more Japanese pelagic 
sealers than my report indicates operated in Bering Sea during the summer. 

The discrepancy in the number of Japanese sealers, as stated in Mr. 
Sims's original report, which discrepancy he attempts to dismiss in 
the offhand manner indicated by the above quotation from his reply, 
has this direct and very pertinent bearing on the case at issue : In ms 
report he endeavors to discredit the work of the cutter Perry and inti- 
mates that the officers of the Perry performed their duty in a lax and 
inefficient manner. He desires his report to be accepted as an em- 
bodiment of accurate and substantiated facts, which facts he endeav- 
ors to use to the discredit of the Revenue-Cutter Service, yet the offi- 
cial reports of the Perry show that that vessel actually boarded and 
inspected more Japanese sealers than the original report of Mr. Sims — 
said report being "based upon record evidence, and first-hand infor- 
mation from responsible parties" — vindicates were in Bering Sea during 
the summer. 

Mr. Sims says: 

And the statement contained in my report as to the size of the Japanese sealing 
fleet was based upon information secured from the captain of the Perry on July 28 
and from other sources previous to that time. 

As a matter of fact, Mr. Sims received no information from the cap- 
tain of the Perry relative to the size of the sealing fleet, for at the 
time of this conference, which consisted of an accidental meeting 
between Mr. Sims and the commanding officer of the Perry on the 
wharf at Unalaska, lasting about 10 or 15 minutes, the Perry had 
sighted but one sealing schooner, which was boarded by her, and did 
not fall in with another sealing schooner until the 29th of. August, a 
month after IVIr. Sims left Bering Sea. 

I observe that the statement as to the size of the sealing fleet, con- ' 
tained in Mr. Sims's report as originally submitted, has been changed 
in the printed report (p. 12) to correspond wdth the number of sealers 
boarded by the Perry, which information he received from my memo- 
randum. As the Perry boarded 16 Japanese sealers, liis estimate of 
the number in the sea, she can not justly be charged with having 
performed patrol duty in a very lax manner, 



422 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

(e) The replj^ states: 

The best evidence as to whether or not the vessels of the Revenue-Cutter Service 
were or were not actively and effectively patrolling in Bering Sea is the results accom- 
plished by such patrol. During the past year five or six vessels of the Canadian fleet 
continued their operations for several weeks into the closed season; a number of 
Japanese schooners conducted pelagic sealing operations within the 3-mile limit in 
the vicinity of the Pribilof Islands, and on two or three occasions their crews landed 
and raided or attempted to raid the rookeries. It requires no argument to demon- 
strate that a patrol which fails to discover and prevent occurrences of this kind is 
neither active nor effective. 

The statement contained in the last sentence of the above excerpt 
from Mr. Sims's reply is denied emphatically and in toto. The 
patrol of Bering Sea by the revenue cutters for the enforcement of 
the fur-seal regulations has, since its inception, been exceedingly 
active and remarkably efficient. During the past season the patrol 
of the Perry was efficient, active, and energetic, and that it was not 
sufficient to prevent the unfortunate occurrences cited can not be 
made justly to reflect upon the performance of duty of the officers 
of that ship. 

The most serious of these occurrences was, of course, the landing 
of the Japanese on St. Paul Island. It has been shown above that 
two days prior to the first landing of the Japanese the Perry was at 
St. Paul Island; that one day prior to this landing she was at St. 
George Island, and that on the morning of the day on which the 
first landing was made she was at anchor off St. George Island. It 
must be borne in mind, although the arguments of Mr. Sims tend 
to obscure this point, that an efficient and proper performance of 
duty on the part of the commanding officer of a revenue cutter udll 
operate to prevent his being continually or even a considerable time 
in the immediate vicinity of the Pribilof Islands. If the Perry 
during the past season had cruised constantly in close proximity to 
these islands she would have been liable to criticism for not cruising 
on the limits of the 60-mile zone, within which zone Canadian vessels 
are proMbited from sealing by the terms of the Paris award. The 
orders issued to the revenue cutters for the Bering Sea patrol are 
officially approved by the Department of Commerce and Labor. 

To quote further: 

I did not examine the official log books, records of cruising, etc., of the revenue 
cutters, for the reason that I was not in Alaska for the purpose of investigating the 
Revenue-Cutter Service. 

This statement is accurate, and it is an unfortunate circumstance, 
in the light of his criticism of the revenue-cutter patrol, that he did 
not investigate that service, or at least try to obtain more trustworthy 
information to support his allegations. If Mr. Sims had expressed a 
desire to investigate the operations of the Revenue-Cutter Service in 
connection' with the fur-seal fisheries, he would have been accorded 
every facility to make a thorough investigation. Such an investiga- 
tion would have been welcome then, and I desire to state that a full 
and complete investigation of this matter will be welcome now. Mr. 
Sims did not investigate the Revenue-Cutter Service, but submitted 
a report seriously reflecting upon that service and clothed in language 
tending to give the impression that his criticisms were the result of a 
careful investigation conducted by him. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 423 



To quote further: 



The charges of laxity are not based solely upon a seven clays' residence on the islands, 
but are based upon observations and investigations made during the course of the 
entire trip. 

It may be well at this juncture to give a brief sketch of Mr. Sims's 
entire trip, excluding his seven days' residence on the islands, wherein 
he had opportunity for the said observations and investigations. 

Prior to his departure for Alaska, Mr. Sims called on a number of 
occasions at this ofhce and had interviews with me relative to his 
proposed trip. These interviews were of an agreeable nature, and I 
assured Mr. Sims of the willingness of the Revenue-Cutter Service to 
aid him in every way on the duty upon which he was to be engaged, 
and he informed me that the assistance accorded by the Revenue- 
Cutter Service in this matter was appreciated by him and by the 
Department of Commerce and Labor. Mr. Sims said nothing to 
convey in any wa}^ the impression that he proposed to investigate 
the conduct of the revenue cutters in connection with the seal patrol 
or that he desired to obtain an}^ information or to be accorded any 
facilities for obtaining information regarding this matter. 

He joined the McCvlloch on July 9 at Seattle, and on the after- 
noon of the same day the vessel left port and proceeded north via 
Port Townsend and Union Bay, at which latter place she took on a 
supply of coal. 

Upon leaving Union Bay the McCulloch steamed up the inside pas- 
sage out of Queen Charlotte Sound and thence direct to St. Paul 
Island, where she arrived July 20. Mr. Sims left the vessel at this 
place. The McCulloch then took on board x\gent Lembkey and 12 
Japanese prisoners and proceeded to Unalaska, arriving there July 21. 
On July 25 she left Unalaska and proceeded to St. George and thence 
to St. Paul. On July 26 Mr. Sims came on board the McCulloch at 
St. Paul Island and was landed again on the island on July 27, but 
returned to the vessel in a few hours. July 27 the McCulloch visited 
Otter Island and landed Mr. vSims there for a short period, then pro- 
ceeded to St. George. Mr. Sims visited the island on this day. 

On the evening of the same da)^ the McCulloch left the islands and 
proceeded to Unalaska, coaled ship, received Japanese prisoners on 
board, and at 3 a. m., July 29, left port and proceeded to the eastward. 
July 31 anchored at Karluk, Kodiak Island. August 1 anchored in 
Lutnik Bay and later in the day stopped at St. Paul, Kodiak Island. 
(Mr. Bowers, Commissioner of Fisheries, was a passenger on the 
McCulloch on this trip, and it is presumed that the vessel stopped at 
places just mentionecf in order to premit him to make the inspections 
tie desired.) Agent Lembkey left the McCulloch at Kodiak Island 
with 4 natives and 12 Japanese prisoners, the latter being put in 
charge of the United States marshal. August 3 the McCulloch left 
Kodiak Island and steamed direct to Sitka, arriving there August 6. 
Mr. Sims left the vessel August 9. 

It appears, therefore, that Mr. Sims's entire trip was made on the 
revenue cutter McCulloch, which vessel was cruising for the express 
purpose of carrying out his wishes and those of Commissioner Bowers. 

Page 22. My memorandum stated that the raid on the islands this 
year was unprecedented and entirely unexpected by all concerned, 
and in support of this assertion I quoted the following from Mr. 



424 



SEAL ISIiANDS OF ALASKA. 



Sims's report: "The seals which herd on these islands have been 
undisturbed in the waters surrounding them for many years and they 
undoubtedly fell an easy prey to this unexpected onslaught." 

The reply to the memorandum now seeks to give the impression 
that the raids were either expected or their probability was suspected 
by the agents on the islands. It remains only to be said that if such 
was the case, the agents on both St. Paul and St. George were 
culpably negligent, in that they failed to inform the commanding 
officer of the rerry of their suspicions in the matter, or that they 
suspected the occurrence of a situation which they, according to Mr. 
Sims, were ''prepared to properly handle." If the Department of 
Commerce and Labor was apprehensive of a raid, they indicated noth- 
ing of this kind when orders were issued to the Perry and sent to that 
department for its approval. 

Page 41. (&) In connection w^ith the allegation in his report that 
the revenue cutters fail to cooperate properly with the islands but 
are in the habit of signaling to the people on shore "Send a boat," 
"Make haste," etc., Mr. Sims now gives a number of signals, with 
dates, in support of his charge. Each incident he notes has been 
carefully examined, with the following results: 



Date. 



Signals cited by Mr. Sims. 



Facts in connection with these signals as obtained from official 
log books. ' 



1900. 
July 12 



Rush— "Send your letters' 



July 25 



July 29 



Sept, 4 



1902. 
Oct. 23 



1903. 
Aug. 3 



Rush — "Send a boat' 



Rush—" Send a boat" . 



Rush—" Send a boat" . 



Manning— "Make haste".. 



McCuUoch— "Send a boat 
with Sinclair." 



Rush stopped off Southeast Landing, St. Paul, at 9.45 a. m. tMs 
day and sent officer in boat for mail. Found landing impossi- 
ble, on account of heavy surf. Boat returned. Received signal 
from shore, "Send surgeon." Full speed ahead, stood around 
island into village cove and anchored. Sent officer and surgeon 
ashore to ascertain what was the trouble and to get the mail; 
12.15 p. m., boat from shore came alongside with Agent Judge, 
who called on commanding officer; 2.10 p. m., boat returned 
with officer and surgeon; 2.30 p. m., underway and steamed for 
St. George. (There is no record of the signal, "Send your let- 
ters," having been displayed from the Rush on this day.) 

This signal was displayed as noted. (There appears to have been 
no reason why the people on the islands, whose boats are right 
on the beach" and who are entirely famiUar with the landing, 
with the adjacent rocks, kelp, etc., should have not come along- 
side the Rush in their own boat.) 

The log of the Rush contains no mention of any signal having been 
displaved on this day. 

The Rush anchored at St. Paul at 4.20 p. m.this day, sent an 
officer ashore for mail and to notify Fish Commissioner Town- 
send that the vessel would leave in the early morning. Mr. 
Townsend came on board that night. The Rush left St. Paul 
5.35 next morning. 

Rush anchored at St. Paul 8.55 a. m. this day. Signaled to village, 
"Send your letters." Received answer, "Everyone sick with 
measles." Rush waited for opportunity to land, and at 4.15 
p. m. signaled village, "Get mail ready." At 4.30 p. m. sent 
boat ashore in charge of officer for mail; 5.40, boat returned with 
mail; 9 a. m. next morning, left the island. 

On this date the Manning was not at either St. Paul or St. George 
Island. On Oct. 25, at 11.30 a. m., the Manning stopped ofit 
East Landing, St. Paul Island, and sent in her boat with mail 
and received mail for the States. She signaled, "Make haste," 
which message was intended to bring about the speedy return 
of her own boat. 

(Weather overcast; frequent snow squalls; moderate to 
fresh breezes. That night wind increased to moderate gale.) 
Manning proceeded to St. George. 

There is no record of such a signal. 

McCuUoch anchored off St. Paul Island 5.30 p. m. Aug. 3, 1903. 
Sent an officer ashore to inform special agents of arrival of sena- 
torial committee and to req uest them to come on board . S pecial 
Agents Lembkey and Judge came off in McCuUoch 's boat and 
conferred with thecommittee. DuringSp.m.tomidnight watch 
landed Special Agents Lembkey and Judge in the ship's boat. 



SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



425 



Date. 



Signals cited by Mr. Sims. 



Facts in connection with these signals as obtained from ofEcial 
log books. 



1904. 
Aug. 14 



Aug. 19 
Aug. 24 
Aug. 29 

Sept. 3 



Sept. 9 



Oct. 17 

1905. 
July 3 



McCulloch— "Send a boat." 
"All the available men 
were away at the seal rook- 
eries and the cutter sailed 
away without further com- 
municating with the shore. ' ' 



McCulloch — ' ' Have stores 

for you." 
McCulloch—' ' Send a boat ' ' . 



McCulloch 

' ' Anchored off East Land- 
ing. Did not communi- 
cate." 
McCulloch — "Have stores 

for you." 

"Bad landing but she 
steamed westward before 
waiting for reply. Landed 
stores at Northeast Point on 
the same day. " 



McCulloch— "Have stores 

for you." 

" To this signal the island 
answered ' Will send a boat 
if possible.' While boat 
was being launched the cut- 
ter steamed away. ' ' 

McCulloch— "Send a boat." 



McCulloch—' ' Have letters 
for you. ' ' 



McCulloch arrived off Village Cove, St. Paul Island, about 11 
a. m. of this day. At 11.18 stopped and sent a boat to steamer 
Kruger with mail for St. George Island; 11.50, off Village 
Cove, set signal, "Send a boat." Stopped until 12.25 p. m., 
then steamed ahead slow. 

The vessel was ofl the village for over half an hour, but no an- 
swer to the signal is noted in the log as having been displayed 
on shore. 

If there were not enough men available to man a boat, there 
certainly must have been one man present to return the McCul- 
loch 's signal. The individual who read the signal surely could 
have answered it. 

This signal was displayed by the McCulloch as stated. 

This signal is correct. A boat came off from the village and re- 
ceived the mail. 

6.55 a.m. this day, fog lifting somewhat, ship underway and 
steamed around island. The ship did not anchor off East 
Landing but in Lukannon Bay, out of signal distance with the 
village. Weather foggy. 

6.35 a. m. this day McCulloch stopped off St. Paul village and 
signaled, "Have stores for you." Answering pennant dis- 
played on shore but no signal set. Vessel stopped 45 minutes 
off Village, but her signal was unanswered. Steamed around 
to other side of island and anchored under the lee of Northeast 
Point. Sent boat ashore and communicated with village by 
telephone regarding landing of mail and stores. The McCulloch 
did land mail and stores during the afternoon of this day. 

12.45 p. m. this day McCulloch stopped off Black Bluff and sig- 
naled, "Have stores for you." Received in answer, "Will 
send boat if possible." Vessel rolling deeply and therefore 
not advisable to lower ship 's boat. Vessel remained off village 
45 minutes. Then proceeded to Northeast Point and anchored. 
On the ne.xt day she returned to Black Blufl, signaled, "Can 
you send boat?" and received answer, "Will send boat." A 
boat came off from the shore and received mail and stores. 

This signal was set as stated and a boat came off from the shore 
and received and dehvered mail. 

The McCulloch was in Bering Sea at no time during the season of 
1905. 



While Mr. Sims picks out some 14 signals, covering a period of 
seven 3^ears, during four of which years the islands were under the 
control of the Treasury Department, he does not allude in any way 
to the numerous other times the cutters have communicatee! with 
and assisted the agents on the seal islands. The signals mentioned 
above to which he does refer are, as the record shows, not worthy of 
serious consideration, and are in a number of cases not borne out by 
the facts. 

In connection with this matter of the signals displayed by the 
revenue cutters to "Send a boat," "Have stores for 3'ou/' etc., it may 
be said that in the majority of cases the boat should be sent out from 
the island instead of one of the sliip's boats being lowered and sent 
ashore. If a vessel is rolling deeply, the difficulty and danger of 
lowering a boat are considerable. On the islands there are boats at 
hand drawn up on the beach that can be readily launched. The 
natives are famihar with the rocks that surround the landing and 
have had years of experience in the work. When supplies are brought 
to the islands by the company's steamers, they are, as a rule, landed 
in shore boats manned by the natives. It is not easy to see wliy the 
obligation should rest upon the cutter to send a boat on every 
occasion. 



426 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Page 42. (a) The following is cited as an alleged incident when 
Government agents at the seal islands were not allowed to come on 
board a revenue cutter: 

On or about August 19, 1904, the McCulloch visited St. George Island. In response 
to her signal, "Send a boat," a shore boat conveying Mr. Judge, the Government 
agent, went out to her. The boat was given mail for the island, but its occupants 
were informed by the officer at the gangway that no one would be permitted to come 
on board, as the cutter was leaving immediately. Consequently she was not boarded 
and the Goyernment agent had no opportunity to advise her officers as to the condi- 
tions on the islands. 

Tlie official log book of the McCulloch show^s that that vessel was 
not at St. George Island on August 1 9. On the following day, August 
20, she was off the island of St. George, but did not stop. A moderate 
to fresh gale was blowang, wdth rough confused sea, conditions that 
w^ould prevent communication wdth the shore, and the log book fails 
to mention any such communication. I have ascertained, however, 
probably in reference to this matter, that on one occasion during the 
summer of 1904 the McCulloch, while en route to St. Paul Island, 
stopped for a short time at St. George. A boat came off from shore 
with the mail. The commanding officer of the McCulloch was very 
anxious to reach St. Paul Island before nightfall; he therefore sent 
the officer of the deck to present his compliments to the official in 
charge of the shore boat, with the request that he hasten delivery of 
his mail, explaining the reason for his desire to proceed as soon as 
possible in order that he might reach the other island before night. 
I have learned from the officer, who was officer of the deck at this 
particular time, the circumstances stated above. He does not recall 
the fact that the Government agent was denied the right to come on 
board the ship and is quite sure no such order was given. It is cer- 
tain that had the agent any matter of importance to communicate 
he would have been given an opportunity to do so. 

In his original report Mr. Sims made the statement that — 

A cutter proceeding from Unalaska to the islands absolutely refused to carry one 
of the Government agents who was marooned at that place. 

And in his reply endeavors to substantiate the above statement 
as follows: 

On or about August 8, 1900, Mr. W. I. Lembkey, then assistant agent, who was 
proceeding to the islands in the company's vessel Homer, with important information 
from the department, growing out of the unexpected death of Chief Agent John M. 
Morton, was compelled to wait at Dutch Harbor for three weeks until the company's 
vessel resumed her voyage to the islands. 

The cutter Rush, Capt. Cushing, of the Bering Sea seal patrol, was at Dutch Harbor 
during that time, ^\^en the cutter was about to sail for the islands, Mr. Lembkey 
hired a rowboat, went out to her, and explained to the captain the urgency of his 
mission and of the importance of his reaching the islands at once, and requested 
passage thereto. The captain refused to take him on board on the ground that he 
intended to patrol around the islands and would not call in at either village. The 
cutter, which left Dutch Harbor soon after this refusal, sailed directly for St. Paul, 
where her officers notified the residents that Mr. Lembkey was at Dutch Harbor 
and would arrive at the islands on the company's steamer. 

I have taken occasion to investigate carefully the facts in con- 
^ nection with this occurrence. 

On August 2, 1900, the Rush was at Dutch Harbor when the 
si 'earner Homer arrived. At 6.55 a. m. August 5 the Rush left port 
ar id did not sail directly for St. Paul Island, as stated by Mr. Sims, 
bu t on the contrary cruised in Bering Sea about the 60-mile limit 
an( 1 did not arrive at St. Paul Island until 7.30 p. m. August 10. 



u^ 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 427 

Capt. W. H. Gushing, United States Revenue-Cutter Service, 
who commanded the Rush in 1900, in a letter to me states: 

Mr. Lembkey asked me if I was going to the islands and when I expected to arrive 
there. I told him I was not going direct to either one, but intended to cruise con- 
tinuously around St. George and St. Paul Islands, making the full circle of both at 
the 60-mile limit. I was anxious to do it at this time, as word had been brought me 
after I arrived at Dutch Harbor that some sealing schooners had been seen inside 
the 60-mile limit. Mr. Lembkey never told me about his "important information 
growing out of the unexpected death of Mr. Morton." If he had done so, I should 
certainly have landed him at one of the islands, but he seemed to be just as well 
satisfied to go up on the Homer, and at that time I understood she would be at the 
islands as soon as we would. 

I wish to say here that if Mr. Lembkey had shown me or told me of any great urgency, 
or the importance of his reaching the islands, and I had been obliged to refuse him, 
I certainly would have considered it important enough to have made an entry in 
the ship's journal and given a reason. 

The official log of the Rush contains no entry relative to any 
application from Mr. Lembkey to be taken on the Rush to the seal 
islands. On his ])revious cruise Capt. Cusliing was asked by Mr. Town- 
send, an official of the FisJi Commission, to be taken to the islands. 
Capt. Cushing acceded at once, received Mr. Townsend in his cabin, 
and carried him to St. George and St. Paul. After cruising around 
the islands, the Rush returned to St. Paul for Mr. Townsend on 
July 29 alid brought him back to Dutch Harbor, 'i his incident is 
mentioned to show that it is not likely that Capt. Cushing would 
have made any distinction between Mr. Townsend and Mr. Lembkey. 

In this connection it would be interesting to know how and at 
wliat time Mr. Lembkey became aware of the death of Chief Agent 
Morton and of the "important information from the department" 
growing out of Mr. Morton's death. 

Mr. Morton died July 15, 1900, and the department first learned of 
it on August 14, about 10 days after Mr. Lembkey made his request tO' 
Capt. Cushing at Dutch Harbor, by a telegram from Special Agent 
Power at San Francisco. Up to August 5, the date the Rush left port, 
Mr. Lembkey had certainly received no "important information from 
the department growing out of the unexpected death of Chief Agent 
Morton." 

Mr. Sims says that Mr. Lembkey "was compelled to wait at Dutch 
Harbor for three weeks until the company's vessel resumed her voy- 
age to the ishands." The Homer, with Mr. Lembkey on board, arrived 
at Dutch Harbor August 2, and Capt. Cushing informs me that upon 
his return to Dutch Harbor, on August 18, he did not see Mr. Lembkey 
there. 

Capt. Cushing performed such efficient work with the Rush during 
the season of 1900 that he received a letter from the then chief of the 
Revenue-Cutter Service, Capt. Shoemaker, expressing his "sincere 
appreciation of the fine work of jout (his) command in every direc- 
tion and relation throughout the season just ended," and continuing,, 
"better satisfaction could not have been given nor more efficient work 
performed than that done by the Rush." 

That Capt. Cushing rendered every assistance and extended every 
courtesy in his power to the agents on the seal islands seems to be 
borne out by a letter to him from Agent E. W. Clark, dated August 30, 
1900, which states: 

My Dear Gushing: Mrs. Clark and I are at last on our way to San Francisco. We 
have to thank you for many kindnesses, and I drop this line to express our acknowl- 



428 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

edgments and the wish that you may have a safe and comfortable return trip with the 
Rush. * * * Remember me kindly to all the gentlernen on board. Should you 
come East do not fail to look us up. 

Sincerely, your friend, Ezra W. Clark. 

The following alleged occurrence is narrated by Mr. Sims : 

On or about July 16, 1901, Capt. Buhner, of the Manning, imder instructions to take 
Agent Chichester from St. George to St. Paul to photograph the seal rookeries, called at 
St. George and took on board Mr. Chichester. This necessitated the stay of Chief 
Agent Lembkey on St. George Island until the return of Mr. Chichester. In pur- 
suance of an understanding between the agents, Mr. Chichester requested Capt. 
Buhner to return him to St. George Island about July 20, so as to allow Mr. Lembkey to 
go back to St. Paul Island and resume the discharge of his duties there. Capt. Buhner's 
reply to Mr. Chichester's request was, in substance, as follows: 

Do you think I am nmning a ferryboat for the convenience of the Government 



The cutter did not, in fact, retm-n Mr. Chichester to his station on St. George, and he 
was able to get back only through the courtesy of the British cruiser Condor, which 
performed the service at the request of Agent Lembkey. 

The facts in this case are as follows: 

July 3, Agent Chichester came on board the Manning at St. George 
Island. He was transported to St. Paul and landed there July' 4. 
The Manning returned to St. George on the 5th to drag for an anchor, 
which she had lost there a few days previously, then proceeded to 
Dutch Harbor. During the remainder of the month in the .course of 
her cruising in Bering Sea, the Manning sighted St. George Island 
twice, but did not visit St. Paul until August 14. 

There is no record in the log of the Manning of any refusal on the 
part of Capt. Buhner to transport the agents, and I am unable to say 
whether Mr. Sims has correctly quoted Capt. Buhner's remarks, or 
whether, in view of the possibly greater importance of the Manning's 
cruising in Bering Sea, Capt. Buhner was justified in his alleged 
refusal to return Mr. Chichester to St. George at that time. 

Knowing as I do that the uniform course of the officers of the 
Revenue-Cutter Service in Bering Sea for many years has been to 
do everything in their power for the comfort and convenience of the 
agents on the seal islands, without orders from the department and 
without official request from the agents, I confess to a feehng of indig- 
nation to note these last three alleged occurrences, one six years, one 
five years, and another two years ago, two of them at a time when the 
islands were under the control of the Treasury Department, picked 
out with what appears to be an intention to give an entirely wrong 
impression as to the bearing of the officers of the service toward 
these agents. 

That the cutters have been consistent in complying, whenever pos- 
sible with the requests of the agents, whether tnose requests were of 
an official nature or solely for their personal convenience, can be 
easily and fully proven. The following is a case in point: 

In a letter dated May 11, 1904, to Capt. Shoemaker, then Chief of 
the Revenue-Cutter Service, Mr. Lembkey requested "as a personal 
favor" that his wife be furnished transportation on the Bear from 
Dutch Harbor to St. Paul Island. In compliance with this request 
the commanding officer of the Bear was directed to receive Mrs. 
Lembkey on board and transport her to St. Paul Island as requested. 
The Bear, however, met with an accident and did not make the cruise, 
and was therefore not able to take Mrs. Lembkey to St. Paul. 



SEAL ISLANDS OP ALASKA. 429 

If the incidents cited by Mr. Sims were such as to imply a hixity 
in the performance of duty by oihcers of the Revenue-Cutter Service, 
why did the agents on the seal islands not report the circumstances 
at the time to the Treasury Department, under which they were 
then serving ? 

Page 43. (a) I stated in my memorandum that the commanding 
officer of the Perry noted in his report that upon conferring with the 
agents on St. Paul and St. George on July 14 and 15, respectively, 
he ''received no important news at either island." 

Mr. Sims states: 

It is apparent that if they (the officers of the Perry) did hold such conference, they 
must have learned that a schooner had been sighted near that island (St. George) on 
July 8. 

Compare this admission that the Perry possibly did confer with 
the agent on St. George with the statement on page 2 of the reply: 
''Furthermore, it appears that if the Perry was m fact anchored off 
St. George Island on the morning of July 16 she failed to communi- 
cate with the Government agent at the village." 

To quote further: 

It is manifest, therefore, that if the Perry received no important information at 
either island, she failed to properly cooperate with the Government agents. 

It is difficult to conceive how the officers of the Perry can properly 
be blamed for any failure on the part of the agents to acquaint them 
with news of importance or of their suspicions of a contemplated raid. 
The fact that a schooner had been sighted on July 8 near the island, 
one week before this conference, can by no stretch of the imagination 
be considered as news of importance bearing on the probabihty of a 
contemplated raid, and a frank and truthful statement from the 
agent on St. George will bear out tliis assertion. 

I call attention to this situation: A vessel had been sighted off St. 
Paul a few days before the Perry called at that island; one sealing 
schooner was sighted off St. George a few days before the Perry con- 
ferred with the agent there. Assuming the knowledge that a raid 
was imminent, where should the Perry be to prevent such raid? 
She could not well be at both islands (40 miles apart) at the same 
time. As a matter of fact, she was at St. George on the morning of 
the very day the Japanese first landed on St. Paul. Criticism of her 
course in the matter is as unfounded as it is unjust. 

The reply of Mr. Sims goes on to state: 

In this connection I have the honor to suggest that the best evidence as to whether 
or not there was a proper cooperation and as to whether or not the patrol was active 
and effective will be that evidence which shows the exact whereabouts of the Perry 
from July 27, the date the memorandum allegesshe entered Bering Sea, until July 29, 
the day I left those waters. 

The criticisms made by Mr. Sims reflect on the conduct of the 
revenue-cutter patrol for a number of years past (note his strictures 
on alleged incidents as far back as 1900), yet he asks the whereabouts 
of the Perry from June 27 to July 29, because he knows that for a con- 
siderable time during this period the Perry was Xy'mg disabled at 
Dutch Harbor as the result of an unforeseen and unpreventable ac- 
cident to her machinery. The implication that his criticisms are 
based solely on the movements of the Perry during the specific period 
from June 27 to July 29 is sophistry. 



430 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

The following shows the whereabouts of the Perry from June 27 to 
July 29 : 

June 27, arrived at Unalaska 8.15 p. m., from Seattle. 

June 28-30, coaling, landing stores, blowing down boiler, etc. 

July 1, Sunday. 

July 2-3, cleaning boiler and overhauling machinery. 

July 4, holiday. 

July 5-17, cruising in Bering Sea. On the 5th touched at the Bogoslof Islands to 
examine new island that recently arose from the ocean. 

(Under date of June 23 the Superintendent of the Coast and Geodetic Survey of the 
Department of Commerce and Labor requested that a revenue cutter verify the rumor 
of a third island having arisen, saying: ' 'It is very desirable in the interest of science 
as well as of navigation that this report be verified.") 

Extended cruise to the westward as far as Attn Island and retvurned via Pribilof 
Islands. 

The object of going to Attn was to inquire into the rumor that Japanese fishing 
vessels had returned to that place in September, 1905, after having been warned away 
by the Perry the previous season, and also to distribute to the destitute natives there a 
portion of the clothing sent on board by the Women's National Relief Society for that 
purpose. The natives were found in a destitute condition. 

(The Perry visited Attn in 1905 and Mr. Sims himself expressed the opinion that she 
did good work on the occasion of that visit.) 

Touched at St. Paul July 14 and at St. George July 15. Left St. George July 16, 
returned to Unalaska for coal, arriving July 17. 

July 18-21, at Unalaska coaling ship. Ready for sea 20th, delayed sailing account 
of unfavorable weather conditions. 

July 21 McCulloch arrived with Agent Lembkey and the Japanese prisoners. Con- 
ierred with Agent Lembkey and commanding officer of McCulloch. It was decided 
that the Perry should proceed to St. Paul to secure witnesses and pick up Messrs. 
Sims and Bowers. 

July 22-28, left Unalaska July 22 and proceeded to Dutch Harbor to take on island 
mail. When the main engine was again started the air-pump head carried away and 
disabled the engine completely. The repairs were made as expeditiously as possible 
"by the force on board and proved to have been made in a satisfactory manner, as the 
vessel was able to continue her patrol duty until the close of the season. 

(A board was at once convened to investigate this accident to the engine. The 
report of this board was submitted to the department and indorsed by the Engineer in 
Chief as follows: "The repairs to the air pump of the Perry were commenced promptly 
on the morning of July 23, 1906, immediately after the receipt of the report of the 
board recommending what repairs were necessary. The engineer's log book for the 
month shows that all hands were employed on these repairs continuously from July 
23 to 10 a. m. July 27, when repairs were finished, the engine turned over, and the 
pump found to work satisfactorily. That the repairs were properly made at that time 
is evidenced by the fact that the vessel was enabled to complete her season's work and 
return to Seattle without further difficulty from that source. In my opinion no other 
method of repair could have been adopted, considering the very limited resources at 
hand, which would have enabled the vessel to have proceeded with safety on a Bering 
Sea cruise any sooner than she did . " ) 

While the repairs were being made the McCulloch performed the work arranged for 
the Perry, and in order that the McCulloch should not be unnecessarily delayed on her 
return to Unalaska the crew of the Perry was employed in sacking coal for use on the 
McCulloch. 

The repairs to the Perry's machinery were completed July 27. The McCulloch was 
due to return the 28th, so the Perry awaited her arrival in order that the commanding 
officer of the Perry might confer with the commanding officer of the McCulloch and the. 
officials from the island. 

July 29, Perry proceeded to sea. 

In his report Mr. Sims recommended that the vessel on the patrol 
be required to communicate not less than once in two weeks with the 
agents on the seal islands. During the past season the commanding 
officer of the Perry from the date of the arrival of that vessel in Bering 
Sea, June 27, to the date of the Perry's departure from the sea, Sep- 
tember 16, communicated with the Government agents either in 
person, or through an officer, or by means of the International Code 
of Signals, 16 times, or an average of once in five days. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 431 



The reply states : 



The Perry knowing that a number of Japanese schooners were in Bering Sea and that 
schooners had been sighted from both St. Paul and St. George Islands, might have 
been back at the islands on July 19. She was still in Dutch Harbor on July 29 when 
I passed thi-ough there on the McCulloch. 

Mr. Sims knows perfectly well that the Perry endeavored to return 
to the islands and of the accident to her machinery described above. 
(Mr. Lembkey was on board the Perry when the accident occurred.) 
Why does he then endeavor to give the impression that the Perry 
remained in port until July 29 without any valid reason? . 

Mr. Sims left Dutch Harbor on the McCulloch at 3.30 a. m. on the 
29th, and at 6 a. m. the Perry went to sea. 

Page 43. (h) The arrangement of a code of signals for communica- 
tion between the islands and the cutters in foggy weather is not a 
matter for contention, and is mentioned here solely that no point of 
Mr. Sims's reply may appear to have been overlooked. While the 
establishment of an effective system of sound signals is, I believe, 
impracticable, because the islands have no way of sendmg sound 
signals, the Revenue-Cutter Service is ready to do its part in the 
elaboration of any system desired. 

Page 44. (2) Mr. Sims admits the inaccuracy of his statement that 
the Perry was at St. Paul Island on July 14 ''for about three hours." 
"This seeming inaccuracy is, however," he says, "of no importance 
* * *," and he continues: "My information was secured from 
the most trustworthy sources on the island * * *." 

The inaccuracy is of this importance: That it indicates that "the 
most trustworthy sources on the island" have supplied him gener- 
ally with inaccurate and misleading information relative to the 
revenue-cutter patrol. The Revenue-Cutter Ser\dce has all the 
facts bearing on this matter, and, as I stated in my memorandum, 
Mr. Sims has practically none and has apparently made no effort 
to secure any. 

Page 45. (b) The statement in Mr. Sims's report, " the vessel 
detailed on this duty (seal patrol) does not, under ordinary circum- 
stances, reach the sea until about the 1st of August," is not true, 
and was so proven in my memorandum setting forth the dates of 
arrival of the revenue cutters for the last three seasons. 

His statement, as quoted, is capable of only one construction, 
and can not be tAvisted to mean anything else; but, in an effort to 
avoid the admission of error in this matter, Mr. Sims now advances 
the ingenious argument that an arrival at the seal islands consti- 
tutes an arrival in Bering Sea, and says: "In my judgment, an arri- 
val at Dutch Harbor, or Unalaska, is not an arrival in Bering Sea 
in the sense that the vessel has arrived at the point where she enters 
upon the discharge of her duties in connection with the fur-seal 
fisheries patrol." On the contrary, Dutch Harbor (or Unalaska) 
is the particular point where a vessel does enter upon the discharge 
of these duties, and by no deduction can any other point be cliosen 
the arrival at which would indicate the date upon which a vessel 
enters upon the performance of her duties. A vessel might leave 
Dutch Harbor and engage in a most active and energetic patrol in 
Bering Sea and not touch at the islands until considerably later. 



432 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



I give the dates of arrival at Dutch Harbor for the past seven 
seasons, going back to 1900, which is the earhest season mentioned 
in Mr. Sims's report: 



Vessel. 



Season of 1900: 

Bear 

Rush 

Perry 

McCulloch 

Maiming . . 
Season of 1901: 

Manning . . 

Grant 

Bear 

Thetis . . . . 
Season of 1902: 

Bear 

Thetis 

Manning . . 

Perry 

McCulloch 
Season of 1903: 

Thetis 

Manning . . 



Date of 


arrival 


at 




Dutch 


Harbor. 


May 


23 


June 


4 


June 


17 


June 


14 


June 


15 


June 


9 


July 


10 


July 


27 


July 


26 


May 


30 


May 


29 


June 


V 


July 


19 


July 


26 


June 


5 


June 


10 



Vessel. 



Season of 1903— Continued 

McCulloch.;!!!!!;;'.!; 

Perry 

Rushi 

Season of 1904: 

McCulloch 

Perry 

Thetis 

Rushi 

Season of 1905: 

Manning 

Perry 

Bear 

Season of 1906: 

Perry 

Rush 

Thetis 

McCulloch 



Date of 
arrival 

at 
Dutch 

Harbor. 



July 7 

July 16 

July 28 

Aug. 6 

June 25 
July 6 
July 14 
Aug. 15 

June 13 

June 16 

Do. 

June 27 
June 28 
June 29 
July 21 



1 Special cruise with court officials. 

Not all the vessels mentioned in the foregoing table were on the 
fur-seal patrol, but all the revenue cutters that cruised in Alaskan 
waters are included, for the purpose of demonstrating conclusively 
that the cutters almost invariably "reach the sea," on whatever duty 
they may be engaged, considerably prior to August 1. 

The following are the dates of arrival at the seal islands of the 
revenue cutters, whose particular duty was the fur-seal patrol, for 
the past seven seasons : , 



Season. 


Vessel. 


Arrival 
at seal 
islands. 


1900 


Rush 


July 6 
June 30 


1901 


Manning 


1902 


.. ..do 


Do. 


1903 




July 10 
Aug. 1 
June 26 


1904 


McCulloch 

/Manning 


1905 




\Perry 


July 3 
July 14 


1906 


do 







Even if we admit the untenable proposition that an arrival at the 
Pribilof Islands constitutes an arrival in Bering Sea, Mr. Sims's own 
statement as to the date on which the revenue cutter detailed for 
the seal patrol under ordinary circumstances reaches the sea is not 
borne out by the facts. 

In my memorandum I stated, referring to certain recommendations 
he had made concerning the cruising of the revenue cutters in Bering 
Sea: 

Mr. Sims apparently does not take into consideration the necessity for vessels to 
coal, clean boilers, overhaul machinery, etc. 



SEAL. ISLANDS OP ALASKA. 433 

And Ids admission, "As to the matter of cleaning boilers, overhaul- 
ing machinery, etc., I am not familiar," is clearly borne out by liis 
statement — 

I have no information, therefore, as to whether during the winter raonths thoy (the 
revenue cutters) have the same opportunities as commercial steamers to overhaul 
their machinery and put themselves in shipshape for the ensuing season — 

implying, as it apparently does, .his belief that a steam A^essel can 
leave Port Townsend, Wash., June 16, and return to that place 
September 24, havmg cruised in the meanwliile 11,000 miles, as the 
Perry did this last season, without cleaning boilers or overhauling 
maclmiery. 

For some reason Mr. Sims does not take kindly to the suggestion 
made in my memorandum that the Revenue- Jutter Service is pre- 
pared at any time, at the request of the Department of Commerce 
and Labor, to place an armed guard on the Pribilof Islands that will 
insure against any raids on the rookeries — tliis in spite of the fact 
that he urgently recommends that the islands be supplied with 
cannon, one or more rapid-fire guns, and an increased supply of rifles 
and ammunition, to be operated presumably by the natives. 

Mr. Sims, perhaps voicing the opinions of the agents, does not wish 
the officers of the Revenue-Clutter Service to have any control what- 
ever over the affairs on the seal islands; but, on the other hand, he is 
wiUing that the agents on the islands shall have more or less authority 
over the movements of the revenue cutters in Bering Sea. 

The principal facts pertinent to this whole matter may be briefly 
summarized : 

Mr. Sims visited Alaska the past season for the^ purpose of investi- 
gating the fur-seal fisheries, and for the furtherance of his object was 
accorded every courtesy by this department and by the officers of the 
revenue cutter McCulloch, on which vessel he made the trip to the 
seal islands. In his official report to the Secretary of Commerce and 
Labor he criticized severely the conduct of the revenue-cutter patrol 
for the enforcement of the fur-seal regulations. He says he \Yas not 
sent to Alaska to investigate the Revenue-Cutter Service, and I wish 
to state as forcibly as possible that he did not investigate the revenue- 
cutter patrol, but the tenor of his report is such as to convey the 
impression to those not familiar with the situation that his strictures 
on the Revenue-Cutter Service are the result of careful investigation. 

Mr. Sims is a man of legal attainments and presumably possessed of 
a judicial mind. He knows that exception must be taken to conclu- 
sions derived from an investigation based on ex parte testimony, yet 
in this matter his information was obtained from the agents on the 
islands and he does not pretend to have sought any information on the 
subject from the officers of the Revenue-Cutter Service. 

His animadversions on the revenue-cutter patrol for the past season 
have been found, after a careful investigation by this office, to be 
%\ithout basis in fact. 

No complaint was ever made by the agents on the islands when 
they were under the direction of the Treasury Department, nor, in so 
far as I am aware, was any complaint made when Assistant Secretary 
Taylor, who had direct supervision of the Revenue-Cutter Service, 
visited the seal islands in the summer of 1905, nor had any complaints 
reached this department until Mr. Sims made his report. 

2403— H. Doc. 93, (52—1 28 



434 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Upon learning the contents of Mr. Sims's report, I made every effort 
on tfie occasion of two personal visits to the Department of Commerce 
and Labor to have an interview with him in order that I might ascer- 
tain upon what information his comments on the patrol were based 
and lay before him the records of the ships on file in this office, so the 
matter might be investigated to the bottom. I have never seen him 
since his return from Alaska, although he has been in this city on at 
least two occasions since. Secretary Metcalf informed me that he had 
asked Mr. Sims to call upon me. 

After reading the original report I thought there might have been 
inattention to duty on the part of the revenue cutters in Bering Sea 
during the past season, and I desired to and did investigate the matter 
thoroughly with the result that I found there was no basis for the 
charges made. If Mr. Sims had conferred with me and ascertained 
the truth relative to the seal patrol, he would not have fallen into the 
error of making statements that the facts do not substantiate. 

The President desired a full investigation of this matter and I have 
endeavored earnestly to comply with his directions. It is certain that 
a fair and complete investigation can not be made unless the oppor- 
tunity is given this department to question Mr. Sims, with such of his 
informants as he can produce, for the purpose of ascertaining the facts 
from which he arrives at his conclusions and statements. 

When this department became aware of the nature of the report 
Capt. DunAvoody, the commanding officer of the Perry, was imme- 
diately ordered to Washington, and Mr. Sims was aware of Capt. 
Dunwoody's presence in this city. There are also officers of the 
McCuUoch, now in the vicinity of Washington, who may be able to 
throw further light upon the subject of Mr. Sims's investigation. 

At all events, it would seem no more than right and proper, after 
this department hatl afforded Mr. Sims special consideration for the 
conduct of his investigation, going so far as to order the McCvlloch 
from San Francisco to the Pribilof Islands for his personal con- 
venience, that, when about to submit a report discrediting the work 
of the tlevenue- Cutter Service in connection with the fur-seal patrol 
and covering a period when the fur-seal fisheries were under the con- 
trol of the Treasury, with which he has had no official connection, he 
should at least have conferred with the officers of this department 
relative to the facts in the case. 

Mr. Sims has endeavored to impugn the revenue-cutter patrol, 
after spending 10 days in Bering Sea, including the time spent on 
board the McCulloch, and after a trip which he himself informed me, 
prior to his departure, was to be a flying one. 

I feel that any further controversy in this matter with Mr. Sims 
will serve no good purpose, and I submit this rejoinder in reply to 
his last statement solely in order that it may be made a part of the 
official record of the case. 

The Revenue- Cutter Service will welcome the most thorough inves- 
tigation into the performance of its duties in Bering Sea that it is 
possible to make. 

Respectfully submitted. 

Worth G. Ross, 
Captain, United States Revenue- Cutter Service, 

Chief of Division. 



seal islands of alaska. 435 

Treasury Department, 
Washington, December 10, 1906. 

My Dear Mr. Secretary: You will remember that some time 
ago Mr. Edward W. Sims, in a report on matters connected with 
your department, took occasion to submit some strictures concern- 
mg the Revenue-Cutter Service without, in fact, investigating the 
matter commented upon by him. Capt. Dunwoody, of the revenue 
cutter Pen^y, whose official conduct was thus criticized by a subordi- 
nate of another department without investigation, was promptly or- 
dered to Washington. The captain's report and the log of the 
revenue cutter clearly show that Mr. Sims must either have gone out 
of liis way to submit the criticism, or that he relied upon hearsay 
evidence. 

A copy of the captain's report and of the log of the revenue cutter 
have been submitted to you. I am further advised that you asked 
Mr. Sims to come to this department to explain. This he declined 
to do. The published report of Mr. Sims, at the bottom of page 21, 
says: "The vessel detailed on this duty does not, under ordinary 
circumstances, reach the sea until about the 1st of August." The 
log of the vessels that cmise the Bering Sea region show that in 1904 
the first one arrived June 25 and the last July 12. In 1905 the first 
vessel arrived June 14 and the other two on June 16. In 1906 one 
vessel arrived June 27, one June 28, and the other June 29. If you 
desire a record of previous 3^ears before the criticism of the Depart- 
ment of Commerce and Labor I will be very glad to furnish it. 

If Mr. Sims has evidence that the logs of the revenue cutters have 
been falsified, I wish you would have liim furnish it. Some one is 
guilty of falsification, and if it be the revenue-cutter officers I pro- 
pose to punish them. If it be Mr. Sims, the responsibiHty is not 
mine. 

I base my request upon the principle wliich I think you will recog- 
nize as promptly as I, that clerks in the several departments should 
be reasonably cautious about calling in question the official integrity 
of officers of other departments. 

In tliis instance Mr. Sims undertook to describe the course of a 
revenue cutter without so much as examining its log. 
Yours, very truly, 

L. M. Shaw. 

The honorable the Secretary of Commerce and Labor. 



December 15, 1906. 

My Dear Mr. Secretary: I have the honor to acknowledge receipt 
of your letter of the 10th instant with reference to that part of the 
report of Mr. Edwin W. Sims on the Alaskan fur-seal fisheries which 
relates to the patrol of Bering Sea by the Revenue-Cutter Service. 

Under date of November 9, 1905, Mr. Sims, who was then Sohcitor 
of the Department of Commerce and Labor, was placed in charge, 
subject to the supervision of the Secretary, of certain important 
matters affecting the fur-seal fisheries of Alaska. In order that the 
department might bs placed in possession of full information concern- 
ing this subject, Mr. Sims was detailed by me on July 21, 1906, to 
make a thorough investigation of all matters relating to the condition 
of the Alaskan fur-seal fisheries on the Pribilof Islands and the waters 
of Alaska. 



436 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA, i 

His report which was submitted under date of August 31, 1906, was I 
the result of this visit; but in view of the exception taken to certain ' 
portions of his report in a memorandum submitted by the Revenue- 
Cutter Service, Mr. Sims has rendered a supplemental report in reply j 
thereto, a copy of which is herewith inclosed for your information, i I 
am confident that after a careful reading of the supplemental report 
and a consideration of the facts therein contained you will agree with 
me that it can not be successfully contended that the Revenue-Cutter 
Service has maintained an efficient patrol in the waters adjacent to 
the seal islands. 

Mr. Sims in his supplemental report fully explains his former state- 
ment as to the dates on which the vessels arrived at the islands, or, 
as he said, ' ' the sea," and I am of opinion that the mere misapplication 
of terms is hardly sufficient to discredit the substantial fact contained 
in the assertion. 

I regret, Mr. Secretary, that you feel that the "official integrity" of 
the ofticers of the Revenue-Cutter Service has been called in question, 
and beg to assure you that it was not the intention of Mr, Sims to do 
so, and that such was not the case. 

In conclusion, allow me to state that Mr. Sims is no longer connected 
with this department, being now United States attorney for the north- 
ern district of Illinois, During his connection with this department 
he won the confidence and respect of his superior officers and colleagues 
by the admirable manner in which he handled the varied important 
matters assigned to him, and his splendid services can not be lost 
sight of because a detail of his report has been called in question. 
Very respectfully, 

V, H. Metcalf, 

Secretary. 

The honorable the Secretary of the Treasury. 



Treasury Department, 

Washington, January 10, 1907. 

My Dear Sir: Sometime ago Mr. Edward W, Sims made a report 
to your department in which he submitted some very severe criticisms 
of the Revenue-Cutter Service. The report was so specific and so 
severe that the President felt justified in issuing a most severe repri- 
mand to the Revenue-Cutter Service. Considerable correspondence 
has followed, which clearly shows Mr, Sims' statements to have been 
unwarranted, untrue, and made without any investigation whatever, 

I am not prepared to criticize the motives of Mr. Sims, He prob- 
ably relied upon representatives of your department at the Seal 
Islands. You will quite agree with me, however, that no report of the 
movement of a ship should be made without first having examined the 
ship's log. Either the officers of these revenue cutters are deliberately 
falsifying the record of their movements, or the representative of your 
department has deliberately and maliciously reported to ]\Ir. Sims 
what is not true, or Mr. Sims has deliberately reported what he per- 
haps lioped was true but which was in fact false, 

I do not feel like letting the matter drop. Several officers of the 
Revenue-Cutter Service should be dismissed in disgrace or some one 
else should at least be reprimanded 



SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 437 

I submit herewith a rejoinder to the reply of Mr. Sims concerning his 
report, prepared by the Chief of the Revenue-Cutter Service. 
Yours, very truly, 

L. M. Shaw. 

The honorable the Secretary of Commerce and Labor. 



[Copy.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, January 12, 1907. 

My Dear Sir: I am just in receipt of your letter of the 10th 
instant about the report of Mr. Sims, in which he criticized the 
Revenue-Cutter Service. I know notliing personally of this matter. 
Of course nothing definite can be tlccomplished by prolonging the 
correspondence between the Revenue-Cutter Service and Mr. Sims. 

I notice that Capt. Ross, the Cliief of the Revenue-Cutter Service, 
suggests that an investigation of the whole matter be made, and this 
seems to me the best way of getting at something definite. 

I therefore suggest that we ask the President to designate three 
men, preferably those who are famihar with Bering Sea and that 
entire locality, to act as a board, to which we may submit all the 
papers in this case. Whatever their finding may be we will submit 
to the President. 

If, however, you prefer another plan, I would suggest that you 
name some one in the Treasury Department, and I will name some one 
in tliis department, and we will ask the Secretary of the Navy to 
designate some naval officer for the third member of the board, the 
naval officer to be one who is personally famihar with Alaska and 
Bering Sea, the report of this proposed board to be submitted to the 
President. 

If neither of these plans appeals to you, will you suggest something? 

My only desire is to have tliis matter of dispute referred to a com- 
petent, independent commission of three men who have absolutely 
no prejudice in the matter one way or the other, and abide by their 
decision. 

The plans that I have outlined above would seem to be absolutely 
fair to all parties concerned. Will you please let me know which of 
the above-outlined plans you prefer, and if neither appeals to you, 
kindly suggest one in return. 

I have the honor to be, sir. 
Your obedient servant, 



Secretary. 
Hon. Leslie M. Shaw, 

Secretary of the Treasury. 



438 seal islands of alaska. 

Tkeasury Department, 

Washington, February 2, 1907. 

My Dear Mr. Secretary: Replying to your letter of January 12, 
relative to the criticism of the Revenue-Cutter Service by a repre- 
sentative of your department, I quite agree with you that nothing 
can be accomplished by prolonging the correspondence. 

You will remember a conversation with you and your predecessor 
preceding a Cabinet meeting, where the latter laid much stress upon 
the length of time consumed in coaling. I take the position that 
no representative of your department could wisely make a report upon 
the Revenue-Cutter Service without examining the logs of the several 
vessels, the movements of which are called in question. 

I have had the record for seven years carefully examined, and these 
logs explain every delay exceeding the minimum required. In one 
instance an air pump became defective and inoperative and consid- 
erable time was consumed in its -repair. In another instance a flange 
of the screw was broken off on a cake of ice. Your predecessor sug- 
gested that the representative of your department could ascertain 
from the records of the port when the vessels arrived and when they 
departed. Admit this, and it still remains true that the representa- 
tive did not inquire concerning the reasons for the delay. The rec- 
ords of the Perry, which was detailed to this patrol for the season 1906, 
show that with the exception of a period of 10 days in making repairs 
to the broken air pump referred to, her average time in the port dur- 
ing the open sealing season was 2h working days. When it is remem- 
bered that about 80 tons of coal must be taken to the dock by the 
contracting company and loaded into the cutter by the crew, that is 
not a long period. 

My argument against a report of a representative of your depart- 
ment would be as strong if the facts reported by him were true as it 
is when the facts reported by him are wholly untrue. I think he 
should be severely reprimanded for making a report criticizing any 
department without investigation, and whether his report is true or 
false makes little difference. 

Our departments are intimately associated, and if it be deemed 
appropriate that the one can captiously call in question the other 
without investigation there will be no end of friction. No represent- 
ative of your department has any business in this department, and if 
I were to stay here I would want that distinctly understood. I would 
dismiss a man instanter who would criticize your department with or 
without investigation, and most assuredly without investigation. 

This will need no reply. It is a matter for you to determine. 
Yours, very truly, 

L. M. Shaw. 

The honorable the Secretary of the 

Department of Commerce and Labor. 



SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 439 

Part V. — Communications Relative to Raid by Seal Poachers. 

ITelegram.J 

Sitka, Alaska, August 6, 1,906. 
Secretary Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C. 

Fur-seal rookeries, St. Paul Island, were raided by crews Japanese 
schooners July 16 and 17. About 200 seals were killed, but raiders 
were eventually repulsed as result courageous action Chief Agent 
Lembkey and Assistant Agent Judge at head of native guard. Five 
raiders were killed and 12 captured, 2 of latter being badly wounded. 
Three boats and some small arms also captured; force protecting 
rookeries suffered no casualties. The schooners were first observed 
on July 16 and were close to shore, easily within 3-mile limit. On 
this day boat's crew of six men, which had landed at Northeast 
Point, was surprised and captured by Agent Lembkey and native 
guards without casualty on either side On morning of July 17 two 
native watchmen shot and killed two and wounded one of an armed 
landing party Crews of schooner, under protection of dense fog, 
shot seals in water close to shore most of day. During this time 
shotgun firing, which could easily be heard from shore, was frequent. 
Unknown how many seals were killed in this manner, but number 
must have been considerable. On evening same day crews of at 
least three schooners made concerted raids on widely separated rook- 
eries; raid on Seapadni rookery was repulsed by native guard after 
considerable firing. Raid on Northeast Point was partially suc- 
cessful. Owing to dense fog raiders there were not discovered until 
nearly 200 female seals had been killed. 

This raid, which was apparently participated in by an entire ship's 
crew in five boats, was repulsed by Agents Lembkey, Judge, and 
native force only, and three of raiders were killed and five captured. 
Most of seals killed on shore by raiders were pregnant females with 
nursing young, few days old, which died of starvation. Large pro- 
portion of those kid in water also females in search of food for 
young. Foregoing facts reported to me on arrival at St. Paul Island 
of cutter McCuUoch, July 20. From investigation made during six 
days' stay I believe Lembkey and Judge entitled to great credit for 
intelligent and courageous way they handled difficult situation. 
Some of raiders taken state the}^ are from schooner Toyai Maru No. 
2, and one of captured boats bore that name. Other prisoner states 
he is from schooner Meimaru. During time I was on island schooners 
were frequent!}^ sighted less than 3 miles from shore and native guard 
at all points have been doubled. McGulloch chased schooner sighted 
on morning July 27, but it escaped in fog. Another flying Japanese 
flag was sighteVl same day not far from islands, but was outside 
3-mile hmit. It is evident that at least 8 or 10 schooners, believed 
to be Japanese, are sailing in close proximity to islands. The 12 
prisoners were taken on cutter McCulloch to Kodiak, and after hear- 
mg before commander were held jury and taken in charge by mar- 
shal. Agent Lembkey and four native witnesses accompany marshal 
to session of court at Valdez commencing August 6. Recommend 
that district attorney be directed to push cases at this term. I 
urgentlv recommend" that at least one cutter in addition to Perry, 



440 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

now there, be put on Bering Sea seal patrol, with instructions to 
cruise close to land, and that patrol be continued as late into October 
as possible. This vessel should stop at Valdez on way to islands and 
return native witnesses. I believe Rush now in Bering Sea and 
available. If Attorney General holds landing and killing of seals on 
island is piracy and that schooners implicated may be seized wherever 
found on high seas, cutter should be advised, as under present instruc- 
tions I believe cutters will make no attempt to take raiding schooners 
unless found violating law within 3-mile limit, which is improbable. 
While men captured are violators of law, captains who sent them 
ashore are most guilty. Therefore think they should be taken and 
schooners seized if possible. 

Edwin W. Sims, Solicitor. 
August 7, 1906 — 9 a. m. 



[Telegram.] 



Valdez, Alaska, August 9, 1906. 
Secretary of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C: 
District Judge Gunnison, in absence United States attorney, has 
to-day wired Attorney General requesting instructions as to advis- 
ability holding Japanese prisoners captured in island raids under 
indictment for j)iracy or merely for violation section 1956, Revised 
Statutes. In view of international questions vvhich might arise 
should charges piracy be proven, Judge Gunnison requests me to 
ask department to confer with Department of Justice and carefuUy 
consider advisability indictment for piracy or for lesser offense. 
Grand jury waiting; request speedy reply. 

Walter I. Lembkey, 
Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries. 



St. George Island, Alaska, 

August 9, 1906. 

Dear Sir: I have the honor to submit the following report of the 
arrest and detention of five men who landed on tliis island from a 
Japanese sealing schooner August 5. 

About 5 p. m., August 4, a small schooner flying the Japanese flag 
came within 400 yards of the village landing, dipped her flag three 
times, came about and laid a course for East rookery. Passing along 
the whole length of that rookery at a distance of half a mile, she soon 
disappeared around the east end of the island. Fearing a raid, I 
doubled the guard on East rookery and stationed men on Staraya 
Artel for the night. The next day, while scouting on the south side 
of the island, I found the schooner at anchor in Garden Cove about 
a half mile from the shore. She had, however, already been seen 
by some of the natives who had carried word back to the village. 
Maj. Clark immediately armed four men and sent them to the cove. 
These men I fell in with at the top of the hill which overlooks the 
cove and with them descended to the beach, where we found one man 
from the schooner, a Japanese. He was spreading out some clothes 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 441 

on the ground. He spoke a few words of English, and from him I 
gathered that the captain of the schooner would soon come ashore. 
He then hailed the schooner, and a boat with two men put otT from 
her and pulled to witliin easy talldng distance of the shore. Some 
conversation followed in Japanese, and the boat went back to the 
ship to return almost immediately with four men, one of whom 
spoke English fairly well and claimed to be the captain of the 
schooner. On questioning him I ascertained that the schooner's 
name was the Tokio Wah, of Toldo, Japan, a sealer of 16 tons, carry- 
ing a crew of 1 6 men. She left Japan on June 3 on a sealing cruise 
and had on board 35 sealskins, 13 of wliich were taken around Cop- 
per Island and the balance in the vicinity of tliis island. When asked 
why he had landed on this island he replied "that he came in for 
water and ballast." 

In view of the fact that this man had thoroughly reconnoitered 
East rookery the day before, and having done so anchored under 
cover of a heavy fog, in a more or less secluded place within a mile 
and a half of the rookery, I was convinced that to obtain water and 
ballast was not his real errand, but that he intended to lie quietly 
at anchor and a favorable opportunity presenting itself to send liis 
boats around and raid East rookery. I therefore deemed it necessary 
in order to protect the rookeries to hold these men until they could 
be disposed of in such a manner that there would be no further 
danger from them. With this view Maj. Clark fully concurred. The 
five men were taken to the village and placed in a house under guard. 

The next day (August 6) the men left on the schooner sailed her 
away after having landed and taking the boat in which the captured 
men came ashore. She has not been seen since. 

The names of the men are as follows: Ihoo Muras, captain; T. 
Morata, T. Matsuo, J. Susuki, S. Sanagi. 
Respectfully 

H. D. Chichester, 
Assistant Agent in Charge St. George Island. 

W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Seal Islands, Washington, D. C. 



[Telegram.] 



Valdez, Alaska, August 18, 1906. 
Secretary Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C: 
Twelve Japanese indicted to-day for violation section 1956, Revised 
Statutes. 

Lembkey, 
Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries. 
August 20, 1906—8.35 a. m. 



442 seal islands of alaska. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Division of Alaskan Fisheries, 

Oakland, Cal., August 28, 1906. 
Hon. V. H. Metoalf, 

Secretary Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C. 

Sir: I have the honor to report my arrival to-day at this place, 
having left the seal islands on Tuesday, 14th August. 

I beg to submit the following report concerning certain Japanese 
prisoners — five in number — taken on St. George Island on the 5th of 
the present month. These prisoners were kept under confinement 
on the island at great inconvenience. The company vessel arrived 
from San Francisco on the 9th August and went to St. Paul on the 
10th. I took passage for the latter island with the purpose of securing 
the services of the revenue cutter Perry to remove the prisoners and 
transport them to some place where they might be tried or properly 
committed. On the 13th I was able to go on board the Perry and 
had a conference with her commander, Capt. Dunwoody, in company 
with Mr. Judge, the agent in charge of St. Paul Island. 

Capt. Dunwoody felt that he could not leave Bering Sea, under his 
orders from the Treasury Department, before the 15th September, 
but consented to remove the prisoners to Unalaska and leave them 
with the deputy United States marshal at that place, provided the 
latter would receive them. The captain had already declined to do 
this on the application of Assistant Agent Chichester, on St. George 
Island, having called at that island after I left; but he reconsidered 
his action upon a somewhat di.'^erent and fuller presentation of the 
matter. 

The above arrangement elected on further conference with Agent 
Judge, I took passage on the cutter Perry for St. George Island. 
Arriving there on the morning of the 14th August, landing at the 
village was found impracticable, and signals were made to send the 
prisoners to Garden Cove, 3 miles distant, for which place we steamed. 
The prisoners were sent overland and were duly received on board 
the Perry. On the afternoon of that day she proceeded on her way 
to Unalaska, at which port she arrived about noon of the 15th. 
The deputy United States marshal at Unalaska, on presentation of 
the facts, took charge temporarily of the prisoners until such time 
as the cutter Perry should be able to leave the sea (about 15th Sep- 
tember next), when she is to transport them to Seattle, to which port 
her orders direct that she return. 

It is therefore expected that the cutter Perry will arrive at Seattle 
with the five Japanese prisoners soon after the 20th September 
proximo. Two native witnesses will also be brought by the cutter. 

If it be competent for these cases to be heard by the United States 
court at Seattle, I believe the matter may soon be disposed of. In 
any event, some one in possession of the facts must present the 
information to the proper officer of the court, in whatever jurisdiction 
the cases may be properly heard. As I am the only one here per- 
sonally familiar with the facts, I deem it my duty to acquaint the 
department with the circumstances as above set forth, ancl await its 
pleasure in the matter. It would be necessary to remain at Seattle 
about three weeks pending the arrival of the prisoners. 



SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 443 

I understood that Mr. Chichester made a full report of the arrest of 
these Japanese and forwarded the same to the department. 

I beg to hope that my action may meet the approval of the depart- 
ment, and await its further orders. 
Very respectfully, 

Ezra W. Clark, 
Assistant Agent Seal Fisheries. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Solicitor, 

Washington, August 28, 1906. 
Sir: This letter will introduce to you Mr. Masanao Hanihara, 
second secretary of the Japanese embassy at Washington, who, on 
behalf of the Japanese Government, is visiting Alaska for the purpose 
of ascertaining the facts in connection with the recent raid on the seal 
fisheries. 

You are directed to afford to Mr: Hanihara all the assistance pos- 
sible, and to cooperate with him in his endeavors to ascertain the 
facts in the case. 

Respectfully, Lawrence 0. Murray, 

Acting Secretary. 
Mr. Walter I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge of the Seal Fisheries, Prihilqf Group, Alaska. 



[Copy— original too faint for reproduction] 

August 28, 1906. 
Sir: I am advised by the State Department, under date of the 25th 
instant, that Mr. Masanao Hanihara, second secretary of the eTapanese 
embassy at Washington, "wall, in pursuance to instructions from his 
Government, proceed to Alaska, with a view to ascertaining the facts 
in connection with the raid made by Japanese on the seal fisheries. 

Mr. Hanihara will bear a letter of introduction to you from tliis 
department, and you are requested to show him every courtesy 's\dthin 
your power and to cooperate with him in his endeavors to ascertain 
the facts. 

In this connection you are authorized to disregard section 34 of the 
instructions issued to you under date of March 9, 1906, and to allow 
Mr. Hanihara to land on the islands. 
Respectfully, 

(Signed) Lawrence O. Murray, 

Acting Secretary. 

^Ir. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge of the Seal Fisheries, Prihilqf Group, AlasTca. 



444 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

[Copy.] 
[Telegram. 

Valdez, Alaska, August 30, 1906. 
Secretary Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C. 
Six Japanese convicted yesterday of attempt to kill fur seals, St. 
Paul Island; five others pleaded guilty to killing seals same place; 
remaining prisoner tried, and cases before jury. Assistant Attorneys 
Hubbard and Clegg deserve commendation. Wire whether prison- 
ers should be deported after expiration term imprisonment, and under 
what section Revised Statutes. 

Lembkey, 
Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries. 

The original of this telegram and a ''memo" prepared by Mr. Sar- 
gent were sent to the files of the Bureau of Immigration November 15, 
1906, at request of Mr. Murray. 

H. N. 



[Telegram.; 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Secretary's Office, 
Washington, August 31, 1906. 
W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge of Seal Fisheries, Valdez, AlasJca. 
Your telegram of 30th instant. See volume 32, Statutes at Large, 
chapter 1012, page 1213. Report cases to Kazis Krauczunas, im- 
migrant inspector in charge at Ketchikan, Alaska, for action in 
warrant proceedings, giving names of Japanese aliens and particulars 
as to entry. 

Deportation to be deferred until term of imprisonment expires. 



Acting Secretary. 



[Telegram.] 

Valdez, Alaskza, September 1, 1906. 
Secretary Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C. 
Information just cabled here five additional Japanese and two 
witnesses from St. George Island, in custody United States marshal, 
en route to Valdez, indicates raid St. George rookeries; details prob- 
ably to-morrow on arrival steamer Dora. Jury in case twelfth 
Japanese prisoner disagreed yesterday. New trial Monday; probably 
finished Wednesday, 5th instant. Important that McCuUoch should 
not sail for westward until that date, as otherwise witnesses would be 
without transportation to islands and without funds. In my opinion, 
necessity additional patrol Bering Sea practically ceased. 

Lembkey, 
Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries. 
September 2, 1906 — 10.55 a. m. 



SEAL ISLANDS OP ALASKA. 445 

[Telegram.] 

Valdez, Ai>aska, September 2, 1906. 
Secretary Commerce and Lvbor, 

Washington, D. C: 

My telegram 37^esterday steamer Dora arrived to-day with five 
Japanese prisoners and two native witnesses from St. George. Wit- 
nesses state that on August 4 a schooner sailed to within 400 yards 
of St. George village anchorage, dipped flag three times, and then 
sailed away. Next day she anchored 300 yards off Garden Cove, 
sending landing party ashore. Upon arrival Agent Chichester and 
guards, one Japanese was found ashore washing clothes at small 
stream. Soon afterwards the schooner's captain and three men 
came ashore and all were apprehended. No seals were killed on 
island by prisoners, no sealing paraphernalia in small boat, and na 
landing was made on a rookery. Report from Agent Chichester^ 
received same steamer, gives additional information as follows: 
Upon first appearance of schooner guards on rookeries were increased 
in an anticipation of raid ; that the schooner in question after dipping 
flag reconnoitered east rooker}^^ and then anchored in heavy fog 
within mile and a half of samQ rookery; that arrest of party on shore 
was made to protect rookeries from molestation. Vessel is named 
ToTcoiwa Maru. Prisoners and witnesses taken b}^ Perry to Unalaska 
and thence by Dora to Valdez. District attorney's office advises me 
that facts as disclosed by statements of witnesses will not warrant 
prosecution, and requests that facts be reported to Attorney General 
and instructions wired regarding disposition prisoners and witnesses. 

Lembkey, 
Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries, 

September 3, 1906 — 9.15 a. m. 



[Copy— original too faint for reproduction.] 
[Telegram.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Solicitor's Office, 
Washington, September 4, 1906. 
Ezra W. Clark, 

Care Hotel Crellin, Oakland, Cal.: 
Japanese prisoners will not be brought to Seattle for trial. Proceed 
to Washington. 

(Signed) Lawrence O. Murray, 

Acting Secretary.. 



[Telegram.] 

Valdez, Alaska, September 4, 1906. 
Secretary Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C: 
Twelfth Japanese prisoner pleaded guilty to-day. Shall I send 
native witnesses to island by mail boat which leaves 7th instant for 
Unalaska or turn them over to cutter ? I leave here 6th instant for 
Washington. 

Lembkey, 
Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries. 
September 5, 1906 — 1.25 p. m. 



446 SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 

[Telegram.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

^YasJlington, September 5, 1906. 
W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries, Valdez, AlasTca: 
Use your judgment as to best means of returning witnesses to island. 

Acting Secretary. 



[Copy — original too faint for reproduction.] 
[Telegram.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, September 19, 1906. 
W. I. Lembkey, 

Care United States Attorney , Chicago, lU.: 
Wire department sentence imposed upon 12 Japanese convicted at 
Valdez. 

(Signed) Lawrence O. Murray, 

Acting Secretary. 



Part VI. — Communications Relative to Certain Complaints by 

Henry W. Elliott. 

Office of the Solicitor, 
Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C, November 9, 1906. 
The honorable the Secretary of Commerce and Labor. 

Sir: The accompanying letters of Henry W. Elliott with reference 
to the recent raid of Japanese on the seal rookeries of the Pribilof 
Islands having been referred to me for an examination and report, I 
have the honor to transmit herewith a memorandum containing (a) 
brief of the correspondence involved, {b) comments of Mr. Walter 
I. Lembkey thereon. 

Respectfully, Charles Earl, Solicitor. 



MEMORANDUM IN RE LETTERS OF HENRY W, ELLIOTT WITH REFER- 
ENCE TO RECENT JAPANESE RAID ON SEAL ROOKERIES OF PRIBILOF 
ISLANDS, (a) brief OF CORRESPONDENCE, (b) COMMENTS OF MR. 
WALTER I. LEMBKEY, AGENT IN CHARGE, SEAL FISHERIES OF ALASKA. 

(a) Brief of correspondence. 

September 13, 1906: Acting Secretary Bacon, State Department, 
incloses copy of letter and newspaper clipping from Elliott to Secre- 
tary Loeb, dated September 4, 1906. 

Letter. — Received August 8, 1906; smuggled off island (St. Paul) 
by officer of Revenue-Cutter Service; lessees censor all letters; Gov- 
ernment agents forbidden to write; Japanese hunters squarely on 



i 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 447 

shore when shot and captured; raid pkinned in San Francisco and 
Victoria last spring; seals have dwindled so that when usual harem 
count was started last summer the natives got together and urged 
Messrs. Sims and Bowers not to do it; Sims stopped work; natives 
denounced work of Dr. Jordan, and said Elliott was right; do not 
know how they plucked up courage to do this unless swiftly vanish- 
ing herd made them desperate. 

Clipping. — On July 15 gang of hunters at work on N. E. Point; 
watchmen reported schooner off western shore; all rushed to Cross 
Hill to get good view; spied small boat making shoreward; Govern- 
ment agents went to get rifles; crew landed at N. E. Point, where 
they were captured, and proved to be six Japs having branches of 
trees to kill seals with; schooner still hung about waiting for boat to 
return; next morning two schooners in sight; boat tried to make 
landing, 2 Japs killed and 1 wounded; at 8 in evening 8 boats 
from 3 schooners working for landing; 1 boat landed; left when 
firing commenced; got away with 80 skins; August 8, 1906, cap- 
tured boat No. 2; got 3 men; killed 2 and wounded 1; third boat 
captured in evening; got 6 men, killed 1 and wounded 1 ; 2 of Japs 
killed buried on Hutchinson's bill; schooners reported around islands; 
Japs say there will be 30 schooners around islands in fall. 

September 19, 1906: Acting Secretary Murray acknowledges letter 
of Acting Secretary Bacon. 

September 20, 1906: Solicitor Earl forwards letter of Elliott and 
newspaper clipping to E. W. Sims, Chicago, 111., for comments. 

September 22, 1906: E. W. Sims comments on letter and press 
clippmg as follow^s: Censorship of letters not true; agents not forbidden 
to write ; letter might be sent oft" by revenue-cutter officer who chanced 
to land; information A\ath reference to Japs captured and shot con- 
tained in dispatch to Secretary of Commerce and Ijabor, dated Sitka, 
Alaska, August 6, 1906. Heard it suggested at Seattle that raid was 
planned in San Francisco and Victoria last spring; too vague to refer 
to department; if Mr. Elliott has information that is authentic he 
should communicate it to department; did not stop count of harems; 
only recommended that little disturbance be made as possible, owing 
to disturbance by Japs and not wishing to drive seals into water 
while Japs were in vicinity; natives did not denounce work of Jordan 
nor say that Elliott was right. 

September 29, 1906: Secretary requests that Mr. Elliott furnish 
information with reference to raid being planned in San Francisco and 
Victoria, 

October 3, 1906: Mr. Elhott replies to Secretary's letter of Septem- 
ber 29 as follows: Will give the department the information as soon 
as he has opportunity to visit Victoria and San Francisco; men 
engaged in tliis work are old and crafty ; have been engaged in it since 
1882-1884; until able to get written information from the hands of 
certain people associated with them no ends of justice or good for 
people will be gained by publishing information to agents of depart- 
ment; there is no one in department of Commerce and Ijabor who can 
use his data safely and effectively; for this reason did not recite details 
of information in his possession in letter to Secretary Loeb. 

October 3, 1906: Mr. Elliott writes letter to President, inclosing 
copy of letter to Secretary of Commerce and Labor of October 3, 1906, 



448 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

with reference to raid being ])lanned in San Francisco and Victoria; 
says notorious Canadian fur-seal pirate lias successfully passed him- 
self off on department agents as an excellent and worthy citizen since 
1892, which fact does not warrant him in placing his data in hands of 
said agents at this time; says he can place raid where it belongs if 
given opportunity; no inexperienced or ignorant person can properly 
and effectively do this. 

(6) Comments of Mr. Walter I. LemhJcey, agent in charge seal fisheries 

of AlasTca. 

The intimation expressed in the inclosed letters from Mr. Henry W. 
Elliott that he is conversant with facts showing that the recent 
Japanese raids on the seal islands were the result of a conspiracy on 
the part of Americans and Canadians in San Francisco and Victoria, 
respectively, which he is willing to disclose, provided he is given 
employment by the Government, makes it important that the Presi- 
dent and the Secretary of Commerce and I^abor be made acquainted 
with Mr. Elliott's record in connection with the seal question. 

Since 1872 Mr. Elliott has been identified— officially and other- 
wise — with matters connected with the management of the seal 
islands, and since 1890 has displayed great activity in aggressively 
urging before Congress and the departments a policy adverse to the 
killing of seals on the islands. 

When it is known, however, that since 1876 he has been an employee 
of the Alaska Commercial Co.; that during the preliminary negotia- 
tions with Great Britain on the Bering Sea question in 1890, into which 
Elliott forced himself, he was in secret communication with an agent 
of the British Government, as well as with its minister in Washington, 
and that when this Government refused to publish a report of his, 
written in 1890, to prevent Great Britain from knowing that it con- 
tained charges of mismanagement on the part of this Government, 
he himself published in the newspapers such a synopsis of his report as 
to form a basis for a request from the British Government for the 
report's production, it is believed that tliis Government will hesitate 
before again employing him in any capacity, and especially in con- 
nection with the sealing industry. 

A brief resume of facts in his official history is here given: 

Henry W^. Elliott was a protege of Prof. Henry of the Smithsonian 
Institution. He was never on its pay roll, and therefore never 
formally connected with the Institution, notwithstanding his repeated 
claims to the contrary. (Plearing before Secretary of Treasury, 
Apr. 15, 1897.) 

He was sent to the Pribilof Islands in 1872 as a special agent of the 
Treasury; he remained on the islands during the winter of 1872, and 
visited them again in 1874. 

In 1876 he obtained employment with the Alaska Commercial Co., 
then the lessee of the sealing riglit, and visited the islands in that 
year as an employee of that company, and was continuously in its 
employ from 1876 until, at least, 1890, when that company's lease 
expired. (House Kept. No. 2027, 48th Cong., Mar. 28, 1884; see also 
hearing before Secretary of Treasury, Apr. 15, 1897.) 

Mr. Elliott has denied this connection with the Alaska Commercial 
Co. at a time when its admission would have given proper color to 



i 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 449 

his attitude, as follows (quotation from hearing before Ways and 
Means Committee, Mar. 9 and 10, 1904, p. 13) : 

Mr. Faulkner. * * * This was demonstrated by the experience of the Alaska 
Commercial Co., of which, I think, Mr. Elliott was an employee. Were you not an 
employee of that company, Mr. Elliott? 

Mr. Elliott. No, sir; I never was an employee of the Alaska Commercial Co. 

Mr. Faulkner. I beg your pardon. 

Mr. Elliott. I know it is a common misunderstanding. You do not want to 
misrepresent me; I am sure of that. 

In 1890 the 20-year lease of the Alaska Commercial Co., by whom 
Elliott was employed, expired, and the new lease for 20 years was 
obtained by the North American Commercial Co., the present lessee, 
over the bid of the Alaska Commercial Co. 

Through Elliott's personal efforts as a lobbyist an appropriation 
was secured from Congress for an investigation of seal life on the 
Pribilof Islands, under which Elliott was appointed a special agent 
of the Treasury and ordered to proceed to the seal islands to conduct 
the investigation. (Hearing before Secretary of Treasury, Apr. 15, 
1897.) 

Elliott visited the seal islands in 1890 as such agent. While there 
and through his influence and advice, the killing of seals by the North 
American Commercial Co., the successful rival of Elliott's company, 
was stopped on July 20, by order of the agent in charge, when it should 
have continued under the regulations until August 10. (Hearing 
before Ways and Means, Mar. 9 and 10, 1904, p. 70.) 

The report made by Elliott as the result of his investigations of 
1890 showed a great decrease in seal life since 1872. It ascribed the 
cause of this decrease during the period of the lease of tlie Alaska 
Commercial Co. (Elliott's company) to pelagic sealing, but held that 
the Nortli American Commercial Co. had, by severe and wanton 
driving of seals to obtain the quota of 1890, injured the testes of the 
male seals and rendered them impotent. He therefore recommended 
a total cessation of killing on the islands at once, as imperative to the 
safety of the herd. (Oral argument of Hon. E. J. Phelps, vol. 15, 
Fur-Seal Arbitration, p. 265.) 

He also recommended a modus vivendi with Great Britain, which 
would deprive the rival company of their right to take seals. (Hear- 
ing before Ways and Means, Mar. 9 and 10, 1904, p. 70.) 

It must be remembered that at the time of Elliott's visit to the 
islands in 1890 great friction existed between this Government and 
Great Britain, growing out of the seizure of British schooners in 
Bering Sea by American revenue cutters, this Government advancing 
the claim that it had exclusive jurisdiction over Bering Sea east of 
the one hundred and eightieth meridian, and that it had the right 
therefore to prohibit British schooners from killing seals in these 
waters, which practice threatened the extermination of seal life on 
the islands. It was the purpose of the Government in sending Elliott 
to the islands in 1890 to obtain accurate data concerning seal life as 
it was found at that date, upon which this Government might base 
its case in the pending contention with the British. 

Upon finding, however, that Elhott's report, instead of containing 
facts, was devoted mainly to the substantiation of a preconceived 
theory, and had in it, in addition, the charge of mismanagement and 
overdriving, which, if made public, would defeat the case of the 

2403— H. Doc. 93, 62-1 29 



450 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

United States, the Secretary of the Treasury withheld joubHcation 
of EUiott's report until he could have the charge of mismanagement 
proved or disapproved by the investigations of other agents. He 
accordingly sent other agents to the islands, all of whom found that 
there had been no mismanagement, and that Elliott's theory of 
overdriving and impotence of bulls was not only fallacious, but posi- 
tively disproved by the existence of a surplus of active bulls. He 
therefore refused to make Elliott's report public, on the ground that 
"it was pervaded with a spirit of aggressive criticism instead of 
being a dispassionate statement of facts," and that "Mr. Elliott's 
views had been unduly influenced by his relations toward certain indi- 
viduals," and that Mr. Elhott had "so used extracts from the records 
of the islands as to make them appear to substantiate his assertions 
that mismanagement on the part of the United States had played 
an important part in the diminution of seal life, which assertions are 
unsupported by the unabridged records." (Secretary of Treasury to 
Secretary of State, Feb. 23, 1893, Seal and Salmon Fisheries, vol. 2, 
p. 30.) 

Elhott's report of 1890, therefore, was held in the private files of 
the Treasury Department, and great care was exercised on the part 
of this Government to prevent its contents being made public. 

Elliott's connection with the paris tribunal. 

After the submission, in the fall of 1890, of his report, Elhott 
remained in Washington, aggressively urging his modus vivendi and 
the pubhcation of his 1890 report. 

It can not be overlooked that Mr. Elliott was an agent of the 
Treasury until April 25, 1891, under salary, and that while under 
such employment he was persistently furthering the interests of the 
Alaska Commercial Co., his former employer, by advocating the 
•adoption of his modus vivendi, which prevented the North American 
Commercial Co. from taking sealskins. 

Briefly, his efforts to secure the adoption of his modus vivendi were 
as follows: 

He had repeated conferences with Mr. Blaine, then Secretary of 
State. 

On September 7, 1891, at Mr. Blaine's house, he urged an agree- 
ment with Great Britain, which would include a cessation of land 
killing, at which time Mr. Blaine asked him to draft a modus vivendi 
with Great Britain, stopping land kilhng, which he did, and carried 
the draft to Mr. Blaine. 

On December 17 he learned that Mr. Blaine's program did not 
include the stoppage of land kiUing, the object of EUiott's modus 
vivendi. He went to Mr. Blaine and protested "in a state of great 
excitement," and Mr. Blaine told him to "keep still." 

On April 4, 1891, he learned that Mr. Blaine intended to allow the 
lessees to kill seals during the coming season instead of prohibiting 
the killing, as Elhott had urged, upon the receipt of which informa- 
tion, while still a special agent of the Government, Elliott published 
a letter in the New York Evening Post, under date of April 24, 1891, 
arraigning the pohcy of Mr. Blaine, for which Elhott was dismissed 
the service April 25, 1891. 

(The above facts are taken from the hearing before the Secretary 
of the Treasury, Apr. 15, 1897, in MS.) 



seal islands of alaska, 451 

Elliott's connection with great Britain. 

In March, 1891, while urging his modus vivendi at IVIr. Blaine's house, 
Elliott showed Mr. Blaine certain letters to Elhott from Dr. Guille- 
mard, of the British Museum, who, Elliott states, was in communi- 
cation with Sir George Baden-Powell, one of the British Bering Sea 
commissioners, in which ElHott was assured by Guillemard that Lord 
Salisbury would accept his modus vivendi. This shows conclusively 
that Elliott, wliile a Government employee, had established a connec- 
tion with British subjects in charge of the British case, and had car- 
ried on a correspondence with them, at least in relation to liis modus 
vivendi,' without knowledge of this Government. (Hearing before 
Secretary of Treasury, Apr. 15, 1S97.) 

Elliott further states that when he could get no satisfaction out of 
Mr. Blaine regarding the adoption of liis modus vivendi he deter- 
mined to find out if the ''English Government had been doing what 
was right in the matter" — referring, probably, to his understanding 
with Guillemard. He accordingly, on March 17, 1891, wliile still a 
Government employee, visited the British legation in this city, saw 
the British minister. Sir Julian Pauncefote, and ascertained from him 
that Sir Julian had made a verbal tender of Elhott's modus vivendi 
to the British Government, and that Mr. Blaine had not proposed 
the modus to Sir Julian, but that Sir Julian had advanced it liimself . 
How the British minister, if not informed by the State Department, 
could have obtained knowledge of Elliott's modus vivendi except 
through Elliott's efforts can not be explained. (Hearing before Sec- 
retary of Treasury, Apr. 15, 1897.) 

publication of Elliott's report for 1890. 

For reasons before given, publication of Elliott's report was with- 
held by the Secretary of the Treasury. Elliott was greatly desirous 
of getting this report before the pubhc. "I wanted tliis report of 
mine to be printed." "I had made up my mind and submitted my 
report, and I wanted others to review it." (Hearing before Secre- 
tary of Treasury, Apr. 15, 1897.) 

As tliis report contained charges of mismanagement on the part of 
this Government, it is assured that no knowledge of its contents 
would be communicated by this Government to Great' Britain. On 
the contrary, every effort was made by the agents and counsel of this 
Government to prevent knowledge of the report and of its contents 
being obtained by the British Government. But, in his correspond- 
ence, prior to March, 1891, with Dr. Guillemard, the advisor of Sir 
George Baden-Powell, the British Bering Sea commissioner, and on 
March 17, 1891, during his conference with Sir Julian Pauncefote, 
Elliott undoubtedly must have referred to his report, as it contained 
the modus vivendi, wliich he was urging. 

Outside of this, however, there is abundant evidence to show that 
Elliott liimself made public the contents of his report in such a way 
that the British Government was fully advised of its contents and used 
it to its advantage. 

The liistory of that transaction may be stated briefly, as follows: 

Elliott was dismissed the service April 25, 1891, for the publication 
of his letter to the New York Evening Post, appearing April 24, 1891. 



452 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

On May 3, 1891, nine days after his dismissal from the Treasury 
Department, a dispatch from Washington, written by Elliott, ap- 
peared in the Cleveland Leader of May 4, 1891, containing the first 
chapter of his 1890 report, which was a synopsis of its entire contents. 

This issue of the Cleveland Leader containing Elhott's report was 
transmitted to Lord Salisbury by Sir Juhan Pauncefote on May 11, 
1891. (Appendix to case of Great Britain, vol. 5, p. 73, Fur-Seal 
Arbitration.) 

Having obtained through this means a knowledge of the report's 
contents, on April 4, 1893, Sir Charles Russell, of counsel for the 
British Government before the tribunal, submitted the following 
motion : 

That the agent of the United States be called upon to produce the original or a 
certified copy of the report made by Henry W. Elliott on the subject of fur seals, pur- 
suant to act of Congress of 1890. 

Hon. E. J. Phelps, of counsel for the United States, replied: 

The United States Government denies that Her Britannic Majesty's Government is 
entitled under the provisions of the treaty to any order by the tribunal for the pro- 
duction of the document specified in the motion, as a matter of right. 

The United States Government, however, is willing to waive (so far as it is concerned) 
its right of objection, and to furnish to the agent of Her Majesty's Government a copy 
of the document referred to, for such use as evidence as the tribunal may deem proper 
to allow. 

Not conceding, however, in so doing, that either party at this or any subsequent 
stage of the proceedings has a right to introduce any further evidence whatever upon 
any subject whatever connected with the controversy. 

And further stipulating that if the document referred to in this motion shall be 
used in evidence at all, it shall be open to the use of both parties equally in all its 
points. (Vol. 1, Fur-Seal Arbitration, p. 18.) 

Of this incident, Hon. John W. Foster, agent of the United States^ 
makes the following report: 

A recess was then taken to April 4, when the counsel for Great Britain submitted 
a motion that the agent of the TJnited States be called upon to produce the report of 
Henry W. Elliott, made in 1890, to the Government of the United States. The report 
of Mr. Elliott had never been published by the Government, and had not been used 
or alluded to in the case of the United States; but, during the joint conference of 
the commissioners of the two Governments in Washington in February, 1893, it had, 
at the request of the British commissioners, been laid before them for such use as 
they saw fit to make of it. 

The counsel for the United States denied that the British Government was entitled 
under the treaty to an order of the tribunal for the production of the document; but, 
waiving their right of objection, and not conceding that either party had the right to 
introduce any further evidence whatever, they offered to lay a copy of the report in 
question before the tribunal, upon condition that if it be used in evidence it should 
be open to the use of both parties equally. The report of Mr. Elliott was therefore 
produced, and it was printed by the British agent. (Vol. 1, Fur-Seal Arbitration, 
p. 8.) 

It is a well-known fact that the strictures against the management 
on the islands, contained in Elliott's report, had great weight in 
defeating the contention of the United States that pelagic sealing 
was the main cause of the decline in seal life. 

Briefly summed up, Mr. Elliott stands convicted of the following 
charges: 

(1) He has held himself out as a scientist of the Smithsonian 
Institution, when he was never on its pay roll. 

(2) Having been an agent of the Government, he transferred his 
services secretly to the Alaska Commercial Co. and acted as an 



feKAJ_. IfeJLAiNJJiS UJb AJjAblVA. 4:0O 

employee of that company wliile holding himself out to the public 
as a disinterested expert on seal life. 

(3) In 1890, while an employee of the Alaska Commercial Co., 
he secured by lobbying a position as Government agent to visit 
the seal islands, and prepared a report ostensibly embodying his 
conclusions as a scientist, but actually in the interest of the Alaska 
Commercial Co. 

(4) His persistent urging of a modus vivendi with Great Britain, 
the object of which was to stop killing on the islands, while pubUcly 
held by him to be a measure necessary for the preservation of seal 
hfe, was actually suggested by his secret connection with the Alaska 
Commercial Co. He stands, therefore, convicted of tricking the 
Government into taking action wliich was intended by EUiott solely 
to further private ends. 

(5) Having prepared a false, erroneous, and untruthful report, 
wliich tliis Government refused to pubhsh, by reason of its injurious 
bearing upon the pending seal controversy, after such refusal he 
placed himself in secret communication with an agent of this Gov- 
ernment's adversary in the seal arbitration, as well as with its min- 
ister in Washington, thereby betraying this Government's interests 
to its great disadvantage, while yet an officer of this Government. 

(6) Having violated the confidence of this Government by 
arraigning in the public press its secret policy at the most critical 
period of the sealing negotiations, he was dismissed the service for 
this grave infraction of duty. Whereupon, to force this Govern- 
ment's hand, he published in the newspapers the contents of his 
misleading and biased report, thereby accomplishing the object of 
its being matle public, and, at the same time, knoA^dngly, giving to 
this Government's adversary an advantage which practically 
defeated its case before the Paris tribunal. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Solicitor, 

Washington, September 20, 1906. 
Hon. Edwin W. Sims, 

United States Attorney, Chicago, III. 
Sir: By direction of the Acting Secretary I am inclosing herewith, 
for your mformation, copy of a letter addressed to the secretary to 
the President by Henry W. Elliott, of Lakewood, Ohio, also copy of a 
newspaper clipping embodymg information relating to the Japanese 
raid on the seal rookeries at St. Paul Island, communicated to him 
by an employee of the lessees of the island. The copies inclosed 
were forwarded to this department by the Secretary of State under 
date of September 13, 1906. 

As soon as you have finished with the inclosures please return them 
to this office. 

Very respectfully, , 

Solicitor. 



454 seal islands of alaska. 

Department of State, 

Washington, Septemher 13, 1906. 
The Secretary of Commerce and Labor. 

Sir: I have the honor to inclose for your information a copy of a 
letter addressed to the secretary to the President by H. W. Elliott, of 
Lakewood, Ohio, inclosing a newspaper clipping embodying informa- 
tion relating to the Japanese raid on the seal rookeries at St. Paul 
Island, communicated to him by an employee of the lessees of the 
island, 

I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant, 

Robert Bacon, 

Acting Secretary. 



Lakewood, Ohio, Septemher 4, 1906. 

Dear Mr, Loeb: I received yesterday a letter written to me by an 
employee of the lessees on St. Paul Island, dated August 8, 1906. 
This letter was smuggled off the island by the hand of some officer 
of the revenue marine; the lessees censor all letters, and the Govern- 
ment agents are forbidden to write, 

I have made one extract from this letter anent the Japanese raid 
and killing, which took place on St. Paul, July 17 last, and gave it to 
the local paper, as per inclosed clipping. It declares very plainly 
that the Japanese hunters were squarely on shore when shot and 
captured. 

But the writer of this letter to me does not know that this sudden 
descent of those Japanese hunters last July and their promise to be 
about the islands all during the fall, 30 vessels strong, was planned 
in San Francisco and Victoria last spring. 

He tells me that the seals have dwindled so that when the usual 
harem count was started last summer the natives all got together and 
urged Mr. Sims and United States Fish Commissioner Bowers not 
to do it— that there were so few it was wrong to disturb them, Mr. 
Sims was so impressed by them that he stopped the work. The 
natives then denounced the work of Dr. Jordan on the islands, and 
told Sims and Bowers that I was right. 

How they plucked up courage to do this I do not know, unless the 
sight of that swiftly vanishing seal herd made them desperate. 
Very sincerely, yours, 

Henry W, Elliott. 

Wm. Loeb, Jr., 

Secretary to the President, 

Oyster Bay, L. I. 



[Cleveland Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio, Tuesday, Sept. 4, 1906.] 

TELLS OF BATTLE IN SEAL COUNTRY — LETTER REACHES CLEVELAND WITH ACCOUNT OP 
KILLING OF JAP HUNTERS — WRITER SAYS 30 SCHOONERS WILL SCOUR ROOKERIES 
THIS FALL. 

A private letter received yesterday in this city from St. Paul Island, Bering Sea, 
dated August 8, 1906, gives some additional information not hitherto published in 
regard to the raid on that island July 16. The writer says, anent the raid and killing 
of Japanese hunters: 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 455 

"On the 15th ultimo a gang of sealers went to Northeast Point to seal as usual; we 
killed seals at 4 o'clock next morning, and completed our work at 10 o'clock. As we 
were ready to start home again a watchman reported a sealing schooner about 3 miles 
off thewestern shore at Northeast Point. We all rushed for Cross Hill, where we could 
get a good view of the schooner. 

"When we got there we spied a small boat under a sail making shoreward. Two 
Government agents who were with us went back to the watchhouse to get rifles, and 
started with a gang of natives for the rookeries. One went with two natives and guns, 
and three more with seal clubs, to the Northeast Point rookery. The other went with 
the same number of men to the West Side rookery, where the boat seemed to try to 
land, but instead this boat landed at the Northeast Point rookery, where its crew was 
captured as it landed with clubs to kill seals. 

"As they landed they were ordered to throw up their hands, which they did, and 
they were captured unhurt; they proved to be six Japs, who came to kill seals. They 
had branches of trees for clubs. 

"In the afternoon we started home, marching oiir prisoners. We left men to guard 
the rookeries, and one Government agent. The schooner was still hanging about the 
point waiting for the boat to return. , 

"The next morning the watchman from the Point telephoned to the village that a 
couple of schooners were in sight, and that a boat was tr^dng to make a landing. A 
little later they telephoned for more guns and men, and that two Japs were killed and 
one wounded, and that doctors were needed. This was 9 o'clock a. m. In the evening, 
about 8 o'clock, eight boats from three schooners were working for the landing; one of 
the boats succeeded in landing under cover of the fog under a little cliff at Northeast 
Point rookery, where they killed about 160 female seals. When the firing com- 
menced to drive off the other boats, their men took to their boats, and got away with 
about 80 skins. 

"This morning we captured boat No. 2; we got three men in it, killed two and 
wounded one. The third boat was captured in the evening. We got six men, killed 
one and wounded one. The rest of the boats were driven back to their schooners. 
Two of the Japs that were killed we buried on Hutchinsons Hill. Two days ago a 
schooner was around Northeast Point; it had three boats out sealing. To-day one is 
reported around Otter Island. The Japs say that there will be 30 schooners around 
this island during the fall." 



Department of Justice, 
Office of United States Attorney, 

Northern District of Illinois, 

826-833 Federal Building, 

Chicago, September 22, 1906. 
Hon. Charles Earl, 

Solicitor's Office, Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. O. 
Sir: I am in receipt of your letter, dated September 20, 1906, 
inclosing for my information a copy of a letter addressed to the 
secretary of the President by Henry W. Elliott, of Lakewood, Ohio, 
and also a copy of a newspaper clipping embodying information 
relating to the Japanese raid on the seal rookeries on St. Paul Island, 
communicated to liim by an employee of the lessees of the island. 

Mr. Elhott's statement in his letter to Mr. Loeb that ''the lessees 
censor all letters and the Government agents are forbidden to write," 
is not true. So far as I know the lessees do not censor any letters 
nor are the Government agents forbidden to write. There is nothing 
to prevent anyone on the island writing a letter and delivering it to 
some officer of a revenue cutter which chanced to land. The infor- 
mation that the Japanese hunters were on shore when shot and 
captured was contained in my dispatch to the Secretary of Commerce 
and Labor, dated Sitka, Alaska, August 6, 1906. 

If Mr. Elliott has any authentic and reliable information to the 
effect that the raids on the islands were planned in San Francisco and 



456 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Victoria last spring, it would be of value to the department. I heard 
tliis suggested at Seattle and at San Francisco, but it seemed to be 
so vague and indefinite and to have so little foundation that I made 
no statement or recommendation with reference to it to the de- 
partment. 

I did not stop the count of the harems wliile on the island. The 
only recommendation made by me with reference to the count was 
that in making it the rookeries be disturbed as little as possible. I 
beheved this particularly advisable during the past season, owing to 
the fact that the rookeries have been more or less disturbed by the 
Japanese raids, and for the further reason that it was undesirable to 
drive any seals off into the water at a time when several Japanese 
schooners were known to be engaged in pelagic sealing close to the 
islands. 

The natives did not denounce the work of Dr. Jordan on the 
islands, nor did they tell me that Mr. Elliott was right. 

Having noted the information in the inclosures, they are herewith 
returned, as requested by you. 

Very respectfully, Edwin W. Sims. 



September 29, 1906. 

Sir: A copy of your letter of the 4th instant, addressed to the secre- 
tary to the President, to which was attached a copy of a clipping from 
the Cleveland Plain Dealer of September 4, 1906, embodying informa- 
tion relating to the recent raid by Japanese poachers on the fur-seal 
rookeries on St. Paul Island, has been referred to this department. 

The department notes with interest that portion of your letter which 
states that ' ' this sudden descent of those Japanese hunters last July, 
and their promise to be about the islands all during the fall, 30 vessels 
strong, was planned in San Francisco and Victoria last spring," and 
will appreciate it if you will furnish any information which you have to 
the effect that this raid was planned in San Francisco and Victoria. 
Respectfully, 

Secretary. 
Mr. Henry W. Elliott, 

17 Grace Avenue, Lakewood, Ohio. 



17 Grace Avenue, 
Lakewood, Ohio, October 3, 1906. 

Sir : In reply to the request which you make in your letter addressed 
to me under date of September 29, 1906, and which^I have justreceived, 
I hasten to say that I will gladly give the department that information 
as soon as I have the opportunity to visit Victoria and San Francisco. 

Those men who have planned that raid are old in this illicit business; 
they have employed Japanese hunters in doing this work on the 
Pribylov Islands ever since 1882-1884; they are crafty and wary, and 
until I am able to get certain written statements from the hands of 
certain persons associated with them no end of justice or good for the 
public interests will be secured by publishing to your agents those 
facts bearing on them now in my possession. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 45 i 

There is no one in the Department of Commerce and Labor who has 
sufficient knowledge of these men and their operations to safely and 
effectively use my data. For this reason I did not recite those details 
of that warrant wdiich I hold in my letter to the secretary of the Presi- 
dent, and to which vou refer. 

Respectfully/ Henry W. Elliott. 

Hon. V. H. Metcalf, 

Secretary, Department Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C. 



17 Grace Avenue, 
LaJcewood, Ohio, October 3, 1906. 
To the President: 

I inclose a copy of my letter to Secretary Metcalf . He asks me to 
give him the information now in my possession, which warrants my 
informing you on the 4th ultimo that the recent Japanese raid on the 
Pribylov Islands "was planned in Victoria and San Francisco last 
spring." 

The fact that a notorious Canadian fur-seal pirate has successfully 
passed himself off upon the agents of the Department of State and of 
Commerce and Labor, as an excellent and worthy American citizen 
from 1892 down to October, 1905, does not warrant me in putting the 
data which I hold into such hands at this hour. 

I can place that raid of last July where it belongs if I have the oppor- 
tunity, but no ignorant or inexperienced investigator can properly 
and effectively handle my data. 

I am, with high regard. 

Your obedient servant, Henry W. Elliott. 

The President, 

White House, Washington, D. C. 



Department of Commerce and Labor. 

Office of the Secretary. 

Washington, December 18, 1906. 

Sir: I have the Jionor to return herewith the letter of Mr. H. W. 
Elliott, dated the 10th instant, addressed to the Secretary to the 
President, wherein certain criticisms are made on tlie report of Hon. 
E. W. Sims, former solicitor of this department, on the Alaskan fur- 
seal fisheries. 

Mr. Elliott is in error in asserting that Mr. Sims was not fully 
informed as to the method and effect of marking young seals to reserve 
them for breeding purposes. The term "branding" is a technical 
one used on the seal islands, and refers to the marking of seals by the 
use of hot irons, shears, or other means. As this term is used by the 
agents in their reports in referring to the marking of seals by sheep 
shears, it would seem that Mr. Sims was perfectly justified in its use 
in the same connection. 

It is a fact that hot irons were used to mark young male seals in 
1904, and that sheep shears were substituted for this purpose in 1905 
and 1906. Of this Mr. Sims, as well as the department, was fully 



458 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

advised. The use of the former was discontinued for the reason that 
the hot-iron brand involved the burning of the flesh on the seal's 
head, which might easily have a deleterious effect on the animal's 
brain, and lays the practice open to a charge of inhumanity. The 
use of shears, on the other hand, accomplishes the object of rendering 
the animal immune from slaughter during the killing season, while 
the method is painless and involves no likelihood of future injury to 
the seal. 

Mr. Elliott's statement that these 'branded" seals are all killed 
in the fall for food is wholly erroneous. In 1904, when it was found 
that it was necessary to take precautions to prevent the subsequent 
slaughter of these reserved animals, measures were adopted by the 
agents to that end, by limiting the fall killings to those seals having 
skins weighing less than 6 pounds. The skins of all 3-year-olds, 
and most of the 2-year-olds, weigh more than this. Furthermore, 
the 3-year-olds, as a class, do not frequent the hauling grounds in the 
fall, but haul among the cows, where they can not be driven. These 
measures have been found to be effective, as shown by the increasing 
number of young seals, too large for killing, in the drives each spring. 

From the foregoing statements it can be seen that Mr. Sims's refer- 
ence to ''branded" seals was not a "remarkable and serious error," 
as claimed by Mr. Elliott; that the precautions taken on the islands 
are adequate to prevent the killing of seals reserved by branding; and 
that Mr. Sims, on his visit to the islands last summer, was neither 
imposed upon nor misunderstood the exact situation. 
Respectfully, 

W. I. Lembkey, 
Agent in Charge Alaskan Seal Fisheries. 

Hon. L. O. Murray, 

Assistant Secretary, Department of Commerce and Labor. 



The White House, 
Washington, December 10, 1906. 
My Dear Mr. Secretary: The President directs me to refer to you, 
for your consideration, the inclosed communication from Prof. 
Henry W. Elliott. 

Very truly, yours, Wm. Loeb, Jr., 

Secretary to the President. 
Hon. V. H. Metcalf, 

Secretary of Commerce and Labor. 



[Inclosure.) 

1232 Fourteenth Street NW., 
Washington, D. C, December 9, 1906. 
Dear Mr. Loeb: I am greatly pleased with the special reference 
to the fur seals in the President's message. 

I saw the Sims report yesterday for the first time, and I am moved 
to quietly yet pointedly draw the attention of the President to a 
remarkable and serious error of statement made in it by its author, 
to wit: 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 459 

On page 28 Mr. Sims says that ''2,000 choice 2 and 3 year old 
males were selected, branded, and dismissed from the herd for 
breeding purposes, " i. e., saved then and thereafter from slaughter by 
the lessees. Again, on page 29, he says, "the experience of recent 
years in annually branding 2,000 .young male seals," etc. 

This dehberate statement of Mr. Sims is not true. These seals 
have not been branded; they have been sheared. These sheared 
marks have been put upon those seals in June and July, and they 
have entirely disappeared from the bodies of those seals by the 
middle or end of September folloAving, since all fur seals completely 
shed and then renew their overhair during August and September, 
annually. 

Now please observe the significance of what follows: In October 
and November every one of these spared and sheared seals of June 
and July which hauls out on St. George and St. Paul Islands is kiUed 
as a "food seal," and its skin goes into the hands of the lessees. 

The official proof of this serious charge you will find unwittingly 
furnished by the seal-island agents themselves; see pages 8, 64, 65 of 
Senate Document No. 98, Fifty-ninth Congress, first session, and you 
wiU find it ofhciaUy confessed that the use of the branding irons was 
partly discontinued in 1904 and wholly discontinued in 1905. On 
page 86 you wiU fmd the ofhcial declaration that these seals sheared 
in June and July are killed as "food seals" in October and November, 
and that the sheared mark has entirely gone. 

By this improper method of procedure, the President will observe 
that the lessees annually nullify that pledge given by the Department 
of Commerce and Labor to the Senatorial Committee, to the Ways 
and Means Committee of the House, and to myself, March 9-10, 1904. 

Perhaps Mr. Sims has been imposed upon, but nevertheless he does 
not understand the real status of the work done on the islands; 
hence aU of his labored conclusions, based upon tliis fictitious reserva- 
tion of young male hfe, is utterly idle and unfounded. 

When we have mercifully, humanely, and sensibly put the land and 
sea butchers of our fur-seal life out of business, by kilhng that life, 
down to the small nucleus sufficient alone to preserve the species, 
then we shall have no difficulty in getting a proper and adequate 
agreement with Canada for a full restoration and preservation of this 
most anomalous and valuable fur-bearing hfe. 
Faithfully, yours, 

Henry W. Elliott. 

Wm. Loeb, Jr., 

Secretary to the President. 



THE FUR-SEAL HERD — PROF. H. W. ELLIOTT APPROVES PRESIDENT'S RECOMMENDATION— 
PRONOUNCES THE IDEA OF BRANDING THE SEALS IDLE AND IMPRACTICABLE. 

The President in his message just submitted to Congress gives the question of pro- 
tection and preservation of our Alaskan fur-seal herd much attention and urges action 
by Congress to supplement the efforts of the executive departments. To show the 
desperate condition of the herd he calls the attention of Congress to the report of E. W. 
Sims, which was made to the Department of Commerce and Labor last August and only 
made public yesterday. 

Arepresentative of The Star asked Prof. Henry W. Elliott this morning for an expres- 
sion of opinion as to the recommendation of the President's message and the value 
of the Sims report. Mr. Elliott said: 



460 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

"The recommendation of the President that Congress supplement his efforts by the 
passage of an act which will enable him to put the land and sea butchers of this fur-seal 
herd out of business at once is a humane, merciful, and sensible one. Such an act 
should have been passed 10 years ago, and would have been had it not been for the 
erroneous and mistaken opposition of Richard Olney to the plan. Judge Gresham's 
death, in June, 1885, prevented the Dingley seal bill from receiving the support of 
the State Department in March, 1896, after it had passed the House by a unanimous 
vote and under full debate. It was defeated in the Senate by Secretary Olney, who 
assured Senator Frye, who had the bill in charge, that he had the fur-seal question well 
in hand and the passage of the bill would greatly embarrass, if not defeat, his nego- 
tiations. 

"The outcome of Olney's work was the abortive and erroneous finding of the Jordan- 
Thompson commission, which simply made a bad matter worse. It put the Cana- 
dians in the saddle, and they have been there ever since. 

"Now, as to Mr. Sims's report, which I have seen to-day for the first time, I have 
this to say: He is entirely right in saying that the fur-seal herd is in a desperate condi- 
tion and on the verge of total extermination within a year or two from date. This is 
what I predicted in 1902 before the Ways and Means Committee, to which I exhibited 
a table of diminution showing that by the close of the season of 1907 the breeding male 
life on the islands would be extinct. I reenforced these figures again before the same 
committee in March, 1904. 

"But Mr. Sims is utterly wrong in saying that land killing has had no injurious 
effect on the herd, either to decrease the birth rate or destroy it. He ignores without 
warrant the testimony of a trusted Russian agent of the old Russian-American Co., 
who spent the season of 1819 on the Prilbylov Islands. This agent in 1820 declared in 
a report to the company that unless the close killing of the young male seals was dis- 
continued on land the species itself would become extinct. The company ignored his 
advice. What followed? In 1834 the herd was on the verge of total destruction, and 
all killing was suspended in 1835 by the Russians, and so suspended practically until 
1844, then gradually resumed under better care and annually increased so by 1857 the 
catch of 75,000 to 80,000 young male seals was annually taken up to 1867 without the 
least injury to the herd or its increase. 

"If excessive land killing of the young males could destroy thi-s herd in 1819-1834, 
why has it ceased to be a potent factor of harm? There was no pelagic sealing even 
dreamed of in those days or even practiced until 1886 so as to be at all significant. 
Now, when you add to the injurious work of land killing that of the pelagic butcher, 
you have simply augmented and hastened the work of destruction. This herd of ours 
has been under the two fires ever since 1886, with the exception of that brief respite 
from excessive land killing which I gave it through my modus vivendi of 1891-1893. 
I wanted to make it seven years, but natural science was prostituted at Paris in 1893, 
and again in 1896-97, and the butchers on the islands were given full swing again. 

"Mr. Sims has much to say of what he saw during the short week of his experience 
on the islands with regard to the Japanese raid made then and there. He does not 
seem to know that these Japanese hunters have been regularly hired and set upon this 
work by Canadian and American managers since 1882-83. I hold in my hands the 
indisputable proof of that fact. The fact that these managers, Canadian and American, 
were careless this summer is the only reason why they were detected and captured as 
they were. 

"Again, Mr. Sims makes the error of saying that these seals can be branded, and so 
branded 'would reduce the seals to its possession.' Why, only think of it! A pelagic 
hunter would drive his spear and his skinning knife through any brand mark that 
Mr. Sims could put on a fur seal's hide so thoroughly and so effectively that it would 
disappear at once from that hide, and as for 'metal tags,' which he wants attached with 
wire to the bodies of the seals, why the seals would so work and worry under them that 
either the tags would be worn off or the seals themselves would die from their effort •*. 
He does not understand the strange, nervous wildness of the fur seal. He has seen hair 
seals and sea lions put under restraint by man, but he never has seen and never will see 
a fur seal so controlled and restrained by man. 

"Such official errors of statement as these destroyed our case at Paris in 1893. They 
again reappear in the Jordan-Thompson investigations and conclusions of 1896-97, and 
again we go down to defeat in the Jordan-Thompson agreement of November 17, 1897. 

"Fortunately the President has ignored this branding and metal-tag nonsense which 
Mr. Sims has so seriously advised, and the President has been able to see that unless 
we can get an agreement to stop pelagic sealing it is only merciful and far more humane 
for us to kill the female fur seals at once, and by so doing instantly end this scandalous 
business of breeding them for a band of alien butchers to alone inhumanely and inde- 
cently slaughter into an indefinite future." 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 461 

Part VII. — Communications Relative to Supplies and Accounts. 

March 9, 1906. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Seal Islands, 

Department of Commerce and Labor. 

Sir: Authority is hereby given for the travel of yourself and Assist- 
ant Agent James Judge from Washington, D. C., to the Pribilof 
Islands, in the spring of 1906, and of yourself and either Assistant 
Agent Clark or Chichester from the Pribilof Islands to Washington, 
D. C, in the fall of 1906, such travel to be by the most direct routes. 
If excess baggage is necessary for the travel above authorized, a 
charge therefore may be included in the traveling expense accounts of 
yourself and the assistant agents, the sum so included not to exceed 
$40 for each agent in any one trip. 

The inclusion, in the expense accounts of yourself and the assistant 
agents, of charges for board and lodging at San Francisco at a rate not 
to exceed $5 per diem, during such reasonable time as may be neces- 
sary for the transaction of official business pending your departure for 
Alaska, is hereby authorized; but your arrival on the Pacific coast 
should be so timed as to relieve the department of any charges for 
detention there for a longer period than required by the exigencies 
of business. This injunction applies as well to the stay on the Pacific 
coast of yourself and the assistant agents upon your return from 
Alaska en route to the department. 
Respectfully, 

V. H. Metcalf, Secretary. 

March 9, 1906. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries, 

Department of Commerce and Labor. 
Sir: In comphance with the request contained in the letter dated 
February 20, 1906, from the North American Commercial Co., the 
collectors of customs at San Francisco and Unalaska have been 
requested to permit the company named to ship from either of said 
ports to the Pribilof Islands during the current fiscal year hquors, for 
medicinal purposes only, and arms and ammunition, as follows: 

St. Paul Island (population, 163 natives, 11 whites). 



4 barrels beer. 

2 cases whisky. 

6 kegs whisky, 5 gallons each. 

1 keg brandy, 5 gallons. 

2 kegs rum, 5 gallons each. 

1 case gin. 

4 cases claret. 

2 cases still wine. 

2 kegs port wine, 5 gallons each. 
2 kegs sherry wine, 5 gallons each. 



20 gallons alcohol. 
1 case champagne. 
250 pounds powder. 

1 No. 16 Stevens rifle, .22 caliber. 

2 30-30 Winchester rifles. 

300 soft-nosed Winchester cartridges. 

3 Sharps rifles, .22 caliber, single fire. 
5,000 Winchester cartridges, .22 short. 
2,000 Winchester cartridges, .22 long. 
1 Savage rifle, .22 caliber. 



St. George Island (population, 91 natives, S whites). 



3 barrels beer. 

2 kegs whisky, 5 gallons each. 

1 case whisky. 

2 kegs brandy, 5 gallons each. 

3 cases still wine. 
1 case gin. 



1 keg port wine, 5 gallons. 

1 keg sherry wine, 5 gallons. 

5 gallons alcohol. 

125 pounds powder. 

10,000 Winchester cartridges, .22 short. 



462 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



In respect to the liquors above mentioned the company has been 
informed that the arbitrary designation of barrels, cases, kegs, etc., 
may be disregarded, and the liquors shipped in packages different 
from those mentioned, provided the whole amount of each kind of 
liquor sliipped does not exceed the amount specified in the foregoing 
list. 

Respectfully, V. H. Metcalf, 

Secretary. 



Department of Commerce and IjAbor, 

Division of Alaskan Fisheries, 

Washington. 

Columbus, Ohio, A'pril 5, 1906. 
Mr. Edwin W. Sims, 

Solicitor, Department Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, B.C. 
Dear Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith my account for 
salary for the month of March, 1906, amounting to $243.34. 

I would thank you to send check in settlement to me at 1167 Neil 
Avenue, this city. 

Very respectfully, James Judge, 

Assistant Agent Seal Islands. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Solicitor, 

Washington, April 9, 1906. 
The Solicitor, 

Department of Commerce and Labor. 
Sir: I have to report that the following supplies are required for 
use in the Government houses on the islands of St. Paul and St. 
George, Alaska: 

St. Paul. 



1 carpet (room 15 feet by 31 feet). 

4 dozen towels. 

8 roller shades for windows. 



1 carpet (room 15 feet by 31 feet) . 
4 dozen towels. 
8 roller shades for windows. 
1 Remington typewriter. 



500 ball cartridges, caliber .30, for Krag- 

Jorgensen rifles. 
1 small movable cannon. 



St. George. 



500 ball cartridges, caliber .30, for Krag- 

Jorgensen rifles. 
1 small movable cannon. 



The carpet is designed for use in the large room in each of the houses 
mentioned, to replace that now on the floors, which is worn out. 
These rooms, in addition to use by the regular occupants, are visited 
at least once a week by almost the entire population of the islands to 
obtain orders for supplies and to transact otner official business. 

The supply of towels now on the islands is practically exhausted, 
not having been replenished for years. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 463 

The window shades are mteiided to rephxce those now in use, which, 
by reason of long usage, are ])ractica]ly unserviceable. 

The Remington typewriter is absohitely necessary for the proper 
transaction of official business on St. George Island. Tlie machine 
now on St. George is my own jiroperty and was used by me on St. 
Paul. l-])on the receipt from the department of a new typewriting 
machine for St. Paul, I transferred the old machine to St. George, 
where it is now in use. It is probably 14 years old, and so nearly a 
complete wreck as to require very careful manipulation to g(?t any 
results from its use. The work done by it is of so poor a quality as to 
render handwriting faster and more legible. The replacing of this 
old machine with a new Remington is urgently requested. 

The ball cartridges are necessary for defense of the rookeries. 
Those requested are necessary to replenish the supply of ammunition 
on the islands, a portion of which, probably, has ])een expended for 
judicious target j)ractice during the winter. 

The small movable cannon, one for each island, have been requested 
heretofore. Their presence on the islands is a necessity, both in the 
event of a raid on the rookeries by poachers and for signaling pur- 
poses. 

In the absence of a patrol vessel, it is entirely feasible for a schooner 
to lie within a half mile of the islands, taking seals, while the shore 
guard is powerless to reach the offender. The provision of a portable 
cannon on each island, having a range of several miles, would meet 
the contingency. 

It was reported in the newspapers that Alex. McLean, the master 
of the poaching schooner Acapulca, which took seals close to the 
islands all last summer in open sight of land, called for volunteers 
to land and raid the rookeries, and that none of his crew were willing 
to take the risk. The possession of a serviceable fieldpiece on each 
island would have a deterrent influence on persons of this character 
which would be of great value in keeping the vicinity of the islands 
free from poachers. 

Then, again, a cannon is constantly necessary on the islands to 
signal vessels to an anchorage in the thick fog that is usually present 
in summer. A tiny brass gun, of the style used for signaling on 
schooners, heretofore has been borrowed from the lessee to use in 
cases where a Government boat is seeking the anchorage. It is mani- 
festly better, however, for the Government to supply a necessary 
article, of which it has an abundance, than to require its representa- 
tives to borrow the same when its use becomes necessary for Govern- 
ment purposes. 

I have also to state that, in view of anticipated negotiations, photo- 
graphs of the breeding rookeries this summer, showing their exact 
condition at the height of the season, will probably be required and 
will be of great value as evidence. To obtain such photographs, the 
following supplies will be necessary: 



St. George. 



10 dozen plates, 8 by 10. 
2 gross Velox paper,* 8 by 10. 
1 ruby lantern. 
1 camera spirit level. 



6 Carlton plate holders, 8 by 10. 
Developer and hypo, for 10 dozen plates. 
Developer and hypo, for Velox paper (2 
gross, 8 by 10). 



464 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

St. Paul. 



10 rolls films, 5 by 4, 12 exposures each, 

for No. 4 Kodak. 
10 dozen plates, 8 by 10. 
6 Carlton plate holders, 8 by 10. 
1 camera spirit level . 



2 gross Velox paper, 8 by 10. 
Developing powders and hypo, for 10 rolls 

films. 
Developer and hypo, for 10 dozen plates, 

8 by 10. 



2 ruby lanterns. | Developer and hypo, for 2 gross Velox, 

2 gross Velox paper, 4 by 5. | 4 by 5, and 2 gross Velox, 8 by 10. 



Respectfully. 



W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries. 



I have gone carefully over the above, and in my opinion the supplies 
requested are necessary., 

E. W. Sims, Solicitor. 

May 16, 1906. 
The Solicitor, 

Department of Commerce and Labor. 

Sir: Referring to my letter of the 9th instant, wherein I reported 
that certain supplies were required for the Government houses on St. 
George and St. Paul Islands, Alaska, I have now to state that the 
following articles are necessary, in addition to those already men- 
tioned, for the proper conduct of business at the places stated: Two 
field glasses, one for each island. 

These glasses, one for each island, are required for use of the armed 
watchmen stationed at the watch houses remote from the villages to 
determme the class, and, if possible, the nationality of approaching 
vessels, and report the information by telephone to the village, from 
which aid, if required, may be sent. 

Glasses for use of the watchmen have been long required. The 
Government agents use glasses of their own. The lessee supplies its 
agents with glasses. The watchmen have none, and their reports, 
made from observations with the naked eye, are so often erronepus 
as to cast doubt upon their statements whenever made. A pair of 
good glasses in each watch house is a vital necessity, and their provi- 
sion by the department is respectfully but urgently requested. 

I have just received word from Agent Judge to the effect that both 
houses are much in need of wall paper and swiss for window curtains. 
I had overlooked this matter in my letter of the 9th instant, but now 
desire to indorse Mr. Judge's statement, and request that authority 
be given me to purchase, in San Francisco, through the North Ameri- 
can Commercial Co., 25 double bolts of wall paper, with border, and 
one bolt of swiss muslin for each island. 

Respectfully, W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries. 

Approved. 

E. W. Sims, Solicitor. 



« 



SliAL. JSL,AJNDy OF AIjASKA. 400 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Solicitor, 

Washington, April 19, 1906. 
The Solicitor, 

Department of Commerce and Labor. 

Sir: I have respectfully to request that the island of St. Paul, 
Alaska, be suj^plied with a marine gasohne engine of about 10 horse- 
power, for installation in a hxrge rowboat now on the island, thereby 
converting the boat into a gasoline launch. 

The work of the Government agents on the seal islands has been 
greatly handicapped for lack of means in transporting themselves, 
the natives, and paraphernalia from the village to the various rook- 
eries in performing the work necessary during the sealing season. 
Dependence has had to be placed solely on the endurance of the men 
or the kindness of the lessee to enable laborers, branding gear, and 
other impedimenta to be moved from one place to another. 

In addition, Otter and Walrus Islands, lying, respectively, about 7 
and 14 miles from the village in the open sea, both have seals on 
them during the summer. In the investigation of seal life by the 
agents it is necessary that these places should be visited each sum- 
mer and the conchtions thereon noted. In view of the risk attendant 
upon these journeys in open rowboats, and the time involved, these 
islands have been visited only semioccasionally, and little or nothing 
is known of conditions there. 

There has been on the island for years an old Government rowboat 
about 28 feet long, with 6 feet of beam, built in San Francisco on the 
lines of a surfboat. This was disabled several years after its receipt 
on the island by the warping of defective stem and stern posts, tear- 
ing open the planking fore and aft. In 1903, with the permission of 
the lessee's agent, I had this boat brought up to the lessee's shop, 
and after a force of natives had worked on it for several months the 
boat was put into practically as good shape as when new. It is now 
in commission on the island. 

It is too heavy to be readily pulled by hand from place to place, 
and it is this boat into which it is intended to place the engine, if 
furnished. 

A suitable gasohne launch, with arrangements for tomng a small 
boat, would better suit our purpose, as a launch probably would have 
more beam, and would be decked over sufficiently to protect the 
engine from the splash when running in a head sea. But should the 
department feel that a regular launch can not be furnished, I feel 
sure that, with the aid of the natives and the officers of the company 
on the islands, the rowboat mentioned could be remodeled and 
fitted with, a gasoline engine should the purchase of the latter be 
authorized. 

Respectfully, W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries. 

Approved. 

Edwin W. Sims, Solicitor. 

2403— H. Doc. 93, 62—1 30 



466 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Bureau Req. No. 114. Dep't Req. No. 5672. 

requisition for supplies. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Division of Seal Fisheries, 

Office of the Solicitor, 

April 20, 1906. 
To the Chief Clerk: 

Please cause to be furnished to this bureau for official use the supplies specified 
below: 

Edwin W. Sims, Solicitor. 
Approved: Assistant Secretary considers favorably. 

■F.R.B., Chief Clerk. 

Item No. OM. One marine gasoline engine, about 10-horsepower. Ordered shipped 
direct from manufacturer. 

ReceiA^ed: W. I. Lembkey. 

Invoiced June 11, 1906.— J. H. W. 
Compared. — C. W. R. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Division of Alaskan Fisheries, 

Washington. 

Columbus, Ohio, May 1, 1906. 
Mr. Edwin W. Sims, 

Solicitor, Department Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C. 
Dear Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith my account for 
salary, for the month of April, 1906, amounting to $243.33. 

I would thank you to send check in settlement to me at 1167 Neil 
Avenue, tliis city. 

Very respectfully, James Jltoge, 

Assistant Agent Seal Islands. 

Vouchers approved and forwarded to disbursing clerk, May 2, 1906. 

E. W. Sims, Solicitor. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Solicitor, 

Washington, May 1, 1906. 
The Solicitor, 

Department of Com/merce and Labor. 
Sir: I have respectful^ to request that I be furnished with a 
book of transportation blanks for the use of myself and assistant 
agents in traveUng to and from the Pribilof Islands, Alaska, on 
Government business. 

Eespectfully, W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries. 

Approved. Edwin W. Sims, Solicitor. 



seal. islands of alaska. 4b < 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Solicitor, 

Washington, May 4, 1906. 
The Solicitor, 

Departinent of Commerce and Lahor. 

Sir: I have respectfully to report that at your suggestion I visited 
the War and the Navy Departments for the purpose of ascertaining 
the form of marine explosive engine adopted by their various services 
for use in small boats, with the following results: 

At the Navy Department I was informed by the chief clerk that, 
while that department had in use a number of gasoline engines of 
various makes, they had decided upon none of them as being better 
than the others. They had, in fact, on hand at the moment I called 
a number of bids from the various manufacturers for engines required 
by the department, but these bids had not been opened, and until 
that was done it was stated that the department would be unable to 
advise me which make of engine was considered the best. He advised 
me to correspond with the Aolean Co., of which Admiral Burnham 
was a member, believing that the latter gentleman would be able to 
give much useful information on the subject. 

I then called upon the chief clerk of the Quartermaster's Depart- 
ment of the Army, and was introduced to Mr. Anthony, the naval 
expert of the War Department. Mr. Anthony showed great famili- 
arity with the subject of marine explosive engines, and informed me, 
in fact, that he owned two gasoline lauaches, both of which he built 
himself. 

He stated that, after careful examination and considerable testing, 
the War Department had found the Jaeger engine, manufactured in 
New York, to be the best for installation in small boats such as the one 
now on St. Paul Island. He made a full technical statement of its 
merits as compared with other makes, the details of which I am 
unable to remember. From his own experience, and that of the de- 
partment as well, he* strongly advised the purchase of a Jaeger engine 
for the St. Paul boat. 

I then asked him his opinion as to the merits of a marine oil engine. 
He stated frankly that oil engines for small boats, in his opinion, were 
unsatisfactory. By reason of the great demand for gcasoline engines 
engineering talent had brought that type to a high state of perfection, 
to the exclusion of the oil engine, which was little used and which 
practically was still in its infancy. The trouble with the oil engine, 
he said, was the fact that before an explosion could be obtained a 
hollow iron ball had to be heated to a state of incandescence by means 
of a hydrocarbon lamp. This operation required from 15 to 30 
minutes and made the oil engine as slow to get into operation as a 
steam engine with water-tube boiler. For these and other reasons 
he believed the oil engine would be unsatisfactory for use on the 
islands, and again strongly recommended a gasoline engine of the 
Jaeger pattern. 

In view of the statements of Mr. Anthony I would respectfully 
recommend that a Jaeger engine be purchased for vSt. Paul Island. 

At your suggestion, upon my return from the War Department, I 
furnished Mr. Fowler, the Chief of the Division of Supphes, with the 
address of the manufacturers of the engine mentioned. 



468 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



I would add that Mr. Anthony stated that, in his opinion, a 10- 
horsepower engine was not too large for the boat on St. Paul, which 
is 28 feet over all by 6 feet beam. 

Respectfully, W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries. 
Approved. 

Edwin W. Sims, Solicitor. 



Bureau Req. No. 119. 



Dep't Req. No. 5807. 



REQUISITION FOE SUPPLIES. 



To the Chief Clerk: 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Division of Seal Fisheries, 

Office of the Solicitor, 

May 15, 1906. 



Please cause to be furnished to this bureau for official use the supplies specified 
below. 

Edwin W. Sims, Solicitor. 
Approved. 

T. L. W., Acting Chief Clerk. 



Item 

No. 



91 
OM. 
OM. 

751 
OM. 
OM. 
OM. 
OM. 



Quantity. 



Desired. 



Issued. 



Articles. 



25 pounds' June 1 Cotton waste (ordered May 28, 1906) 

12 I do... Dry batteries, engine size (ordered May 31, 1906) 

1 barrel Cylinder oil, 52 gallons, from Lighthouse Establishment at San 

Francisco, at 40 cents. 

Oil cans (ordered May 28, 1906) 

Voltmeter (ordered May 31, 1906) 

Generator (ordered May 18, 1906), direct from manufacturer 

Gasoline, from San Francisco, at 15 cents 

Iron barrels, from San Francisco, at $8.50 



21 


Junel 


11 


do... 


1 




220 gallons 




4 





Cost. 



$20.80 



33.00 
34.00 



1 1 box by Adams Express. 

To be delivered at St. Paul Island, Pribilof Islands, Alaska, with gasoline engine. 
Invoiced June 11, 1906.— J. H. W. 
Compared.— C. W. R. 

Received the above , 190 — . 

W. I. Lembkey. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Solicitor, 

Washington, May 16, 1906. 
The Solicitor, 

Department of Commerce and Labor. 
Sir: Referring to my letter of the 9th instant, wherein I reported 
that certain supplies were required for the Government houses on 
St. George and St. Paul Islands, Alaska, I have now to state that the 
following articles are necessary, in addition to those already men- 
tioned, for the proper conduct of business at the places stated: 
Two field glasses, one for each island. 

These glasses, one for each island, are required for use of the armed 
watchmen stationed at the watch houses remote from the villages, 
to determine the class, and if possible, the nationality of approaching 
vessels, and report the information by telephone to the village, from 
which aid, if required, may be sent. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 469 

Glasses, for use of the watchmen, have long been required. The 
Government agents use glasses of their own. The lessee supplies its 
agents with glasses. The watchmen have none, and their reports, 
made from observations with the naked eye, are so often erroneous 
as to cast doubt upon their statements whenever made. A pair of 
good glasses in each watch house is a vital necessity and their pro- 
vision by the department is respectfully but urgently requested. 

I have just received word from Agent Judge to the effect that both 
houses are much in need of wall paper and swiss for window curtains. 
I had overlooked this matter in my letter of the 9th instant, but now 
desire to indorse Mr. Judge's statement, and request that authority be 
given me to purchase in San Francisco, through the North American 
Commercial Co., 25 double bolts of wallpaper, with border, and 1 bolt 
of Swiss muslin, for each island. 

Respectfully, W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Seal FisJieries. 

Approved. 

E. W. Sims, Solicitor. 



St. Paul Island, Alaska, August 22, 1906. 
To the Solicitor, 

Department of Commerce and Labor, Washington, D. C. 
Dear Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith, for appropriate 
action, my account for expenses incurred in travehng on official 
business, from Wasliington, D. C, to St. Paul Island, Alaska, amount- 
ing to $78.80. 

Very respectfully, James Judge, 

Assistant Agent'Seal Islands. 



St. Paul Island, Alaska, October 16, 1906. 
To the Solicitor, 

Department of Commerce and Labor, Washington, D. C. 
Dear Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith, for appropriate 
action, my account for salary for the months of May and June, 1906, 
amounting to $486.67. 

Very respectfully, James Judge, 

Assistant Agent Seal Islands. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Solicitor, 

Washington, November 14-, 1906. 

vSir: I have the honor to submit herewith my account for traveling 
expenses from St. Paul Island, Alaska, to Wasliington, D. C, under 
authority of department letter of March 9, 1906, copy of wliich is 
attached. 

I desire to call attention to the fact that my bill for hotel and meals 
at Seattle, Wash., exceeds the $5 per diem limit prescribed in the 
inclosed letter, for the reason that I was unable to secure rates on the 



470 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

American plan, and the only room I was able to get was at the Hotel 
Butler, at $2.50 per diem. At the time I arrived there, travelers 
were going from one hotel to another in search of rooms and were 
lined up at the hotel counter 15 in a row. 

I was in Seattle only two days. I have the honor to request, in 
view of the foregoing explanation, that the excess charges for sub- 
sistence in Seattle over $5 per diem be allowed. 
Respectfully, 

W. I. Lembkey, 
Agent in Charge of Alaskan Seal Fisheries. 

The honorable the Secretary of Commerce and Labor. 



1 



1907. 

Part I. — Instructions to Agents and Agents' Reports. 

April 15, 1907. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge of Seal Islands, 

Department of Commerce and Labor. 

Sir : Section 1 . Order to proceed to islands. — You are directed to 
proceed to the seal islands in time to arrive there before the beginning 
of the sealing season of 1907. there to assume charge of the Govern- 
ment's interest on the islands. Assistant Agent Ezra W. Clark will 
be instructed to accompau}^ you to the islands, and will report to 
you for instructions. 

Sec. 2. Assignment of assistants. — You will make such assign- 
ment of the assistant agents for the season's work as in your judgment 
will best subserve the interests of the service and the welfare of the 
native inhabitants, and vnll notif}^ the department of your action in 
this regard. 

Sec. 3. Agents to report to Washington. — At the close of the sealing 
season, or as soon thereafter as feasible, yourself and Assistant 
Agent H. D. Cliichester will return to Washington and report for duty 
at the department. Assistant Agent Clark, as well as Assistant Agent 
Judge, Mall remain on tlie islands during the coming summer. 

Sec. 4. Copies of contract inclosed. — Inclosed herewith are copies 
of the contract between tlie United States and the North American 
Commercial Co-, and it \\dll be your duty and that of your assistants, 
to see that its provisions are enforced and the riglits of the Govern- 
ment and those of the lessee duly protected. 

Sec. 5. Decision in event of difference. — Should a difference of 
opinion arise at any time between yourself and tlie representatives of 
the company in respect to a matter of administration on the islands, 
your decision must govern, but in all cases you should request the 
superintendent of the compan}^ to furnish a written statement of liis 
views on the question involved. Tliis statement should be trans- 
mitted to the department with an expression of your own views, at 
the earliest practicable moment. 

Sec. 6. Quota. — If the condition of the herd will permit, the lessee 
may be allowed to take dxuing the season of 1907 as man}^ as 
13,000 male seals of the proper age on the island of St. Paul, and as 
many as 2,000 on the island of St. George, but not more than the 
number specified in either case, pro\aded, however, that in case the 
number of male seals hauling on St. George Island is so greatly in 
excess of the number usually hauling there as to convince the Gov- 
ernment agent in charge on St. George that there has been a material 
contemporaneous diminution in the number of male seals hauhng on 

471 



472 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

St. Paul Island, said agent in charge may, in liis discretion, autliorize 
the taking of a total of not to exceed 3,000 seals on St. George Island. 
This taldng is, of course, to be subject to all the other requirements 
and limitations of these regulations. The numbers to wliich the 
quotas of the two islands are thus limited shall be inclusive of any 
skins accepted by the company from food drives made prior to the 
present sealing season. No seals shall be taken tliis season that have 
reached the age of four years (i. e., seals that have attained their 
fifth summer), nor shall any seals be taken that are under two years 
of age. 

Sec. 7. Reservation of young males.— In order to remove all doubt 
as to the reservation of a sufficient number of male seals for the 
perpetuation of the herd, you are instructed to release from among 
the best seals appearing in the first drives of the season not less than 
1,000 three-year-old males and not less than 1,000 two-year-old males. 
Of the 3-year-olds and 2-year-olds to be reserved, 800 of each shall be 
released on the island of St. Paul and 200 of each on the island of 
St. George. The seals thus released are to be marked in such a man- 
ner as will make them readily recognizable tliroughout the season, 
and under no circumstances are they to be taken by the lessee. 

Sec. 8. Sizes ofkillahle seals. — No seals shall be killed having skins 
weighing less than 5 pounds, nor more than 8h pounds. Skins 
weighing less than 5 pounds or more than S j pounds shall not be 
shipped 'from the islands, but shall be held there subject to such 
instructions as may be furnished you hereafter by the department. 

Sec. 9. Killing season. — The killing season should begin as soon 
after the 1st of June as the rookeries are in condition for driving. 
Seals shall not be killed by the lessee later than July 31. The killing 
of pups for food for the natives, or for any other purpose, is not to be 
permitted. 

Sec. 10. Seals for food. — The number of seals to be killed by the 
natives for food for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 1907, shall not 
exceed 1,700 on the island of St. Paul and 500 on the island of St. 
George, subject to the same limitations and restrictions as apply to 
the killing of seals b}^ the company for its quota. Care should be 
taken that no branded seals be killed in the drives for food. 

Sec. 11. Driving. — The representatives of the company on the 
islands should be required to give notice on the day preceding that on 
which they desire to make a drive of seals, stating the name of the 
rookery selected. The time, place, and manner of conducting all 
drives shall be subject to your approval. A representative of the 
Government should be present on the killing ground in each instance 
to superintend the killing. If at any time the methods employed in 
driving or killing appear in your judgment to be faulty or detrimental 
to the seal herd, you should see that such methods are immediately 
corrected, •indicating to the representative of the company what 
changes are to be made. 

Sec. 12. Killing grounds. — As heretofore, you should establish on 
each of the islands killing grounds that can be reached by the 
shortest possible drive, provided, however, that such Idlling grounds 
must be at places sufficiently distant from the rookeries to prevent 
annoyance from the decaying carcasses. 

Sec. 13. Acceptance of sJcins. — In an opinion dated March 8, 1902, 
it was held by the Solicitor of the Treasury that the lessee has 



SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 473 

no right to reject any of the skins taken from the seals which it has 
selected for killing. You will therefore see that all such skins, regard- 
less of condition, are accepted. 

Sec. 14. Counting skins. — All the sealskins should be carefully 
counted in the salt houses in the presence of the department agent and 
of the representative of the company, and a receipt, in duplicate, m 
the following form should be prepared and signed by said agent and 
by the representative of the company: 

St. Island, , 19 — . 

We certify that there have been placed in salt in the salt house in our presence, 

sealskins. 

> 
Agent United States Department of Commerce and Labor. 

Agent North American Commercial Co. 

Sec. 15. Beceii)ts for sealskins salted. — The original of the above 
receipt should be retained by the department agent and the duphcate 
be given to the representative of the North American Commercial Co. 
At the close of the season, when the sealskins are again counted and 
shipped on board the company's steamer, the usual annual receipts 
should be signed by the captain of the steamer and the representa- 
tive of the department. 

Sec. 16. Trading in skins. — The North American Commercial Co. 
has the exclusive privilege under its contract of taking sealskins 
on the islands of St. Paul and St. George, and you should see that the 
company is protected in this right. Care shoidd be taken to prevent 
the disposal of skins by tlie natives to any other company or to any 
person. All trading in sealskins by the natives is strictly prohibited, 
nor shall the natives be permitted to do any trading in fox skins. 

Sec. 17. Measures to i^r event sliijjment of skins hy natives. — To 
avoid the possibility of sealskins or fox skins being surreptitiously 
shipped from the islands, you are directed to continue the practice of 
examining all goods to be sliipped by the natives, including baggrge 
and personal effects and where barrels, casks, boxes, or other receptacles 
are used they sliould be closed under your supervision, after an 
examination of their contents before being placed in the warehouse. 
Any skins found concealed in packages to be shipped by the natives 
should be seized and held, subject to instructions from the depart- 
ment. 

Sec. 18. Census of seal herd. — You are expected to make a 
thorough examination into the condition of the seal herd during 
the coming season and to make a careful count of the number of 
breeding seals, male and female, on the islands, and also a computa- 
tion as accurate as possible of the number of seals not breeding, 
including idle bulls, half bulls, bachelors, and virgin females. A 
careful enumeration should ^Iso be made of the pups found dead at 
the close of the season, and such information as can be had regarding 
the cause of death reported: Provided, however, That in case the 
presence of pelagic schooners near the islands at any time during the 
summer should make it unwise to so disturb the rookeries by count- 
ing as to drive off tlie breeding seals into the water, yourself and the 
assistant agent in charge on St. George should use your discretion 
as to what further counts sliould be made, or whether counting 
should be discontinued altogether for the remainder of the season. 



474 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Sec. 19. SealsTcins to he weigTied. — You are instructed to have the 
skins of the seals taken by the lessee during the coming season 
carefully weighed and to keep a record of the weights for the infor- 
mation of the department. You should also weigh the skins of seals 
that are killed to supply food for the natives and record the weights. 
The natives may be required to assist as far as practicable in the 
work of weigliing. 

Sec. 20. Care of the natives. — The care and welfare of the natives 
should receive your close attention, and you are directed to see that 
the lessee performs all of the obhgations of its contract toward such 
natives. You should ascertain the prices charged at the company's 
stores, compare them with the prices at San Francisco, and report 
any instances where the natives are compelled to pay unfair prices. 
You should also inspect the articles supplied as to quahty and quan- 
ity, and if they are in any manner deficient you should report the 
fact to the department. 

Sec. 21. Compensation to natives for talcing slcins. — In view of the 
increase of the prices charged the natives on the seal islands for 
necessaries of life by the lessee, the latter has been informed that the 
compensation to be paid by the company for killing, salting, curing, 
bundling, and loading the sealskins on the company's steamers will be 
75 cents for each skin, instead of 50 cents a skin, as heretofore. The 
increase of 25 cents per skin, made last year, is designed to meet the 
increased cost of necessaries of life on the islands. It is the purpose 
of the department, to require that the prices of labor in the work of 
sealing by the natives shall be adjusted to meet, as far as may be, the 
increased cost of articles required for their subsistence. You are 
therefore directed to notify the department of any further increase in 
the prices of goods sold by the company to the natives. The money 
thus earned is to constitute a community fund for distribution among 
the natives, according to their respective classes. At the close of 
the sealing season, after a conference with the native chiefs, you will 
make such division of the fund among the natives, according to their 
classification, as is deemed fair and just, and submit a report of such 
division, showing the amount apportioned to each native partici- 
pating in the fund. This report should be accompanied with an 
mdorsement of approval from the native chiefs and a certificate from 
the company's agent that such funds have been credited to such 
natives on the books of the company. 

Sec. 22. Returns to natives under fox contract. — The contract grant- 
ing the North American Commercial Co. the right to propagate on 
the islands of St. Paul and St. George the fur-bearing animal known 
as the blue fox will expire on April 1, proximo. The question of 
renewing said contract for the ensuing fiscal year is now under con- 
sideration by the department. If a new contract is concluded, you 
will be advised in a later communication regarding its terms. Should 
you fail to receive notice of the execution of such a contract, you 
are directed to see that no fox skms are taken by the company. 

In the absence of a contract with the company, you will exercise 
your judgment as regards permitting any fox skins to be taken by the 
natives. If you are convinced that it will be advisable to allow the 
killing of a certain quota of foxes, you may permit a reasonable quota 
to be taken under the direction of the Government agents, the skins 
to be delivered into your custody and to be retained by you awaiting 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 475 

instructions from the department as to the manner of their disposal. 
If skins are thus taken, the question of applying the proceeds in whole 
or in part to the support of the natives mil be given careful consid- 
eration. 

Sec. 23. Payment of natives' earnings. — The amounts that are 
earned from the company by the natives for labor other than sealing 
and foxing are to be paid to them in cash, and you will instruct the 
company's representatives accordingly. The funds earned from seal- 
ing and foxing, however, are to be disbursed on orders, as heretofore. 
The payment to the natives of money from the appropriation for their 
maintenance, upon the orders of the Government agent, is strictly 
prohibited. Articles that do not properly come within the term 
"necessaries" should not be exposed for sale in the company's stores 
nor sold to the natives for the money they earn by labor. 

Sec. 24. Support of natives. — Congress has appropriated the sum 
of $19,500 "to enable the Secretary of Commerce and Labor to 
furnish food, fuel, and clothing and other necessaries of life to the 
native inliabitants on the islands of St. Paul and St. George, Alaska," 
during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1908, and the greatest care and 
economy should be exercised in the expenditure of this appropriation. 
Articles of strict necessity onl}^ should be issued. No expensive dress 
goods, boots, or other articles are to be provided. Each of the natives 
should be restricted to one pair of dress shoes per year, and each of 
the women to one good dress. Ginghams, calicoes, muslms, and 
similar inexpensive dress goods may be issued in reasonable quantities. 

The supply of fuel for the use of the natives is paid for from this 
appropriation, and the cost of such fuel should not be overlooked in 
determining how much of the appropriation is available for other 
purposes. In the distribution of supplies no distinction is to be 
made between persons without means and those having small sav- 
ings from previous years. 

You will continue the plan, adopted under previous instructions, 
of issuing orders upon the company for such supplies as are required 
by the native inhabitants. At the end of the season, as heretofore, 
you will submit to the department the stubs of the orders given, 
payable from the appropriation, for use in verifying the accounts of 
the company. 

Sec. 25. Coal supply. — The A'orth American Commercial Co. has 
agreed to furnish during the coming season for use on the islands 
315 long tons of coal at $20 per ton, including delivery on the beach, 
215 tons to be delivered on St. Paul Island and 100 tons on St. 
George Island. This coal, with the 80 tons additional that the com- 
pany is required to furnish under the terms of its contract, will make 
available for all purposes a supply of 395 tons, and in its distribution 
the widows and orphans and aged and infirm inhabitants of the 
islands of St. Paul and St. George are to be included. 

Of the 315 tons purchased from the company, you may make the 
following distribution : 

St. Paul Island: ' Tons. 

For the Government house 15 

For use of the natives 200 

St. George Island: 

For the Government house 15 

For use of the natives 85 

Total 315 



47b SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Of the 80 tons furnished by the company without charge under its 
contract, 50 tons may be distributed to the natives of St. Paul and 
• 30 tons to the natives of St. George. 

Sec. 26. Dwellings for natives. — The agreement of the company in 
its contract to furnisii the native inhabitants of the islands a suffi- 
cient number of comfortable dwellings and to keep such dwellings in 
proper repair should be strictly enforced. 

Sec. 27. Schools for the natives. — You will require the schools for 
the native children to be maintained from wSeptember 1 to May 1 
and to be open 5 days in each week, the school hours to be from 9 
o'clock a. m. to 3 o'clock p. m., with an hour recess at noon and 15 
minutes recess in the forenoon. 

It will be your duty to see that the teachers appointed by the com- 
pany are competent to teach the English language and that they 
faithfully perform this duty. None but the English language shall be 
taught in the schools. 

If the j)arents of the children on the islands desire to send them 
to the Jessie Lee Home, at Unalaska, the department has no objection, 
provided no expenditure of public money is involved in their trans- 
portation to Unalaska or their maintenance and schooling while 
there. This course will also be permitted, under the same conditions, 
in the case of orphan children for whom provision is now made by the 
company under its contract. 

Sec. 28. Widows, orphans, aged and infirm. — The company is re- 
quired by its contract to provide the necessaries of life for the 
widows and orphans and aged and infirm inhabitants of the islands 
who are unable to provide for themselves, and you will see that this 
obligation is fully enforced. Widows and orphans having small 
sums of money to their credit should not be compelled to spend them 
and become wholly dependent before they are allowed to draw sup- 
plies under this provision in the company's contract. Such sums, as 
Well as similar accounts held by other natives, may be drawn upon 
from time to time, however, with the consent and under the direc- 
tion of the Government agent, for such reasonable articles as will 
contribute to the comfort of -the persons possessing the funds. 

Sec. 29. Natives to render service. — In consideration of the sup- 
port gratuitously afforded the natives by the Government, you are; 
directed to utilize their services, when not required by the company, < 
in repairing roads, guarding the rookeries, and performing such othen 
duties as may seem desirable. This instruction is not to be regarded, [ 
however, as relieving the company from its obligation to employ thai 
natives,' at a fair and just compensation, for all such work as theyj 
are fitted to perform. 

Sec. 30. Election of native chiefs. — No interference should be per-1 
mitted in the selection of their chiefs by the native inhabitants of' 
the islands. If it should transpire, however, that persons manifestly 
unsuitable for the position are chosen, it will be 3^our duty to inter- 
pose in the interest of good government and require the selection of 
proper persons, 'but such action should be taken only in extreme cases. 

Sec. 31. Sale of intoxicants prohibited. — The company agrees in 
its contract that it will not permit any of its agents to keep, sell, 
give, or dispose of any distilled spirits, or spirituous liquors or opium 
on either of the islands or the waters adjacent thereto to any of the 



native inhabitants, such person not being a physician and furnishing 
the same for use as a medicine. This obligation is to be rigidly 
enforced. 

Sec. 32. Manufacture of intoxicants prohibited. — ^The brewing or 
distilling of intoxicating beverages on the islands is prohibited. In 
the enforcement of this provision you are authorized to discontinue 
the sale from the company's stores of sugar, or other articles entering 
into the manufacture of intoxicants, to any person who violates this 
order, or who is found to be intoxicated. Should intoxication become 
so general among the people as to interfere with good government 
and jeopardize the peace, you are authorized to discontinue alto- 
gether the sale of sugar and of other articles entering into the manu- 
facture of intoxicants, for such length of time as may appear wise. 

Sec. 33. Removal for cause. — Should natives or other persons 
become so unruly or immoral in conduct as to endanger the peace 
and good government of the people, they should be removed from 
the islands, and the Revenue-Cutter Service will be instructed to 
render such assistance as may be necessary for that purpose. 

Sec. 34. Landing on the islands restricted. — No persons other than 
Government officers, representatives and employees of the North 
American Commercial Co., and duly accredited representatives of 
the Russian Church shall be allowed to land on the islands except 
by written authority from the department. The permission granted 
representatives of the Russian Church to visit the islands may be 
suspended, however, when its exercise is attempted by an improper 
person. Visitors to the islands should not be permitted to inspect 
the rookeries, except under your supervision. 

Sec. 35. Killing of sea lions to he limited. — The preservation of 
the sea-lion rookeries on the islands is liiglily important. The kilhng 
of these animals should be limited to such numbers as are absolutely 
necessary in providing for the construction of bidarras or skin boats. 
Sea-hon pups should not be killed for any purpose. 

Sec. 36. Information regarding affairs on the islands. — No infor- 
mation regarding the seals, or any other matter pertaining to the 
seal islands, is to be given out by you or by any of the assistant 
agents. All applications for such information should be referred to 
the department. 

Sec. 37. Conclusion. — The maintenance of guards on isolated 
rookeries to prevent illegal landings and raids should be continued. 

Should questions arise involving matters not covered by these 
instructions it will be your duty to report the facts to the department 
and to await mstructions, except in cases requiring immediate deci- 
sion, when you v/ill take such action as sound judgment dictates. 

The instructions embodied in this letter are to remain in force until 
they are superseded by later ones, and in the event of your failure 
to receive revised instructions for a subsequent season, the directions 
herein given are to be followed for such season so far as they are 
apphcable. 

Three additional copies of tliis letter are inclosed herewith, and you 
are directed to furnish one of these copies to each of the assistant 
agents for their information and guidance. 
Respectfully, 

Lawrence O. Murray, 

Assistant Secretary. 



ijTjA.±j xoJU-n-XN J-zo \Ji: n_Lj.n.kJXi..ri« 



April 15, 1907. 
Sir: You are hereby authorized to deliver to the North American 
Commercial Co. the sealskins (166 in number) which weighed less 
than 5 pounds or more than 8^ pounds, retained on the Pribilof Islands 
during the season of 1906 under instructions from this department. 
These skins should be included in the company's quota for the current 
year. 

This action is based on the assumption that the number of such 
prohibited skins is so small as to justify the behef tliat they were 
taken only through unavoidable accident, mistake, or error in judg- 
ment. 

In this connection you are informed that the current instructions 
against the taking of skins under and over the weights mentioned 
must be most rigidly enforced. 

Respectfully, Lawrence O. Murray, 

Assistant Secretary. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries. 



April 27, 1907. 
Mr. E. W. Clark, 

Assistant Agent, Seal Islands, 

Department of Commerce and Labor. 
Sir: You are hereby directed to proceed to San Francisco in time 
to take passage for the Pribilof Islands on the vessel of the North 
American Commercial Co. leaving the above port on or about May 18, 
proximo. 

Upon your arrival at San Francisco you will report to Agent W. I. 
Lembkey, who will take passage on the same vessel for the islands 
mentioned. 

Respectfully, Lawrence O. Murray, 

Assistant Secretary. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Solicitor, 

Washington, April 27, 1907. 
Mr. E. W. Clark, 

Assistant Agent, Seal Islands, 

Department of Commerce and Labor. 
Sir: You are hereby directed to proceed to San Francisco in time 
to take passage for the Pribilof Islands on the vessel of the North 
American Commercial Co. leaving the above ])ort on or about May 
18, proximo. 

Upon your arrival at San Francisco you will report to Agent W. I. 
Lembkey, who wiU take passage on the same vessel for the islands 
mentioned. 

Respectfully, Lawrence O. Murray, 

Assistant Secretary. 



Department of Commekce and Labor, 

Office of Assistant Secretary, 

Washington, April SO, 1907. 

Sir: Authority is liereby given for the travel of yourself and Assist- 
ant Agent E. W. Clark from Washington, D. C, to the Pribilof Islands, 
in the spring of 1907, and of yourse[f and Assistant Agent H. D. Clii- 
chester from the Pribilof Islands to Washington, D. C, in the fall 
of 1907, such travel to be by the most direct and usually traveled 
routes. If excess baggage is necessary for the travel authorized, 
charges therefor may be included in amounts not to exceed $30, for 
each agent, for tlie trip going out. On the return trip, 100 pounds of 
excess baggage will be allowed, if actually necessary, and not to 
exceed 250 pounds may be transported as freight direct from San 
Francisco, Cal., through the Quartermaster's Department, via Ogden 

The actual necessary expenses of yourself and tlie assistant agents 
for board and lodging at San Francisco, Cal., not to exceed S5 per 
diem during such reasonable time as may be necessary for the trans- 
action of official business pending your departure for Alaska, will 
be allowed. Your arrival on the Pacific coast should be so timed as 
to relieve the department of any charges for detention there for a 
longer period than required for the transaction of official business. 
This injunction applies as well to the stay on the Pacific coast of 
yourself and the assistant agent upon your return from Alaska en 
route to the department. 

Yours, very respectfully, 



Assistant Secretary. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Seal Islands, 

Department of Comraerce and Labor. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Division of Alaskan Fisheries, 

Washington. 

St. Paul Island, Alaska, June 12, 1907. 
Hon. L. O. Murray, 

Assistant Secretary, Department of Commerce and Labor. 

Sir: I have the honor to report my arrival, on the 3d instant, on 
the Pribilof Islands. 

Conditions on both islands are good. At both villages the births 
during the past year exceeded the deaths. I found both Agents 
Judge and Chichester, on St. Paul and St. George, respectively, to be 
well, and to have administered aft'airs successfully. Agent Judge 
will remain on St. Paul another year. Agent Chichester and myself 
will report in the fall for duty at the department. 

The fox catch on St. George last winter (366 blues and 8 whites) 
fell nearly 100 from the catch of 1906, when 456 blues and 11 whites 
were taken. This decrease, however, was due more to an open 
winter (as was the last one), and the consequent presence of natural 
food, which kept foxes away from the traps, than to an actual dimi- 
nution of the fox herd. No foxes were taken last winter on St. 



480 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Paul, for the reason that only a few were found on that island, and 
none could be killed without the danger of the extermination of the 
species on that island. 

No female seals have arrived yet on either island. The bulls are 
here, however, awaiting the arrival of the cows. Preliminary exami- 
nation indicates that the decrease in bulls during the last winter was 
more moderate than usual, due to accessions of new bulls as the 
result of the reservation of marked males. In fact, certain rookeries 
already show an increase in bulls over last year. Among those 
present, young bulls preponderate, with a minority of middle-aged 
males. No old bulls are present. The count of bulls which we will 
make at the height of the season probably will show only a slight 
decrease from the number present last year. There was found on 
the islands last fall a greatly increased number of nursing seal pups 
dying from starvation, as the result of the killing of their mothers by 
pelagic sealers. This indicates a heav}^ mortality in breeding females 
since last season. 

Revenue cutters already have begun active patrol about the islands. 
The Perry at present is stationed at St. Paul, with the Manning at 
St. George. These stations will be alternated during the summer. 
Capt. Munger, fleet captain, with his staff, is stationed at Unalaska, 
having arrived there on the Perry while I was at Dutch Harbor. 

Upon the arrival at St. Paul, on the 8th instant, of the Perry on 
patrol, Capt. Dunwoody notified me in writing of his intention to 
patrol the 60-mile limit, as well as the 3-mile territorial limit about 
the islands, and requested me to communicate with him on every 
arrival of the cutter, in order that he may be kept advised of the 
situation. At his request, I went aboard the Perry and arranged a 
'code of special signals for use in communicating between the cutters 
on patrol and the agents on shore. The Perry makes a daily circuit 
of the 3-mile limit about St. Paul, a steaming distance of over 40 
miles, and is communicated with daily from shore by signals or 
otherwise. 

No branding or killing of bachelors has occurred since my arrival, 
there being but few bachelors present as yet. I shall secure the quota 
of bachelors to be reserved for breeding before killing for skins. 
Respectfully, 

W. 1. Lembkey, 
Agent in Charge of Seal Fisheries. 



St. Paul Island, Alaska, June 13, 1907. 

My Dear Mr. Murray: I am sending herewith an official letter 
regarding affairs on the islands during the past winter and at the 
time of my arrival. Both Agents Judge and Chichester should be 
commended for the efficiency of their administrations. 

There is every indication of a thorough patrol about the islands 
this summer. A cutter is constantly at each island, either at anchor 
or patrolling the 3-mile limit. In fact, the continuous presence of 
the cutter at the village makes me hesitate to visit the rookeries, for 
fear the cutter should signal during my absence. 

It is my purpose in every way possible to establish communication 
with the service on a friendly basis and to cooperate fuUy with all 
captains on patrol. 






OI^iAU XOJ_/.lX\ i/O VJ£ -AJ^^iO li.il. 



The Japanese sealers did not leave the sea last year until the 1st 
of October. 

With tlie promise of faithful work during the summer, I am, believe 
me, 

Very sincerely, yours, W. I. Lembkey. 

Hon. Lawrence O. Murray, 

Assistant Secretary, Department of Commerce arid Labor. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Division of Alaskan Fisheries, 

Washington. 

St. Paul Island, Alaska, June 20, 1907 . 
Hon. L. O. Murray, 

Assistant Secretary, Department of Commerce and Labor. 
Sir: I have the honor to report that since the 15th instant, when 
a schooner was seized by the Perry, two schooners were sighted from 
this island on the 16th instant and three schooners on the 19th 
instant, all in close proximity to the shore. Captains of cutters on 
patrol have been advised. 

Respectfully, W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 
Division of Alaskan Fisheries, 
Washington. 

St. Paul Island, Alaska, June 20, 1907. 
Hon. L. O. Murray, 

Assistant Secretary, Department of Comjnerce and Labor. 
Sir: I have the honor to inclose a copy of an official letter to me 
from the captain of the U. S. S. Perry, detailing the seizure of a 
Japanese schooner for a violation of the laws of the United States 
prohibiting the killing of seals. 
Respectfully, 

W. I. Lembkey, 
Agent in Cliarge Seal Fisheries. 



[Copy.] 

Steamer "Perry,'' 

St. Paul Island, Alaslca, June 15, 1907. 
To the ("hief Agent in Charge, 

Fur-Seal Fisheries, Pribilof Islands. 
Sir: I have to inform you that I have this day seized the Japanese 
schooner M\ye Maru, Toba, having fallen in with five of her boats, 

2403— H. Doc. 93, G2-1— 31 



482 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

with three men in each boat, engaged in hunting the fur seal 2 J miles 
of Otter Island. The boats contained no bodies of seal or sealskins, 
but each contained an outfit suitable for killing seals, and I have seized 
the vessel on the ground that she has violated the law by reason of 
her boats hunting seals within Territorial waters. 

I will take the prize to Unalaska immediately, stopping at St. 
George Island to notify Capt. Cantwell, of the Manning, in order 
that he may guard the waters around both islands during my absence. 
Eespectfully, 

F. M. Dun WOODY, 
Caytain, U. S. R. C. S., Commanding. 



Department of Commerce and Labor. 
[Telegram.] 

San Francisco, Cal., August SI, 1907. 
Secretary Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C. 
Arrived with Agent Chichester. Fourteen thousand nine hundred sixty-four seal- 
skins shipped, this year's quota. 

Lembkey, 
Agent in Charge Seal Fisher. 
11.05 a. m., September 1, 1907. 

Preliminary Report of September 9, 1907. 

By W. L Lembkey, Agent in Charge of Alaskan Seal Fisheries. 
[From S. Doc. No. 376, 60th Cong., 1st sess.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Division of Alaskan Fisheries, 

Washington, Septemher 9, 1907. 
Sir : I have the honor to submit the following preliminary report 
of the administration of affairs on the Pribilof Islands, Alaska, reser- 
vation during the season ended July 31, 1907: 

fur SEALS killed. 

The quota of 15,000 fur-sea.1 sldns for both islands was obtained. 

The number of sealskins taken and shipped hy the lessee of the 
seahng right follows: St. Paul, 12,384; St. George, 2,580; total, 
14,964. 

There were held on the islands during the season in question as 
having been taken contrary to the department's regulations the 
following number of skins: St. Paul, 15; St. George, 20; total, 35. 

These skins were either larger or smaller than the limit prescribed, 
and are now retained on the islands subject to further instructions. 

CHANGE OF QUOTA. 

The current regulations of the department prescribed as the quotas 
for the separate islands 13,000 for St. Paul and 2,000 for St. George. 
By section 6, however, it was permitted, in case the number of 



SEAX. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 483 

3-oung males hauling oil St. George was so large as to lead the agent 
there to believe that a contemporaneous diminution existed in the 
seals hauling on St. Paul, to increase the quota of St. George by a 
number not exceeding 1,000. 

The hauling grounds last season showed a condition exactly similar 
to that mentioned in the regulation above cited. The catch on St. 
Paul, up to the niiddle of July, 1907, fell nearly 2,000 below the 
number taken during the same period the previous year; while the 
killable seals were so plentiful on St. George as to allow the quota 
of 2,000 for that island to be taken practically on July 15. This 
having been reported to me by Agent Clark in several communica- 
tions, and he having requested that the St. George quota be raised, 
accordingly, on July 17, I addressed a letter to him authorizing the 
taking on St. George of an additional number of 600 skins, at the 
same time reducing the St. Paul quota by that number. Capt. 
Dunwoody, of the Perry, brought Maj. Clark's letter to me and 
returned to St. George with my reply within 24 hours — furnishing 
probably the quickest communication between the islands on record. 

After reducing the St. Paid quota, however, killable seals began 
to pour in upon the hauling grounds of that island and its quota of 
12,400 practically was secured by July 28, with three more days of 
seahiig to spare. At the same time, the number hauling on St. 
George in nowise diminished and the increased quota on that island 
practically was secured by July 24, with a week of the sealing period 
yet to elapse. It is my judgment that had sealing been carried on 
to July 31, the limit of time fixed by law, at least 1,500 sealskins 
could have been secured in addition to those taken. 

DECREASE IN BREEDING FEMALES. 

Owhig to the presence about the islands all summer of a large 
fleet of pelagic schooners, some of which were visible daily from land, 
counts of breedmg seals beyond the enumerations necessary to 
arrive at an estimate of the number present, were omitted on St. 
Paul, where the greater number of seals find their habitat. From 
those counts made, however, it would appear that a large decrease in 
breedmg cows has occurred since 1906. These estimates show that 
on St. Paul, at the end of the season of 1907, but 40,000 breeding 
cows were present as against 52,700 present in 1906, and 65,884 in 
1905. On St. George 9,371 breeding cows are estimated for the 

East season of 1907, as against 11,457 in 1906. This decrease in 
reeding cows is due directly to pelagic sealing. 

INCREASE IN BULLS. 

Notwithstanding the decrease in breeding cows already noted, the 
condition of the rookeries this summer shows that the decrease in bulls, 
which has been constant for years past, has been checked. Indeed, 
an increase in bulls on St. George since last season actually occurred. 

The counts of adult bulls on St. Paul m 1907 show 1,183 stationed 
bulls as against 1,244 in 1906 — a decrease in stationed bulls of only 
4 per cent, as contrasted with the 18 per cent decrease of the year 
previous. In addition to the stationed bulls, however, there were 
noted in 1907, 74 young bulls known as "quitters" (i. e., those run- 



484 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

ning away at the approach of man), when only 41 were present in 
1906. These "quitters" are 6 and 7 year okls that can serve cows, 
and which in many instances would not desert if they could obtain 
a cow or two. A comparison of the whole number of stationed bulls 
and ''quitters" for the two years shows that St. Paul in 1907 is within 
28 bulls of equaling the number present in 1906 — an insignificant 
decrease when compared with the steady annual decreases averaging 
20 per cent in the five years last passed. In addition to these, 100 
young bulls were noted in 1907 lianging about the rookery water 
fronts on St. Paul, when not over 25 were seen the previous year, 
showing that, in spite of increased pelagic sealing and the steady 
falling off among breeding cows, the number of bulls on St. Paul 
practically increased in 1907. 

On St. George, as already stated, an actual increase in stationed 
bulls occurred — 221 in 1907 as against 208 in 1906. The "quitters" 
and "water bulls" on that island were not reported. This gratify- 
ing condition, so far as breeding bulls are concerned, is due directly 
to the regulations in force limiting killing on land, and demonstrates 
what could be done toward maintaining ideal conditions on the 
breeding rookeries were pelagic sealing abolished. 

PELAGIC SEALING. 

Pelagic sealing about the islands during tlie sealing season of 1907 
was carried on more actively tlian in 1906. Notwithstanding this, no 
raids were made on any of the rookeries in 1907 — due probably to the 
active patrol by the Revenue-Cutter Service — and no arrests were 
made on shore. One boat containing three Japanese from a pelagic 
schooner landed on St. Paul on July 18, claiming to have been ship- 
wrecked. These men, on July 20, were delivered to the captain of 
the cutter Perry, who, at their request, put them on board the first 
pelagic schooner he fell in with. 

Pelagic schooners were in sight from St. Paul Island almost daily 
during the summer. Iheir presence was so much a matter of course 
that after a week or two the guards at the various watch stations did 
not make a detailed report of the number seen unless some unusual 
incident occurred or the number was so large as to make the subject 
of special moment. On July 6, 12 schooners were apparent from 
St. Paul, while on July 19 there were in sight 23 schooners and at 
least 30 small boats, all operating within sight of land. Some of the 
small boats in the vicinity of Southwest Point were well within the 
3-mile limit. On June 25 a landing was made on Otter Island by 
the crews of two small boats, who also fired a number of shots from 
shotguns in close proximity to that island. On Jul}^ 25 three warning 
shots were fired wide by the native guarfl at Northeast Point at the 
crew of a small boat that approached within one-half mile of the 
rookery, and which, when the warning was given, was standing directly 
in for Hutchinson Hill, where the greatest mass of seals is found. 
The shots made the boat turn hurriedly about and put for the open 
sea. Other instances occurretl of pelagic sealing within the 3-mile 
limit which need not be recounted here. 

1'he revenue cutter Perry on June 15 seized the Miye Maru, of 
Toba, Japan, for having five of her boats equipped with sealing para- 
phernalia within the 3-mile limit surrounding Otter Island. On or 



SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 485 

about July 2 the Manning seized two other Japanese schooners for 
ha^dng small boats within 3 miles of St. Paul Island with freshly 
killed seals aboard and a full equipment for sealing. The Miye Maru 
was released on order of Capt. Munger at Unalaska on the ground of 
insufficient evidence. The two schooners seized by the Manning were 
held at Unalaska and their crews taken to Valdez for trial. 

On St. George Island no instances of violation of our laws by pelagic 
schooners occurred, and but two schooners were seen from that island 
during the summer. 

REVENUE-CLTTTER PATROL. 

The revenue-cutter patrol about the islands this summer was active 
and energetic, and by far the best in the history of the islands. There 
is no question that the captains in command used every effort to pre- 
vent landings and to capture such schooners as had boats within the 
3-mile limit. Such violations of law of this character as did occur 
took place while the cutters were patrolling other portions of the 
islands, and can not in any sense be considered as due to any lack of 
vigilance on the part of the captams commanding the patrolling 
vessels. 

RESERVATION OF MALE SEALS. 

On the islands the reservation of 1,000 2-year-old and 1,000 3-year- 
old male seals for breeding purposes was made as usual in the pro- 
portion of 800 of each on St. Paul and 200 of each on St. George. This 
was accomplished by clipping the fur off the head of each seal so 
reserved bj^ means of sheep shears, the mark thus made assuring the 
exemption of the animal when it appeared in the killing drives during 
the summer. 

BLUE FOXES. 

On St. Paul no foxes were taken during the mnter of 1906-7. On 
St. George, 366 blue and 8 white foxes were taken and the skins deliv- 
ered to the North American Commercial Co., the latter paying therefor 
the stipulated price of $5 for eacli blue and $1 for each white fox skin. 
The fox catch of the last season sliows a falling off from that of the 
season preceding of approximately 90 skins, which is due, according 
to Agent Chichester, more to climatic comlitions than to an actual 
decrease in the fox herd. 

CONDITION OF NATIVES. 

During the past year the general health of the natives has been good. 
The native population of the two islands on July 1, 1907, numbered 
263, of which St. Paul had 170 and St. George 93, an increase over 
the previous annual census of 4 individuals. 

A more detailed report of the season's work is being prepared and 
will be submitted at as early a date as possible. 
Respectfully, 

W. I. Lembkey, 
Agent in Charge of Seal Fisheries. 
To Hon. Oscar S. Straus, 

Secretary of Commerce and Labor. 



486 SEAIi ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Annual Report Seal Fisheries of Alaska. 

By W. I. Lembkey, Agent in Charge of Alaskan Seal Fisheries. 
[From S. Doc. No. 376, Goth Cong., 1st sess.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Division of Alaskan Fisheries, 

WasMngton, December 1, 1907 . 
Sir: I have the honor to submit the following report of the admin- 
istration of affairs on the Pribilof Islands, Alaska, reservation during 
the season of 1907: 

MARKING OF BACHELORS. 

The first marking of bachelors on St. Paul under instruction from 
the department contained in its letter to me of April 13, 1907, was 
made on June 19 from Reef rookery. On that date 332 young 
males were marked — 211 3-year-olds and 121 2-year-olds. The 
method of marking was wdth sheep shears, with which a patch of 
hair on the head of each seal was clipped off. On June 24 another 
drive was made at Zapadni, from which 141 2-year and 138 3-year 
olds were marked. On June 25 another drive of probably 1,200 
seals was made from Reef, from which 424 2-year and 320 3-year 
olds were marked. From this drive, the seals that w^ere turned away 
without marking were almost entirely 4 and 5 year olds with a 
small percentage of 6-year-olds. On June 28 the final drive to 
obtain the required quota of reserved bachelors was made at North- 
east Point, where 114 2-year and 131 3-year olds were marked, filling 
the required number of 800 for each class on St. Paul Island. 

The efficacy of the regulations is apparent in the presence in the 
drive made June 25 of the large number of half bulls noted above. 
These seals are the result of the saving in previous years of killable 
bachelors arising from restrictions placed upon killing by the depart- 
ment, and being now past the killable age will mature as breeding 
bulls unless they fall victims to pelagic sealing. 

The mark made on the animal by shearing oft' a portion of the 
hair and fur on top of the head remains readily apparent during the 
entire summer. In the fall, after the new hair has fully grown, of 
couree, this mark disappears, but the killing of the animal is then pre- 
vented by restrictions on the sizes of seals selected for food. 

On St. George the quota of 200 of each of the classes named to be 
branded was obtained before any killing by the lessee was made for 
skins. On this island sheep shears were used as on St. Paul. The 
mark on the seals' heads on both islands was similar in appearance 
and therefore it was not possible to note the volume of migration 
between the islands as it was in 1904 when shears were used only on 
St. George and hot irons on St. Paul. 

KILLING OF SEALS, 

The feature of interest in connection Avith the kilhng of seals during 
the past summer was the unusually large number of bachelors haul- 
ing on St. George during the entire summer, coincident with their 
scarcity on St. Paul during the first half of the season and a rush of 
2-year-olds at the latter half. The quota (15,000) was obtained be- 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 487 

fore the legal end of the lessee's season — on St. George on July 24 
and on St. Paul July 28 — and it is believed, had sealing been per- 
mitted until July 31, at least 1 ,500 skins additional could have been 
taken. 

Killing by the lessee began immediately after the completion of the 
marking of bachelors. Owing to the comparatively large number of 
seals frequenting St. George the quota for the island fixed by the 
regulations, namely, 2,000, was obtained practically^ by July 15, while 
the catch on St. Paul up to July 15 was nearly 2,000 below what it 
was at the same time the previous year. The abundance of seals on 
St. George having been reported to me by Maj. Clark with a request 
that the quota on that island be increased, accordingly, on July 17, 
I addressed a letter to him, authorizing the taking on St. George of 
an additional number of 600 skins, by virtue of section 6 of the 
department's current instructions, at the same time reducing the St. 
Paul quota by that number. 

This action was taken on the assumption that by reason of the 
scarcity of killables on St. Paul the quota for that island would not 
be obtained. However, shortly after the reduction stated, killable 
seals began pouring in upon the hauling grounds of St. Paul, and as 
mentioned before, the quota for that island was obtained practically 
on July 28. 

NUMBER OF DRIVES. 

On St. Paul during the lessee's sealing season 29 drives were made 
by it for skins, in wliich the percentage of seals killed to the whole 
number driven was 68 per cent, varying in several drives from a 
minimum of 30 to a maximum of 85 per cent. Three drives were 
made in wliich the percentage was between 80 and 85; 9 in wliich 
the percentage killed was over 70 and under 80; 8 in which the num- 
ber idlled was over 60 and under 70 per cent; 5 in which the killed 
was over 50 and under 60; 3 drives in which the killed amounted to 
under 50 and over 40 per cent, and 1 drive in which only 30 per cent 
was lulled. 

On St. Paul on July 15 a drive was made fi'om Northeast Point, 
where the number killed was 1,224, or 75 per cent of all driven; while 
on July 22, 1,179 skins were taken from Reef and Gorbatch, amount- 
ing to 77 per cent of the whole number driven. This is of interest 
from the fact that not for several years has a drive been made on the 
islands in which over 1,000 skins were taken. 

On St. George, during the season of 1907, 15 drives were made by 
the lessee, exclusive of 1 made on July 25 by the watchmen at Zapadni 
and East rookery, in which an average of 138 skins for each drive 
was made. During the whole season the seals killed on St. George 
averaged 44 per cent of the whole number driven. 

DISMISSALS FROM DRIVES. 

During the season of 1907 on St. Paul there were 1,537 small and 
2,075 large dismissals from driA^es, not mcluding 1,533 dismissals of 
marked bachelors. The large seals dismissed since June 28, when 
the first drive for skins was made by the lessee, mcluded 697 4-year- 
olds, 454 5-year-olds. 300 6-3^ear-olds, 79 7-year-olds, and 6 adults. 



488 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

It is noteworthy that the greatest number of large rejections con- 
sisted of 4-year-olds (697), all prime skins, which undoubtedly would 
have been killed by the lessee but for the prohibition contained in the 
current regulations. In fact, some of the 5-year-olds had prime 
skins wliich would have brought a high price in London. 

The marked bachelors dismissed consisted of 869 2-year-olds and 
664 3-year-olds. While it is known from the statistics obtamed in 
prior years that the 2-year-olds hauled more frequently than the 
3-year-olds, those for 1907 show that the 2-year-olds hauled in that 
season less often than heretofore. The number of 2-year-olds reserved 
by marking on St. Paul each season is 800, and a similar number of 
3-year-olds. The rejections in marked bachelors for the four vears 
1904 to 1907 follow: 



Year. 


Two years. 


Three years. 


1904 


1,320 

1,005 

1,012 

869 


568 


W05 


511 


I9D6 


693 


1907 


664 







It can be seen that in 1907 less of the marked 2-year-olds returned 
than in any other year since this regulation was adopted. This same 
peculiarity was noted also in the hauling of killable bachelors not 
marked — that is to say, the killables on St. Paul hauled very slowly 
until the middle of July, when they came in in such numbers as to fur- 
nish the island's quota and to afford two drives in which the number 
of skins taken was over 1,000 in each case. This, taken in connec- 
tion with the fact that an unusually large number of bachelors hauled 
on St. George this summer, indicates that some unusual condition 
existed which affected the hauling of bachelor seals on the islands. 

What this condition was is conjectural . Whether it was some pecul- 
iar attribute of weather existing this summer, or some other factor 
which made the ocean more desirable for the seals than the hauling 
grounds, can not be told. Perhaps the presence about St. Paul Island 
of a large fleet of pelagic schooners operating at an unusually early 
date close to shore, harassing not only the females as they went back 
and forth to feed, but the bachelors as they wandered without appar- 
ent object about the shores of the island, had the effect of changing to 
a degree their usual hauling habits. I rather inclme to believe the 
latter cause was potent, in view of the fact that St. George, which was 
practically free from pelagic vessels in its close vicinity, had more 
bachelors last year than in its history for some years past. 

SUFFICIENCY OF RESERVATION FOR BREEDERS. 

It can be seen from the foregoing data that in addition to the 1,600 
2 and 3 year olds marked and released on St. Paul there were over 
1,500 dismissals on that island of small seals released from the killing 
field. It can be shown that these 1,500 dismissals represent practi- 
cally as many animals. We have shown, therefore, that in addition 
to those animals not driven at all there were at least 3,000 young 
males released from St. Paul Island alone from which to recruit candi- 
dates for vacancies in the present supply of breeding bulls. As our 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



489 



statistics show that in 1907 only 1,122 adult bulls were required on 
St. Paul to serve cows, it is readily apparent that this year's reserva- 
tion is ample, not only to preserve the number of the present supply 
of bulls, but actually to increase it. 

ENUMERATION OF SEAL LIFE. 

The counting of seals outside of that necessary to determine the 
number of harems on the rookeries and the size of an average harem 
on either island ceased upon the appearance in June of pelagic ves- 
sels about the islands. 

Immediately after my arrival, however, and before schooners were 
sighted off the island, I made as careful an examination as possible of 
the bulls stationed before the arrival of the cows. In this exam- 
ination no aged bulls were found. The greater proportion of those 
bulls present were young. Of 56 bulls found on Lukanin and Ketovi 
on June 3, 18 were middle-aged; the remainder were young — 8 and 
9 year olds. On examination made by Mr. Judge on June 5, Gor- 
batch and Ardiguen showed 60 bulls present, none of which were aged. 

After June 18, however, schooners appeared about the island and 
all intermediate counting was discontinued. On July 13, 16 harems 
and idle bulls on the whole island were carefully counted by Mr. Judge 
and myself and a party of native assistants, while at the end of July 
the pups on Ketovi were counted for the purpose of ascertaining an 
average harem to be used as a basis for estmiating the whole number 
of seals on the island. Beyond these counts it was thought unwise to 
further disturb the rookeries by counting. 

NUMBER OF BULLS PRESENT. 

From the count made on St. Paul on July 15 the following number 
of bulls was found: 



Rookery. 



Ketovi 

Amphitheater. . . 

Lukanin 

Lagoon 

Tolstoi Cliffs... - 

Tolstoi 

Northeast Foint. 
Little Polovina. . 
Polovina Clifls.. 

Polovina 

Gorbatch Clifls.. 

Gorbatcb 

Reef 

Zapadni 

Little Zapadni. . 
Zapadni Reef. . . 
Ardiguen 



Total 1907. 
Total 1906. 



Harems. 


Idle. 


Quitters. 


Water 
bulls. 


46 
9 


5 

9 




g 


1 




34 


1 


1 





15 




1 


1 


30 


1 


.3 


9 


99 


5 





12 


247 


21 


18 


20 


14 




1 


4 


24 


1 


3 


3 


33 


2 


6 


8 


6 




2 




105 


3 


/ 


6 


216 


9 


14 


16 


155 


9 


9 


10 


68 


2 


1 


4 


10 




2 


1 


11 














1,122 


61 


74 


100 


1,205 


39 


41 





It can be seen from the above table that on St. Paul there was a 
decrease in harems in the period from 1906 to 1907 of 83, or 6 per cent. 
There was an increase, however, of 22 idle bulls and 33 "quitters," 
or young bulls full grown which, withal, will retreat when approached 



490 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

by man. In addition to these, 100 bulls were noted along the water 
front of the rookeries, looking for openings through which they might 
gain a footing among the cows. 

While there was, as already stated, a decrease of 6 per cent in the 
actual number of harems in 1907, there was an increase in the number 
of idle bulls and quitters, making a total decrease in full-grown 
buUs, harem masters, idle, and "quitters" 28, or 2 per cent. When it 
is considered that the annual decrease for several years past has been 
in the neighborhood of 20 per cent, the insignificance of the 2 per cent 
decrease of 1907 is apparent. When we consider further the number 
of water bulls on the rookery fronts, which, as the season closes, gradu- 
ally force their way into the rookeries and obtain cows, we can see 
that there was an actual increase in the total of bulls of all classes on 
the rookeries on St. Paul. 

On St. George the condition as regards bulls was found to be even 
better than on St. Paul, as an increase was noted in the number of 
harem bulls actually stationed. In 1906 there was a total of 208 bulls 
stationed, harem masters and idle, wliile in 1907 there were 221, an 
increase of 13 bulls, not counting quitters or the water bulls that 
flank the rookery from the sea. 

This result is gratifying, as it is, undoubtedly, the effect of the first 
reservation (in 1904) of 2 and 3 year old bachelors, coupled Avith the 
abstention from killing of 4 and 5 year old half buUs, which latter 
afford in many instances valuable skins and which, but for the prohi- 
bition of the department, would have been killed by the lessee. 

The 3-year-olds reserved in 1904 would be 4 years old in 1905, 5 
years old in 1906, and 6 years old in 1907. This class of young males 
is too young to make full rookery buUs and would, in 1907, be appar- 
ent only as hangers-on about the rookeries, either in the rear or on 
the water front. That numbers of young buUs were observed in 1907 
in the localities stated, is good evidence tliat the 3-year-old reservation 
of 1904 is present in good numbers and will be stationed on the breed- 
ing grounds at the proper time. But the young adult bulls found on 
the rookeries in 1-907 in sufficient numbers to offset the yearly decrease 
in breeding bulls, and which were at least 7 years old, could not have 
come from the 3-year-olds of 1904, as they at tliis time could be only 
6 years old. They therefore must liave come from the 4 and 5 year 
olds already mentioned, the killing of which in 1904 was first pro- 
hibited. There must have been released enough of these to of them- 
selves meet the annual decrease and to even increase the number of 
bulls present on St. George. 

This being the case, a further increase in harem masters may be 
expected on the rookeries in 1908, when the regular reservation of 
1,000 3-year-olds branded with a hot iron in 1904 may be expected on 
the rookeries. In fact, several of these, undoubtedly 4 or 5 years old 
when they were branded, were observed on the rookeries with cows 
last season. It is not too much to believe that a material increase in 
buUs will be found on the rookeries in 1908, and that annually there- 
after this increase will be augmented by the accession of the 
reservation made four years previously. 

It is regretted that this reservation of young male life for future 
breeders contains no remedy for the general decrease in seal life, 
which has been constant for two decades and which furnishes the 
assurance of a speedy commercial extinction of the animal. It has 



SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 491 

been claimed that the primary cause of this decrease has been the 
lack of virile adult bulls, which, because of this scarcity, failed to 
fecundate all the cows, and thereby lessened the number of pups 
born annually. If this theory be correct, the increase in adult 
bulls in 1907 will result in an increase in the number of pups born 
in 1908 — in other words, that the rookeries from this time on will 
show a condition of increase. If, however, no increase in pups be 
found, this theory must fall. It is almost unnecessary to state my 
belief that no increase in pups will be encountered in 1908. 

DECREASE IN BREEDING COWS. 

While the number of bulls on the rookeries has increased as the 
result of the application of regulations of the department, the num- 
ber of breeding cows has decreased as the result of their being killed 
at sea b}^ pelagic hunters. 

It has been proven and is thoroughly understood that the greater 
number of seals in the pelagic catch in Bering Sea are breeding 
females. This is shown by the statistics of the catches of both the 
Canadian and the American sealing fleets when the latter was 
allowed by our law to operate. The average proportion of females 
in the Bering Sea catches is in the neighborhood of 75 per cent. 
This is due to the fact that the breeding cows are constantly pass- 
ing to and from the rookeries and the feeding grounds, a distance 
ranging from 100 to 250 miles, and while on these journeys, and 
especially \\ hile sleeping on the water digesting a mass of fish eaten, 
they are fair pre}^ for the pelagic hunters. The males, on the con- 
trary, are either stationed on the rookeries or alternate between the 
hauling grounds and the sea in the immediate vicinity. Numbers 
of them do not feed at all during the sealing season; the others feed 
less freciuently than the females. 

The large pelagic fleet that has surrounded the islands for years 
past, and notably in the last two, have been more destructive, for 
the reasons stated, to the breeding females, and this class of seals 
has diminished steadily and will diminish so long as the fleet is 
present and active. 

COUNTS OMITTED. 

The regulations of the department give the agents authority to 
curtail or to omit altogether the counting of seals on the breeding 
rookeries, the discretion to be exercised in case of unusual activity 
on the part of the pelagic schooners. 

The pelagic fleet began operations this year sooner than hereto- 
fore, vessels entering the sea near June 1 and continuing daily until 
October. For this reason, as soon as the first schooner was seized 
(June 15, by the Perry) the intermediate daily counting of cows 
and bulls on the rookeries ceased, as daily disturbance of the rook- 
eries was thought to keep more seals in the water than under normal 
conditions, and thereby to further increase the pelagic catch. 

So also wdien it became necessary to count live pups near August 1 , 
to establish a basis for computing an average harem, only the pups 
on Ketovi were counted, instead of probably one-third of all on the 
island, as heretofore. The counting of these pups involves the driving 
into the water of all adult seals on the rookerv, and it was desirable 



492 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

that this work should be accomphshed by the least possible disturb- 
ance of the breeding grounds. While, of course, cows are traveling 
back and forth from the rookeries to the feeding grounds, under ordi- 
nary circumstances, there is always a large number of cows on shore. 
The driving off of the whole rookery en masse would necessarily 
send into the water those cows which otherwise would remain on 
shore and would enormously increase their chances of capture by 
the fleet. 

Ketovi, however, is a rookery which contains harems of a generally 
•uniform size, having neither the large conglomerate masses of cows 
in which the harems can not be distinguished one from another nor a 
succession of very small harems, such as can be found elsewhere 
strung along a rocky beach line. It can therefore fairly be considered 
as practically typical of an average mass of seals and in this sense 
serves very well for the purpose of ascertaining the size of an average 
harem. 

A careful count of all the pups on Ketovi, living and dead, on August 
2, 1907, by Mr. Judge, assisted by a corps of natives, showed the 
following : 



Ketovi 

Amphitheater. 

Total... 



IJve Dead 
pups. pups. 



1,607 I 43 

303 I 6 



1,910 



The number of harems on this area, as ascertained by the count 
made near July 15, was 46 on Ketovi and 9 on Amphitheater, or 55 
on the entire area. By dividing this number into 1,959, which rep- 
resents the whole number of pups born in this space in 1907, we 
obtain an average harem of 35.61 cows, since the whole number of 
adult cows present is represented by the whole number of pups born. 

The whole number of harems on the island ascertained by careful 
coimt on or about July 15, 1907, was 1,122. Applying the average 
harem of 35.61 to this number we have a total of 39,954 breeding cows 
estimated for the island of St. Paul for 1907. 

This, of course, is an estimate, and notliing more is claimed for it. 
The method used has been the one employed since 1896, and the 
result is near enough to the actual conditions to give a reliable idea 
of increase or decrease in seals present. The number actually present 
will vary in a small degree from that estimated to be present, but 
that is the drawback in all estimations. We are certain that the 
counts upon which these estimates are based v/ere made with all 
possible care and that greater accuracy could not be obtained with 
the methods used. These figures showing the number of breeding 
cows on St. Paul are exclusive of the seals on Sea Lion Rock, where 
probably 45 harems and approximately 1 ,500 cows were present at the 
height of the season. This islet lies about one-third of a mile from 
Reef rookery, St. Paul, and was not visited when harems were 
counted, for the reason that the weather conditions made it unfavor- 
able for landing there. 

On St. George, usually, all the live pups found on the rookeries 
have been actually counted. This year, however, because of the 



SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 493 

increased activity in pelagic sealing, already noted, counting of the 
entire number of pups was abandoned, and following the method 
employed on St. Paul only those on North rookery and Little East 
were enumerated. The number of bulls with cows, of course, was 
ascertained at the height of the season. 

On the two St, George rookeries on which pups were counted the 
following number of harems was found on July 14, 1907: North, 81; 
Little East, 7; total, 88. 

The pups found on these rookeries by actual count were: 





Rookery. 


Live. 


Dead. 


North 


4.108 
200 


77 


Little East 


2 








Total 


4,. 308 


79 







We can see from this that on an area on which there were 88 harems 
there were born 4,387 pups, 79 of which were dead. This would indi- 
cate an average harem of 49.85. As there were 188 harems found on 
the entire island, the application to this number of the average harem 
of 49.85 would show a total of 9,371 pups born on the island, which 
number also represents the number of breeding cows. 

As the number of pups actually counted on St. George represents 
nearly half of all those found on the island, this average must be con- 
sidered as very nearly representing actual conditions, and the com- 
putation made therefrom very close to the number actually present. 

Like Ketovi, on St. Paul, ]\orth rookery is typical in its character, 
containing a succession of good-sized harems without either a mass 
or a large number of small harems, and furnishes facilities beyond 
those offered by other rookeries for arriving at a fair average harem. 

By the methods outlined we have in 1907 the following number of 
breeding cows and pups on both islands, including Sea Lion Rock: 
St. Paul, 39,954; Sea Lion Rock, 1,500; St. George, 9,371; total, 
50,825. 

DECREASE ON ST. GEORGE SINCE 1906. 

On St. Paul in 1906, because of the activity displayed in pelagic 
sealing, no count of pups was made, for which reason it is impossible 
to maKe a comparison between the number of cows present in that 
year and in 1907. On St. George, however, in 1906, all pups on the 
island were counted, as has been the practice for years past. Because 
of the full count in 1906 and the counting of nearly half the entire 
number in 1907 we are able to make an estimate for St. George of the 
rate of decrease in breeding females. 

The counts for the two years follow: 1906, 11,457; 1907, 9,371; 
decrease, 2,086. 

This shows a decrease on St. George in one year of 2,086 breeding 
cows, or over 18 per cent. Because of the fact that in 1907 the cows 
on only 2 rookeries were counted, we have not the means at hand for 
showing where this decrease occurred. There is, however, a complete 
count for the two years on North and Little East rookeries, and a 
comparison of the ligures for these two years will prove interesting. 



494 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



Rookery. 


1906 


1907 


In- 
crease 

( + )or 

de- 
crease 

(-)• 


North 


3,854 
239 


4,185 
202 


+331 


Little East 


1 — 37 







1 15 per cent. 

These counts were made by Agent Chichester in 1906 and by Agent 
Chirk in 1907. Because of the extremely rough character of North 
rookery and the numerous hiding phices existing there in which pups 
secrete themselves and from which they have to be dragged by hand, 
counts of pups on this rookery must necessarily omit a few that are 
in unaccessible places. With the most carefid counting a variation 
of a hundred or two on this rookery would, from the nature of things, 
be nothing extraordinary. 

The counts of this rookery (North) in 1906 and 1907 show an 
increase in the latter year of 331 pups. In view of the difhculties of 
counting enumerated it may be safe to conclude simply that no 
material decrease, if any, has occurred on this rookery during the 
year. To lay more stress upon this apparent increase would be 
unsafe. 

The count discloses, however, a decrease of 15 per cent on Little 
East rookery, which is open enough to insure an accurate count on a 
small number of pups such as is found there. This shows the same 
condition that has been noted in years past on St. Paul — namely, 
that by reason of their gregarious instincts the cows continue to 
frequent the center or more massed portions of a rookery, abandoning 
the thinly settled ends. 

We must conclude from this that the decrease in breeding cows, 
which undoubtedly has occurred, is apparent on the small, thinly 
settled rookery areas, leaving the denser portions to suffer in much 
less degree. 

PERCENTAGE OF DECREASE ON BOTH ISLANDS. 

In 1906, because of the activity in pelagic sealing in the close vicinity 
of St. Paul, counts of pups on the various rookeries of that island 
were not made, for the first time in years. For this reason accurate 
data is not at hand to show the number of seals present that year 
upon which to base a comparison with former years. From the 
counts of cows, however, made during the season it was ascertained 
that a decrease had occurred on that island since the previous year 
of about 20 per cent, and that by this computation there were, in 
1906, 52,700 breeding cows present on the St. Paul rookeries. On 
St. George in 1906 an actual count disclosed the presence of 11,457 
newly born pups, indicating an equal number of breeding cows. In 
1905, 12,952 pups were counted on the same breeding area on 
St. George, showing that between 1905 and 1906 a decrease of only 
11 per cent in breeding cows had occurred on St. George, while 
an approximated decrease of 20 per cent had occurred during the 
same period on St. Paul. 

Between 1906 and 1907 the figures herein given show a decrease 
of 24 per cent in breeding cows on St. Paul and 18 per cent on St. 
George. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 495 

This may be tabulated for the sake of additional clarity: 





Island. 


Decrease 


in cows. 




1906 1907 


St. Paul 


Per cent. 
20 
11 


Per cent. 
24 


St. George 


18 







While there is some difference in the methods of computation of 
the number of breeding cows in 1906 and 1907, the fact that the rate 
of decrease in 1907 was greater than in 1906 is perfectly logical when 
it is considered that the first heavy assault of the Japanese pelagic 
fleet occurred in the summer of 1906, and the effect of their operations 
must be apparent in a greater loss in cows than occurred the year 
previous (1905-6). It is also logical to agree that this loss fell with 
greater effect upon the St. Paul cows, since the fleet surrounded that 
island during the whole summer of 1906, while at St. George only 3 
pelagic schooners were sighted from land during that whole season. 
Of course, it must not be claimed that the herds on the two islands 
are distinct or that they have separate feeding grounds. They 
undoubtedly mingle on the feeding banks, and there is also more or 
less of a migration between the two islands. But we must suppose 
a disposition to return to a certain fixed spot among the cows, which 
we know to exist among the adult bulls, and as we know that hav- 
ing left a pup on a rookery a cow will retvirn to it we can see that a 
direct assault on the breeding cows on St. Paul carried on within 
sight of land or close to its shores must be more fatal to the cows 
frequenting that island as they pass to and fro to feed than upon the 
St. George animals, whose route in traveling to the feedmg banks 
probably carried them away from the fleet hovering around St. Paul. 

In truth, I am surprised to And the rate of decrease on the two 
islands so little different. I was prepared, for the reason stated, to 
expect a much larger decrease on St. Paul and a smaller one on St. 
George. The fact that they exhibited a difference of only 6 per cent 
in the rate of decrease between 1906 and 1907 shows that the effects 
of pelagic sealing are nearly equal on both islands, notwithstanding 
that St. Paul was practically surrounded by pelagic vessels during 
the whole summer. 

While tJiere are no means at the present time of substantiating any 
conclusion of that nature, it could happen that the bulk of the 
Japanese catch was obtained from St. Paul, while the St. George 
seals contributed in larger degree than their kin on the other island 
to the catch of the Canadian fleet that operated in 1906 and 1907 
mainly to the eastward and about 75 miles away from tlie islands. 

Why St. George seals should suffer heavily from pelagic sealers 
operating w^ithin a few miles of St. Paul, unless the seals from the 
two islands are commingling profusely in the close vicinity of the 
latter island, is an interesting question. 

COMPARISON OF AVERAGE HAREMS ON TWO ISLANDS. 

We have seen that, in 1907, the average harem on St. George was 
49.85, while that of St. Paul was 35.61 . Tliis dift'erence in the average 
harem has been observed in past years, that of St. George always being 
larger than St. Paul, 



496 SEAL ISLANDS OF. ALASKA. 

This would show that either St. George ptresents conditions more 
favorable to the cows, thereby attracting thither a larger number in 
proportion than its neighbor, or that St. Paul for some reason or 
other attracts more bulls in proportion than St. George. As to the 
cause of this condition we can only theorize, but whatever the cause 
it is certain that there is, and has been, a difference between the 
proportion of cows to bulls on the two islands — that there are more 
cows to the bull on wSt. George than on St. Paul. 

ESTIMATED NUMBER IN WHOLE HERD. 

For various reasons it is desirable to ascertain, as nearly as possible, 
the number of individuals in the whole herd of seals, and, as the seals 
are divided by age and sex into various classes, to determine as well 
the number of individuals in each class. As stated before, it was not 
wise to disturb the whole mass of breeding cows by counting, in view 
of the activity in pelagic sealing, and only an estimate of their number 
was made. There are also other classes, such as yearlings which 
appear late in the season and mingle with the breeding seals, and 
bachelors and half bulls which are fluctuating and irregular in their 
hauling habits, the numbers in which can not be counted. For these 
reasons it is necessary to simply estimate these latter classes of seals 
in as careful a manner as possible, basing the estimate on such facts 
as are at hand relating to their numbers. 

ESTIMATE OF HALF BULLS. 

In estimating the half bulls we find that the table of rejections of 
seals from the drives made for skins contains a record of a considerable 
number of large half-grown male seals, consisting of those dismissed 
from the killing drives during the summer. In addition to these 
there were large numbers of the same kind of seals turned away from 
the drives made for marking reserved bachelors before the killing 
season began, of which no record was made, as the time of every one 
was fully occupied in marking the bachelors. 

The record of dismissals from the kilhng drives shows 1,536 large 
young seals turned away from the drives on St. Paul during the sum- 
mer, all but 85 of which being between the ages of 4 and 6 years, both 
inclusive. We know from the number of 3-year-old reserved seals 
dismissed from drives in 1907 that nearly 20 per cent of those so 
marked failed to return. If this percentage exists among 3-year-old 
males, it must prevail to even a greater extent among older males 
which have not reached the condition of full-grown bulls, but which 
are nearer that status than 3-year-olds. We must believe, therefore, 
that this number of 1,536 large seals should be increased by more 
than 20 per cent to obtain a fair estimate of the size of that class. 
In 1904, m constructing an estimate of this kind, I increased the num- 
ber of half bulls dismissed by 50 per cent, which I believe is conserA^a- 
tive. By applying this method we would liave, on August 1, 1907, 
on St. Paul Island 2,304 half bulls between the ages of 4 and 6 years, 
botJi inclusive. 

On St. George, in 1907, 771 large seals were dismissed between the 
ages of 4 and 6 years, both inclusive. Increasing this by 50 per cent 



SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 4ftQ 

in the manner in which the St. Paul rejections were treated, gives us 
a total of 1,155 half bulls on St. George in 1907. For the two islands 
there would be an estimated total of 3,459 half bulls in 1907. 

ESTIMATE OF 2-TEAR-OLDS AND YEARLINGS. 

Giving to the fact that the yearlings of both sexes and the 2-year- 
old cows haul among the breeding seals and young on the rookeries, 
and are so intermingled therewith that counting them would be an 
impossibihty, even should all be found on land at the same time, there 
is practically no method of arriving at their numbers save that of 
following the pups born in preceding years do^\^l to the time when 
they become yearlings or 2-year-olds, applying at the same time such 
losses as they may be expected to suffer from natural mortahty and 
pelagic sealing. In an estimate, therefore, of the yearlings and 2-year- 
olds present in 1907 we must proceed on the lines indicated above. 

The loss from natural mortality which pups suffer on their initial 
migrations is quite heavy, owing to the inexperience of the young 
animals in obtaining food, and to the further fact that being slow and 
unaccomplished smmmers they must fall prey to their natural enemies 
iT" ore easily than the older animals, which have the power to move 
rapidly through the water and, therefore, the greater ability to escape 
their pursuers. A death rate of 50 per cent among pups on their ini- 
tial migration is therefore a reasonable estimate. 

In the case of yearlings on their second migrations, from which they 
return to the rookeries as 2-year-olds, the loss from natural causes is 
less than that suffered by the pups, but of necessity must be greater 
than that of the great mass of adult seals. These migrating yearlings 
are still immature animals, wanting in experience and physique to 
properly cope A\dth or escape from their natural enemies. In their 
case a death rate of 30 per cent has been considered proper and may 
be used here. 

We have next to consider what loss is sustained by migrating pups 
and yearlings from pelagic sealing. No information on this point 
could be obtained from the log books of the pelagic sealers, as they 
make no classification of seals captured save as regards sex. The 
sealskins taken by them, however, are shipped to London, where, 
before sale, they are classified in sizes by Lampson & Co., the factors 
who efi'ect tlie sale by auction of all the pelagic catch. By an analysis 
of this classification we are able to determine with reasonable accuracy 
how many yearlings and 2-year-olds are contained in the catch. 

The catalogue furnished by Lampson & Co, covering the catch for 
1907 of the British Columbian sealmg fleet shows 8,607 sealskins ex- 
posed for sale, classified as regards the size of skin, as follows: 

Wigs 103 

Middlings 179 

Middlings and smalls 1, 354 

Smalls 2, 587 

Large pups 2, 103 

Middling pups 1, 259 

Small pups 723 

Extra small pups 233 

Extra extra small pups 11 

Black pups 55 

Total 8,607 

2403— H. Doc. 93, 62-1 32 



"^^d^ SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

The average weight of these sizes has been determined by Lampson 
& Co., as well as by the agents on the islands. (See S. Doc. No. 98, 
59th Cong., 1st sess., p. 88; also proceedings Fur-Seal Arbitration, 
vol. 8, pp. 916 et seq.). As certain of the sizes of skins do not occur 
at all in the islands catch, the weights as given by Lampson & Co., 
are here used, although they do not correspond in every respect with 
our idea of the average weights of seals of a given age. Opposite 
these weights I have placed the age of the animals from which they 
were taken, based on my judgment after having assisted in weighing 
thousands of skins : 



Large wigs 

Small wigs 

Middlings 

Middlings and smalls 

Smalls 

Large pups 

Middling pups 

Small pups 

Extra small pups 

Extra extra small pups 

Gray pups 

1 Four to five months. 

The ages of seals of a given weight marked in the above table are 
based on an average and are necessarily only approximate. They 
are stated here solely for the purpose in hand and not as an effort 
on my part to fix the correct weight of the skins of seals of a certain 
age. As it is, however, it is close enough to construct an estimate 
such as we desire. 

Of the 8,607 sealskins exposed for sale in London in December, 
1907, as the pelagic catch for that year, according to the table given 
we can see that only 11 skins marked ''extra extra small pups" are 
found. These can not be gray pups because these latter enjoy a 
separate classification. They can be only yearlings, and they repre- 
sent only one-tenth of 1 per cent of the entire pelagic catch. It is 
seen thus that yearlings really represent such an inconsiderable por- 
tion of the catch of the sealing schooners that no deduction for the 
effects of sea killing need be made in an estimate of their number. 

This is readily explainable. They can not be taken in the sea dur- 
ing the summer of their birth for the very plain reason that they 
are on land at that time, or have not yet learned to swim beyond 
the borders of the rookeries on which they are born. When after- 
wards in the late fall they do take to the sea for their first migration, 
pelagic sealing has ceased for the year. They do not encounter it 
again until the following spring. 

In the spring, however, the fleet follows the main body of the herd, 
composed of adult seals, which are accomplished swimmers and which 
for tliis reason have left the slow-moving yearlings far behind. This 
is indicated plainly by the fact of the arrival of the yearlings at the 
rookeries six weeks later than the main body of the herd. 

Scattered over the eastern portion of the North Pacific, far behind 
the adults, these youngsters stand in little danger of capture by the 
sea hunters, who are always in advance of them. That few are so 
captured is shown by the analysis of the pelagic catch contained in 
the foregoing table. 



SEATi ISLANDS OP ALASKA. 499 

From tliis it can be seen that practically no deduction from the 
ejects of pelagic seahng should be made in any estimate of yearlings. 
It remains to be seen what loss from this cause should be appUed to 
the estimate of 2-year-olds. 

The preceding table shows "small pups" with an average weight of 
5 pounds 10 ounces and "extra small pups" weighing 4 pounds 11 
ounces. These weights, in my judgment, represent the average range 
of weights in 2-year-old skins. The London trade sales of pelagic 
skins for 1907 show that of the first there were 723 skins and of the 
latter 233 skins, or a total of 956. We can see here, as regards 2- 
year-olds, a distinct loss at sea, due to the fact that larger numbers 
of them are able to keep pace with the main body of the herd and 
therefore more liable to capture by the sea hunters. Contrasting this 
loss with an estimate of the number of 2-year-olds that might rea- 
sonably be believed to exist would fix it in the neighborhood of 10 
per cent. In an estimate of these yearlings and 2-year-olds, there- 
fore, we can see from the foregoing that no deduction for pelagic seal- 
ing should be made iji the case of yearlings and a 10 per cent deduc- 
tion for the same cause in the case of the 2-year-olds. 

NUMBER OF 2-YEAR-OLD COWS IN 1907. 

In 1905 it was estimated that 78,836 pups were born that year on 
the two islands (S. Doc. No. 98, 59th Cong., 1st sess., p. 73). Of 
these the sexes are accepted to be in equal proportions. 

Applying the bases of estimation already mentioned, we would 
first divide the 78,836 pups into 39,418 females and a like number 
of males. The hardships of the first migration are supposed to cause 
these animals a loss of 50 per cent, so that in 1906 the number of 
yearling cows would be one-half of the 39,418 female pups of the 
preceding year, or 19,709. There would be also an equal number of 
yearling males. 

These yearhngs of 1906 on their next migration, as stated, suffer 
an estimated loss of 30 per cent from natural causes and a 10 per 
cent loss from pelagic sealing, at the end of which they arrive at 
the islands as 2-year-olds. By this method we find that in 1907 
there were 11,826 2-year-old cows and an equal number of 2-year- 
old bachelors. 

NUMBER OF 2- YEAR-OLD MALES. 

From the above estimate of cows we can see that at the beginning 
of the season of 1907 approximately 12,000 2-year-old males were 
in existence, from wliich during the summer as demonstrated by the 
weights of slvins taken on the islands nearly 10,000 were killed by 
the lessee. Tliis estimate would show practically 2,000 2-year-old 
males present at the close of the season of 1907, of which 1,000 had 
been marked and reserved by the agents. 

Tliis estimate, however, errs on the side of too great conservatism. 
As stated elsewhere in tliis report, seals were so plentiful toward the 
end of the season that probably 1,500 more than the quota could 
have been taken. Of this 1,500, some undoubtedly would have been 
3-year-olds, as the presence of the latter was apparent in the drives 
in some numbers up to the end of the season. In view of the un- 
doubted number of 2-year-olds present after sealing was over, I 



i 



500 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

would feel safe in adding to the above estimate of 2-year-old females 
and males as well 1,000 additional to each class, beheving that this 
action is justified by the appearance of the bachelor herd at the close 
of the sealing season of 1907. 

FINAL ESTIMATE OF 2- YEAR-OLDS. 

We have therefore as a final estimate of 2-year-olds present at the 
close of the season of 1907, 12,826 2-year-old females and 3,000 
2-year-old males. 

ESTIMATE OF 3-YEAE-OLDS. 

In addition to the 1,000 3-year-olds marked and released in 1907 
for breeding purposes, an analysis of the catch for that year based 
on the weights of sealskins taken during the summer shows that 
over 4,000 3-year-olds were Idlled. This showing indicates that over 
5,000 of these animals were handled during the season. 

The record of dismissals of the marked 3-year-olds on St. Paul 
Island showed that only four-fifths of the number so marked after- 
wards hauled out. We are safe in assuming that the 5,000 hauled 
represent at most only four-fifths of all the 3-year-olds in the herd. 
By tliis method we could increase the 5,000, which represents 80 per 
cent of the whole number, by an additional 20 per cent, or 1,250, 
making 6,250 as an estimate of the whole number of 3-year-olds in 
the herd at the beginning of the season of 1907. Of these, as we 
have seen, 4,000 were killed, leaving 2,250 remaining at the close of 
the season. 

ESTIMATE OF YEARLINGS. 

On both islands in 1906, it is estimated, 63,933 pups were born 
exclusive of those found dead on St. George. These pups of 1906 
form the yearlings of 1907. 

Of the 63,933, a 50 per cent death rate would allow only 31,966 
yearhngs to return in 1907, of which one-half, or 15,983, would be 
females and a similar number males. 

SUMMARY OF SEAL LIFE IN 1907. 

From such counts as were made during the summer and the cal- 
culations based thereon, which have been detailed heretofore, the 
following summary of seal life on the Pribilof Islands at the close of 
the season of 1907 may be constructed: 

Active bulls with harems 1, 210 

Idle bulls, including " quitters " 168 

Half bulls 3, 459 

3-year-old bachelors 2, 250 

2-year-old bachelors 3, 000 

Yearling bachelors 15, 983 

Breeding cows 50, 825 

2-year-old cows 12, 826 

Yearling cows 31, 966 

New-bom pups 50, 825 

Total 172, 512 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 501 

RELATION OF CATCH TO AVHOLE HERD. 

It has been shown that the number of breeding females, from 
which the increment to the herd is derived, has been decreased 
materially in the last three years as the effects of greater activity in 
pelagic sealing. With this fact established, it would, on the face of 
things, raise the question why, in spite of the great reduction of the 
females, the catch of young males should be maintained at the same 
figure during these years. 

This question can be answered readily, and the answer is con- 
tained in the fact of the enforcement during these years of the 
department's regulations restricting killing on the islands. Because 
of these restrictions a number of small seals have been allowed to 
escape each year, which but for these regulations would have been 
killed by the lessee. These small seals, returning the next year as 
prime eligibles, constituted what might be termed an additional 
increment to the natural one resulting from the maturity into kill- 
ables of the yearlings of the year previous. 

In other words, previous to the adoption of these restrictive regu- 
lations the lessee had been anticipating its next year's catch by 
killing nearly all those small-sized 2-year-olds, from which the next 
year the company would obtain its supply of 3-year-old skins. Prior 
to 1905 it had, in fact, few 3-year-old skins in its catch, because it 
had killed the 2-year-olds as closely as possible each preceding year. 
By the restrictive effect of the regulations large numbers of these 
small 2-year-old male seals are allowed to go over to the following 
year, when, being killed as 3-year-olds, they cause the presence in 
the company's catch of some thousands more 3-year-old skins than 
would be obtained were the 2-year-olds killed closely. 

This can be seen readily by consulting the following table, com- 
piled from the statistics of rejections from drives since 1903, the year 
before the adoption of the so-called restrictive regulations: 



Year. 


Large. 


Small. 


Marked 

or 
"brand- 
ed." 


1903 


912 

(541 

934 

2,040 

2,941 


1,185 

8,019 

7, (125 

14,727 

2 2, 483 




1904 ^ 


2,162 
2,663 


1905 • 


1906 


2,490 
2,285 


1907 







' In 1906 the limit of small skins was reduced from 54 to 5 pounds. 

2 On St. Paul in 1907 sealing was practically over on July 27, and on St. George on July 25. Had sealing 
been carried on until July 31, as usual, the number of small rejections would have been much larger, as 
these animals were present in large numbers at the end of the season. 

From a scrutiny of this table it will appear that in the first year of 
these so-called prohibitive regulations (1904) over 10,000 rejections 
of small seals occurred, whereas the year before there were less than 
1,200. It stands to reason that because of this great number of rejec- 
tions the lessee's take of skins for that year was curtailed materially. 
In fact, the catch of 1904 was over 6,000 less than the preceding year. 
But it is also a fact that in 1904 a large reserve of 2-year-olds was 
created from which the lessee might expect, and did actually derive, 



502 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

a greatly augmented catch of 3-year-olds the following year, or 1905. 
This same reserve of 2-year-olds was maintained in 1905 — over 
10,000 — from which the lessee could get its 3-year-old skins in 1906. 
In 1906, while the limit of small sealskins to be taken was lowered by 
the department from 5h to 5 pounds, yet in this year nearly 5,000 
small seals were released" in addition to the 2,000 marked as breeders. 
What number of small seals failed to haul up and be counted during 
this time we do not know, but we are certain that by means of this 
reserve derived from the savings of 3^oung males in previous years the 
company's catch in 1907 was maintained at the same figure, regard- 
less of the contemporaneous slaughter and diminution occurring 
among the breeding cows. At first- glance it would appear that the 
reserve of young seals maintained in previous years was materially 
lessened in 1907, as in that year the table shows only 2,483 small 
seals dismissed as against over 4,700 the year previous. While our 
statistics of killings show that the lessee killed closer in 1907 than in 
1906, it must be remembered that sealings in 1907 was practically 
finished on St. George on July 25 and on St. Paul on July 27. Had the 
usual number of drives been made on the islands between July 25 
and 31, in 1907, thousands of small seals (which come in rapidly at 
the end of the season) would have been driven up and turned away, 
with the result not only of materially increasing the record of rejec- 
tions from drives but of lowering as well the percentage of seals 
killed during the season. 

If it is doubted that the regulations of the department since 1904 
have been efficacious in providing young male life to replenish the 
diminishing stock of active bulls on the rookeries, one has only to 
turn to the table just given to see that the rejections in 1907 of young 
males too large for killing exceeded those of 1904 by about 360 per 
cent (641 in 1904, 2,941 in 1907). In addition to this fact it has been 
shown previously that the decrease in male life on the rookeries prac- 
tically was checked in 1907, and that there is an estimated breeding 
reserve at present of over 3,400 young bulls — nearly three times as 
many as are now occupied with harems. 

EXPEDIENCY OF PROVIDING LARGE RESERVE OF MALES. 

It is, of course, true that the number of adult bulls on the rookeries 
has until 1907 been steadily decreasiij^, due to the fact that the 
accession of young male life escaping from the killing fields until 
recently has not been sufficient to offset the loss of old bulls from 
natural mortality and pelagic sealing. 

With the existence, however, of a large reserve of young male life 
created by restrictions placed on the killing of immature bachelors 
the question is presented whether or not it is good policy to maintain 
this reserve in larger numbers than necessary to meet the demands 
of the breeding herd. 

Enough seals in my opinion should be spared from the killing 
field to insure against any decrease in bulls. After that is done, 
however, I would recommend that every seal that can be killed on 
land under existing law and regulations be taken. 

From present indications the end of pelagic sealing will be reached 
only when it is unprofitable for the schooners to longer engage in the 
business. Under this assumption, the sooner the herd is rexluced to 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 503 

a minimum the sooner the question will be settled. It would seem 
therefore the best policy to reduce the seals which can be killed 
under existing law to as small a number as advisable. Under no 
circumstances should it be considered the part of wdsdom to exempt 
from slaughter a larger number of males than are necessary to keep 
up the proper proportion in numbers between the breeding males and 
females. With a rapidly diminishing herd of females, a smaller num- 
ber of bulls will be required. 

The releasing on the islands of any killable male not required for 
future procreative purposes is just so much encouragement for the 
pelagic hunted' to continue in the business of lulling seals in the wa,ter. 
Such encouragement should not be offered by this Government. 

PELAGIC SEALING. 

The industry of killing seals in the water from small boats trans- 
ported by schooners of low tonnage was engaged in actively during 
the past summer. The schooners employed approximated 50, of 
which about 35 were Japanese and 15 Canadian. 

Due to the activity of the revenue cutters on patrol duty, and the 
probable effect of the arrest of raiders on the island the previous 
summer, no attempts to raid the breeding rookeries on the islands 
were noted. Three schooners belonging to the Japanese fleet were 
seized by the revenue cutters Manning and Perry for having small 
boats within the 3-mile limit taking seals. One of these schooners 
after being towed to Unalaska was released on the ground of insuffi- 
cient evidence. T he other two, however, after being taken to Unalaska 
were held there under guard, while the crews were transported by 
the revenue cutter Manning to Valdez for trial, at wliich such of the 
crew were convicted as were concerned in the offense for which they 
were apprehended. The remainder of the crews were released. 

In addition to the seizures above mentioned, a pelagic schooner was 
seized by the revenue cutter Rush in southeastern Alaskan waters for 
a violation of the provisions of the Paris award. 

The operations of the pelagic fleet about the islands began earlier 
this year than formerly. The first vessel sighted from the islands 
was the one seized by the Perry and towed into the village anchor- 
age June 15. After that, with but few exceptions, schooners were 
sighted daily from the islands, on one day 12 and on another 23 
schooners being visible from the island of St. Paul. The schooners 
seemed to be active only in the vicinity of St. Paul, a few only being 
found around St. George. 

VIOLATIONS OF LAW. 

While on the high seas, even in the vicinity of the islands, foreign 
vessels are not amenable to the laws of the United States, yet within 
the territorial limit surrounding the islands they are clearly subject 
to all laws passed by this Government for the protection of the seal 
fisheries. 

Notwithstanding the careful and zealous patrol by the United 
States revenue cutters several instances of violations of law by 
pelagic sealers came under the notice of the guards at the islands. 
While the nationality of the persons engaged in these violations was 
not discovered, there is strong probability that they were Japanese. 



504 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

On June 25, during a trip of the patrolling vessel around the 
island three small boats from pelagic schooners were seen shooting 
close to Otter Island, 6 miles away from St. Paul. The smoke from 
their guns at each discharge could plainly be seen through glasses 
from St. Paul. After shooting for some time and pulling their boats 
back and forth in the water, the crews of two of the small boats landed 
on Otter Island, where they remained only a short time, probably 
finding no seals there. They could be seen to enter the watchhouse 
on that island. 

On June 28, during a thick fog, shotgun firing was heard close to 
shore at Northeast Point. 

On June 30, with thick fog, gun firing was continuous in South- 
west Bay from noon until 6 p. m. After that hour until 9 p. m. 
cannon shots were heard at intervals. From the plainness with 
which shots could be heard it was evident that a number of small 
boats were operating close to shore within the 3-mile limit, but, 
owing to dense fog, neither schooners nor small boats could be seen 
from shore. 

On July 1, still in a dense fog, tliis firing was continued close to 
shore, but nothing of the poachers could be seen. 

On July 2 seven small boats were operating within one-half mile of 
Northeast Point. 

On July 3 a small boat approached within one-half mile of Reef 
rookery. 

On July 4 two schooners were seized by the cutter Manning for 
having boats taking seals witliin the 3-mile limit. 

On July 18 six boats were found by watchmen well witliin the 
3-mile limit at Northeast Point, operating within 400 yards of 
shore. On discovery by the guard they made off as rapidly as pos- 
sible. On tliis date three Japanese sailors made their way into the 
village, having landed on North Shore. They claimed to have been 
sliipwrecked, but probably were deserters from their schooners. 

On July 26, two boats were found rowing directly for Northeast 
Point rookeiy. Their object apparently was to land. They came 
in so close that the guard fired three warning shots, upon which the 
boats turned about and pulled away. 

The fact that these violations of law occurred is no reflection upon 
the vigilance of the revenue cutters or patrol. It must be remem- 
bered that St. Paul Island has approximately 50 miles of shore line 
and to circumnavigate it requires from five to seven hours. Wliile 
the cutter is at one end of the island on patrol it was no hard matter 
for the crews of small boats at the other end to slip inside the 3-mile 
limit and operate there for an hour or two. Then, again, it became 
necessary at certain times for one cutter to patrol both islands, neces- 
sitating its absence from one island for a day or two, during which 
the pelagic sealers could, and on certain occasions did, approach the 
island closely. Furthermore, in dense fog, which prevails largely 
in summer, navigation among the reefs and currents about the islands 
is dangerous in the extreme and patrol vessels must proceed cau- 
tiously, while a sealing schooner with light tonnage and wooden bot- 
tom may come in close with little danger. From the action of the 
pelagic hunters during the summer it must be believed that they 
watch closely the movements of the vessels on patrol and are quick 
to take advantage of every move on their part. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 505 

LANDING OF THREE JAPANESE. 

On July 18 three Japanese sailors were found within a mile of the 
village making their way thereto on the main road leading to and 
from Northeast Point. They had quite heavy packs on their backs, 
composed of changes of clothing, ammunition box with shotgun shells 
loaded and empty, two shotguns, compass, etc. They could not speak 
English, but made signs to indicate that they had landed on the north 
shore, and made their way overland thence in the direction of Polo- 
vina, until finally they reached the village. They made signs that 
they desired food. 

With the aid of the Chinese cook, who could partially understand 
written Japanese characters, it was made out that the three men were 
from the Japanese schooner Eun Maru, and that they complained 
of illtreatment on board. They stated that they left their rowboat, 
in which they landed, on the north shore. They were given a vacant 
native house in which to live, and provisions and bedding. 

Watchmen sent to the north shore reported that the boat was 
there in the place indicated b}^ the Japanese. It contained six oars, 
six rowlocks, one sail, one water cask (full), one bottle of water, one 
long pole with three hooks, two raincoats, and one sou'wester. 

Two days afterwards the revenue cutter Perry came in, and at my 
request Capt. Dunwoody readily agreed to take the three Japanese 
off the island, which was done that evening. The cutter afterwards 
at their request delivered these sailors on board another sealing 
schooner than the one they stated they belonged to. 

CATCH OF PELAGIC FLEETS. 

Statistics received by the State Department indicate that the catch 
of the British Columbian fleet for the season of 1 907 was 5,397 skins, 
of which 1,934 were taken on the British Columbian coast, 448 out- 
side the award area, 2,858 in Bering Sea, and a canoe catch stated at 
157. The vessels engaged numbered 15 on the northwest coast, 3 
outside the award area, and 9 in Bering Sea. In the above catch 15 
branded sealskins were taken. In addition to the sealskins 2 schooners 
captured 38 sea otters. 

The British Columbia catches for two years previous, as reported 
by the State Department, are as follows: 

1906 10, 370 

1905 14, 177 

On December 17, 1907, Lam.pson & Co. exposed for sale in London 
8,607 northwest coast sealskins, wliich were classified as stated in a 
preceding table. 

The catch as reported to the State Department and the figures of 
the London trade sales for the northwest coast catch show a differ- 
ence of 3,210 sealskins. Whether this difference represents skins 
actually taken by the Canadian sealers not reported to their custom- 
houses, whether it represents miscellaneous shore catches which 
are onl^f partially reported, or whether held over from previous 
years and exposed for sale in 1907 it is impossible to state. 

Reliable estimates made by United States consular agents in Japan 
show the Japanese pelagic catch for 1907 to be 10,505 fur-seal skms, 
as opposed to 10,515 in 1906. In 1907, 36 vessels were engaged, as 



506 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

against 31 in 1906. Of the 1907 catch, 1,723 skins were taken in the 
so-called spring catch off the Asiatic coast, while 8,782 skins were 
taken in the summer catch in Bering Sea, neariy all of which were 
from the Pribilof herd. In addition to the catch of sealskins in 1907, 
39 sea-otter skins were taken in a raid on the Commander Islands, 
where, in 1906, 37 were taken by the same methods. 

The report states further that three Japanese schooners raided the 
Commander Islands, as a result of which 1 2 Japanese prisoners were 
taken by the Russians. These prisoners, it is stated, were released 
to a Japanese cruiser as the result of threats by the latter. It is 
stated also that a schooner named the Saikai Maru raided the Pribi- 
lofs, obtaining 62 fur-seal sldns without detection. No knowledge of 
this raid, however, is had by anyone on either island. 

On January 24, 1908, Lampson & Co. exposed for sale in London 
"7,429 salted fm* seal, N. W. Coast, etc.," in addition to those north- 
west coast skins sold December 17 previous, already mentioned. It 
is probable that these skins represent the Japanese catch from the 
Pribilof herd. They were classified according to size, as follows: 

Wigs 34 

Middlings 44 

Middlings and smalls 974 

Smalls 1, 946 

Large pups 1, 875 

Middling pups 1 , 390 

Small pups 835 

Extra small pups 265 

Extra extra small pups 14 

Black pups 52 

Total 7,429 

REVENUE-CUTTER PATROL. 

As before stated, the patrol about the islands by the Revenue- 
Cutter Service was active and zealous. 

Wliile at the first part of the season a cutter was on guard at each 
island, later, when the Manning left for the eastward with her pris- 
oners, it became necessary for one cutter to patrol both islands while 
its relief went to Unalaska for coal and water. It is a significant fact 
that sucli violations of law by pelagic sealei-s as came under our 
notice occurred while the patrolling vessel was necessarily absent 
elsewhere, either at the other island or patrolling a different locality 
of St. Paul. It would indicate the willingness of pelagic sealers to 
risk capture by approaching shore and sealing in prohibited waters 
when they believe tlie cutter is far enough away for them to avoid 
detection. This seeming characteristic of the sealers to take all sorts 
of chances for a skin or two indicates plainly that but for the pres- 
ence of the patrol vessels raids on the rookeries would have been 
attempted. 

For this reason it is urgently recommended that no decrease in the 
number of patrolling vessels be made during the coming season, but 
that, if possible, it be even augmented. The withdrawal of any ves- 
sel from the number usually on patrol would be simply an invitation 
to tlie pelagic sealers to raid the rookeries. 

I desire to express here my appreciation of tlie zeal and efficiency 
displayed by all of the officers and men engaged in the duty of patrol- 
ling the seal islands during the past summer. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 507 

Considerable difficulty was experienced last summer through the 
lack of a committing officer of the Department of Justice at Unalaska 
where any prisoners arrested in Bering Sea for a \dolation of the laws 
protecting the fur seals necessarily must be taken. In the case of 
those arrested by the Manning for poaching within the 3-mile limit, 
it became necessary, for lack of a committing officer, for the Manning 
to proceed with the prisoners to A'aldez, thereby removing her 
from the patrol for practically the remainder of the season. I 
understand, however, that since last summer a commissioner for 
Unalaska has been appointed. 

In view of the many delicate points of law arising in the arrests of 
foreigners and seizures of foreign vessels for violations of our sealing 
laws, I would recommen.d that an assistant United States attorney 
be stationed at Unalaska during the summer to advise the United 
States commissioner and generally to supervise the procuring of 
evidence against such persons as may be found subject to commit- 
ment. 

AFFAIRS OF NATIVE INHABITANTS. 

The affairs of the native inhabitants on the two islands have been 
carefully managed during the past winter by the Government agents 
stationed there. On St. Paul systematic regrading and improve- 
ment of the roads in the village and vicinity were accomplished under 
the direction of Agent Judge. Furthermore, a large building was 
constructed on St. Paul by Mr. Judge and the natives out of lumber 
taken from the old church when it was demolished, to be used as a 
shop for the natives, where also they may have their meetings, 
dances, and other secular gatherings. This building, constructed, 
as I have said, out of old lumber, is carefully and solidly built, and 
reflects credit on all concerned. 

Too much could not be said by both Agents Judge and Chichester, 
who spent the last winter there, in commendation of the general 
deportment of the native men and their disposition to observe not 
only the law, but the social and moral proprieties as well. While, 
according to time-honored custom, certain of them made ''quass'' 
on their important church holidays and "name days," they were 
temperate in its use, and its consumption entailed no disorder. An 
organization among the native men for the suppression of social 
disorder was successfully operated during the past winter and marks 
a distinct step in the advancement of the people. 

CENSUS OF NATIVE INHABITANTS. 

The census of native inhabitants on St. Paul, taken June 30, 1907, 
shows 170 residents, of which 90 were males and 80 females. Dur- 
ing the year 9 births and 6 deaths occurred. The above figures show 
a net gain in the population of 3 individuals over the preceding census. 

On St. George on June 30, 1907, there were present 93 native resi- 
dents, of which 44 were males and 49 females — a net gain of 2 over 
the census of the j^ear before. On this island 7 births and 5 deaths 
occurred during the year. 

The combined population of both islands for 1907, taken from the 
foregoing, would be 263, of whom 134 are males and 129 females — a 
net gain on the two islands over the preceding census of 4 individuals. 



508 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

EARNINGS OF NATIVES. 

On St. Paul for the season ended July 31, 1907, $9,294 was earned 
from the lessee by the 44 native sealers through their taking and 
properly curing 12,384 fur-seal skins, at 75 cents each, and 3 sea-lion 
skins, at $2 each. This sum was divided among the several native 
workmen according to their respective classifications, and the proper 
credits therefor entered on the books of the lessee company. 

On St. George 24 native men earned $1,838 through their taking, 
during the winter of 1906-7, 366 blue-fox skins, at $5 each, and 8 
white-fox skins, at $1 each. At the close of the sealing season of 
1907 — July 31 of that year — they had earned $1,835.75 by securing 
2,581 fur-seal skins, at 75 cents each. As in the case of St. Paul, these 
sums were divided among the several natives according to the classifi- 
cation agreed upon by the natives under the general supervision of the 
Government agents. 

GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATION. 

After deducting the cost of 240 tons of coal, at $20 per ton, to be 
delivered in the spring of 1908, the remainder of the appropriation of 
$19,500 for the fiscal year 1908 was divided between the two islands in 
the proportion of $9,300 for St. Paul and $5,400 for St. George. 

FOXES. 

During the winter of 1906-7, 869 blue and 8 white foxes passed 
through the traps on St. George Island, of which 375 were killed — 226 
blue males, 141 blue females, 4 white males, and 4 white females. Of 
those killed, the lessee accepted 366 blue and 8 white. There were 
released for breeding purposes 232 blue males and 270 blue females. 
These latter, as reported by Agent Chichester, were the cream of the 
herd, no fox being released as a breeder that was over 3 years of age 
and only 6 animals that were under the standard weight of 10 pounds 
for males and 7^ pounds for females. These foxes were trapped in a 
large house trap, having a wire inclosure outside containing food, into 
which the foxes are induced to enter through a trapdoor sprung at 
will by the operator. They are then picked up by hand, weighed, 
and examined for sex, etc., and released or. killed on the judgment of 
the Government agent. Those released are marked by cutting with 
scissors a ring around the fur in the animal's brush, the mark of the 
males differing from that of the females, so that the sexes afterwards 
may be distinguished when the animals are at large. 

During the winter, when the natural food for foxes is scarce, artificial 
food, such as salted fish freshened by soaking in water and carcasses 
of seals killed during the summer and preserved in pits, are given to 
them daily in such quantity as will insure a residue after they have 
eaten their fill. It has been determined by the investigations into 
fox life on the island by Government agents that, epidemics barred, 
the food supply regulates the rise and fall of the numbers of the fox 
herd on St. George. 

I inclose herewith a report from Assistant Agent Chichester dealing 
in detail with the fox question on St. George as observed by him during 
the winter of 1906-7. In this report I desire to call particular atten- 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 509 

tion not only to the thoroughness of the work incident to handling the 
foxes, but to the authentic instance cited of paired foxes jointly 
engaged in feeding and guarding the same litter of young. 

GUARDING THE ROOKERIES. 

The three Gatling and five Hotchkiss guns, with the small arms and 
ammunition, sent by the Government for the better protection of the 
rookeries, arrived on the islands at the time of my departure there- 
from last August. I have since learned from Assistant Agent Judge 
that the artillery has been assembled and prepared for service and 
that systematic target practice is being engaged in with small arms. 

DIVISION OF GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATION. 

The appropriation of $19,500 for natives' support during the fiscal 
year ended June 30, 1907, was apportioned as follows: 

St. Paul $9, 300 

St. George 5, 400 

Coal for both islands 4, 800 

Total 19, 500 

This sum will be expended for necessaries of life for the native 
inhabitants upon orders drawn upon the lessee company by the resi- 
dent Government agents. 

PRESENCE OF U. S. CRUISER "BUFFALO." 

The U. S. cruiser Buffalo arrived at the islands on patrol duty 
during the latter part of August, after my departure for Washington, 

The cruiser alternately patrolled the 60-mile limit and cruised in 
the close vicinity of the islands to deter possible raids on the rookeries. 
While no raids were made, her presence was highly valuable as a 
restraining influence on the pelagic fleet. I trust that the Govern- 
ment will insure her return during the coming season. 

Both Agents Judge and Clark, on St. Paul and St. George, respec- 
tively, speak highly of the courtesies extended to them by Capt. C. F. 
Pond, of the Buffalo, in the matter of mail facilities and ofi'ers of 
transportation, and request that suitable acknowledgment thereof be 
made to the Navy Department. 

Respectfully submitted. 

W. I. Lembkey, 
Agent in Cliarge of Seal Fisheries. 

To Hon. Oscar S. Straus, 

Secretary of Commerce and Labor. 



510 



SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 



03 

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SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



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512 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



Exhibit 2. 

Island of St. Paul, 
Bering Sea, Alaska, August IS, 1907. 
This is to certify that 12,384 fur-seal skins have this day been shipped on bo*ard the 
North American Commercial Co.'s steamer Homer, consigned to the North American 
Commercial Co., San Francisco, Cal. 

W. I. Lembkey, 
Agent in Charge of Seal Fisheries. 

Shipper's load and count. All on board to be discharged. 

A. Donaldson, Master Steamer "Horner.^' 



Exhibit 3. — Receipt for lease coal, St. Paul, 1907. 

St, Paul Island, Alaska, June 13, 1907. 
Received fiom the North American Commercial Co. 50 tons of coal (2,240 pounds 
to the ton), as part of the 80 tons which said company, by the terms of its lease dated 
March 12, 1890, agreed to deliver free each year for use of the native inhabitants of 
the seal islands. 

In accepting this receipt, executed in quintuplicate before this coal has been 
weighed, the said North American Commercial Co. hereby agrees to make good, 
from its own supply on the islands, any shortage that may appear after said coal has 
been weighed. 

W. I. Lembkey, 
Agent in Charge of Seal Fisheries. 
J. C. Redpath, 

Agent North American Commercial Co. 



Exhibit 4. — Receipt for natives' coal, St. Paul, 1907. 

St. Paul Island, Alaska, June 13, 1907. 
Received from the North American Commercial Co. 200 tons of coal (2,240 pounds 
to the ton), contracted for by the Department of Commerce and Labor, as per letter 
of instructions to agent in charge dated April 15, 1907, for use of the natives on St. 
Paul Island, to be paid for at the rate of $20 per ton from the appropriation for "food, 
fuel, and clothing and other necessaries of life to the native inhabitants on the islands 
of St. Paul and St. George, Alaska, 1907." 

In accepting this receipt, executed in quintuplicate before this coal has been 
weighed, the said North American Commercial Co. hereby agrees to make good, 
from its own supply on the islands, any shortage that may appear after said coal has 
been weighed. 

W. I. Lembkey, 
Agent in Charge of Seal Fisheries. 
J. C. Redpath, 

Agent North American Commercial Co. 



Exhibit 5. — Record of iveights of sealskins taken on St. Paul Island, Alaska, during the 

season ended July 31, 1907. 



Weight. 


Number. 


Weight. 


Number. 


Pounds. 




Pounds. 




3| 


1 


6i 


1,370 


4 


3 


7 


1,170 


4i 


2 


n 


904 




15 


7i 


852 


4J 


2 


71 


554 


6 


233 


8 


283 


5i 


375 


8i 


199 


5i 


615 


8i 


175 


5J 


1,066 


9i 


2 


6 


1,278 


9i 


3 


6i 


1,316 


10 


1 


<S\ 


1,579 


lOi 


1 



Note.— The number of skins taken on St. Paul during the year under 5 pounds and over SJ pounds 
number 28, composed of 23 small and 5 large. Of these, 11 small and 2 large were taken during the food 
drives made by the Government agents. These have not been included in the number of prohibited 
skins on which shipment was refused. The number so retained, taken by the lessee, was 15 skins, of which 
12 were small and 3 large. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



513 



Exhibit 6. — Division of natives^ earnings, St. Paul Island, Alaska, season of 1907. 

By 12,384 fur-seal skins, at 75 cents $9, 288. 00 

By 3 sea-lion skins, at |2 6. 00 

Total 9, 294. 00 

To 22 first-class shares, at $253.95 $5, 586. 90 

To 9 second-class shares, at $203.20 1, 828. 80 

To 9 third-class shares, at $152.40 1, 371 60 

To 4 fourth-class shares, at $101.65 406. 60 

To 2 special shares, at $50.05 100. 10 

Total 9, 294. 00 

First-class shares, 22 men, at $253.95 each: 

Alex. Melovidoff. George Kotchergin. 

Karps Buterin. John Kochutin. 

Jacob Kochutin. Alex. Merculieff. 

Nicoli Krukoff. Parfiri Pankoff. 

Simeon Melovidoff. Elary Stepetin. 

Simeon Nozekoff. Neon Tetoff. 

Theo. Sedick. J. E. Orloff. 

Dorofaj^ Stepetin. John Krukoff. 

John Stepetin. George Shisenikoff. 

Apollon Bourdukofsky. Peter Tetoff. 

Nicoli Bogadanoff. Necon Shabolin. 
Second-class shares, 9 men, at $203.20: 

Peter Bourdukofsky. Michael Kozloff. 

Michael Kushin. Metrofan Krukoff. 

Innokenty Sedick. John Merculieff. 

Stepan Rookavishnikoff. Zahar Tetoff. 

Nicoli Gromoff. 
Third-class shares, 9 men, at $152.40: 

Alex. Galaktioneff. Nekita Hopoff. 

Constantine Buterin. Nicoli Kozloff. 

Vlass Pankoff. Theo. Kochutin. 

Trefan Kochutin. Paul Koshe^^likoff. 

John Fratis. 
Fourth-class shares, 4 men, at $101.65: 

Ivanally Kozeroff. Condrat Krukoff. 

John Mazeekin. Paul Merculieff. 
Special class, 2 men, at $50.05 each: 

Karp Buterin, first chief. Alex. Merculieff, second chief. 

St. Paul Island, Alaska, August 4, 1907. 
I hereby certify that the above division was made by me, in the manner detailed 
above, after conference with the native chiefs on this island. 

W. I. Lembkey, 
Agent in Charge of Seal Fisheries. 



St. Paul Island, Alaska, August 4, 1907. 
I hereby certify that the amounts, as above stated, representing the division on St. 
Paul Island for the season of 1907, will be placed to the credit of the respective natives 
on the books of the North American Commercial Co. 

The North American Commercial Co., 
By J. C. Redpath, Superintendent. 

St. Paul Island, Alaska, August 4, 1907. 
We hereby approve the division for St. Paul Island for the season of 1907. as detailed 
above, for and on behalf of the natives of said island. 

his 
Karp x Buterin, First Chief, 
mark. 
By W. I. Lembkey. 

Alex. Merculief, Second Chief. 
2403— H. Doc. 93, 62-1 33 



514 seaij islands of Alaska. 

Exhibit 7. — Census of St. Paul Island, Alaska, year ended June SO, 1907. 



Name. 



Relation. 



Bogadanofl, Nicoii 

Bogadanoff , Uleta 

Bogadanoff, Agrafina. . . 
Bourdukofsky, Apollon. 

Bourdukofsky, Peter 

Buterin, Karp 

Buterin, Farascovia 

Buterin, Constantine 

Mazeekin, Wassalisa 

Fratis, John 

Fratis, Sandulia 

Fratis, Gavriel 

Galaktioneff, Alex 

Galaktioneff, Lukeria... 

Galaktioneff, Mary 

Galaktioneff. Matrona... 

Galaktioneff, Aggie 

Hanson, Anna 

Gromofi, Nicoii 

Gromoff, Ulianna 

Stepetin, Pavla 

Stepetin, Elary, jr 

Volkoff, Tecan 

Kochutin, Jacob 

Kochutin, Alexandria. . . 

Kochutin, Larion 

Mandregan, Innokenty.. 

Mandregan, Nekifer 

Kochutin, John 

Kochutin, Claudia 

Kochutin, Nikanor 

Kochutin, Erena 

Kochutin, Nicoii 

Vickalofl, Alexander 

Kochutin, Theodore 

Kochutin, Mary 

Kochutin, Karp 

Kochutin, Trefan 

Kochutin, Natalia 

Hopofl, Nekita 

Kushin, Mary 

Kushin. Nestor 

Hanson, John 

Kotchergin, George 

Kotchergin, Agafla 

Tetofl, Peter 

Kozlofl. Michael 

Kozlofl, Farascovia 

Serebrinikoff, Ripsimia . 

Kozlofl, Nicoii 

Kozlofl, Alexandria 

Melovidoff, Alexandria.. 

Koshevnikoff , Paul 

Koshevnikofl, Mary 

Krukoff, John 

Krukofl, Uleta 

Krukoff, Alexandria 

Krukofl, Condrat 

Dyakanofl, Andrew 

Krukofl, Metrofan 

Krukofl, Pelagia 

Philamonofl, Foekla 

Krukoff, Nicoii 

Krukoff, Katherine 

Krukoff, Ustinia 

Emanofl, Alexai 

Tetofl, Agrafina 

Kushin, Michael 

Kushin , Matrona 

Mazeekin, John 

Seduli, Elizabeth 

Stepetin, Marena 

Melovidoff, Alexander... 

Melovidoff, Salome 

Melovidoff, Antone 

Melovidoff, Alfai 

Melovidoff, Joseph 

Melovidoff, Simeon 

Melovidoff, Mexandria.. 

Melovidoff, Margaret 

Melovidoff, Christopher . 



Husband 

Wife 

Niece 

Father 

Son 

Husband 

Wife 

Son 

Adopted daughter. 

Husband 

Wife 

Son 

Husband 

Wife , 

Daughter , 

....do 

Son 

Stepdaughter 

Husband 

AVife 

Adopted daughter. 

Adopted son 

Orphan 

Husband 

Wife 

Son 

Orphan 

....do 

Husband 

Wife 

Son 

Daughter 

Son 

Stepson , 

Husband 

Wife 

Son 

Husband 

Wife 

Bachelor 

Widow 

Cousin , 

....do 

Husband 

Wife 

Adopted son , 

Son , 

Mother , 

Cousin , 

Husband 

Wife 

Niece , 

Husband 

Wife 

Husband 

Wife 

Daughter 

Brother 

Stepson 

Husband 

Wife 

Sister-in-law 

Husband 

Wife 

Datighter 

Nephew 

Daughter of Neon. . 

Husband 

Wife 

Bachelor 

Widow 

Daughter of John . . 

Husband 

Wife 

Son 

....do 

....do 

Husband 

Wife 

I Daughter 

Son 



1 Months. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 
Exhibit 7. -Census of St. Paul Island, Alaska, year ended June SO, 1901 



515 

Continued. 




Melovidoll, Alexander 
Melovidoff, Simeon, jr 
Merculiefl, Alexander 

»Mereiilieff, Agafia 
Merciilieff, Paul 
Merculieff. Auxenia.! 
Merculieff, Terrenty 

Merculieff, Dorofav 

Merculieff. Paul " 
Merculieff, John. 
Merculieff. .V vdotia . . 
Merculieff, Serefimia. 

Merculieff, Leonty 

Nosekoff, Simeon" 
Nose koff, A vdotia 
Nosekoff, Mary 

Tetoff, John.....'." 

Kozeroff , Ivanally. . . 
Kozeroff, Alexandria 
Orloff, J E , Rev. Father! 
Orloft, Ol^a 
Orloff. Nadia. 

Orloff, Nicoli. 

Orloff, Alexandria.. 
Pankoff , Parflri 
Pankoff. Martha.. 
Pankoff, Vlass.. 

Pankoff, Agraflna 

Rookavishnikoff. Stepan 
Rookavishnikoff, Elizabeth 
Rookavishnikoff, Andrew 

Sedick, Theodore 

Sedick, Innokenty 

Sedick, John '.' 

Shabolin , Necon ... 

Shabolin, Foekla 

Shabolin, Varvara 

Shabolin, Matrona . . ". 

Shabolin, Daniel 

Shabolin, Caesar ... 
Stepetin, Dorofay 

Stepetin, Lubofl" .' 

Stepetin, Auxenia.. 

Stepetin, Marena 

Stepetin, Vassili. . 

Stepetin, Elary 

Stepetin, Anna 

Stepetin, Agnes ... 

Stepetin, Nicoli 

Stepetin, Mark 

Stepetin , John 

Stepetin, Vera. 

Stepetin, Vassili.". '.'. 

Stepetin, Larion.. 

Stepetin, Olga 

Shisenikoff, George 

Shisenikoff, Sergius 

Tetoff, Neon 

Tetoff, Agrafina. 

Tetoff, Marv 

Tetoff, Dimitri 

Tetoff, Irena 

Tetoff, Anna 

Tetoff, Peter 

Tetoff. Mary. .'.."." 

Kochutin, X^arvara 

Stepetin, Jveonia 

Tetoff, Zahar ■ 

Tetoff, Daria 

Tetoff, Paul.. 

Tetoff, Benedict. 



■WIDOWS AND ORPHANS. 

Balokshin. Matrona 

Rookavishnikoff, Parascovia 

Shaposhnikoff , Parascovia 

Emanoff . Marv 

Kmanoff, Eneka 

Emanoff, Peter 

Emanoff, .Manu'noth 

Fratis, Akalina V.'.V..'..\\\ 

' Infant 




Son 

do.... 

Husband 
Wife.... 

Son 

Daughter 

Son 

do 

Brother 
Husband.. 

Wife 

Daughter 

Son 

Husband 

Wife 

Daughter 

Adopted son 
Half brother 
Half sister... 

Father 

Daughter . . . 

....do 

Son 

Daughter 

Father 
Daughter. 

Husband 

Wife 

Husband. 
Wife . . 
Son 

Father... 
Son. . 

-do 

Husband 
Wife 

Daughter 
....do..., 

Son 

-...do.... 
Husband, 
Wife 
I Daughter... 

do 

Son 

Husband. 

Wife ; 

Daughter 

Son 

do ;; 

Husband. . . 
Wife 

Son 

do 

Daughter 
Father... 

Son ; 

Husband 

Wife 

Daughter. . . 

Son 

Daughter... 



' Months. 



516 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



Exhibit 7. — Census of St. Paul Island, Alaska, year ended June 30, 1907 — Continued. 



Name. 



BelatioD. 



Age. 



WIDOWS AND OEPHANS— continued. 



Fratis, Agraflna 

Fratis, Simeon 

Fratis, Ulianna 

Fratis, Martha 

Kochutin, Zenobia 

Kocliutin, Innokenty . . 

Krukoif , Anna 

Kjukoff , Mary 

PeeshnikofE, Wassalisa. 
NedarazofE, Katherine.. 



Daughter . 

Son 

Daughter. 

Mother 

Son 

Widow 

Daughter. 
Widow. . . 
do 



RECAPITULATION. 

Males 90 

Females 80 

Native population, June 30, 1906 168 

Arrival during year ended June 30, 1907 1 

Births during year ended June 30, 1907 9 

178 

Departures during year ended June 30, 1907 2 

Deaths during year ended June 30, 1907 6 

8 

Total native population, June 30, 1907 170 



Exhibit 8. — Statistics of killings, St. Paul Island, 1907. 



Date. 


Rookery. 


Killed. 


Dismissed. 


Branded. 


Total 
driven. 


Per 
cent 
killed. 


Small. 


Large. 


2 years. 


3 years. 


1907. 
Jan 29 


Sea Lion Rock 


6 
105 
106 
401 

93 
206 
564 
556 

46 
251 
516 
123 
394 
445 
353 
224 
1,224 

19 
782 
321 

71 

486 

116 

1,179 

38 
300 
858 

96 
627 

60 
349 

57 


13' 

61 

ii' 

93 

80 
3 

54 
88 
25 
94 
55 
56 
28 
294 

1 
77 
38 

4 
45 

1 
63 

26' 

72 
4 
70 
2 
65 
54 


22 

212 

318 

143 

61 

57 

134 

121 

44 

32 

120 

56 

33 

65 

24 

10 

22 

18 

49 

21 

19 

11 

15 

120 

39 

43 

21 

26 

124 

36 

40 

19 






28 
317 
437 
605 
170 
398 
960 
879 
97 
360 
807 
214 
546 
632 
463 
290 

1,628 
45 

1,045 
434 
111 
577 
144 

1,518 

90 

403 

1,006 
147 
966 
110 
501 
189 


21 


May 12 

28 


do 






33 


Reef 






24 


June 28 


Northeast Point 






66 


29 


Tolstoi 


7 
45 
96 
66 

1 

9 
46 

3 
16 
31 
22 
13 
55 

2 
65 
31 

9 
28 

5 
87 

7 
24 
39 

4 
80 

7 
33 
38 


9 
19 
73 
56 

3 
14 
37 

7 

9 
36 

8 
15 
33 

5 
72 
23 

8 

7 

7 
69 

6 
10 
16 
17 
65 

5 
14 
21 


54 


July 1 
2 




51 


Reef and Gorbatch 


58 


3 


Northeast Point 


63 


3 




47 


5 




69 


6 


Reef and Gorbatch 


63 


6 


Tolstoi 


57 


8 




72 


10 


Reef and Gorbatch 


70 


11 


Zapadni 


T6 


13 


Tolstoi , 


T7 


15 


Northeast Point 


75 


15 




42 


16 




74 


17 




73 


18 


Tolstoi 


63 


20 


Northeast Point 


84 


20 


Halfway Point 


80 


■ 22 


Reef and Gorbatch 


77 


22 


Tolstoi 


42 


23 




74 


25 




85 


25 


Halfway Point 


65 


26 


Reef and Gorbatch 


64 


26 


Tolstoi 


54 


27 


Zapadni 


69 


29 




30 




Total 






10,972 


1,537 


2,076 


869 


664 


16,117 


68 









SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 517 

Exhibit 9. — Classification of large seals dismissed, St. Paul Island, 1907. 




St. George Island, Alaska, June 3, 1907. 

Sir: I have the honor to submit herewith a report on the condition of affairs on 
St. George Island, from August 14, 1906, to the present date. 

Vessels. — During the interval between August 14 and September 9 the U. S. S. 
Perry called here 5 times. Twice we were able to communicate with her by boat 
and 3 times by signals only. 

On September 12 a schooner, nationality unknown, appeared off Zapadni. She 
came to within a mile of the rookery, then sailed away, making no attempt to land. 

On October 3 the U. S. S. McCulloch anchored at Garden Cove and landed the 
2 natives who were sent to Valdez in September as witnesses against the Japanese 
sealers captured on this island August 5. The McCulloch touched here again on Octo- 
ber 11, picked up our mail, and sailed immediately for the south. Since that date 
no vessel has put in here, although on October 24 a steamer, which we took to be the 
U. S. S. Thetis, passed the west end of the island bound south. I was given to under- 
stand by Capt. Cantwell, of the McCulloch, that the Thetis would call here for the 
October mail. That she did not do so was the source of great disappointment. 

School. — School opened on the 1st day of September with 12 boys and 10 girls in 
attendance and was maintained until May 1, 1907. In October one of the male pupils 
died. A competent teacher was in charge. Early in the season an epidemic of 
stomach trouble broke out among the scholars and a large number of absences resulted 
therefrom. 

The report of the teacher is herewith inclosed, marked "Exhibit A." 

Seals. — Four hundred and fifty-eight seals of the quota of 500 allowed the natives of 
this island for food were obtained. The first drive was made on October 19, from 
Staraya Artel, and 220 seals killed; 209 small, 65 3-year-olds, 5 4-year-olds, 6 5-year- 
olds, 2 6-year-olds, and 4 branded were turned away. Three other drives were made 
as follows: October 31, Staraya Artel rookery, 148 seals killed, 12 3-year-olds released; 
November 9, Staraya Artel and North, 44 seals killed; November 16, North rookery, 
25 seals killed; October 20 to November 10, Zapadni Guards, 21 seals killed. 

The last 3 drives were made up entirely of seals pulled out from among the cows 
by the natives, and as very careful selection had taken place on the rookery very few 
were turned away from the killing field. 

Of the 511 seals which composed the drive of October 19 only 4 bore any signs of 
ha\dng been branded, and these signs were extremely indistinct. No branded seals 
were seen after this date. It is quite evident that, in the majority of cases, the brands 
put on in June are by a rapid growth of new fur during the interval from August 1 to 



518 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

October 19 so entirely obliterated that they can not be depended upon to protect 
the seals during the food killings in the fall. To meet this condition I confined the 
killing as near as possible to those animals having skins weighing from 5 to 6^ pounds, 
but despite the most careful and painstaking effort 45 skins weighing over 6J pounds 
were taken. (For detailed statement of weights of skins, see Exhibit B.) 

No dead .pups were found on the 2 rookeries which I examined in October, the 
foxes, as usual, having cleaned them up. 

The first bulls of the season were seen April 27 off North rookery, but it was not 
until May 1 that they began hauling out. 

The first bachelors, 20 in number, hauled out at No. 12, North rookery, May 9; 
they were nearly all large 4 and 5 year olds. 

On North rookery, near No. 17, there is now in place on the breeding ground a 
young bull with a large T brand across his back. This form of brand was in use only in 
1899; he is therefore 8 years old. This bull was observed last year, first in the dnves 
and later; when the harems began to break up, he took a stand on the breeding ground, 
obtained some cows, and was able to maintain himself there. 

Foxes.— The fox herd and all the foxing operations dming the past season have 
been entirely under my care and direction. 

During the summer the agent of the North American Commercial Co. furnished 
free of cost the necessary amount of salt for the curing of all surplus seal carcasses to 
be used for fox food, and on the 1st of September he turned over to me 12 tons of 
fox food consisting of salted salmon and codfish. Throughout the trapping season 
everything necessary for the trapping and the proper preparation of the skins was 
also furnished without cost. 

Feeding. — I opened the feeding season on September 19 by putting out 2 tubs (328 
pounds) of salt fish, of which the foxes ate about one-half. Continued feeding fish 
daily until November 20, when the diet was changed to salted seal meat, which wae 
fed continuously until abont the middle of April. The supply then becoming ex- 
hausted, the feeding of fish was resumed. Diu-ing the months of September, October, 
December, January, March, and April there were few days in which the amount of 
food put out was not in excess of that consumed. Only diu-ing November and Feb- 
ruary did the foxes eat all that was fed them. By the 1st of May large numbers of 
birds were everywhere about the island, and as the foxes were not eating any of the 
fish put out for them I stopped further feeding, having still on hand in the neighbor- 
hood of 14,000 pounds of salt fish. 

The total amount of food known to have been consumed bv the foxes from Septem- 
ber 19, 1906, to May 1, 1907, was as follows: 

Pounds. 

Salt fish 10, 000 

668 salt seal carcasses (village) 16, 000 

245 salt seal carcasses (Zapadni) 14, 700 

Offal of 458 seals 5, 000 

4 walrus carcasses 3, 000 

Total ! 48, 700 

In addition to this supply of food there came ashore at Zapadni in October a pai"t of 
a whale, but just how much food it furnished the foxes it is impossible to say. 

Trapping. — On being advised by the company's agent, November 20, that he 
would receive skins, I began trapping on that date and continued to do so until the 
11th of February. The 2 regular traps at fox house and barn were used as well as 2 
automatic traps, one located at East Landing and the other at the fox house. Four 
times during the season men were sent to Zapadni, remaining from three to five days 
each time, and 58 foxes were caught there. A small number were also caught about 
the village with string traps. Thirty-six trappings were made at the fox house and 
31 at the barn. There were also 5 failiu-es at the barn and 6 at the fox house. 

The total number of foxes taken was 869 blue and 8 white. Of these 375 (226 blue 
males, 141 blue females, 4 white males, and 4 white females) were killed and 502 (232 
blue males and 270 blue females) were branded and released for breeders. The foxes 
selected for breeders were the cream of the herd. No fox was reserved that was over 
3 years old and only 6 that were under the standard weight of 10 pounds for males 
and 7^ pounds for females. Five of these 6 weighed 9 J pounds and one dh pounds. 

The automatic traps took 83 foxes this season, exactly the same number as last 
season. 

With the exception of a few days in November and February, the weather through- 
out the entire season was as unfavorable as it well could be for the trapping of foxes. 
Rain fell incessantly diu-ing the months of December and January, and the foxes 
would not enter the traps in any numbers nor were they even to be seen hanging 



I 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 519 

about the village. To the unfavorable weather conditions and to that alone I attrib- 
ute the falling off in the catch. 

That there were a large number of foxes on the island that did not pass through our 
hands is certain from the fact that on February 22, 40 foxes were seen at Garden Cove 
feeding on the carcass of a hair seal, and of these only 4 were branded. 

Diu-ing the season of 1905-6, carrying out a suggestion made by Mr. Judge, I ear- 
marked 50 male and female yearlings. A close watch was maintained for any of 
these foxes that might turn up in the trappings this season, but only 4 were found. 
They were all females and were again released. I am inclined to believe from the 
very small number of these animals we found that nature must have obliterated the 
marks. 

The quality of the skins taken this year on the whole show no superiority over 
those secured last year. 

Native earnings from foxes. — The total number of skins accepted by the company 
was 366 blue and 8 white. Six blue skins were rejected. The sum of $1,838 has 
therefore been credited on the books of the company in favor of the native inhabitants 
of this island and is available for their support. (For division of earnings, see 
Exhibit C.) 

Mange among the foxes. — Four foxes were killed during the winter that were suffer- 
ing from mange, or some other form of skin disease, which almost denuded them of 
their fur. Autopsy failed to show any disease of internal organs. Tw^o of these foxes 
were in an extreme state of emaciation, one was in fair condition, and one was fat. 
One other case of the same disease was observed in a fox at large, a female which had 
been branded. There was but little fur on her anj-where except her tail. No mangy 
foxes were found dead, but those that were caught were killed to prevent as much 
as i^ossible the spread of the disease. (A skin of one of these diseased animals is 
submitted herewith, marked "Exhibit D.") 

Dead foxes. — The total number of dead foxes observed since August, 1906, has been 
11. Of these, 7 were males, 2 females, and 2 sex not known. One was found to have 
died of perforation of the stomach caused by an ulcer; in the rest the cause of death 
could not be ascertained. 

Decrease in the fox catch. — Last year the total number of foxes caught was 1,044; this 
year the catch fell to 877. It is my opinion that the decrease is merely in the number 
of foxes caught and not in the actual number of foxes on the island, and, further, the 
falling off is directly attributable to unfavorable weather conditions. 

During the winter of 1905-6 there was reserved for breeding purposes 581 of the 
finest and largest foxes that passed through our hands. The foxes were fed during 
the entire winter, and the amount of food was about equal to that fed during the pre- 
ceding year. There was no evidence of any great number of deaths either from 
starvation or disease. There was but little ice around the island during the winter, 
and a considerable number of unbrauded foxes were at large after the trapping season. 
From these facts it is reasonable to suppose that as many foxes successfully passed 
through the winter of 1905-6 as did through the winter of 1904-5, and that the season 
of 1906-7 must have begun with at least as many foxes in the herd as were present 
the year before. If this supposition is correct, then one of two things happened. 
Either a large number of foxes died during the fall and early winter of 1906-7 or we 
failed to catch anything like the whole number of foxes that were on the island. 
There is not the slightest evidence to show that there was any great mortality among 
the foxes last winter; on the contrary, the number of dead picked up about the island 
was considerably less than it has been for some years. No ice reached the island, 
feeding was abundantly carried on, and a large number of luibranded foxes were seen 
after the trapping season. The only reasonable explanation left, then, is that the 
decrease is in the catch and not in tlie herd itself. 

Weather exerts a powerful influence over the number of foxes that go through the 
trap. When the winter is mild and much rain falls during the trapping season, fewer 
foxes visit the trap and the catch is light. On the other hand, when the winter is cold 
and much enow falls a greater number of foxes hang about the village and visit the 
traps and the catch is larger. This is amply borne out by the record of the past five 
years. During that period there were two winters of exceptional mildness and great 
rainfall and on these two winters and these only has there been any great falling off 
in the catch. 

Increase or decrease in the fox herd is mainly governed by the supi^ly of food. 
Epidemics of disease may cause a decrease, but if the food supply is ample such a 
decrease will only be- temporary. But any great permanent increase in the herd 
without a corresponding increase in the food supply is simply out of the question. 
The food supply on this island is derived from two sources, that which is thrown up 
on the beaches by the sea and that which is artificially provided. The quantity of 
the former can not in any way be determined, while the amount of the latter can be 



520 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

accurately gauged. For the past five years the amount of artificially provided food 
has not varied greatly in amount, and I suppose that the amount of food furnished 
by the beaches does not from year to year vary much. The catches of three of the 
past five years have been almost identical, 1,011, 1,061, and 1,044, the catch falling 
in the other two years to 766 and 867. This would seem to indicate that the natural 
food supply supplemented by that artificially provided has been sufficient to maintain 
throughout each winter during the past five years enough foxes to bring up the herd 
each season to somewhere in the neighborhood of a thousand foxes, and it is my opinion 
that unless the artificial food supply is largely increased we can look to no permanent 
increase in the herd much beyond this limit. 

Pairing of foxes. — The first authentic case of foxes pairing on this island has recently 
come under my notice. Two foxes, which by the brands on their tails show them to 
be a male and female, occupy a hole under the lumber house and have there a litter 
of young ones. Both male and female are busy throughout the day procuring and 
bringing food to the hole, but the male is particularly active in this direction. Any 
visiting foxes are promptly driven away. 

Stock raising.— The natives' attempt at pig culture has met with considerable suc- 
cess. Two years ago they were allowed to purchase 4 sows and a boar. There is now 
on the island 26 pigs of various sizes. During the winter a number were killed, which 
yielded for native use 579 pounds of fresh meat. 

Improvements. — ^The Government house has been thoroughly painted inside and 
out. Posts sufficient for the construction of a telephone line to East and Staraya 
Artel rookeries have been secured and distributed. 

Public health.— VJith. the exception of an epidemic of gastroenteritis, which broke 
out among the natives last fall, the health has been very good. There has been 6 
births (2 boys and 4 girls) and 4 deaths (2 males and 2 females). The report of the 
resident physician is herewith submitted as Exhibit E. 

Respectfully, H. D. Chichester, 

Assistant Agent, Department of Commerce and Labor. 

Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent, Department of Commerce and Labor, 

t r?9i in Charge Seal Fisheries. 

Exhibit A. 

St. George Island, Alaska, April 30, 1907. 
Mr. H. D. Chichester, , 

Special Agent, U. S. Department Commerce and Labor, 

in Charge St. George Island, Alaska: 

As required by the lease of the seal islands of Alaska by the North American Com- 
mercial Co., a school for the native children of St. George Island has been maintained 
for eight months past, and instruction in the English language has been given to all 
children between the ages of 6 and 16 years. 

The school has been attended from September 1 to October 13, 1906, by 12 boys 
and 10 girls, the remainder of the year by 11 boys and 10 girls, with the exception of 
absences of 182^ days, as shown below. 

The large inattendance was due to the great amount of sickness occurring in the 
early part of the year. 

The usual vacation of 10 days at Christmas, Thanksgiving Day, Washington's 
Birthday, and four "holy days" of the Russian Church have been observed. 

Boys attending school 6 weeks .- 12 

Boys attending school 29^ weeks 11 

Girls attending school 35i weeks 10 

Pupils attending school end of year 21 

Weeks in school year 35^ 

Days in school year 176 

Holidays: 

Christmas recess days. . 10 

Thanksgiving Day do 1 

Washington's Birthday do 1 

Church do 4 

Total days . . 16 

School actually in session do 160 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 521 

Absences: 

Excused by Government (4) do 5^ 

Excused by doctor (22) do 177 

Total do. . . . 182i 

Attendance from Sept. 1 to Oct. 13, 1906 (22X30) do 660 

Attendance from Oct. 14, 1906, to Apr. 30, 1907 (21X130) do 2,730 

Total do 3, 390 

Less absences do 182^ 

Actual attendance for year do 3, 207J 

Average daily attendance 20. 04 

Elder Nance, 
Teadier for North American Commercial Co. 



Exhibit B. — Weights of sealskins taken on St. George Island, fall of 1906. 



Date. 


Rookery. 


Weights (pounds). 


3i 


4i 


5 


5i 


5§ 


51 


6 


6i 


6i 


6i 


7 


7i 


n 


8 


9 


Oct. 19 


Staraya Artel 






26 


9 


32 


13 

1 

.... 

27 
15 


68 
"2 


12 

1 


26 


5 

1 


20 


1 


6 




2 


19 


Zapadni Guards 








23 


do 








1 


3 












30 


do 










3 
8 


"i' 


2 
3 










31 


Staraya Artel 


1 


1 


33 
9 
3 

9 

80 


21 
4 

1 
2 

38 


24 
6 


25 


1 


1 
1 


1 


1 




Nov. 9 


Staraya Artel and North 


8 1 




10 


Zapadni Guards • 






2 

6 

111 
















16 


North 




4 
69 


2 

59 


1 
16 


1 
38 
















Total 


1 1 


7 


25 


3 


7 


1 


? 













Exhibit C. — Fox division, season of 1906-7, St. George Island. 



By 366 blue-fox skins, at $5. 
By 8 white-fox skins, at $1 . 



$1, 830. 00 
8.00 



Total 1, 838. 00 



To 15 first-classmen, at $81.10 

To 7 second-class men, at $64.95 

To 2 third-class men, at $48.75 

To 2 special-class men 

To 5 gallons coal oil used at well house . 
To lumber for repair of pig house 



1, 216. 50 

454. 65 

97.50 

65.00 

2.00 

2.35 



Total 1, 838. 00 



FIRST CLASS. 



1. John Galanin 

2. Rev. Peter Kashavarof. 

3 . Stepan Lekanof 

4 . Demetri Lestenkof 

5. Mike Lestenkof 

6. Nikolai Malavansky 

7. George Merculif 

8. Joseph Merculif 

9. Nikolai Merculif 

10. Nikolai Nedarazof 

11. Andronic Philamonof . . 

12. Gregory Philamonof. . . 

13. Simeon Philamonof 

14. Peter Prokopief 

15. Manuel Zaharof 



81.10 
81.10 
8L10 
8L10 
8L10 
8L10 
8L10 
81.10 
8L10 
81.10 
8L10 
8L10 
81.10 
8L10 
8L10 



522 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



SECOND CLASS. 

1. Alexander Galanin $64. 95 

2. Walter Kashavarof 64.95 

3. Trefan Kochooten 64. 95 

4. Peter Malavansky 64. 95 

5. Demetri Philimonof 64. 95 

6. Mike Shane 64. 95 

7. Gregory Swetzof 64. 95 

THIRD CLASS. 

1. Anatoli Lekanof 48. 75 

2. John Merculif 48. 75 

SPECLA.L CLASS. 

1. Stepan Lekanof, chief 35. 00 

2. Joseph Merculif, second chief 25. 00 

Joseph Merculif, hydrant keeper 5. 00 

I hereby certify that the above division was made by me after conference with the 
native chiefs on this island. 

H. D. Chichester, 
Assistant Agent, United States Department of Commerce and Labor, 

in Charge St. George Island. 

I hereby certify that the amounts as above stated have been placed to the credit of 
the respective natives on the books of the North American Commercial Co. 

B. Netherland, 
Agent North American Commercial Co. 
The division as above made is hereby approved on behalf of the natives of St. 
George Island. 

Stepan Lekanoff, First Chief. 
Joseph Merculiff, Second Chief. 



Exhibit E.^ 

St. George Island, Alaska, June 1, 1907. 

Sir: In reply to your request, I submit the following medical report for St. George 
Island for the year beginning June 1, 1906, and ending May 31, 1907: 

As is usually the case on these islands, the balance of the cases treated were either 
of bronchial or gastro-intestinal origin. During the months of September and Octo- 
ber the natives, adults and children, suffered from a gastroenteritis that practically 
amounted to an epidemic. The aged and children suffered most severely. Qne 
death occurred, directly assignable to this cause. 

The lack of observance of any of the principles of hygiene and the manner of pre- 
paring their food were the only causative factors arrived. The wells furnishing the 
drinking water were examined, with negative results. The trouble subsided as the 
colder weather approached. Barring the gastroenteritis, the general health has been 
good. 

The record of births and deaths is as follows: 

Births. 



Name of mother. 



Marvara Merculif. . . 
Stepanida Prokopief. 

Zoya Swetzof 

Mary Zacharof 

Stepanida Merculif. . 
Helena Kashavarof.. 



Sex. 



Name of child. 



Daughter Pariscoya . . 

do ; Mary 

do Agnes 

Son Vassili 

Daughter Alexandra . 

Son Andrew 



Date. 



Nov. 8, 1906 
Nov. 1.3,1906 
Dec. 2, 1906 
Jan. 11, 1907 
Apr. 3, 1907 
Apr. 19,1907 



1 E.xhibit D was a skin of a diseased fox. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF AL.1SKA, 
Deaths. 



523 



Name. 



Marka Merculif 21 years. . . 

Andronic Philamonof, jr 6 years 

Agnes Lestiukof 10 months. 

Serefina Riazanzof I 18 years . . . 



Disease. 



P u 1 in o n ary 
tuberculosis. 

G a stroenteri- 
tis. 

Inanition 

P u 1 m o n ary 
tuberculosis. 



Date. 

Oct. 5, 1906 

Oct. 13,1906 

Nov. 26,1906 
Dec. 3,1906 



Respectfully, 

F. Holmes Smith, M. D. 
Mr. H. D. Chichester, 

Agent, Departvient of Commerce and Labor, 

in Charge St. George Island. 

Exhibit F. — Annual statement of foxes caught on St. George Island, season of 1906-7. 





Location and style of trap. 


Killed. 


Released for 
breeders. 


Date. 


Blue. 


White. 


Blue. 




Male. 


Fe- 
male. 


Male. 


Fe- 
male. 


Male. 


Fe- 
male. 


1906. 

Oct. 20 

to 


Found dead 


5 

8 
21 
11 

4 












Nov. 24 
Nov. 20 


East Landing, automatic 


3 

12 

8 
1 






4 
30 
10 
1 
4 
22 
13 


11 


20 


Fox house 


2 


1 


23 


20 


Barn 


17 


21 


Fox house, automatic 






1 


22 


do 






1 


22 


Fox house 


27 
11 

1 


19 
9 
3 
1 
1 
2 
8 
1 
1 
2 
8 
1 
7 




31 


22 


Barn 




1 


19 


22 


East Landing, automatic 


1 


23 


Fox house, automatic 








1 


23 


East Landing, automatic 


5 
2 

14 
3 








3 


25 


do 


1 

1 


i' 


1 
10 
3 




25 


Fox house 


9 


25 


Barn 


3 


26 


East Landing, automatic .... 








27 


do 


1 

14 
1 

7 








3 


27 


Fox house 






19 
4 

17 


19 


27 


Barn 








28 


Zapadni ■ 






11 


29 


East Landing, automatic 






1 


30 


Fox house 


3 


2 






4 
3 


4 


30 


Barn 








Dec. 2 


East Landing, automatic 


1 
5 
2 
1 
1 
2 
1 
1 
1 








1 


2 


Fox house 


2 






4 

1 


3 


2 


Barn 






2 


3 


Graveyard 










5 


East Landing, automatic 












5 


Fox house 








5 

1 
1 


2 


5 


Barn 








4 




Fox house 








1 


~ 


Barn 










9 


East Landing, automatic 








i 
1 

4 




11 


Zapadni 










5 


11 


Fox house 


4 


6 






6 


11 


Barn 






2 


13 


Fox house 


3 
2 
2 
2 

1 
1 

1 


i 

2 

1 






3 
2 
2 


5 


13 


Bam 






1 


16 


Fox house 






3 


16 


Barn 








18 


Fox house 


1 
1 
1 










18 


Barn 






1 
1 
2 
5 
1 


1 


19 


East Landing, automatic 






1 


20 


Barn 








26 


Fox house 


5 
4 
2 


3 






7 


26 


Barn 




1 


4 


27 


Village 


1 




2 



524 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



Exhibit F.— Annual statement of foxes caught on St. George Island, season of 

1906-7— Gontinned . 





Location and style of trap. 


Killed. 


Released for 
breeders. 


Date. 


Blue. 


White. 


Blue. 




Male. 


Fe- 
male. 


Male. 


Fe- 
male. 


Male. 


Fe- 
male. 


1906. 
Dec 28 




3 

1 


2 






2 
3 
1 
2 

2 

1 


4 


28 








2 


30 












30 












1 


1907. 
Jan. 2 


Fox house 


1 










2 












4 




2 
4 

1 


1 

2 






1 


4 


Fox house 






3 
2 


2 


4 








1 


5 


East Landing, automatic. 


1 








8 


.do 




1 










11 












1 

f 




17 


.do 


2 
3 










20 


.do 


3 






3 


20 








1 


21 


Village .. 




1 
2 






3 
1 
1 


5 


22 


Fox house 








2 


22 












23 


East Landing, automatic . 


1 










23 


Village 








2 
2 
2 




24 




4 

1 


2 







2 


24 


Barn 






1 


25 




1 
3 






2 


26 




1 
4 






1 
3 

1 


1 


27 








3 


27 








2 


28 










4 


28 


Barn 


1 
3 










1 


29 




1 








3 


29 


Barn 






2 


2 


30 


do 










1 


31 




1 












31 


Barn 










1 


Feh. 1 




1 


1 






2 


1 


1 








1 


3 




3 


2 

1 






1 


1 


3 










4 










2 

1 




5 


do 


3 

1 
1 










6 


do 








1 


6 










1 

1 

1 


2 


7 




1 






1 


7 




1 
1 

1 






1 


8 


Zapadni 


3 








8 


Fox house 








1 


8 










1 

1 


4 


10 




4 
2 


1 
1 
1 






1 


11 


Barn 






1 


11 








1 
2 




13 


do 









2 




Total 












231 


141 


4 


4 


232 


270 









Exhibit G. — Approximate ages of foxes released for breeding on St. George Island, season 

of 1906-7. 



Age. 



Male. 



Female. 



Young, or approximately 1 year old . 
Middle-aged: 

J2 years old 

,3-?.i years old 

Old, or over 3 years 

Total 



110 
91 



232 



105 

106 

58 

1 

270 



SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 525 

Exhibit H. — Approximate ages of foxes hilled on St. George Island, season of 1906-7 . 



Age. 


Male. 


Female. 




102 

95 
26 
12 


89 


Middle-aged: 

2 years old 


28 




8 


Old, or over 3 years 


20 








Total 


235 


146 







Exhibit I. — Live weights of foxes released for breeding on St. George Island, season of 

1906-7. 



Weight. 


Male. 


Female. 


Weight. 


Male. 


Female. 


Pounds. 
7i 

7; 
8 
8J 
Si 




30 

7 
60 

8 
31 

1 
35 

3 
19 


Pounds. 
12J 
13 
13i 
13J 
14 
14i 
14f 
15 
15i 
16 
16J 
17 
18 
19 
20 


7 
12 
2 
4 
5 
3 
2 
3 
1 
3 
2 
1 
1 
1 
1 


5 
3 








4 

7 




85 




9 






9i 




1 


4 


1 


9| 6 
10 54 
lOJ i 12 
104 .^2 




20 
2 
6 
1 

16 
3 
7 




1 


Hi 

12 
12J 


4 
38 
14 
22 

1 








232 


270 





Exhibit J. — Live weights of foxes killed on St. George Island, season of 1906-7. 



Weight. Male. 


Female. 


Weight. 


Male. 


Female. 


Pounds. 
4i 
5 

5i 
5i 

? 

6i 

7 

7i 

7i 

7f 

8 

8i 




3 

2 


Pounds. 
8i 
8f 
9 

9J 
9i 
9} 
10 
lOi 
11 
12 
13 
134 


37 
4 

49 
3 

23 
6 
4 
3 
3 
3 
1 




3 
2 
3 




5 


9 

5 
23 

5 
25 
11 
23 
17 

2 


2 


7 
3 
11 


2 




is 

5 
16 

1 

27 

• 3 


2 


1 




8 


230 


145 





St. George Island, August 7, 1907. 
Walter I. Lembkey, Esq., 

Agent Seal Fisheries, St. Paul Island. 
Sir: I herewith transmit the reports named below, covering the work of St. George 
Island for the season ended July 31, 1907, to wit: 

1. Census of native inhabitants of St. George Island, June 30, 1907. 

2. Report of counts of rookeries, including bulls and cows, covering dates up to 
maximum stage of the rookeries. 

3. Record of seals dismissed from the drives during the sealing season. 

4. Report of sealskins taken during the sealing year ended July 31, 1907. 

5. Transcript of weights of skins taken during the sealing year ended July 31, 1907. 

6. Seal division of native earnings for taking sealskins for the sealing year ended 
July 31, 1907. 



526 



SEAL. ISIiANDS OF ALASKA. 



7. Report of the count of living and dead pups and of dead cows, 1907. 

The copy of fox division was forwarded by Mr. Chichester. 

The sealing was successfully concluded on July 29. We might have completed it 
three days earlier. We had no difficulty in getting the 2,600 skins which you named 
in your letter of July 17 as the limit of this island's quota for the current year. From 
the number and size of the seals appearing on the rookeries at the date of our last 
drive, when we had only 17 skins to take for completing the quota, I am satisfied that 
we might readily have taken the whole 3,000 named in department's letter of instruc- 
tions as a number which might be taken in the event of seals showing here in such 
numbers as to indicate the presence on this island of seals usually hauling on St. Paul 
Island. I am convinced that either some of the St. Paul seals are hauling this summer 
on St. George, driven here by the disturbance made by the Japanese pelagic sealers 
at that island, or, at least, that the immunity from the near presence of the 
Japanese which this island has enjoyed has permitted the seals here to increase through 
natural causes in greater ratio than has been the increase on St. Paul; and hence the 
good shomng here of young killable seals. At the last drive, alluded to above, we 
turned away 75 young bachelors of killable size out of a drive made from a single 
rookery. It appears quite certain that the rate of seal diminution going on here is 
less marked than it was last year, as witness: (1) The larger than usual number of 
young male seals appearing in our drives already mentioned. (2) The actual count 
of pups on North rookery, which gives a few more pups than last year's count. (3) 
Personal observation of the rookeries on which pups were not counted, which indi- 
cates a condition of less depletion as respects seals of all ages than was apparent last 
year. We need not place much stress on the decrease of pups on Little East, as that 
IS an isolated, vanishing rookery, which is shrinking away because no bachelors haul 
there and young seals do not return. 

I present below the maxima of harems and bulls for the last two years, showing 
the various rookeries: 





1906 


1907 


Rookery. 


Harems. 


Bulls in 
place. 


Idle 
bulls. 


Total 
bulls. 


Ilarems. 


Bulls in 
place. 


Idle 
bulls. 


Total 
bulls. 


East Cliffs 


34 
15 
8 
78 
26 
34 


34 
15 

8 
78 
26 
34 


2 

o 


6 

3 


36 
17 

8 
84 
26 
37 


32 
14 

7 
81 
26 

28 


32 
14 

7 

81 
26 
28 


4 



11 
6 
6 


36 


East Reef 


20 


Little East 


7 


North 


92 


Starava Artel 


32 


Zapadni 


34 






Total . . 


195 


195 


13 


208 


188 


188 


33 


221 







This presentation shows an apparent gain of 13 bulls over last year. While such 
statistics are not conclusive evidence, they are yet encouraging and lead to the belief 
that the efforts put forth to preserve an adequate breeding force will prove successful. 
Of course all our efforts, should the scourge of pelagic sealing, especially in near con- 
tiguity to the islands, be permitted to continue its devastating action, are destined 
to prove futile. 

'The telephone lines designed for this island, one to East rookery watchhouse, the 
other to Staraya Artel rookery, have been duly installed. Mr. Chichester last spring 
had collected the necessary poles from driftwood on th» beaches and had caused those 
in the line to East rookery to be placed in position. This summer he kindly super- 
intended the work of putting up the remaining poles, stringing the wires, and fully 
installing the lines. At Staraya Artel a tight box has been erected, provided with 
lock and key, for holding the receiver and batteries. This line being intended for 
use only when it is necessary for the native guard near that rookery to communicate 
with the agent at the village, a house is not provided for the present. The watchmen 
are not required to remain overnight save when vessels are hovering near. 

I inclose this day under a separate cover the shipping receipt of sealskins shipped 
from this island the current year. 

Very respectfully, Ezra W. Clark, 

Assistant Agent in Charge. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



527 



Annual statement of fur seals killed on St. George Island, Alaska, during the year ended 

July 31, 1907. 





Rookery. 


Number of seals 

killed for natives' 

food. 


Number of seals killed 
by lessees for skins. 


Aggregate. 




4 

a 
a 
o 
>> 
<u 

>3 


3 


>> 
■a 

.a 

M 


.§ 
P. 
•a 

1 


Rejected. 


"3 
o 


'6 

1 
1 
5 
m 


s 

.5 
S 


■3 

0) 


Date. 


0) 

a 

13 


O > 




a 

H 



1906. 
Oct. 19 


Starava Artel 


220 
3 

6 

6 

148 

44 
6 

25 


220 
3 
6 
6 
148 
44 
6 
25 


220 
3 
6 
6 
148 
44 
6 
25 










220 

3 

6 

6 

148 

44 

6 

25 

60 

10 
46 
16 
32 

139 
29 

298 

217 

50 

281 
276 

91 
227 

83 
215 

36 

17 


3 

'"5" 
2 
1 

3 
3 
1 
1 


220 


19 


Zapadni, watchman 








3 


23 


do 










6 


30 


do 










6 


31 


Staraya Artel 










148 


Nov. 9 


Staraya Artel and North 










44 


10 


1 ! 




6 


16 


North 








25 


1907. 
June — 


Turned over by order of the 
department under and over 


60 

10 
46 
16 
32 

139 

29 
303 
217 

50 

281 
276 

91 
227 

83 
215 

36 

17 






60 

10 
46 
16 
32 

139 

29 
298 
217 

50 

281 
276 

91 
227 

83 
215 

36 

17 


60 


— 


Zapadni, watchman, food 
skins 












10 


7 














46 


17 


North 











16 


21 


do 








1 


32 


29 


North, Staraya Artel, and 
East 








3 


142 


July 2 
3 


Zapadni 








29 


North and East 








2 3. 
1 1 
1 

3 

3 

-r|....l. 


303 


8 


do 








219 


10 


Zapadni 








51 


12 


North, Staraya Artel, and 
East 









284 


16 


do 








279 


19 


Zapadni 






92 


20 


North and East 






228 


22 


Staraj'a Artel 






83 


24 








1 


215 


25 


Zapadni and East, watchman. 
North 






I 


36 


29 






1 


17 




Total 




[ 










458 


458 


458 


2,128 


11 


8 


2,147 


2,581 


19 


2,600 



Note. — Nineteen skins are retained in salt under control of the Government agent, being over or imder 
weight, as fixed by the department. 



Seal division, St. George Island, August 4, 1907. 

By 2,581 sealskins, at 75 cents II, 935. 75 

To 14 men of first class, at $79.35 $1, 110. 90 

To 7 men of second class, at $63.45 444. 15 

To 2 men of third class, at $47.65 95. 30 

To 4 men of third class, at $47.60 190. 40 

To 2 men of special class, at $40 and $35 75. 00 

To 1,000 pounds of food for piss 20. 00 

1,935.75 

FIRST CLASS. 

1. Galanin. John 79. 35 

2. Lekanoff. Stepan 79. 35 

3. Lestenkoff. Dimitri 79. 35 

4. Lestenkoff. Michael 79. 35 

5. Malavansky , Nicolai 79. 35 

6. Merculioff, George 79. 35 

7. Merculioff, Joseph 79. 35 



528 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

8. Merculioff , Nicolai $79. 35 

I 9. Philimonoff, Andronic 79. 35 

10. Philimonoff, Gregory 79. 35 

11. Philimonoff, Simeon 79. 35 

12. Prokopioff , Peter 79. 35 

13. Zacharoff, Emanuel 79.35 

14. Kashivaroff , Peter, priest 79. 35 

SECOND CLASS. 

1. Galanin, Alexander 63. 45 

2. Kashivaroff, Walter 63.45 

3. Malavansky, Peter 63. 45 

4 . Niderezoff , Nicolai 63. 45 

5. Philimonoff, Dimitri 63.45 

6. Shane, Michael 63. 45 

7. Swetzoff , Gregory 63. 45 

THIRD CLASS. 

1. Lekanoff , Anatoli 47. 65 

2. Merculioff, John 47. 65 

3. Lekanoff, Sergius 47. 60 

4. Merculioff, Stepan 47. 60 

5. Niderezoff, Isidor 47. 60 

6. Buterin, Constantine 47. 60 

SPECIAL CLASS. 

Stepan Lakanoff , as chief 40. 00 

Joseph Merculioff, as second chief 35. 00 

The seal division as above made is hereby approved on behalf of the natives of St 
George Island. 

Stepan Lekanoff, First Chief. 
Joseph Merculioff, Second Chief. 

I certify that the amounts indicated herein have been placed to the credit of the 
respective natives on the books of the North American Commercial Co. 

The North American Commercial Co., 
By B. Netherland, Agent. 

I certify that the foregoing seal division was made by me after conference with the 
native chiefs. 

Ezra W. Clark, 
Assistant Agent, Department of Commerce and Labor, 

In Charge St. George Island. 

Transcript of weights of sealskins, season of 1907, St. George Island, Alaska. 



Date. 


Rookery. 


Weights (pounds). 


3i 


4J 


41 


5 


5} 


5i 


4 

5| 


6 


6i 


6i 


6| 


7 


7i 


7i 


71 


8 


8J 


8i 


81 


9 


1906. 
Oct. 19 


Starava Artel 








26 


9 

1 
21 
4 


32 

3 

24 
6 


13 

2 

27 


68 

2 
25 
8 
2 
6 

6 


12 

1 
1 

1 


26 

3 

8 


5 

1 
1 


20 

2 
3 


1 


fi 


? 


19-30 


Zapadni, watchman, 






















31 


Staraya Artel . . . 


1 


1 




33 
9 


1 1 




1 










Nov. 9 


Staraya Artel and North. 
Zapadni, watchman 


1 












10 








3 1 
9 2 

2 1 


t 






















16 


North 








4 2 


1 

"2 
2 
6 

1 
8 
6 


1 

3 
1 
2 
1 

11 

52 

24 

7 






















1907. 
June 7 


Staraya Artel 








6 


3 


1 


8 

1 


1 


10 
3 


3 

5 


1 
3 


1 
3 








17 


North 


















29 


Zapadni, watchman 












4 












21 


North 








2 
23 


4 


2 
20 


5 
in 


2 

31 

65 

56 

9 


5 

3 

7 
3 

1 


1 

13 

34 

22 

3 


1 

3 
2 

6 
2 


2 

5 

19 

4 

1 


1 

1 
4 












29 


North, East, and Staraya 
Artel 




3 

1 
1 


"i 
"i 


3 

7 
4 

1 










July 3 

8 






14 26 
23 i 19 

6| 7 


37 20 
33 i 16 

8i 5 


1 
1 


2 


1 


3 


.. .do. . 






10 


Zapadni 











SEAL. ISLANDS OP ALASKA. 529 

Transcript of weights of sealskins, season of 1907, St. George Island, Alaska — Continued, 



Date. 


Rookery. 


Weights (pounds). 


3i 


^ 


41 


5 


5i 


5i 


5i 


6 


6i 


6i 


Bi 


7 


7i 


7i 


7i 


8 


8i 


8i 


Si 


9 


1907. 
July 12 


North, Staraya Artel, and 
East 








10 
26 

7 
8 


4 
25 

7 
10 

3 
17 

2 


29 
59 
10 
35 
8 
48 

7 
3 

378 


3 
15 

5 
13 

2 
10 

4 

1 

171 


75 
53 
19 
59 
20 
52 

9 
6 

573 


6 
16 

7 
21 

7 
12 

6 

1 

117 


50 
38 
18 
38 
19 
25 

"2 

329 


I 

4 
10 

I 

J 

66 


58 
22 
6 
23 
15 
16 

2 
2 

251 


2 
3 

"2 

"2 


20 
6 
5 
5 
6 
2 


1 
2 

"'i 


11 
1 
3 
1 


2 

1 


3 
1 


1 


? 


16 


do 




1 


2 




19 


Zapadni 




1 


20 


North and East 






1 


... 




1 




22 


Staraya Artel 








24 


North and East 








20 
3 


2 


2 

1 


2 

1 
1 

13 








25 


Zapadni and East, 
watchman 














29 


North 






















Total 


1 


7 


~5 


224 


178 


27 


95 


20 


39 


6 


3 


s 









Note. — The food skins which are over or under limit of weight are not included in the aggregates above 
given, as the company agent was not responsible for taking them. 

Seals dismissed from the drives, St. George Island, season of 1907. 





Rookery. 


Marked 
this 
year. 


Too 
small. 


4 years 
old. 


5 years 
old. 


6 years 
old. 


7 years 
old. 


Cows, 


Total dis- 
missed. 


Date. 


Small 

and 

marked. 


Large. 


June 7 1 Starava Artel _ . 


1 

17 
15 

5 
64 

61 
21 

83 
50 
30 

89 
113 
37 
53 
35 
49 
10 
19 


18 
5 
7 
2 
2 

23 

18 

99 

121 

19 

72 
279 
17 
137 
30 
66 
12 
19 


74 
10 
15 
31 
61 

27 
11 

41 
17 
5 

17 
16 

7 
18 

7 
10 

3 
10 


22 
25 
10 
21 
15 

24 
2 

43 
5 
2 

9 
20 
4 
9 
4 
2 
3 
3 








19 
22 
22 
7 
66 

84 
39 

182 
171 
49 

161 
392 

54 
190 

65 
115 

22 

38 


96 


17 
21 
21 
25 


North 


5 


5 




45 


do 


25 


Staraya Artel 

East 


20 
20 

13 
12 

29 
12 
8 

4 
12 
11 
7 
4 
2 
3 
6 


6 
14 




78 
110 


29 


North, Staraya Artel, 


64 


July 2 
3 


Zapadni 


4 

24 
4 
6 

6 
5 
6 
3 
1 
3 
3 
5 


""'59' 


29 


North and Staraya 
Artel 


137 


7 
10 


North and East 

Zapadni 


38 
21 


12 


North, Staraya Artel, 


36 


16 


do 


53 


19 


Zapadni 


28 


20 
22 
24 
25 


North and East 

Staraya Artel 

North and East 

Zapadni 


37 
16 
17 
12 


29 


North 1 


24 




Total 






752 


946 


380 


223 


168 


95 




1,689 


866 









1 The drive of North rookery on July 29 did not include the whole rookery bachelors present, as only 
19 seals were required. Seventy-five fine young seals were let go from this drive which were killable. 

Note. — Many of the seals included in the numbers above given appeared in several drives during the 
season. The white seal, now 4 or 5 years old, appeared three times and was seen by me afterwards upon 
the rookery. 



2403— H. Doc. 93, 62-1- 



-34 



530 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 



Data from rookery counts, St. George Island, season of 1907. 
LITTLE EAST. 



Date of count. 



Bulls in 
place. 



Harems. 



Cows. 



Bulls 
idle. 



June 2 . 
June 4 . 
June 10 
June 12 
June 19 
Julys. 
July 10. 
July 14, 
July 16, 



142 

1183 

101 



EAST REEF. 



June 2 


11 
11 
12 
10 
12 
12 
14 
14 














2 


June 10 






2 


June 12 








Juue 19 






3 


Julys 


12 
14 
14 




3 


July 10 


492 
1640 


4 


July 14 


6 







NORTH. 



Junes.. 
June 5.. 
June 9. 
June 12, 
June 18, 
Julys.. 
July 9. . 
July 14. 



55 
58 
58 
60 
70 
71 
73 
81 


















9 
71 
73 
81 


18 


2,492 
2 2,889 



STARAYA ARTEL. 



June 5.. 
June 12. 
June 15. 



8 1,300 



ZAPADNI. 



June 19 


24 
22 

28 








June 27 








July 15 




3 1,400 


6 









EAST CLIFFS. 



June 2.. 
June 4. . 
June 10, 
June 12. 
June 19. 
July 10. 
July 14. 



17 
19 
21 
23 














1 


1 


23 


11 


16 


30 


30 


1,203 


32 


32 


11,708 



1 Evidently the maximum. s The maximum. s Estimated; impracticable to count. 

Total number of bulls with harems 188 

Idle young bulls 33 

Cows, including those estimated, present at maxlnaum of rookeries 8, 120 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 
Census, St. George Island, on Jane 30, 1907. 



531 



Name of individual. 



Family relation. 



Age. 



Date of birth. 



Galanin, Alexander 

Galanin, Mary 

Galauin, Akalina 

Galanin, John 

Galanin, Anna 

Galanin, Fevronia 

Swetzoff, Paul 

Kashivaroff, Walter 

KashivaroU, Helena 

Kashivaroll, Andrew 

Lekanoff , Stepan 

LekanoS, Pelagia 

Lekanoff, Anatoli 

Lekanofl, Sergius 

Lekanoff, Sara 

Lekanoff, Marina 

Lekanoff, George 

Lestenkoft", Dimitri 

Lestenkoflf, Alexandra 

Lestenkoff, Elizabeth 

Lestenkoff, Constantine. . 

Lestenkolf, Michael 

Lestenkofl, Oulita 

Lestenkoff, Innokenty 

Lestenkoff, Anna 

Malavansky, Nicoli 

Malavansky, Fedosia 

Malavansky, Peter 

Malavansky, Ripsimia... 

Malavansky, Wassie 

Malavansky, Christopher. 

Merculioff , George 

Merculiofl, Stepanida 

MerculiolT. Peter 

Merculiofl', Sophia 

Merculioff, (Jeorge, jr 

Merculioff, Nicoli 

Merculioff, Alexandra 

Merculioff, Martha 

Merculioff, Joseph 

Merculioff, Marvara 

Merculioff, Parascovia 

Merculioff, John 

Merculiofl, Nicoli 

Merculioff, Matrona 

Merculioff, La^Tenty 

Merculioff, Benjamin 

Merculioff, Elizabeth 

Merculioff, Wassalis 

Merculioff, Alexandra 

Niderezofl, Nicoli 

Niderezoff. Efghenia 

Niderezofl, I-klor 

Philimonofl, Andronic... 

Philinionofl, Zenobia 

Philimonofl, Marina 

Philimonofl, Leonti 

Philimonofl, Alexandra.. 

Philimonofl, Eofl 

Philimonofl. Gregory 

Philimonofl, Malania 

Philimonofl, Dimitri 

Philimonofl, Paul 

Philimonofl, Simeon 

Philimonofl, Evadotia... 

Philimonofl, Zoya 

Philimonofl, Joseph 

Philimonofl, Ignati 

Philimonofl, Julia 

Philimonofl, Helena 

Prokopioff, Peter 

Prokopiofl, Stepanida 

Prokopioff, Martha 

Prokopiofl, Marina 

Prokopioff, Alexander 

Prokopioff. Lavrenty 

Prokopiofl, Euphronia... 

Prokopiofl, Mary 

Shane, Michael 

Shane, Raiesse 

Merculioff, Stepan 

Oustigofl, Anfessia 



Husband.. 

Wife 

Mother 

Husband.. 

Wife 

Widow 

Brother... 
Husband.. 

Wife 

Son 

Husband.. 

Wffe 

Son 

do.... 

Daughter . 

Son....'.'.! 
Husband . 

Wife 

Mother 

Son 

Husband . 

Wife 

Son 

Daughter. 
Husband . 

Wife 

Bachelor.. 
Mother. . . 
Spinster. . 
Nephew . . 
Husband . 

Wife 

Son 

Daughter. 

Son 

do.... 

Daughter . 

Sister 

Husband. 

Wife 

Daughter. 
Brother... 
Husband. 

Wife 

Son 

do.... 

Daughter . 
Widow. . . 
Daughter. 
Bachelor.. 
Mother. . . 
Brother . . . 
Husband. 

Wife 

Daughter. 

Son 

Daughter. 

Son 

Husband. 

Wife 

Brother... 
Nephew . . 
Husband. 

Wife 

Daughter. 

Son 

do.... 

Daughter. 



Husband . 

Wife 

Daughter. 



Son 

do.... 

Daughter. 



.do. 



(») 



(') 



(') 



(') 



Bachelor 

Mother 

Cousin 

Foster daughter. 



(') 



Sept. 11,1880 
June 22,1891 

, 1862 

Sept. 30,1881 



June 

July 

Feb. 

May 

Apr. 

Nov. 

Oct. 

Apr. 

Oct. 

Aug. 

Mar. 

Apr. 

May 

May 

Sept. 

Sept. 

Oct. 

Oct. 

Sept. 

Sept. 

Dec. 

Apr. 

Jan. 



Aug. 

June 

Nov. 

Dec. 

July 

Sept. 

Apr. 

Nov. 

Apr. 

July 

Mar. 

May 

Nov. 

Jan. 

May 

Oct. 

Sept. 

Oct. 

June 

Jan. 

Apr. 

Dec. 

Jan. 

Feb. 

Oct. 

Nov. 

May 

May 

Apr. 

June 

Oct. 

Jan. 

May 

July 

Aug. 

Feb. 

Nov. 

Feb. 

Dec. 

Mar. 

Apr. 

May 

Nov. 

Mar. 

Mar. 

May 

Aug. 

July 

Nov. 

Oct. 



Sept. 
Apr. 



25. 1877 
8, 1802 
2,1887 

27,1884 
19, 1907 

9, 1869 
20, 1869 
13,1890 

6, 1891 
30, 1893 

9. 1895 

7. 1897 
27, 1862 

5, 1879 
16, 1834 
29, 1898 

12. 1872 
20, 1869 
25, 1896 

30. 1898 
18, 1864 
15. 1881 
22. 1888 

— , 1858 
22, 1874 
8, 1904 

15. 1873 

21. 1878 

10. 1899 
29, 1891 
29, 1902 
26, 1905 

3, 1907 

8. 1893 
17, 1872 

14. 1879 

8. 1906 

18. 1890 

19. 1880 
28.1883 

8, 1902 

28. 1905 

3. 1907 
20,1851 
21, 1878 
18, 1877 

5,1854 

15. 1891 
24, 1867 
12, 1866 
12, 1890 

6. 1894 
25, 1896 

8. 1902 
18. 1872 

12. 1874 

25. 1886 
11,1896 

3, 1850 
28, 1871 

12. 1892 
4, 1894 

29, 1899 

12. 1902 
10, 1904 
29, 1864 
18,1876 

8. 1896 

5. 1898 
1, 1902 

20. 1903 
— , 1905 

17. 1906 

13. 1887 
—,1852 
27,1890 
21, 1895 



1 Infant. 



532 SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Census, St. George Island, on June SO, 1907 — Continued. 



Name of individual. 



Family relation. 



Age. 



Date of birtb . 



Swetzoff, Gregory... 

Swetzoff, Zoe 

Swetzoff, Agnes 

Zacharofl, Emanuel. 

Zacharofl, Mary 

Zacharofl, Daria 

Zacharofl, Kate 

Zacharofl, William.. 



Husband . 

Wife 

Daughter. 
Husband . 

Wife 

Daughter . 

Son...'."'.! 



Nov. 29,188.5 



(1) 



« 



Dec. 
July 
Apr. 
Apr. 
Dec. 
Jan. 



2, 1906 
1, 1880 
1,1874 
2, 1902 
7, 1905 
11, 1906 



PRIEST'S FAMILY. 



Kashivarofl, Peter, priest. 

Kashivarofl, Anna 

Pavloflf , Katrina 



Husband . 

Wife 

Niece 



Mar. 3, 1857 
Jan. 17,1865 
Dec. 2, 1893 



1 Infant. 

Natives entirely supported by the North American Commercial Co 6 

Natives furnished with clothing only by North American Commercial Co 2 

Marriages during the year 3 

Births during the year 7 

Deaths during the" year 5 

Total native inhabitants now present (males 44, females 49) 93 

The foregoing is a correct census of St. George Island, Alaska, on June 30, 1907. 

Ezra W. Clark, 
Assistant Agent Seal Fisheries in Charge. 



Island op St. George, 
Bering Sea, Alaska, August 12, 1907. 
This is to certify that 2,580 fur-seal skins have this day been shipped on board the 
North American Commercial Co.'s steamship Homer, consigned to the North Ameri- 
can Commercial Co., San Francisco, Cal. 

Ezra W. Clark, 
Assistant Agent, Department of Commerce and Labor, in Charge. 



Shipper's load and count. 



All on board to be discharged. 

A. Donaldson, Master Steamer Homer. 



St. George Island, Alaska, August 7, 1907. 
Sir: I beg to present the following report of the count of pups on this island for the 
current season: July 31, North rookery, live pups, 4,108; dead pups, 77; dead cows, 
2. July 31, Little East rookery, live pups, 200; dead pups, 2. 

The counting of pups on the other rookeries was omitted, owing to the presence 
of the Japanese sealers within the 60-mile zone, and in the near vicinity of the seal 
islands, as determined upon in our conference on the subject in June last. 
Very respectfully, 

Ezra W. Clark, 
Assistant Agent in Charge. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent Seal Fisheries, St. Paul Island, Alaska. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



533 



St. George Island, August 14, 1907. 
Dear Mr. Lembkey: Tt has occurred to me that you may wish a formal statement 
regarding tlie marking of the young male seals at this island for a breeding reserve. 
The following is a statement in detail: 



Date. 


Rookery. 


2 years 
old. 


3 years 
old. 


4 years 
old. 


June 12 


Staraya Artel 


29 
14 
14 
26 
68 
38 
11 


32 
14 
18 
28 
61 
37 
12 


20 


17 


North 


11 


19 




15 


20 


East 


15 


21 




6 


25 


East 


14 


27 




4 




Total . . .. 






200 


.202 


85 









While the marking of 4-year-old seals is not enjoined, I deemed it wise to mark 
those which the natives caught, believing that if they would make the error of taking 
these seals for tlu'ee years old when we were branding they were likely to make a 
similar error when we came to killing, and it was a good plan to render such seals 
immune for the season. 

Our selection of seals for breeding was of the first class, and the marks remain as 
conspicuous now as when first applied. 

Very respectfully, Ezra W. Clark, 

Assistant Agent in Charge. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Secretary. 

Washington, December 4, 1907. 
Hon. Lawrence O. Murray, 

Assistant Secretary Department of Commerce and Lahor. 

Sir: Referring to the inclosed report of Capt. Dunwoody, Revenue- 
Cutter Service, concernino; the landing on St. Paul Island in July 
last of three Japanese sailors from a pelagic schooner, I have the 
honor to report as follows: 

These men landed on St. Paul presumably on July 17 last. They 
reached the village about 9 a. m. on the morning of July 18, being first 
discovered on the trail from Northeast Point by the company's 
teamster, who was hauling skins to the salt house from the killing 
field, about 500 yards from the village, and who ordered the Japanese 
to get into his wagon, menacing them with a lieavy whip when they 
demurred. Two of them were of the lowest type of Japanese. The 
leader, a young man, was brighter, but displayed no more intelligence 
than could be expected of a boat steerer who could box a compass. 
The three of them, by turns, fell asleep in my ofiice whilst I was ex- 
amining them. 

They had quite heavy packs on their backs when tliey arrived, 
composed of clothing, ammunition box filled with shotgun shells — some 
empty and some loaded — two shotguns, and boat compass. 

They were examined fii'st by Agent Judge, who happened to be 
near the team on its arrival with the Japanese. Taking them to a 
chart of the island on the wall of the shop, he indicated to them that 
he wished them to state the point on the island where they landed. 
The leader udthout hesitation pointed to a spot on the north shore. 
He then traced a course with his finger tlience to Plalfway Point, on 
the south side of the island, and thence along the wagon road to the 



534 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

village. Examination by watchmen sent out immediately after 
showed the boat in which the Japanese landed to be in the place indi- 
cated by the leader, and the tracks of their sandals plainly visible on 
the trail proved the course traveled by them to be the same as stated. 

The place where these men landed was miles away from the nearest 
rookery and uninhabited. The interior of the island across which 
they journeyed is also uninhabited, which accounts for their not having 
been discovered sooner. The natives available for guard duty are 
so few that they can be stationed only on rookeries. Had these 
Japanese landed on a rookery it would have been a different matter. 

The Japanese leader could speak no English, but enunciated plainly 
the name of his ship — the Eun Maru. He made vigorous motions 
showdng that he complained of harsh treatment on his ship, holding 
up his hands as if he were jacked up to the mast, and striking vio- 
lently to indicate beating. 

He also made signs that he wanted food. Accordingly they were 
taken into the company's kitchen, where they were fed, and where 
they met the Chinese cook, who endeavored by writing Chinese 
characters on paper and showing them to the Japanese to obtain 
some information. The Japanese, after reading these characters 
wrote others in reply, but neither seemed to understand much, if 
any, of what the other wrote. 

These men were given quarters in a vacant native house and were 
fed from the company's kitchen. A guard was placed over them to 
insure that they did not roam about the village. On the 20th the 
cutter Perry appeared near the village, and on being signaled came 
in to the anchorage. After explanation I turned the Japanese over 
to Capt. Dunwoody, stating that in my opinion they were deserters. 
In that belief he concurred. 

On what evidence Capt. Dunwoody now asserts his belief that 
these men were spies and not deserters I am unable to discover. 
Had they been spies they could in the fog have made what examina- 
tion of the island they desired without fear of discovery, so long as 
they did not show themselves to the watchmen, and could then have 
returned to the ship. In place of this they hauled up their boat, 
laid a course directly across the island until they found a beaten 
road, which they followed to the village, walking in a trail where the 
soft earth showed plainly their footsteps. This surely is not the 
action of spies. 

Furthermore, from an examination of their kits it appeared that 
they had brought with them about all the clothing they possessed, 
several suits of clothes apiece and changes of underclothing. Had 
they desired to return to their ship with information, this action of 
bringing all their clothing to the village would have been absurd. 

The best evidence to me, however, that they were not spies is the 
fact that they came to the village armed. No wide-awake spy would 
prowl about the heart of the enemy's country and directly into his 
camp with arms in his hands. Had they blundered upon the island 
guards stationed on the rookeries, they would have been shot, as 
these guards take no chances with armed strangers. 

The rational and natural conclusion, from a consideration of all 
the circumstances, is that these men, common ignorant sailors, had a 
difficulty with the officers of the schooner, and finding themselves 
close to land took a sailor's chance to escape the oppression on board 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 535 

ship. No other conclusion is justified by the known facts. At the 
time when they landed, 23 schooners and over 30 small boats were in 
sight of the island close to shore, taking seals. Averaging 40 men 
to a schooner this would indicate a total of 920 men. Out of this 
number it is easy to believe that there were at least three men ready 
to desert and willing to take an opportunity when offered. 

During my service on the islands, one boatload of Japanese and 
several boatloads of Canadian sealers landed in distress, having, as 
they claimed, lost their schooner in the fog. These men were care- 
fully examined on the islands by myself, which examination was sup- 
plemented by further questioning on board the cutters. In none of 
these cases did anything appear except that the sailors had lost their 
schooners, and action in their cases was taken similar to that in the 
case of the three men under consideration. 

In July, 1906, however, I arrested a boatload of six Japanese who 
without any doubt came ashore for the purpose either of killing seals 
or of finding out where they could be obtained. These men were 
bright and quick-witted, and upon apprehension produced a story at 
once plausible and yet so inconsistent with the circumstances of their 
landing that it proved itself untrue. These men were convicted at 
Valdez of an attempt to Idll seals. They had no arms or clothing, 
and intended returning to their vessel as soon as they had finished 
what they desired to do on land. 

The Japanese who have been ashore in past years had ample means 
of finding out what there was on the island of interest to know, and 
of reporting to the trade. Furthermore, accurate charts of the islands 
showing the location of rookeries, villages, watch houses, and roads 
are common property, and are in the hands of every Japanese sealing 
skipper. It is entirely unnecessary to send men ashore to find out 
what those charts show with mathematical accuracy. 

I must conclude that Capt. Dunwoody's belief that these men were 
spies is not warranted by the facts. 

Respectfully, W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries. 



Treasxjey Department, 
Division of Revenue-Cutter Service, 

Office of the Secretary, 
Washington, November 30, 1907. 
The honorable the Secretary of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. 0. 
Sm: I have the honor to transmit herewith for your information 
copy of a communication dated the 20th instant from Capt. F. M. 
Dunwoody, United States Revenue-Cutter Service, commandmg the 
revenue cutter Perry, in relation to three Japanese castaways on St. 
Paul Island, who are supposed to have been spies. 
Respectfully, 

J. H. Edwards, 

Acting Secretary » 



536 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

[Copy.] 

United States Revenue Cuttee 'Terry," 

Port Townseifid, Wash., November 20, 1907. 
Capt. F. M. Munger, 

United States Revenue- Cutter Service, 

Port Townsend, Wash. 

My Dear Captain : I respectfully call your attention to my report 
dated July 26, 1907, wherein reference is made to Government Agent 
Lembkey at St. Paul Island coming on board and reporting that there 
were three Japanese castaways on shore whom he wished removed 
from the island; that they were received on board and subsequently 
transferred to a Japanese sealing schooner. 

It was difficult to obtain any definite information from the cast- 
aways as to the name of the vessel to which they belonged. As they 
were all supplied with bundles containing extra clotliing, it was sup- 
posed that they were deserters from some sealing vessel. They 
landed on the northwest side of St. Paul Island, walked along the 
shore to the northeast, and. crossed over to the east side of the island, 
stopped over night at the old watchhouse near Halfway Point, and 
the following day were overtaken on the road by a native driving a 
team on his way from Northeast Point to the village. The native 
invited them to get into the wagon, which they did, and were taken 
to the village, turned over to the Government agent, who took charge 
of them until the arrival of the Pernj. It is believed now that these 
supposed castaways were spies, landed for the purpose to reconnoiter 
and obtain information of existing conditions on the island. They 
appeared quite anxious to go aboard the first sealing vessel fallen in 
with by the Perry, two days after they were received on board. 

The newspapers have reported that raids were made upon the Com- 
mander Islands by the Japanese sealers, some of whom had equipped 
their vessels with 3-pounder rapid-fire guns, and that some of the 
Japanese sealers about the Pribilof Islands were sunilarly equipped. 
It is believed that it was the intention of the Japanese to raid the 
rookeries on St. Paul Island during the past season, and that they were 
only prevented from doing so by the vigilance of the vessels engaged 
in the patrolling and guarding of the islands. 
Respectfully, 

F. M. DUNWOODY, 

Caijtain, U. S. R. C. S., Commanding. 
Port Townsend, Wash., November 22, 1907. 
Respectfully forwarded for the information of the department. 

F. M. Munger, 

Captain, U. S. R. C. S. 

[Memorandum for Mr. Lembkey.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, December 27, 1907, 
The Secretary wishes to be advised of the action taken in this 
matter, in connection with which a previous communication on the 
same subject was referred to you a few days ago. 

T. L. Weed, Private Secretary. 



seal, islands of alaska. 537 

North American Commercial Co., 

832 OcTAViA Street, 
San Francisco, Cal., December 9, 1907. 
Sir: I have private information to the effect that, within a few 
days, the Victoria Seahng Co. will decide whether or not to place a 
number of its pelagic sealing vessels under the Japanese flag. 
Very respectfully, 

H. H. Taylor. 
To the Honorable Elihu Root, 

Secretary of State, Washington, D. O. 



[Memorandum in re the contemplated placing of a number of Canadian sealing schooners under the 

Japanese flag.] 

The action stated in the inclosed letter to be contemplated by the 
Victoria Sealing Co. will be taken for the purpose of evading the pro- 
visions of the regulations contained in the award of the tribunal of 
arbitration, constituted under the treaty concluded at Washington 
February 29, 1892, between the United States and Great Britain 
(commonly known as the Paris Award). 

These regulations are binding equally upon the citizens of the 
United States and the subjects of Great Britain, and provide, in brief: 

(a) That fur seals shall not be killed, captured, or pursued at any 
time or in any manner within a zone of 60 miles around the Pribilof 
Islands. 

(b) That fur seals shall not be killed, captured, or pursued in any 
manner between May 1 and July 31 of each j^ear in that part of the 
Pacific Ocean north of latitude 35 N. and east of longitude 180. 

(c) Sailing vessels only shall be used. 

(d) Firearms, nets, and explosives, in capturing fur seal, are for- 
bidden in Bering Sea. 

Since the promulgation of the Paris Award, mentioned above, the 
citizens of Japan have activeh^ engaged in the killing of fur seals in 
the water. The Japanese fleet in Bering Sea now numbers annually 
about 35 vessels, as against 9 to 15 vessels in the Canadian fleet. 

As before stated, the regulations of the Paris tribunal are binding 
only upon Great Britain and the United States. They do not bind 
Japan. As a consequence, Japanese hunters pursue seals during the 
entire year, and where they are most plentiful, namely, just outside 
the 3-mile limit about the Pribilof Islands, where the breeding rook- 
eries are situated. In so doing, they have a great advantage over 
the Canadian hunters, and have seriously interfered with the hitter's 
catch. 

By placing their vessels under the Japanese flag, the Canadians 
evade the regulations of the Paris tribunal in the following matters, 
against which, as concerns the Canadians, an absolute prohibition is 
now running : 

(a) Taking seals in the Bering Sea and North Pacific Ocean between 
May 1 and July 3 1 . 

(6) Hunting within 60 miles of the Pribilofs. 

(c) Using firearms in Bering Sea. 

Should this transfer be made, the question will arise whether, under 
international law, the contemplated evasion is of such a nature as 
would sustain a protest from this Government to Great Britain. 

W. I. Lembket. 

December 27, 1907. 



538 SEAL ISLANDS OP ALASKA. 

[Memorandum In re the anticipated proposition of the Victoria Sealing Co. to dispose of its fleet to the 

United States.] 

Pelagic sealing is the destructive agency in the fur-seal industry, 
because the pelagic catch is composed mainly of females. 

Pelagic sealing was nominal from 1868 to 1880. From 1881, how- 
ever, when 10,000 skins were taken by pelagic hunters, the catch 
increased annually until 1884, when 61,838 were secured. The 
increase in pelagic sealing had direct relation to the diminution m 
the number of seals on the rookeries, because of the killmg of female 
seals, as above stated. 

Pelagic sealing was carried on first by Canadian and American 
sealers. The citizens of no other nation were engaged in the practice 
until, approximately, 1900, when a few Japanese sealing schooners 
began frequenting Bering Sea. 

Efforts by this Government to save the seals led, naturally, to 
attempts to secure the abandonment of the practice of pelagic sealing. 
The first step of importance was in 1892, when Great Britain and the 
United States, by treaty, agreed to submit to arbitration certain 
differences growmg out of the seizure of Canadian vessels in Bering 
Sea by United States revenue cutters. Before this tribunal of arbi- 
tration, known usually as the Paris tribunal, the United States 
alleged that Bering Sea was a closed sea and that tliis Government had 
a property right in the fur seals. These questions were decided 
adversely to the United States, but the tribunal promulgated a series 
of regulations designed to relieve the practice of unusual cruelty and 
to afford a protection to the animals while breeding. To this end, 
among other less essential requirements, a closed season was estab- 
lished between May 1 and August 1 of each year, during which no 
seals were to be killed m the water, and a prohibited zone of 60 miles 
surrounding the Pribilof Islands, m which pelagic sealing was not to 
be practiced at any time. 

The tribunal provided also that the regulations made by it — 

shall be submitted every five years to a new examination so as to enable both interested 
Governments to consider whether, in the light of past experience, there is occasion 
for any modification thereof. (Art. IX.) 

In "the light of past experience" it is apparent that the 60-mile 
zone about the islands is entirely inadequate for the protection of the 
breeding seals, as the latter go from 100 to 200 miles away from the 
islands to known feeding grounds in search of food. Neither has the 
British Government been willing to allow a reopening of the question, 
under the regulations of the Paris tribunal, claiming that it saw no 
reason for a reconsideration of the matter. 

American citizens, by the act of December 29, 1897, were for- 
bidden absolutely to kill seals in any portion of the Pacific Ocean and 
Bering Sea north of the thirty-fifth degree of north latitude. 

Reduced catches by the Canadian fleet, due to a decided falling off 
in the seal herd, have been made in recent years. The various 
Canadian owners formed a company known as the Victoria Sealing 
Co. (Ltd.), effecting by this merger a reduction in operating expenses 
of schooners and a small profit out of the business even with smaller 
catches. The number of the operating schooners also was gradually 
reduced until the active fleet composes now only about 15 schooners, 
as opposed to approximately 35 ten years ago. 



i 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 539 

The Japanese fleet, however, has increased from year to year until, 
in 1897, practically 35 of their vessels operated in Bering Sea in 1907. 

Russia also has seal islands and has suffered from pelagic sealing 
even more than the United States. Russia, however, never allowed 
her subjects to engage in pelagic sealing and has always been ready 
to cooperate with the United States to abolish the practice. 

As the situation stands, therefore, there are four countries vitally 
interested in the sealing industry: 

The United States owns large breeding rookeries (Pribilof Islands) ; 
prohibits her subjects from engaging in pelagic sealing. 

Russia owns large breeding rookeries (the Commander Islands) ; 
prohibits pelagic sealing. 

Japan owns a small breeding rookery, the Kurile Islands, and 
permits her subjects to engage in pelagic sealing; her fleet numbers 
probably 35 vessels. 

Great Britain owns no breeding rookeries; allows pelagic sealing 
by her subjects. Operates probably 12 or 15 pelagic schooners. 
Vitally interested in the dressing and dyeing of sealskins, as all such 
work is done in London. 

From the above it can be seen that the two agencies destructive to 
the life of the seal herd are the two pelagic fleets of Japan and Great 
Britain, and that, of the two, that of Japan is by far the most destruc- 
tive, as it numbers over twice that of Canada and operates without 
any of the restrictions as to time and place that circumscribe the 
operations of the Canadian fleet. 

Before Japan became a factor in pelagic sealing, there was a 
movement by this Government, through the high joint commission, 
to purchase outright the paraphernalia of the Victoria Sealing Co. 
and to compensate Canada for the abandonment of her so-called 
"national right" to engage in pelagic sealing. These efforts were 
abortive, due to the desire of Canada to reap some substantial 
advantage in the settlement of the boundary question by with- 
holding her consent to the settlement of the seal question, even on 
terms very favorable to her. Since that time the Japanese fleet 
has sprung into existence and has far outstripped the Canadian fleet 
in numbers and destructiveness to the herd. 

It is obvious, therefore, that no lasting advantage would accrue 
to this Government by the purchase of the Canadian fleet, with the 
Japanese fleet still in existence. Such action would result merely 
in increasing the catch of the Japanese fleet and would have no 
result in saving the seal herd. It could have no advantage, save 
as a factor in a general settlement among all four great nations 
involved, in which case each must agree not only to prohibit pelagic 
sealing by its citizens, but to combine to induce a general agreement to 
abstain from this practice on the part of the remaining nations that 
now have no interest in the seals. 

If Canada should be compensated for the abandonment of the 
business, it is obvious that Japan also must receive some appropriate 
remuneration, otherwise she will not agree to prevent her subjects from 
continuing to take seals. A settlement wdth Canada, which does not 
at least involve Japan, would be of no advantage to this country 
and would be simply a waste of money. 

If, as the inclosed letter states, the representative of the Canadian 
sealing industry is to sound this'lGovernment on the question of 



540 SEAL ISLANDS OP ALASKA. 

''selling out" to the United States, I would suggest that he be 
informed — 

1. That this Government would not consider any change in the 
present sealing regulations giving Canada the same advantages as 
Japan. 

2. That it must be obvious to him that no advantage would 
accrue to the United States by purchasing either the Canadian fleet 
or their future abstention from pelagic sealing, since this action 
would give merely a greater advantage to Japan. 

3. That the purchase of the Canadian fleet could be considered 
only in connection with an international settlement of the question 
of pelagic sealing, in which Japan and Russia, as well as Great 
Britain and the United States, were involved, and then, only as 
one of the incidents of settlement, provided a satisfactory under- 
standing with Japan could be reached. 

4. Suggest that the Canadian Government use its weight with 
Great Britain to obtain such a settlement, which, without doubt, 
would have in it something of substantial benefit to the Victoria 
Sealing Co. 

\ ) 
Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries. 
September, 1907. 
December? 



Part II. Communications Relative to Revenue-Cutter Patrol. 

Treasury Department, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, June 4, 1907. 

The honorable the Secretary of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C. 

Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith a copy of a telegram, 
dated June 1, received from Capt. D. J. Ainsworth, United States 
Revenue-Cutter Service, commanding the revenue cutter Rush, in 
relation to the seizure of the sealing schooner Carlotta G. Cox, of Vic- 
toria, British Columbia, and the reply of this department to the same. 

Your attention is called especially to that part of the telegram 
reporting the taking of 735 fur seals by Japanese sealers. The unre- 
stricted activity of Japanese sealing vessels in Bering Sea and the North 
Pacific Ocean, within the prohibited area agreed upon between Great 
Britain and the United States by the Paris Tribunal of Arbitration, 
threatens seriously the depletion of the seal herd. It is suggested 
that the matter be brought to the attention of the Japanese Govern- 
ment with a view of securing the better protection of the fur seals in 
that region. 

Respectfully, J. B. Reynolds, 

Acting Secretary. 



i 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 541 

[Copy of telegram.] 

Sitka, Alaska, June 1, 1907. 
Secretary Treasury, 

WasTiington, D. C: 
Rush arrived Sitka, having towed Britisli sealing schooner Carlotta 
G. Cox, of Victoria, from Fairweather Grounds, latitude 59° 10' north, 
longitude 141° 19' west, Mount St. Elias north 18° west magnetic 
68.9 miles. Schooner flies distinguished flag. Has special sealing 
license, 14 double-barrel shotguns, 1 automatic shotgun, 1 auto- 
matic rifle, 77 fur-seal skins, 6 of which are very green and bloody in 
salt brine, evidently taken since May 25 last. Master claims they 
were all caught not later than April 30 last. He has no official log 
book, but his notebook shows last seals taken April 27 last. His 
Victoria clearance, dated January 29, 1907, reads: "Stores and seal- 
ing outfit," and gives no port of destination. Master claims his vessel 
bound to Kadaik or the Shamagin Islands for orders. Informed 
master that his schooner would be detained and towed to Sitka, and 
the United States Government at Washington telegraphed for instruc- 
tions. Shall I seize schooner and send or tow to Victoria or deliver 
to deputy United States marshal at Sitka for him to take to Victoria ? 
Shall I proceed to Juneau for Cobb cannery cruiser, return in search 
of two British and one American sealers reported by crew of Cox to 
be in vicinity where that sealing schooner was found, but they were 
not sighted by Rush. Three Japanese sealers boarded near vicinity 
where Cox was found, had total of 735 fur seals on board. Japanese 
report fur seals very plentiful that vicinity. Await instructions. 

AiNS WORTH. 



[Copy of telegram.] 

Treasury Department, 

Washington, June 3, 1907. 

Capt. AiNSWORTH, 

Revenue Cutter "Rush," Sitka, Alaska: 
Take seized sealing schooner Cox to Port Simpson and deliver her 
to British authorities there. If no proper British authorities in Port 
Simpson, send schooner to Victoria in charge of warrant officer and 
necessary seamen. Give authorities statement in writing of facts 
on which you rely to show that seals were taken illegally with names 
of witnesses. Return immediately and search for other sealers and 
take Cobb at Juneau June 12, If board of local steamboat inspectors 
desire to go on Rush, take them. Acknowledge. 

Beekman Winthrop, 

Assistant Secretary. 



December 18, 1907. 

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter 
of the 16th instant, transmitting copy of a letter from Capt. F. M. 
Munger, United States Revenue-Cutter Service, relating to the opera- 
tions of the Canadian pelagic sealing fleet on the northwest coast 
in 1907. 

The letter mentioned states the fact of the seizure by the Rush of 
the Canadian schooner Carlotta G. Cox on May 27 last. I shall be 



542 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

grateful for any inforraation regarding the outcome of that case that 
you may furnish. 

I have the honor to be, sir, 
Your obedient servant, 

Oscar S. Straus, Secretary. 
Hon. George B. Cortelyou, 

Secretary of the Treasury. 



Treasury Department, 
Division of Revenue-Cutter Service, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, July 1, 1907. 

The honorable the Secretary of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C. 

Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith copy of a telegram 
dated Unalaska, Alaska, June 18, 1907, from Capt. F. M. Hunger, 
United States Revenue-Cutter Service, in charge of the Bering Sea 
patrol, reporting the bringing in of the Japanese sealer Miya Maru 
and the release of the vessel. 

Respectfully, J. B. Reynolds, 

Acting Secretary. 



[Copy of telegram.] 

Unalaska, Alaska, June 18, 1907. 
Secretary Treasury, 

Washington, D. C. (via San Francisco) : 
June 17 Perry brought in Japan sealer Iliya Maru. Found her 
five boats equipped with sealing outfit territorial waters near St. 
Paul. No skins or bodies of seals in boats. In my opinion evidence 
not sufficient to convict. Released Miya Maru. Perry towed her to 
sea 18th. Letter follows. 

MUNGER. 



[Copy.] 

Unalaska, Alaska, July 6, 1907. 
The honorable the Secretary of the Treasury, 

Washington, D. C. 

Sir: I have the honor to forward report of commanding officer 
U. S. S. Manning relating to seizure of Japanese sealing schooners 
Nitto Maru and Kaiwo, for taking fur seals, in territorial waters 
near St. Paul Island. The Perry, returning for coal, brought the two 
vessels into port. 

Considering the evidence sufficient to convict, I held the vessels 
and turned them and their crews over to the United States deputy 
marshal. 

To have an early decision and to prevent unnecessary delay, I will 
send the crew of both vessels on the Manning, in care of the marshal, to 
Unga, on the 16th instant; there to appear before the United States 
commissioner for adjudication. 



SEAL. ISLANDS OP ALASKA. 543 

The seizure was made under authority of Revised Statutes, 1956, 
1961, and amendments. 

The North American Commercial Co.'s steamer Homer leaves San 
Francisco July 25; any communication forwarded in their care will 
reach here about August 5. 
Respectfully, 

(Signed) F. M. Munger, 

Captain, United States Revenue -Cutter Service, 

Commanding Bering Sea Fleet. 



[Copy.] 



United States Revenue-Cutter Service, 

Steamer "Manning," 
Off St. Paul Island, AlasJca, July 3, 1907. 
Capt. F. M. MuNGER, 

United States Revenue- Cutter Service, 

Commanding Bering Sea Fleet, Unalaslca, Alaslca. 

Sir: I have the honor to report the seizure this day of the Japanese 
schooner Nitto Maru, of Miyako, Satura Watanuki, master, and the 
Japanese schooner Kaiwo, of Tokyo, legiro Kadata, master, both found 
engaged in taking seals within 3 geographical miles of St. Paul Island, 
Alaska, The particulars of said seizure are as foUows : 

At 12.19 p. m., July 3, 1907, while cruising at an estimated distance 
of 3 miles from land on the western side of St. Paul Island, three 
schooners under reduced sail were observed about 5 miles offshore, and 
we stood to board them. 

At 12.45 stopped and boarded the Japanese schooner Nitto Maru, 
Satura Watanuki, master, and was informed by him that he had 
seven boats away from the vessel engaged in taking seals, some of 
which were to the westward, some to the southward, and some to 
the eastward of his position. After giving the master of the Nittu 
Maru the customary warning not to take seals within 3 miles of land 
the boarding officer returned to the Manning, and we headed for a 
schooner bearing southeast from us. 

At 1.25 p. m. stopped and boarded the Japanese schooner Kompira 
Maru, of Tokyo, and finding no evidence of illegal sealing on board 
the customary warning was given the master, and the boarding officer 
returned to the Manning. 

At this time two boats were observed between us and Southwest 
Point, both being pulled hastily away from the land, and as soon as 
the boarding officer returned from the Kompira Maru we headed in 
for the boats. At 2.50 p. m. came up with two boats, both belonging 
to the schooner Nittu Maru and which came alongside at our request. 
One of the boats was found with one fresh sealskin in it, and the 
boat was equipped with the usual outfit for taking seals at sea, viz, 
shotguns, gigs, compass, water keg, and ammunition, in addition to 
the ordinary boat gear. 

There were three Japanese men in the boat, their names being 
given as Shigitero Tanaka, Seizi Higashi, and K. Eragi. The position 
of the boat when tlie e^ddence of sealing was first noted was at a 
point at the intersection of a line drawn south-soutlieast i east to 



544 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

the western tangent of Otter Island and one drawn east by south to 
the tangent of Southwest Point, St. Paul Island, the said point being 
distant from the western face of Southwest Point If miles. A sound- 
ing taken at this moment showed 29 fathoms. In order to test the 
distance from shore completely, the boats were permitted to proceed 
to their vessel, the Nitto Maru, and the Manning was headed in for 
the land, with the patent log registering 22.3 knots. When we had 
run 1.3 knots the land was less than half a mile distant, showing no 
doubt that the position where the boats were examined is well within 
the 3-geographical-mile limit. 

At this time a third boat was discovered lying in under the cliffs at 
an estimated distance of less than one-fourth mile from shore. We 
backed in as close as consistent with safety and blew three short 
blasts of the whistle. The people in the boat, aware of their being 
discovered, got out their oars and began pulHng toward us. In a few 
moments they came alongside, and inquiry elicited the facts that the 
boat belonged to the Japanese schooner Kaiwo, of Tokyo, legiro 
Kadata, master, and was engaged in taking seals from the water. 
Two fresh sealsldns and one dead unskinned fur seal were in the boat. 
The boat was equipped for sealing, having on board two shotguns, 
ammunition, gigs, compass, grub box, and water keg, in addition to 
the usual boat gear. 

The position in which the Kaiwo' s boat was examined was South- 
west Point bearing east-northeast f east, distant 1 mile. There were 
three men in the boat, their names being given as follows: Gentaro 
Kumainto, lakutaro Magasaki, and Kvojro Matsu. 

The evidence of illegal sealing being considered complete to estab- 
lish the guilt of the schooners Nitto Maru and Kaiwo, these vessels 
were accordingly overhauled and taken in tow. The sealskins and 
carcass of seal found in the respective boats were brought on board 
the Manning and properly tagged for identification. 

The masters of the vessels were also brought on board the Manning 
as a precautionary measure and made as comfortable as possible. 
The ships' papers of both schooners were also taken and are forwarded 
herewith. 

At 7.10 p. m., all the hunting boats of both schooners having 
returned, we headed for St. George Island, where it was my intention 
to turn over the vessels to Capt. Dunwoody, of the Perry, for delivery 
to you at Unalaska. 

AU courses and bearings herewith given are magnetic. 
Respectfully, 

(Signed) J. C. Cant well, 

Captain, United States Revenue- Gutter Service, 

Commanding. 

P. S. — The positions of the vessels when taken in tow were as follows: 
Nitto Maru, latitude 57° 12' N., longitude 170° 33' W.; Kaiwo, lati- 
tude 57° 9' 50" N., longitude 170° 37' W. I would also add that the 
masters of both vessels were given to understand that their schooners 
were not seized, but only detained for further decision. 

The schooners were towed to Unalaska and together with their 
crews held in custody until my arrival at Unalaska, on August 4, 1907. 

On August 7, 1907, the following orders were issued relative to the 
transferring of the Japanese for trial: 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 545 

[Copy.] 

United States Revenue-Cutter Service, 

Unalaska, Alaska, August 7, 1907. 

Commanding Officer, United States Revenue Cutter "Manning," 

In Port. 

Sir: On August 9, before noon, transfer to the Manning the captain and crew from 
both Jajjanese sealing schooners, viz, Nitto Maru, 29 men, Kaiwo Maru, 35 men; 
allow them to bring on board all their personal effects; these men to be transported 
to Valdez for trial. Do not allow any property belonging to the schooners to be 
removed from those vessels. Take on board all articles required in evidence — 
firearms, skins, etc. Proceed to sea at your discretion on the evening of August 9. 

Mr. Ray, assistant district attorney, has charge of these cases and will accompany 
you to Valdez; confer with him and be governed by his advice in all matters per- 
taining thereto; a.ssist him in all possible manner. 

The district attorney has matters of importance that require a visit to St. Paul, 
Kodiak Island; on leaving here proceed direct to that place, and thence to Valdez 
or Seward, as directed by Mr. Ray. 

In making the passage to and from your destination proceed with all dispatch, 
using three boilers; returned to Unalaska as soon as possible after your business has 
been transacted before the court. 

Advise the department by cable of your arrival at destination. 

Cable the department result of the trial. 

Forty-eight hours before sailing cable department probable time of your departure. 
Respectfully, 

F. M. MUNGER, 

Captain, U. S. E. C. S., 
Commanding Bering Sea Fleet. 

P. S. — If the district attorney desires to visit Alatak Bay, take him there before 
going to St. Paul. 

On August 9, 1907, we left Unalaska for Valdez on the Maiming 
with the Japanese. 

On August 10 one of the Japanese died from beriberi and was 
buried at sea with all due formalities. This man had the best of 
medical skill and attention, Dr. Gardner, Public Health and Marine- 
Hospital Service, being detailed from the McCuUocli to the Manning. 

On August 12 visited Atalak Bay to investigate a reported robbing, 
pillaging, and burning of a native village there located. The facts 
found are incorporated in a telegram to the Attorney General, em- 
bodied herein, and despatched from Seward, at which place the 
Manning arrived on August 14, 1907. 

The following is my cable to the Attorney General in regard to the 
Japanese: 

July 3 cutter Manning found two small boats containing each three Japanese, 
within 3-mile limit, off Southwest Point, St. Paul Island; one containing skin of 
freshly killed seal, other usual sealing equipment only; both belonging to schooner 
Nitto, which vessel was 5 miles offshore St. Paul Island. 

While testing distance another small boat with crew of 3 was found one-quarter 
mile off shore containing two skins from freshly killed seals and carcass of female seal 
still warm containing foetus. This boat belonged to schooner Kaiivo, then distant 
6 miles from shore. Schooner overhauled and Nitto had six boats lowered sealing not 
within limit; Kaiivo three boats lowered sealing outside limit. 

Manning took schooners and small boats in custody and turned same over to Perry 
and thence towed to Unalaska, where I found Kaiwo with crew of 34 and Nitto with 
crew of 29 on August 4. Waited till August 9, repairs to Manning. 

Schooners first sighted distant about 8 miles from island, and while Manning was on 
way to patrol around the island sealers worked in toward limit. Instead of circling 
island, as was customary, Manning retraced her course directly back from Northeast 
Point, found schooners near limit, boarded and warned captains, and while so doing 
di.*tcovered two small boats, as stated, which after developed belonged to schooner 
Nitto, rowing rapidly from toward shore. Weather conditions foggy and Kaiwo boat 

2403 -H. Doc. 93, 62-1 35 



546 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 

discovered by accident. The unexpected return of Manniiig prevented raid by 
schooner crews, and these circumstances give rise to deduction that but for interven- 
tion attempt would have been carried to consummation. 

Witnesses being officers of Manning have proceeded with her and 63 Japanese to 
Valdez, where we arrive to-morrow. Have ships' papers, but deemed best to hold 
schooners at Unalaska, as towage to Valdez hazardous and unnecessary; and should 
acquittal result Japanese can be placed on schooners and towed to nearest point of 
seizure. 

Schooners now in custody United States Deputy Marshal Harman, awaiting issuance 
monition from district court. 

Every reasonable care and attention has been given Japanese and the property 
taken. Evidence as to three small boats conclusive but weak as to other members of 
crews. One of Kaiwo crew died of beriberi and buried at sea August 10. 

Ray, Assistant Attorney. 

Upon our arrival at Valdez we found a session of the district court 
for the third judicial division, Territory of Alaska, Wickersham, judge, 
presiding, in progress, with grand jury in attendance. 

On August 17, 1907, the department was informed by wire that 63 
Japanese were indicted under Revised Statutes, 1961. 

There were two indictments found — one against the captain of the 
schooner Nitto and his crew, the other against the captain of the 
schooner Kaiwo and his crew. 

The following cablegrams give a concise statement of the result of 

the trials: 

Valdez, Alaska, August 20, 1907. 
Attorney General, 

Washington, D. C: 
Kaiwo case jury convicts 3 in small boat and acquits 31 who were in schooner outside 
limit. Instruct as to disposition of acquitted persons and as to schooner. Cutter 
Manning unable to return Japanese to Unalaska by reason of injury. Trial of Nitto 
crew proceeding. 

Ray, Assistant Attorney. 

Valdez, August 21, 1907 . 
Attorney General, 

Washington, D. C: 
Captain of schooner Nitto and six defendants within jurisdictional limit convicted, 
Revised Statutes, 1961. Suggest immediate transfer remaining defendants Seattle for 
deportation. Have instituted proceedings against schooner Nitto. 

Ray. 

Washington, D. C, August 22, 1907. 
Assistant United States Attorney, 

Valdez, Alaska: 
Telegram received acquitting. Japanese must be returned to their vessel. Wire 
best method and probable cost. 

Charles J. Bonaparte, Attorney General. 

Following is reply to Attorney General : 

Valdez, August 22, 1907. 
Attorney General, 

Washington, D. C: 

Recommend approval of forfeiture proceedings against schooner Nitto, transporting 
22 acquitted Japanese of this crew Seattle for deportation. 

Acquitted portion Kaiwo crew, 31 Japanese, transferred to Unalaska via steamer 
Dora; steerage fare, $39 each passenger. 

Believe I should accompany to Unalaska to formally release Kaivjo schooner and 
save costs sending guards. 

Unless revenue cutter can be procured, advise immediate orders or delay of 30 days 
before next steamer to Unalaska. 

Court here adjourned. Ray, Assistant Attorney. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 547 

On August 24 the following cablegram came forward : 

Washington, D. C, August 24, 1907. 
Ray, Assistant United States Attorney, 

Valdez, Alaska: 
Telegram August 22 received. Your recommendation regarding forfeiture proceed- 
ings approved. You are also authorized to go to Unalaska to formally release Kaiwo 
schooner, as you request. 

CooLEY, Acting Attorney General. 

In view of the conviction of the captain of the schooner Nitto, a 
libel in admiralty was filed in the United States court at Valdez pray- 
ing for the condemnation of and a decree of forfeiture to the use of 
the United States of America against the schooner Nitto, her tackle, 
furniture, apparel, etc. 

In accordance with the instructions contained in the cablegram of 
August 24 from Acting 'Attorney General Cooley, I left Valdez for 
Unalaska with the acquitted portion of the Kaiwo crew. On my 
return the following report was sent the Attorney General, which re- 
port fully covers this aspect of the affair: 

Seward, September 30, 1907. 
To the Attorney General, 

Washington, D. C. 

Sir: In the matter of the Japanese poaching cases. 

The department has been advised as to the details in this matter up to the time of 
the departure of the crew of the Kaiwo from Valdez to Unalaska. 

In accordance with instructions contained in your telegram of August 24, 1907, 
I proceeded on that date to Unalaska with the crew of the schooner Kaiwo, arriving 
there September 8. 

On September 9 the schooner Kaiwo was formally released to her master, and he 
proceeded to prepare for sea. The master was asked if he Avished to be towed to St. 
Paul Island, outside of the 3-mile limit, or out of the harbor. He replied that if he 
could be towed around the red buoy at Unalaska Harbor he would then be able to 
sail out of the harbor and desired no further assistance in reaching open water. 

On September 10 the crew of the revenue cutter Thetis, assisted by residents of 
Unalaska, warped the Kaiwo down the harbor of Unalaska, around the red buoy, as 
requested, and the schooner set sail and stood out to sea. 

During the period from July 3 (the date of seizure) to August 8 (the date when 
Japanese were transferred from Unalaska to United States Revenue Cutter Service 
Manning to Valdez) the Japanese furnished their own subsistence from their own 
stores, even though in custody. Because of this fact, upon my recommendation, the 
marshal's office at Unalaska furnished coal, water, and provisions to the schooner 
Kaiwo in lieu of provisions consumed during the period above stated. 

Thirteen of the crew of the Kaiwo became mutinous and refused to proceed to sea 
unless American food was furnished them for the voyage to Japan, as they did not 
want any more Japanese provisions. 

The captain of the Kaitvo stated that the supplies furnished by the marshal's office 
were sufficient in quantity, taking into consideration his own stores then unconsumed, 
to supply all the wants of his crew. 

After having had some difficulty with his crew, the captain requested protection 
from these mutineers, as he feared personal violence. In accordance with this request, 
guards were stationed on the dock next the Kaiwo for the personal protection of the 
captain. 

It was fully and satisfactorily explained to the Japanese captain that, as his ship 
was now ready for sea, the authorities could not take his refractory crew into custody, 
as requested by him, as it was obligatory upon him to take his men when ready for sea. 

After the Kaiwo left the dock at Unalaska, 11 of the crew lowered a small boat and 
attempted to land. The captain called the attention of the officers of the revenue 
service to these men in the small boat, and at my request the officers compelled the 
deserting Japanese to return to their vessel. 

The deserting Japanese stated that they would not proceed with the provisions 
they had, and that the captain of the Kaiwo was no good. 



548 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 

Every effort was made to minimize the detention, and the captain of the Kaiwo 
expressed himself as fully satisfied as to the supplies furnished and as to treatment, 
and regretted his inability to handle his crew. 

Instructions previously cabled me have been followed, and every effort made to 
prevent any just ground of complaint as to treatment of persons or property. 
Respectfully, 

L. V. Ray, 
Assistant United States Attorney. 

The three convicted members of the Kaiwo crew are now serving 
their sentence at Valdez, wliich sentence will expire in January, 1908. 

The captain and six convicted members of the Nitto crew paid their 
fines at Valdez and were afterwards sent forward to their schooner 
at Unalaska, sailing from that port on October 16, 1907. 

At Unalaska supplies and pro^dsions were furnished the Nitto, as 
in the case of the Kaiwo, by the marshal's office. 

After some telegraphic correspondence the department deemed it 
best to revoke the approval of forfeiture proceedings against the 
schooner Nitto, and, consequently, the libel therefor was dismissed by 
the district attorney. 

Treasury Department, 

Office of the Secretary, 
Division of Revenue- Cutter Service, 

Washington, July 25, 1907. 

The honorable the Secretary of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C. 

Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith copv of a report dated 
Unalaska, Alaska, June 20, 1907, from Capt. F. M. Munger, United 
States Revenue-Cutter Service, in charge of the Bering Sea patrol 
fleet, relative to matters connected with the operations of the fleet 
to that date. 

Respectfully, J. B. Reynolds, 

Acting Secretary. 



[Copy.] 

Unalaska, Alaska, June 20, 1907. 

The honorable the Secretary of the Treasury, 

Washington, D. C. 
Sir: 1. I have the honor to make the following report relating to 
matters connected with operations of Bering Sea fleet. 

2. After leaving Port Townsend, the Perry touched at Victoria, 
for the purpose of obtaining information regarding Canadian sealers. 
I made an official call upon the United States consul and the collector 
of customs at that port. The collector was very kind and courteous, 
and confidentially gave me all the information he could relating to 
the sealers and their operations; he also furnished me with a list of 
vessels to which he had issued seal license for the season 1907. 

3. He had been instructed by liis department to look into the 
matter of the report of Mr. E. W. Sims, as to Canadian sealers being 
in Alaskan waters in 1906; he had the log of every British sealer, 
and knew the exact location of every vessel each day, during their 
absence; the latitude and longitude where every sealskin had been 



SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 549 

taken from time of leaving until their return to Victoria; and there 
was no record of any vessel being on the coast until their return in 
the fall. The master of the vessels delivered these documents to 
the collector under oath; there was no inconsistencies in their log 
books that would indicate falsification, and he believed the masters 
were honest in their declaration. After a thorough investigation, the 
collector was of the opinion that it might be possible, but not prob- 
able, that any of the Canadian sealers were near the Alaska coast. 
■4. All the wdnter seal hunters had returned to port. 

5. He had issued, to date, May 20, special sealing license to 15 
vessels, and he thought he might issue a license to two or three other 
vessels; all these vessels were in port, except five, which had cleared 
to proceed directly beyond the one hundred and eightieth meridian, 
and on to the coast of Japan. The sealing vessels in port were to 
leave for Bering Sea about the middle of June. 

6. The Perry arrived at Sitka May 23. ■ I visited the collector of 
customs at that port, who informed me that the Indian seal hunters 
from Sitka had reported sealing vessels off the coast, but could give 
no definite information about them; was not near enough to read 
their names or hailing port. In view of department order relating to 
Canadian sealers, I deemed it of sufficient importance to wire the 
information to the department, with recommendation that the Rush 
be ordered to cruise in search of them. The Perry's officers kept a 
good lookout across the Fairweather Ground, but observed no vessels 
or seals. Not one seal was seen during the passage. 

7. The Perry arrived here on May 31, and I established head- 
quarters at the house of the Alaska Commercial Co. 

Respectfully, 

(Signed) F. M. Munger, 

Captain, United States Revenue- Cutter Service, 

Commanding Bering Sea Fleet. 



Treasury Department, 
Office of the Secretary^ 
Division of Revenue-Cutter Service, 

Washington, July 29, 1907. 
The honorable the Secretary of Commerce and Labor: 

I have the honor to transmit herewith for your information copies 
of reports received from Cap t. F. M. Munger, United States Revenue- 
Cutter Service, commanding Bering Sea jJatrol fleet, and Capb. J. C. 
Cantwell, United States Revenue-Cutter Service, commanding the 
United States revenue cutter Manning, relative to the capture on 
the 3d instant of the Japanese sealing schooners Nitto Maru and 
Kaiwo. 

Respectfully, J. H. Edwards, 

Acting Secretary. 



550 seal islands of alaska. 

United States Keyenue-Cuttee Service, 

Steamer '' Manning," 
Off St. Paul Island, Alaska, July 3, J. 907. 
Capt. F. M. Munger, 

United States Revenue- Cutter Service, 

Commanding Bering Sea Fleet, VnalasTca, Alaska. 

Sir: I have the honor to report the seizure this day of the Japanese 
schooner Nitto Maru, of Niyako, Satura Watanuki, master, and the 
Japanese schooner Kaiwo, of Tokyo, legiro Kadata, master, l)oth 
found engaged in taking seals witliin 3 geographical miles of St. 
Paul Island, Alaska. The particulars of said seizure are as follows: 

At 12.19 p. m., July 3, 1907, while cruising at an estimated distance 
of 3 miles from land on the western side of St. Paul Island, three 
schooners under reduced sail were observed about 5 miles offshore, 
and we stood to board them. 

At 12.45 stopped and boarded the Japanese schooner Nitto Maru, 
Satura Watanuki, master, and was informed hj him that he had 
seven boats away from the vessel engaged in taking seals, some of 
which boats were to the westward, some to the southward, and some to 
the eastward of his position. After giving the master of the Nitto 
Maru the customary warning not to take seals witliin 3 miles of land, 
the boarding officer returned to the Manning and we headed for a 
schooner bearing southeast from us. 

At 1.25 p. m. stopped and boarded the Japanese schooner Kompira 
Maru, of Tokyo, and finding no evidence of illegal sealing on board, 
the customary warning was given the master, and the boarding officer 
returned to the Manning. 

At tliis time two boats were observed between us and Southwest 
Point, both being pulled hastily away from the land, and as soon as 
the boarding officer returned from the Kompira Maru we lieaded in 
for the boats. At 2.50 p. m. came up with two boats, both belonging 
to the schooner Nitto Maru and wliich came alongside at our request. 
One of the boats was found with one fresh sealskin in it, and the boat 
was equipped with the usual outfit for taking seals at sea, viz, shot- 
guns, gigs, compass, water keg, and ammunition, in addition to the 
ordinary boat gear. 

There were three Japanese men in the boat, their names being 
given as Shigitero Tanaka, Seizi Higaslii, and K. Eragi. The position 
of the boat when the evidence of sealing was first noted was at a 
point at the intersection of a line drawn south-southeast one-half 
east to the western tangent of Otter Island and one drawn east by 
south to the tangent of Southwest Point, St. Paul Island, the said 
point being distant from the western face of Southwest Point If 
miles. A sounding was taken at the moment ; showed 29 fathoms. 
In order to test the distance from shore completely, the boats were 
permitted to proceed to their vessel, the Nitto Maru, and the Manning 
was headed in for the land with the patent log registering 22.8 knots. 
When we had run 1.3 knots the land was less than a half a mile 
distant, showing without doubt that the position where the boats 
were examined is well within the 3-geographical-mile limit. 

At this time a third boat was discovered lying in under the cliffs 
at an estimated distance of less than one-fourth mile from shore. We 
backed in as close as consistent with safety and blew three short 
blasts of the whistle. The people in the boat, aware of their being dis- 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 551 

covered, got out their oars and began pulling toward us. In a few 
moments they came alongside, and inquiry elicited the facts that the 
boat belonged to the Japanese schooner Kaiwo, of Tokyo, legiro 
Kadata, master, and was engaged in taking seals from the water. 
There were two fresh fur-seal skins and one unskinned dead fur seal 
in the boat. The boat was equipped for sealing, having on board two 
shotguns, ammunition, gigs, compass, grub box, and water keg, in 
addition to the usual boat gear. 

The position in which the Kaiwo' s boat was examined was southwest 
point bearing east-northeast five-eighths east distant 1 mile. There 
were three men in the boat, their names being given as follows: 
Gentaro Kumainoto, lakutaro Nagasaki, and Kvojro Matsu. 

The evidence of illegal sealing being considered complete to estab- 
lish the guilt of the schooners Nitto Maru and Kaiwo, these vessels 
were accordingly overhauled and taken in tow. The sealskins and 
carcass of seal found in the respective boats were brought on board 
the Manning and properly tagged for identification. 

The masters of the vessels were also brought on board the Manning 
as a precautionary measure, and made as comfortable as possible. 
The ships' papers of both schooners were also taken apd are forwarded 
heremth. 

At 7.10 p. m., all the hunting boats of both schooners having re- 
turned, we headed for St. George Island, where it was my intention 
to turn over the vessels to Capt. Dunwoody of the Perry for delivery 
to you at Unalaska. 

All courses and bearings heremth given are magnetic. * 

Respectfully, 

J. C. Cantwell, 
Captain, U. S. R. C. S., Commanding. 

P. S. — The positions of the vessels when taken in tow were as fol- 
lows: Nitto Maru, latitude 57° 12' N., longitude 170° 33' W; Kaiwo, 
latitude 57° 9' 50" N., longitude 170° 37' W. I would also add that 
the masters of both vessels were given to understand that their 
schooners were not seized, but only detained for your further decision. 



Treasury Department, 
Division of Revenue-Cutter Service, 

Office of the Secretary, 
Washington, Novenfiber 29, 1907. 
The honorable Secretary of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D, G. 
Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewitli for your information a 
report dated the 15th instant from Capt. F. i\I. Munger, United States 
Revenue-Cutter Service, in relation to the lawless acts said to have 
been committed by the crew of a Japanese sealing schooner at Kadiak 
Island in June last. 

Respectfully, J. B. Reynolds, 

Acting Secretary, 



552 seal islands of alaska. 

United States Revenue-Cutter Service, 

Port Townsend, Wash., Novemhei^ 15, 1907. 

The honorable the Secretary of the Treasury, 

Washington, D. C. 

Sir: I have to acknowledge receipt (October 11) of department 
letter dated August 23, inclosing copy of letter from Joseph A. Silver- 
man, United States commissioner at Kodiak, also from the deputy 
collector of customs at that port, relating to certain alleged lawless 
acts by the crew of a Japanese schooner, and in repl}^ I have the honor 
to submit the following report : 

My first information in regard to this matter was received from 
Assistant United States District Attorney L. V. Ray, who came to 
Unalaska August 4 in connection with the prosecution of Japanese 
seal poachers. Mr. Ray had received information on his way to 
Unalaska, in substance the same as is contained in the letter of J. A. 
Silverman to the Secretary of Commerce and Labor, the original of 
which is hereby returned. 

In order that the matter might be immediately investigated, the 
Manning, being there ready to start for Valdez with Japanese prison- 
ers, was ordered .to stop in Alitak Bay on the way east in order that 
Mr. Ray, the district attorney, might himself examine into the alleged 
depredations. 

The Manning arrived in Alitak Bay on August 12, and Capt. Cant- 
well and Mr. Ray went ashore to make inquiry, but they found the 
village entirely deserted, all the inhabitants being at the cannery 
some 15 miles inland. As it was necessary to get the Japanese 
prisoners on board the Manning to Valdez for immediate trial it was 
considered best not to go inland to the cannery, as this would cause 
considerable delay, and the Manning therefore left immediately for 
Valdez. 

While returning from Valdez, Lieut. Austin had an interview with 
Capt. Falstad, of the American schooner Alice, of Kodiak, and 
obtained from him a statement in substance as follows: 

That he, Capt. Falstad, anchored in Lazy Bay, an arm of Alitak 
Bay, on or about the 20th of June; that he saw several Japanese boats 
manned by Japanese pulling out of the harbor on which the village of 
Ahkiok is situated ; that these boats pulled out to a Japanese schooner 
which was anchored in the bay, which shortly afterwards got under 
way and went out to sea; that while beating into the bay he had 
noticed men ashore evidently on lookout duty, one at Alitak Point, 
and another up on the hill nearer the village, whom he thinks were 
Japanese; that he could not read the name of the schooner, as her 
name was covered either intentionally or otherwise by a piece of 
canvas hanging over the stem, but that he would recognize her if he 
should see her again; that he distinctly saw two white men on the 
schooner, evidently in command of her; that about five weeks later 
he took the deputy United States marshal of Kodiak to Ahkiok, on the 
schooner Alice, interviewed the natives through an interpreter, and 
learned that the marauders had broken into the houses and taken 
men and women's clothing, trinkets, jewelry, and everything of value 
they could find; that all articles of furniture, etc., in the church had 
been collected in one pile, but for some reason had been left in the 
building; that in his opinion all this was the work of the Japanese 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 553 

schooner, whose boats had been seen coming out of the harbor on or 
about the 20th of June, and which went to sea on that day. 

To further investigate this matter, I visited AUtak Bay in person 
on my way from Unahiska to Juneau on the Bush. 

Tlie Rush anchored in the harbor of Ahkiok village on the evening 
of October 19, and several natives came off to us immediately. None 
of them could speak English, but one of them spoke Russian, and by 
means of an interpreter the following information was obtained. 

The native, Jacob Ayahgoosha by name, stated that from the 1st 
of June until about the middle of August the village of Ahkiok had 
been entirely deserted by its native inhabitants, so that so far as 
any direct knowledge on their part goes the depredations might 
have been committed any time from the 1st of June until the middle 
of August. He stated that the Canadian schooner Casco, of Victoria, 
was anchored in Lazy Bay in August, after the return of the natives 
from the cannery, and that he learned from the captain and mate of 
the Casco that they — the Casco — had been in Lazy Bay in July; that 
a Japanese schooner called the Toyo Maru was in Lazy Bay at that 
time. He also stated that the captain and mate of the Casco had told 
him that this Toijo Maru was the schooner which had committed the 
robbery. He stated that the only evidence which he had that satis- 
fied him that there were Japanese ashore was a cigarette holder such 
as are used by the Japanese. 

He stated that the robbers had broken open houses, chests, and 
trunks, and had taken men and women's clothing, watches, jewelry, 
etc. 

There is no record of a Japanese sealing schooner named Toyo Maru 
as having been in Bering Sea; there were two vessels having similar 
names, viz, Toye Maru No. 1 and Toye Maru No. 2, the first named 
being boarded by the Perry off Pribilof Islands July 18. 

Referring to the fourth paragraph of the commissioner and the 
third paragraph of the letter of the Secretary, Department of Com- 
merce and Labor, it will be seen they are mistaken, as the McCuIloch 
did not seize a vessel during the season, and the 3Iiya Maru was 
seized by the Perry June 13 near the Pribilof Islands, and was released 
at LTnaiaska June 18, so could not have been at Kodiak Island 
June 20. 

It is evident that the lawless acts complained of were committed, 
but I believe it impossible at this time to name the guilty parties. 
Respectfully, 

F. M. MUXGEK, 

Ca-ptain, U. S. R. C. S. 



Treasury Department, 
Division of Revenue-Cutter Service, 

Office of the Secretary, 
Washington, December 16, 1907. 
The honorable Secretary of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C. 
Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith copy of a letter dated 
the 29th ultimo from Capt. F. M. Munger, United States Revenue- 
Cutter Service, who commanded the Bering Sea patrol fleet the past 
season, relating to sealing operations in Bering Sea, season of 1907. 
Respectfully, 

J. H. Edwards, Acting Secretary. 



554 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

[Copy.] 

United States Revenue-Cutter Service, 

Port Townsend, WasJi., November 29, 1907. 
The honorable the Secretary of the Treasury, 

Washington, D. C. 
Sir: I have the honor to submit the following report relating to 
sealing operations in Bering Sea during the season of 1907: 

Sealing license was issued to 15 Canadian sealing vessels, and it is 
thought that all were in Bering Sea; none were seen by the cutter 
fleet; three were boarded by H. M. S. Shearwater and one by the 
Buffalo. The catch of fur-seal skins is not known, but it is reported 
to be small. Several of these vessels remained in the sea as late as 
October 26. The Canadian sealers operated about 75 miles to the 
eastward of the Pribilof Islands between the compass points northeast 
and southeast. 

It was reported that there were 30 Japanese sealing schooners in 
the sea; of this number the cutters boarded 25 different vessels, and 
report a catch of 4,444 fur-seal skins. This, I think, represents a 
greater part of the number taken. 

The Japanese sealers came into the sea in May and June and oper- 
ated about the Pribilof Islands. Eleven Japanese seal-fishing 
vessels have operated in the vicinity of Attn since 1905. 
Respectfully, 

(Signed) F. M. Hunger, 

Captain, U. S. R. C. S. 



Treasury Department, 
Division of Revenue-Cutter Service, 

Office of the Secretary, 
Washington, December 16, 1907. 

The honorable Secretary of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C. 
Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith copy of a letter dated 
the 29th ultimo from Capt. F. M. Munger, United States Revenue- 
Cutter Service, who commanded the Bering Sea patrol fleet the past 
season, relating to Canadian sealers operating on the Alaskan coast, 
season of 1907. 

Respectfully, J. H. Edwards, 

Acting Secretary. 



[Copy.] 



United States Revenue-Cutter Service, 
Port Townsend, Wash., November 29, 1907. 

The honorable the Secretary of the Treasury, 

Washington, D. C. 

Sir: I have the honor to make the following report, relating to 
Canadian sealing schooners, operating on the Alaskan coast during 
the closed season May 1 to August 1, 1907. 

From information received it is undoubtedly true that several 
Canadian vessels were operating unlawfully; one of them, the Carlotta 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 555 

0. Cox, was seized by the Rush May 27. The Rush on that same date 
boarded the Japanese seahng schooner Kinsie Maru; on June 21, the 
master of this vessel informed me that he had seen the Canadian 
sealers Ella G. and Casco, the day of the seizure of the Cox, and that 
he was quite sure that there were several others operating at that 
time. The Casco visited Ahtak Bay in July, and again in August, 
and I was informed by the natives that she was engaged in otter 
hunting. 

July 18, the Manning left for a cruise to visit all the harbors on 
the mainland and outlying islands as far east as Cape St. John to 
search for Canadian seaUng vessels; returned to Unalaska July 29. 
The commanding officer reported that he had visited aU the harbors 
as indicated, and the only mformation obtained was as follows: One 
Canadian schooner, name unknown, called at Northeast anchorage, 
Little Koniuski Island, on July 21, watered ship and left same date; 
that one schooner, supposed to be a sealer, passed through Unalga 
Pass, 5 a. m., July 28, bound north. 
Respectfully, 

(Signed) F. M. Munger, 

Captain, U. S. R. C. S. 

Part III. Comments on Certain Charges Made by Henry W. 

Elliott. 

[Synopsis of Elliott's charges against North American Commercial Co. before Ways and Means Com- 
mittee, Jan. 14, 1907.] 

On December 24, 1899, Secretary Windom issued advertisement 
for bids sealing right. 

On February 21, 1890, bids opened by committee. 

On February 24, 1890, Secretary Windom gave notice that North 
American Commercial Co. was successful bidder, and unless cause 
shown, would award lease to it. 

Whereupon, Geo. R. Tingle, formerly Treasury agent, declared 
North American Commercial Co.'s bid ineligible because president 
and stockholders of that company had been and were engaged in 
pelagic sealing. 

Upon being notified of this charge, Isaac Liebes, president of North 
American Commercial Co., under oath, denied charges. 

March 12, 1890, Tingle then withdrew charges, and Windom 
executed lease to North American Commercial Co. 

On April 1, 1890, Tmgle enters employment North American Com- 
mercial Co. as superintendent. 

Elliott then produces a copy of a sworn certificate in the custom- 
house in San Francisco, dated March 29, 1890, by Herman Liebes, 
brother and partner in the fur business of Isaac Liebes, that said 
Herman was the owner of a pelagic schooner named J. Hamilton 
Lewis. 

Elliott then quotes House Document No. 1 (57th Cong., 2d sess., 
p. 120, Exhibit A), that Herman Liebes sold to H. Liebes & Co. all 
interest in the schooner J. Hamilton Lewis, on September 17, 1890. 

Elliott then quotes the same document, page 203, from a copy of the 
certificate of registry, sworn to before the collector of customs at 
San Francisco, on January 10, 1890, to the eftect that Herman Liebes 
on that date was the sole owner of the schooner mentioned, and that 



556 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Alex. McLean was the master and a citizen of the United States. 
Elhott shows that, in afterward, tliis Alex. McLean, to evade 
arrest by this Government for piracy, swears that he was and always 
has been a British subject. 

Elliott then shows that this schooner, the J. Hamilton Lewis, went to 
the Russian side of Bering Sea in 1891, was seized by the Russian au- 
thorities August 10, 1891, and condemned. Whereupon Herman Liebes 
files an oath in San Francisco before the courts that he was the owner 
of this vessel when she was seized for lawfully killing seals upon the 
high seas. A case is made up for submission to The Hague which 
was so submitted in 1898, in which this Government claimed damages 
from the Russian Government for the unlawful seizure on the high 
seas of the /. Hamilton Lewis, in which case H. H. D. Pearce, Assistant 
Secretary of State, appears as counsel for this Government. As the 
result of this submission to The Hague an award of $50,000 was made 
to this Government to be paid by Russia for the unlawful seizure of 
the J. Hamilton Lewis, in 1902. In 1903, Assistant Secretary Pearce 
obtains an injunction against the United States Treasurer Roberts re- 
straining him from paying this amount to the owners of the J. Hamilton 
Lewis until Pearce's charges for services as counsel before The Hague 
in the case have been paid to him out of the award. 

Elliott then charges perjury on the part of the North American 
Commercial Co. because its first president, Isaac Liebes, swore he had 
no interest in pelagic schooners in 1890, whereas the record shows 
that his partner, Herman Liebes, was the owner of the J. Hamilton 
Lewis at the time Isaac's oath was made. (Note: Elliott does not 
show any connection of Herman Liebes with the North American 
Commercial Co.) 

Elliott then charges perjury against Herman Liebes in swearing in 
1890 that Alexander McLean, the captain of the J. Hamilton Lewis, 
was an American citizen, whereas said McLean, in order to avoid 
arrest by this Government in 1905 for piracy, swore that he (McLean) 
was a British subject. (Note: Elliott does not show that Herman 
Liebes, when he made oath in 1890 to the American citizenship of 
McLean, knew that said McLean was other than an American citizen.) 
Upon this episode, Elliott claims that the award of The Hague in the 
case of the J. Hamilton Lewis was obtained through fraud. 



Memorandum for Assistant Secretary Murray : 

You were not present at that afternoon session of the Ways and 
Means Committee, January 25, 1907, when I proceeded with my reply 
to the attempt made by the lessees to discredit me in the morning of 
the same day. You did not, therefore, observe the nervous anxiety 
of the Hon. Sereno E. Payne, and the feverish interest taken in me 
by the Hon. Grosvenor. 

The inclosed statement which I have recently given to Canadian 
officialism and readers generally explains the painful interest which 
those gentlemen aforesaid had in me, and, incidentally, the facts may 
be of service to the Department Commerce and Labor. 

Henry W. Elliott. 

17 Grace Avenue, Lakewood, Ohio, Afril 18, 1907. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 557 

For Hon. Oscar Straus, 

Secretary Commerce and Labor: 

[Memorandum in re inclosed letter to Toronto Globe.] 

The main and the leading idea in the minds of Canadian officiahsm 
at Ottawa with regard to this fur-seal dispute has been, and is, that 
that award of the Bering Sea tribunal was shaped to Canadian gain 
entirel}^ by the superior wit and wisdom of the British agents as they 
made up and presented their case to that court in 1891-1893. 

In order that Canadians generally, and this officialism at Ottaw^a 
in particular, may understand the great error of this opinion, and it 
is important and timely that it be so understood now, I have care- 
fully prepared this letter to the Toronto Globe, because this newspaper 
is one of the leading Canadian organs, and it is very widely read in 
the Dominion. 

Unless that wholly erroneous idea in the official mind at Ottawa 
above cited is shaken, that officialism will hold first to those idle and 
worthless rules of the Paris award; therefore, on account of the 
politics involved, we will get nothing done in the way of a new and 
better deal — w^e will be helpless to prevent that complete extermina- 
tion of the fur-seal herd which is right ahead under existing law and 
regulations. 

But by letting the Canadians know the truth in regard to that 
conduct of our case, they will quickly understand why and how those 
futile and useless rules and regulations were secured — that, in fact, 
they were not prepared and ordered by the court in deference to the 
Canadian argument — far from it. They will understand that this 
court really desired to save that fur-seal life from excessive killing at sea, 
and only erred in so doing through the ignorance and the venality 
of the agents of the United States, who failed to properly and intelli- 
gently submit all the facts, as they were then, well known to the 
tribunal; they failed singly because they prostituted the case of the 
States to private gain and monopolistic interest. 

Therefore, if we tell the Canadians now the truth, as I have done 
in this letter, w^e at once disarm that political opposition at Ottawa; 
we do so by showing the real foundation for that Canadian success 
before the tribunal at Paris, August 16, 1893. 

Henry W. Elliott. 

April 15, 1907. 



[From the Toronto Globe, Apr. 13, 1907.] 
HOW TO SAVE THE FUR SEAL. 

Henry W. Elliott: Would it not be wise, humane, and merciful for the British and 
American Governments to unite at once in a plan of mutual concession in and joint 
control of this business of killin<j fur seals on the Pribylov Islands and on the high seas, 
80 that all private interests shall be completely eliminated now and forever from that 
business? If the two Governments would so unite and give that small nucleus of fur 
seals now in existence a respite from slaughter on the islands of St. George and St. 
Paul for, say, 10 or 12 years, then the history of the great Russian decline and restora- 
tion of this Alaskan herd would repeat itself. In 1834 less than 60,000 adult fur seals 
were in existence in the Pribylov Islands; all killing was sus]3ended on the islands, 
save a few thousand small male seals annually for natives' food up to 1844-1846; then 
it was gradually resumed and wisely conducted, so that by 1857-1860 an annual 
catch of 60,000 "to 80,000 young males was safely taken. 



558 SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

FUR seal's PROBABLE FATE) HOW IT MAY BE AVERTED LEADING 

EXPERT ON SEAL LIFE STATES THE CASE BOTH NATIONS ARE AT 

^AULT FIRST STEP IN REMEDY TO WIPE OUT PRIVATE INTERESTS . 

[Special correspondence ol The Globe.] 

Lakewood, Ohio, April 12. 

Henry Wood Elliott, the distinguished naturalist and the leading authority in 
America on seal life, proposes to make another effort to prevent the fur seal from 
going the way of the buffalo. He has always maintained that the continuance of 
the work of the "land butchers" of the United States on the Pribylov Islands and 
the "sea butchers" of Canada in the open sea would speedily annihilate seal life, and 
the facts are proving his conclusions true. In the hope that public opinion in Canada 
maybe aroused before it is too late, Mr. Elliott makes the following statement as to 
the facts of the case" 

On the 22d ultimo the Secretary of State, in behalf of the Government of the 
United States, put into the hands of the British ambassador a memorandum covering 
the several questions which are up for settlement between Ottawa and Washington. 
In The Globe of the 25th ultimo appears a detailed statement as to the nature of these 
questions and suggestions as to their probable fate in settlement. 

In the settlement of one of those questions aforesaid — that one relating to the pro- 
tection and preservation of the fur-seal herd of Alaska — I have a deep personal interest, 
and feel a solicitude, which is due to an extended official and unofficial association 
with it, beginning in 1872 down to the present hour. I am so deeply concerned 
because I know from that long study of and personal contact with this matter that 
unless an agreement is at once entered into between Canada and the United States 
which will set aside the existing rules and regulations and adopt in lieu thereof inter- 
national regulations which will suspend all slaughter of the fur-seal herd of Alaska on 
the islands and in the sea for a term of years, the extermination of that life, root and 
branch, is right at hand. 

I think that the Canadian people are entitled, in view of this serious condition of 
affairs on the seal islands of Alaska, to an authentic statement, which will show the 
real cause of failure on the part of the Bering Sea tribunal of arbitration to prescribe 
adequate rules and regulations for the protection and preservation of the fur-seal herd 
of Alaska. I think, too, that your readers will be surprised over the evidence which 
I produce in this statement following — surprised because it shows that the worst 
enemies the unhappy fur-seal herd had to face at Paris were not the Canadian hunters 
of Victoria, but were the licensed killers on the Pribylov Islands. 

ISSUES OP ARBITRATION. 

When public sentiment in the United States became duly aroused in 1887-88, 
it loudly agreed with that of Great Britain in so far as treating the open waters of 
the Bering Sea as a mare clausum went. Then President Harrison offered to submit 
the whole question to arbitration. This submission was made December 17, 1890, 
and accepted by Lord Salisbury in January, 1891. On February 29, 1892, a treaty 
at Washington was entered into providing for an amicable settlement of these ques- 
tions raised over the fur seals, beginning in 1886. The issues raised and pressed by 
the United States Government were: (1) The claim of exclusive jurisdiction over the 
eastern part of Bering Sea; (2) the claim of a "property right" in the body of each 
and every fur seal born upon the Pribylov Islands; (3) in case of failure of the court 
to sustain the contention of the United States upon one or both of these propositions, 
(1) and (2), then the arbitrators were to agree upon a plan of rules and regulations 
which, when put into effect, would protect and preserve the fur-seal herd of Alaska 
from extermination. 

The first of these issues was distinctly raised by Mr. Blaine on the ground that it 
was contrary to good morals to kill fur seals at sea. The second was distinctly the 
creation of President Harrison and his Secretary of the Navy, Tracy. The third 
and last was forced on Mr. Blaine by the best lawyers of the United States Senate, 
headed by Edmunds and Hoar, who denied these claims of jurisdiction and property 
right and who were outspoken and unanimous in expressing the belief that they were 
not valid and should not be jjressed. 



SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 559 

THE CLOVEN HOOF. 

Meanwhile, prior to the spring of this treaty of February 29, 1892, certain pre- 
liminary steps had been taken by both Governments which led up to it. Unfor- 
tunately for the credit of the case of the United States, the cloven hoof was too much 
in evidence when they were taken. These steps ruined the good cause of my Gov- 
ernment and prevented the Bering Sea tribunal from doing it justice. These erroneous 
and improper steps which wrought this failure to secure the right rules and regula- 
tions for the protection of the fur-seal herd of Alaska from cruel and excessive killing 
were: 

(1) The amazing offer of Secretary Blaine to accept a "60-mile zone" of pelagic 
prohibition to fur-seal hunting around the Pribylov Islands as an ample measure of 
complete protection to the fur-seal herd thereon. This offer was officially made to 
Lord Salisbury December 17, 1890. 

Why did Mr. Blaine make this offer when he had authentic evidence presented 
to him November 19, 1890, that the fur seals chiefly fed on fishing banks 100 to 125 
miles west and away from the Pribylov Islands? He did so because the lessees of the 
seal islands assured him that it was entirely sufficient. Why should the lessees 
make such a statement to Mr. Blaine? Because on November 19, 1890, Mr. Blaine 
had declared that he would agree to urge upon Great Britain the plan of any modus 
vivendi whereby all killing of fur seals on the islands and in the waters of Bering 
Sea should be suspended for a term of years, while a joint commission of British and 
American experts should visit the islands and then agree upon a proper plan for 
resumption of said killing. 

LESSEES CALLED THE TUNE. 

If this modus vivendi was accepted it would put an end to the work of the lessees 
on the islands; therefore they would not entertain the plan for a moment; the offer 
of a "60-mile zone" would be sure of acceptance by Lord Salisbury and at once settle 
the matter without any interference with their work on the islands; so Elkins and 
his lessee associates urged Mr. Blaine to act, and he weakly yielded to them. He 
substituted their idle and improper suggestion for my modus vivendi, which he had 
promised both Secretary Windom and myself that he would use. Therefore we find 
this unfortunate "60-mile zone" duly incorporated by the tribunal into its regula- 
tions. Whv, indeed, should that court at that time doubt the sense and intesrity 
of Mr. Blaine? 

(2) The refusal of Mr. Blaine to ask for this modus vivendi until forced to do so in 
the spring of 1891 by the pressure of public opinion in the United States and the 
prompt and ready willingness of Lord Salisbury and Sir Julian Pauncefote to accept it. 

Why did Mr. Blaine do this? He did so because the lessees did not want it, and 
they assured him that Lord Salisbury would be sure to compromise on the "60-mile 
zone"; that the Canadian hunters would compel him to reject the modus vivendi 
and accept the "60-mile zone," which the lessees had substituted for it. That unwill- 
ingness of Mr. Blaine in this matter of the modus vivendi stamped with insincerity 
our oflScial charge that the fur-seal herd was being cruelly and excessively killed at 
sea and that it was in danger of extermination at the hands of the Canadian hunters; 
it branded our case with subserviency to private interests. 

A PERFUNCTORY EXAMINATION. 

(3) By the appointment of two utterly inexperienced men as commissioners to 
jointly meet and investigate conditions in the Pribylov Islands with two British com- 
missioners, these commissioners did not get into the islands until one week after the 
breeding season had ended (July 29, 1891); they remained there just nine days, and 
then returned direct to Washington; they prepared a report, which erroneously 
declared that all injury to the life of the fur-seal herd was due entirely to the result of 
pelagic sealing; they foolishly ignored the proof to the contrary which was in their 
hands; they did so because they were not fit for their task, and the lessees did not 
want any admission made as to the truth of their butchering and its effect; they did 
so easily enough, because no one of them had the slightest personal knowledge of the 
subject at issue or of the business connected with it; the land butchers of this fur- 
seal life were their authorities, and they are quoted by them as such. 

Then as scientists they stultified themselves. They allowed themselves to be 
quoted by our counsel, Messrs. Phelps, Carter, and Coudert, as saying in the name of 
science that the fur seal was not a wild animal; that it comported itself in the Pribylov 
Islands precisely as cattle, swine or sheep do on our farms, and that we bear the same 
relation to it as master and owner. 



560 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

This was simply foolish, and completely denied by natural science. It was and is 
so denied, because of all wild animals the fur seal is one of the very wildest; it can 
not be domesticated or even kept alive in captivity. No interference with its natural 
order of life as it breeds on the islands can be made by man without destroying it. 
All this biological fact I had ascertained and published in 1875-1881, and these publi- 
cations were in their hands when they put up this false theory, but to base a property- 
right argument upon, the lawyers demanded this "scientific" authority from them. 

The official joint session of this Anglo-American fur-seal commission after it had 
visited the Pribylov Islands during the summer of 1891 was held in Washington Feb- 
ruary 8 to March 4, 1892. It resulted, naturally enough, in complete disagreement 
on every question of * * * concerned, save in one general statement that the fur- 
seal herd of Alaska had been greatly diminished in numbers "owing to excessive 
killing at the hands of man" ! After this absurd mouse ran out from that laboring joint 
commission mountain, then our commissioners set to work and prepared a report which 
suited the lessees, regardless of fact or sentiment. The British commissioners did the 
same; they fitted their work to suit the interests of the pelagic hunters. Indeed, they 
had no alternative, since the United States commissioners led the way. 

BRITONS WERE THOROUGH. 

But that session above mentioned of the commissioners declared the unpleasant 
truth that the British members had gained possession of much more detailed informa- 
tion of island killing and pelagic hunting than our men had. It developed the fact 
that Sir Geo. Baden-Powell and Dr. Dawson had spent three days investigating on 
the Pribylov Islands to every one so passed by Messrs. Merriam and Mendenhall; 
that these British agents had gone over and inspected the Russian seal islands while 
our men had not; that these British agents had made an extended tour of the entire 
extent of the northwest coast and had thus secured a great amount of direct testimony 
from pelagic fur seal hunters, while our men had been nowhere and had learned noth- 
ing except what the lessees had taught them during their nine days' wonder on the 
Pribylov Islands! 

This was a great shock to our astute agent, John W. Foster. He at once hurried 
special agents in Government vessels up the northwest coast during the season of 1892 
and inaugurated that silly work of getting affidavits from all of the Indian and white 
seal hunters who could be found and who would swear that they lost 90 out of every 
100 fur seals which they killed at sea, and that these particular fur seals were all 
females, or nearly all so. Then, to prod the intelligence and stimulate the honesty 
of these hunters, they were paid from $2 to $5 each for these affidavits by Mr. Foster's 
agents. After several hundred of such worthless statements had been bagged in this 
manner, then the Canadians caught on to the game. They followed over the same 
ground and secured from the same men another series of affidavits denying that the 
Foster affidavits were correct transcripts of what they had said, and asserting under 
oath that they had been paid so much per man for what they did say by these Foster 
agents aforesaid. 

THE TRICK EXPOSED. 

Therefore, when Agent Foster strung out that long series of worthless, bogus testi- 
mony above cited in his opening of our case before the tribunal, the British counsel 
neatly countered on him in rebuttal and left him in the air, and at once placed our 
case in a shabby position as to sense and integrity before the court. 

Bad, indeed, as this was, yet it was not the worst blow delivered by our own manager 
to our argument. Mr. Foster went still deeper into the mire. He had a large series 
of old Russian-American Co. letters translated, and they were so translated as to carry 
a fraudulent interpretation of their text, so as to assert on the part of the Russian Gov- 
ernment a claim of exclusive jurisdiction over the entire area of Bering Sea. This 
fraud in the opening of our printed case was at once pointed out by the British agent. 
Foster then admitted the fraud, withdrew the letters, and apologized— a nice open- 
ing that for the case of the United States ! 

Therefore, the readers of The Globe can now understand what a depressing effect 
this opening of our case must have had on the court in so far as our claim of being 
all right and the Canadian argument being all wrong went, and this, too. at the very 
opening of the sessions of the tribunal, coupled with the attempt of our agent and 
counsel to suppress and deny the appearance of any report to Secretary Windom 
because it truthfully described the injurious work of the lessees in the islands. These 
exhibitions of ignorance and venality on the part of the managers of the case of the 
United States did not fail to harm our cause in the minds of the real arbitrators. Baron 
de Courcel, Viscount Venosta, and Baron Graw. They not only harmed it, they 
ruined it. 



SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 56X 

Out coiiiise] made only a perfunctory argument in support of the first claim — that 
of jurisdiction over the open waters of Bering Sea. It was so plain an error on our 
part that it fell quickly. Those arguments in behalf of the property-right claim 
were elaborate and long drawn out, but the scientific and the legal grounds of good 
foundation were not ours, and the court made that clear long before the arguments 
ended. Then came the question of proper rules and regulations to govern the killing 
t'f i HI seals on the high seas. 

BUTCHERS IN CONTROL. 

At this stage of the proceedings, if our counsel and "experts" had been clear and 
free from the selfish interests of the lessees of the seal islands, and not exhibiting 
at every opportunity a feverish anxiety to serve those selfish interests, the court 
would have given their demands more respect; but the greed and the animus of 
those land butchers behind our agents and plainly directing them was too much. It 
was everlastingly present, and om" "expert" scientists who prepared the base for 
these arguments were flayed alive by the Canadian naturalists. Therefore, the British 
agent and counsel took every advantage of this unfortunate and disgraceful entan- 
glement of the case of the United States. They rubbed it in, over and over again, 
as Foster, Phelps, and Carter progressed in labored defense and denial of every abuse 
charged and proven upon the lessees by honest, capable, and sworn agents of their 
(<wn Government! ' 

* * * * * * * 

When these rules were put into effect in 1894, and my modus vivendi superseded by 
tJiem, there were, in round numbers, 1,000,000 fur seals, old and young, m existencfe 
on the breeding and hauling grounds of the Pribylov Islands during the summer of 1903. 
In 1874 there were 4,700,000. I deem this figure the maximum limit of increase which 
it can atttain in a state of nature. 

To-day, as the season of 1907 opens, it is safe to say that there is not to exceed 
100,000 fur seals which belong to the Alaskan herd in existence. The lessees 
insist that it is useless for the preservation of this pitiful remnant that they be 
asked to spare the male life on the islands, since if so spared by them these seals will 
only be killed at sea by the pelagic hunters, and the result of extermination will surely 
ensue — only be the longer deferred if they are not permitted to kill everything that the 
law permits them to take on the hauling grounds. 

The pelagic hunters retort that they will not agree to any suppression of their work, 
since it will only increase the gains of a private monopoly. Why should they? 

TOTAL EXTINCTION IN SIGHT. 

Facing these combined forces of destruction on land and in the sea, as the last of the 
fur-seal heard of Alaska does to-day, how much longer before its total extinction will 
take place? Does any reader of The Globe believe it will be much longer? 

In view of these facts, would it not be wise, humane, and merciful for the British and 
American Governments to unite at once in a plan of mutual concession in and joint 
control of this business of killing fur seals on the Pribylov Islands and on the high seaa, 
Bo that all private interests shall be completely eliminated now and forever from that 
business? 

If the two Governments would so unite and give that small nucleus of fur-seal life 
now in existence a respite from slaughter on the islands of St. George and St. Paul for, 
say, 10 or 12 years, then the history of the great Russian decline and restoration of 
this Alaskan herd would repeat itself. In 1834 less than 60,000 adult fur seals were in 
existence in the Pribylov Islands. All killing was suspended in the islands save a few 
thousand small male seals annually for natives' food up to 1844-1 846. Then it was gradu- 
ally resumed and wisely conducted, so that by 1857-1860 an annual catch of 60,000 to 
80,000 yoimg males was safely taken up to the date of the cession of Alaska — ^taken with- 
out any impairment of the annual birth rate on the breeding grounds. 

The award of the Bering Sea tribunal and its denial of the claims of the United States 
Government has made it utterly impossible to preserve the fur-seal herd of Alaska from 
complete extermination unless all private interests concerned in the killing of that life 
on the land and in thesea are suppressed and eliminated by the joint action of the British 
and American Governments. Then, why, in the name of sense and mercy, should these 
Governments fail 1o so join and act? 



1 ClippiDR mutilated; two or more paragraphs missing. 
2403— H. Doc. 93, 62-1 36 



562 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

If they do so unite, then this small nucleus of the fur-seal herd of Alaska, as it barely 
exists in 1907, can and will by natural forces a few years hence be restored to its immense 
aggregation of 1874, and yield annually to both Governments a handsome revenue into 
the indefinite future. It will then exist, as it should exist, as a fit object of international 
attention and for the good of all mankind. 



Part IV. Communications Kelative to Supplies and Accounts. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, January SI, 1907. 
Hon. L. O. Murray, 

Assistant Secretary, De'partment of Commerce and Lahor. 
Sir : In the report of Hon. E. W. Sims, Solicitor of the Department 
of Commerce and Labor, on the Alaskan seal islands, it was recom- 
mended that certain arms, ammunition, and appliances were necessary 
for ofRcial use on the islands of St. Paul and St. George, and should 
be furnished. I have the honor to concur in said recommendation 
and to state that the following amounts of such articles are required 
on the several islands, to wit: 

St. Paul Island: 

25 Krag-Jorgensen rifles, caliber .30 (with bayonets, belts, slings, oilers, etc.). 

3,000 ball cartridges, caliber .30, for above rifles. 

3 small fieldpieces, maximum range, 3 miles. 

Assorted ammunition for above fieldpieces (including blank cartridges, reloading 

tools, and materials for reloading). 
2 rapid-fire guns and ammunition therefor. 

1 gasoline launch. 

2 draft horses and light wagon. 

6 revolvers, caliber .38, Navy pattern. 
St. George Island: 

18 Krag-Jorgensen rifles, caliber .30 (with bayonets, belts, slings, oilers, etc.). 

2,500 ball cartridges, caliber .30, for above rifles. 

2 small fieldpieces, maximum range, 3 miles. 

Assorted ammunition for above pieces (including blank cartridges, reloading tools, 

and materials for reloading). 
1 rapid-fire gun and ammunition therefor. 
6 revolvers, caliber .38, Navy pattern. 

The necessit^^ for the articles above referred to is stated in pages 
25-26 of the printed report of Mr. Sims, a copy of which is herewith 
transmitted. 

Respectfully, W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge AlasTcan Seal Fisheries. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, January 31, 1907. 
Hon. L. O. Murray, 

Assistant Secretary, Department of Commerce and Lahor. 
Sir: I have the honor to advise you that the following articles are 
required on each of the islands of St. Paul and St. George, Alaska, 
during the coming season, for official use: 



SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 5()3 

1 large heating stove, "Peninsular Oak," 3^ feet high, 

2 dustpans and brushes. 
2 pairs heavy portieres. 

2 white Marseilles quilts, 

2 pairs white blankets. 

2 light comforts. 

2 door mats, jute, 3 by 2, 

6 rugs, 3 by 6, Wilton, for runners. 

2 coal hods. 

1 pair shovel and tongs. 

2 dozen memorandum blocks, large. 
2 dozen memorandum blocks, small. 

2 dozen memorandum blocks, medium, 
1 pint carmine ink. 

1 quart writing fluid. 

2 bottles ink for fountain pens. 

1 large log or record book. 

2 blank books, about 5 quires each, 
1 gross pens, assorted. 

1 dozen penholders, 

2 dozen medium black lead pencils. 

5,000 order blanks for natives' supplies, bound. 
6 boxes carbon paper. 

3 dozen indelible pencils. 

In case the department should require the photographing of the 
rookeries, the following materials will be necessary: 

10 dozen plates, 8 by 10, for each island. 

Suitable chemicals for printing and developing, 

10 rolls (12 exposures each), 5 by 4, films for No. 4 Cartridge Kodak. 

1 developing tank, for 5 by 4 films, 

Kespectfully, W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Alaskan Seal Fisheries. 



Dept. Req, No, 7339, 
requisition for supplies. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Division of Seal Fisheries, 

February 7, 1907. 
To the Chief Clerk: 

Please cause to be furnished to this bureau for official use the supplies specified 
below. 

W. I. Lembkey, Agent in Charge. 
Approved. 

F. H. B., Chief Clerk. 
For St. Paul: 

12 rolls films, 5 by 4, 12 exposures each. 

10 dozen plates, 8 by 10, Cramer Crown, 

12 slides for Carlton plate holders, 

2 gross 4 by 5 carbon velox. 

2 gross 8 by 10 carbon velox. 

18 packages style E machine developing powders. 

2 ounces pyrogallic acid. 

2 pounds sulphite of soda, dry. 

1 pound carbonate of soda, dry. 
30 pounds hyposulphite of soda, 

2 ounces metol. 

2 ounces hydrochinon. 

1 developing tank, suitable for 5 by 4 films. 

6 plates ground glass, 8 by 10. 

W, L Lembkey, Agent in Charge. 
Shipping request 1101, 



564 



SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



Dept. Req. No. 7338. 



REQUISITION FOR SUPPLIES. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Division of Seal Fisheries, 

February 7, 1907. 
To the Chief Clerk: 

Please cause to be furnished to this bureau for oflScial use the supplies specified 
below. 

W. I. Lembkey, Agent in Charge. 

Approved. F. H. B., Chief Clerk. 

FOR ST. GEORGE. 



Item No. 


Quantity. 


Articles. 




Desired. 


Issued. 






2 
2 
2 
6 
2 
1 
3 
1 
Hi yds. 
2 




Large heating stove, "Peninsular Oak," SJ feet 

Dustpans and brushes. 

Pairs heavy portiferes, 1002. 

White Marseilles quilts, 1001. 

Light comforts, 1001. 

Door mats, jute, 3 by 2. 

Rugs, Wilton, 3 by 6, for runners, 1000. 

Coal hods. 

Pair shovel and tongs. 

Rugs, Brussels border (llj yards). 

Blanket. 

Binding, Brussels border. 

Nickel plated lamps, with holders and shades. 


high. 


M. 1426 






M. 1420 y 
0. M. 






0. M. 






0. M. 

M. S65 


i 




0. M. 


3 










M. 550 az 






0. M. 






O. M. 






0. M. 













Request 1101. 



W. I. Lembkey, Agent in Charge. 

Dept. Req. No. 7336. 



REQUISITION FOR SUPPLIES. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Division of Seal Fisheries, 

February 7, 1907. 
To the Chief Clerk : 

Please cause to be furnished to this bureau for official use the supplies specified 
below. ' j 

W. I. Lembkey, Agent in Charge. 
Approved. 

F. H. B., Chief Clerk. 

FOR ST. PAUL. 





Quantity. 






Desired. 


' Issued. 




207 


Ipint 




Carmine ink. 


196y 
290b 


1 quart 




Writing fluid. 






Pens, Miller Bros., carbon, No. 4. 


280b 


do 




Pens, Esterbrooks, No. 048. 


288a 


do 




Glllotts pens, No. 303. 
Penholders, cork tips. 
Pencils, Mongol hexagonal, No. 2. 


275 






254 


2 dozen 




2ti0a 


3 dozen 




Pencils, indelible copying, A. W. Faber's, No. 5896. 


42 






Carbon paper, 8 by lOJ. 
Paper, tjmewriter, 8 by lOi. 
Do. 


16 


1 ream 




13 


do 




87a 


1 gross . 




Thumb tacks, ^inch. 


86 






Ruling pen, 5-inch. 


138m 






Sponge for cups. 


216b 


J pound.. 




Pins, No. 3. 


222a 






Clips, cylindrical, medium. 











Request 1101. 



W. I. Lembkey, Agent in Charge. 



SEAXi ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



REQUISITION FOR SUPPLIES. 



565 

Dept. Req. No. 7336. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Division of Seal Fisheries, 

February 7, 1907. 
To the Chief Clerk: 

Please cause to be furnished to this bureau for official use the supplies specified 
below. 



Approved. 

For St. George: 

10 dozen plates, 8 by 10, Cramer Crown. 

12 slides for Carlton plate holders. 

2 gross 8 by 10 carbon velox. 

2 ounces pyrogallic acid. 

2 pounds sulphite of soda, dry. 

1 pound carbonate of soda, dry. 
20 pounds hyposulphite of soda. 

2 ounces metol. 

2 ounces hydrochinon. 

6 plates ground glass, 8 by 10. 

Request 1101. 



W. I. Lembkey, Agent in Charge. 
F. H. B., Chief Clerk. 



W. L Lembkey, Agent in Charge. 



Dept. Req. No. 7368. 



REQUISITION FOR SUPPLIES. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Division op Seal Fisheries, 

February 7, 1907. 
To the Chief Clerk: 

Please cause to be furnished to this bureau for official use the supplies specified 
below. 

W. I. Lembkey, Agent in Charge. 
Approved. 

F. H. B., Chief Clerk. 

FOR ST. PAUL. 



Item No. 


Quantity. 


Articles. 


Desired. 


Issued. 


328c 


1 dozen 




Erasers, typewriter, Comet. 


391a 


2 (number) 




Erasers, steel, wood handle, Miller Bros. 


361dy 






Stamp pad, Fulton, No. 3. 


365a 


1 bottle 




Ink, stamp pad, black, 4-ounce. 


356 


1 (number) 




U. S. dater. 


412 


Iball 




Twine, jute, 5-ply, J-pound balls. 


410c 


do 




Twine, hemp, No. 60, 1-pound balls. 
Shears, S-inch. 


395 






395b 


do 




Shears, 12-Lnch. 








Packing box, special size. 
Do. 


A 






B 


1 (number) 




Do. 











Request 1101. 



W. I. Lembkey, Agent in Charge. 



566 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



Dept. Req. No. 7365. 
kequisition for supplies. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Division of Seal Fisheries, 

February 7, 1907. 
To he Chief Clerk; 

Please cause to be furnished to this bureau for official use the supplies specified 
below. 

W. I. Lembkey, Agent in Charge. 
Approved. 

F. H. B., Chief Clerk. 

FOR ST. GEORGE. 



Item No. 


Quantity. 


Articles. 


Desired. 


Issued. 


220 


3 boxes 






415 


3 (number) 




Tjrpewriter ribbons, If-inch blue copying, Paragon. 
Brush for typewriter. Fitch. 
Numbering machine. Bates, 4-wheel, No. 73807. 
Tags, manila, &-P. 


431a 


1 (number).... 




432 


. .do 






1,000 (number) 
1 spool 




452 




Red tape. 
Mail opener. 


393 


1 (number).... 




233 


do 




Punch, eyelet Triumph. 


233a 


Ibox 




Eyelets, B. 


233b 


do 




Eyelets, J. N. 


233c 


do 




Eyelets, C. Z. 


238 


1 jar 




Paste, 4-ounce. 


m94 


Ipint 




Glue, Le Page's (carpenter). 


321 d 


1 gross 




Rubber bands, No. 19. 


322 


do 




Rubber bands. No. 30. 


322b 


do 




Rubber bands. No. 32. 











Request 1101. 



W. I. Lembkey, Agent in Charge. 
Dept. Req. No. 7364. 

requisition for supplies. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Division of Seal Fisheries, 

February 7, 1907. 
To the Chief Clerk: 

Please cause to be furnished to this bureau for official use the supplies specified 
below. 

W. L Lembkey, Agent in Charge. 
Approved. 

F. H. B., Chief Clerk. 
FOR ST. GEORGE. 



Item No. 


Quantity. 


Articles. 


Desired. 


Issued. 


207 


Ipint 




Carmine ink. 


196y 


1 quart 




Writing fluid. 

Pens, Miller Bros., carbon No. 4. 


290b 


1 gross 




280b 

288a 

275 


do 

do 

1 dozen 





Pens, Esterbrooks, No. 048. 
Gillotts pens, No. 303. 
Penholders, cork tips. 
Pencils, Mongol hexagonal. No. 2. 
Pencils, indelible copying, A. W^. Faber's, No. 5896. 
Carbon paper, 8 by lOJ. 
Paper, typewriter, 8 by lOJ. 
Do. ■ 


254 






260a 


3 dozen 




42 


6 boxes 




16 


1 ream 




13 


.do 




87a 






Thumb tacks, ^nch. 
Ruling pen, 5-inch. 
Sponge for cups. 
Pins, No. 3. 


86 


1 (number) 




ml38 






216b 


J pound. 




222a 






Clips, cylindrical, medium. 









Request 1101. 



W. I. Lembkey, Agent in Charge. 



SEAIj islands of ALASKA. 



567: 



requisition for supplies. 

Department op Commerce and Labor, 

Division of Seal Fisheries, 

February 7, 1907. 
To the Chief Clerk: , . ':' 

Please cause to be furnished to this bureau for official use the supplies specified 
below. 

W. I. Lembkey, Agent in Charge. 
Approved. 

, Chief Clerk. 



Quantity. 


Articles. 


Desired. 


Issued. 


25 
25 


25 


Krag-Jorgensen rifles, caliber .30. • ' ' 
Belts, slings, and oilers. 


3,000 
3 




Ball cartridges for Krag-Jorgensen, caliber ..30. 








2 Manuals of Instruction, 1 for each. 






Assorted ammunition for fieldpieces (including blank cartridges). 






Reloading tools, and materials for reloading ammunition for fieldpiece?. 






2 machine guns and ammunition therefor. 






6 revolvers, caliber ..3S, Navy pattern, with 1,000 rounds of ammunition. 







Note. — The above articles are for use on St. Paul Island. 



requisition for supplies. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Division of Seal Fisheries, 

February 7, 1907. 
To the Chief Clerk: 

Please cause to be furnished to this bureau for official use the supplies specified 
below. 

W. L Lembkey, Agent in Charge. 
Approved. 

, Chief Clerk. 

For St. George: 

18 Krag-Jorgensen rifles, caliber .30. 

18 belts, slings, oilers. 

2,000 ball cartridges, Krag-Jorgensen, caliber .30. 

2 fieldpieces, maximum range of 3 miles. 

Assorted ammunition for fieldpieces, including blank cartridges. 

Reloading tools, and materials for reloading ammunition for fieldpieces. 

1 rapid-fire gun and ammunition therefor. 

6 revolvers, caliber .38, Navy pattern, and ammunition therefor. 



Secretary Murray says tell Mr. Fowler that he will agree to this. 
February 13, 1907. • 



E. W. C. 



568 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Dept. Beq. No. 7397. 
requisition for supplies. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Seal Fisheries, Alaska, 

February, 1907 . 
To the Chief Clerk: 

Please cause to be furnished to this bureau for official use the supplies specified 
below. 

W. I. Lembkey, Agent in Charge. 
Approved. 

F. H. B., Chuf Clerk. 
For St. Paul Island: 

12 miles galvanized wire, 24 reels. 
600 glass insulators, with wooden brackets. 
400 feet insulated copper wire, 8 pounds. 
4 sets instruments. 

1 come-along. , 

For St. George Island: 

6 miles galvanized wire, 12 reels. 
300 glass insulators, with wooden brackets. 
200 feet of insulated copper wire, 4 pounds. 
3 sets telephone receivers and transmitters. 
1 come-along. 
Estimated cost of foregoing, $261.82. 

W. I. Lembkey, Agent in Cluirge. 
Request 1101. 



Telephones: 

7 wall telephones, magneto ringing; bridging. To have at lea.st 4 bar oiagnetoa, 
1,200 ohm ringers, bipolar receivers, solid back transmitters, lighting arresters, 
and guranteed to ring through 12 miles of No. 12 iron wire with 4 instruments 
in multiple. No battery box required, 

21 Leclanche cells. 

20 pounds sal ammoniac. 

3 dozen pencil zincs. 

2 pounds tape. 

10 pounds wire solder. 

9 pony insulators. 

12-inch painted oak brackets. 

50 pounds 20-penny wire nails. 

20 pounds 10-penny wire nails. 

150 No. bh knobs. 

5 pounds No. 18 annunciator wire. 

1 gross No. 8 2^-inch flat-head screws. 

Soldering paste. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



569 



Dept. Req. No. 7412. 



REQUISITION FOR SUPPLIES. 



Department op Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau op Alaskan Fur-Seal Fisheries, 

February 23, 1907. 
To the Chief Clerk: 

Please cause to be furnished to this bureau for official use the supplies specified 
below. 

W. I. Lembkey. 
Approved. 

F. H. B., Chief Clerk. 



Item No. 


Quantity. 


Articles. 


Desired. 


Issued. 


M446 






Zincs, pencil (21 to St. Paul, 15 to St. George). 

Tape, adhesive, Grimshaw (1 to St. Paul, 1 to St. George). 

Batteries, Leelanclie (12 to St. Paul, 9 to St. George). 


M409 






M254 


21 




M344 


150 




Knobs, porcelain. No. 5J (85 to St. Paul, 65 to St. George). 

Soldering paste (i to St. Paul, J to St. George). 

Wire, annunciator, No. 18 (2 pounds 2 ounces to St. George, 2 

pounds 8 ounces to St. Paul). 
Solder, wire (5J to St. Paul, 4^ to St. George). 


M391 


J pound 




M422 


4 pounds, 10 

ounces. 
10 pounds 




M1044 





M381 






Sal ammoniac (11 to St. Paul, 9 to St. George). 


O M. 






Pliers, No. 7, side-cutting (2 to St. Paul, 2 to St. George). 











To St. Paul: 

Six batteries, Edison, type V, porcelain cell, 150 ampere-hours. 
Six extra charges, complete, for type V cell. 
Six gaskets, rubber, for Edison-Lalande batteries. 

W. I. Lembkey, Agent in Charge. 
Request 1101. 



Dept. Req. No. 7459. 



requisition for supplies. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Alaskan Fur-Seal Fisheries, 

March 6, 1907. 
To the Chief Clerk: 

Please cause to be furnished to this bureau for official use the supplies specified 
below. 

W. I. Lembkey. 
Approved . 

W. R. B., Acting Chief Clerk. 





Quantity. 




Articles. 






Desired. 


Issued. 




M 149.... 


2 


Tumblers. 








.'i 


:!■ 









Received the above February 9, 1907 



W. I. Lembkey, 
Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries. 



570 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



Dept. Req. No. 7614. 



REQUISITION FOR SUPPLIES. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Division of Seal Fisheries, 
^, March 29, 1907. 

To the Chief Clerk: 

Please cause to be furnished to this bureau for official use the supplies specified 
below. 

W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge. 
Approved. 

W.R.B., Chief Clerk. 



Item No. 


Quantity. 


Articles. 




Desired. 


Issued. 




M 




4 gross 

20 yards 


Velox, 8 by 10, photographic, at $9 


83);. 00 






Sheeting, for mounting photos, at 35 cents 


7.00 






Developing plates (48) 


.50 













Received the above March 14, 1907. 



W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries. 



April 15, 1907. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries, 

Department of Commerce and Labor. 
Sir: In compliance with the request contained in the letter dated 
the 11th ultimo, from the North American Commercial Co., the col- 
lector of customs at San Francisco and the deputy collector of cus- 
toms at Unalaska have been requested to permit the company named 
to ship from either of said ports to the Pribilof Islands during the 
current hscal year liquors for medicinal purposes only, and arms and 
ammunition, as follows: 

St. Paul Island {population — native, 167; white., 9; total, 176). 



4 barrels beer. 

2 cases whisky. 

6 kegs whisky (30 gallons). 

1 keg brandy (5 gallons). 

2 kegs rum (5 gallons each). 
1 case gin. 

4 cases claret. 



2 cases still wine. 

2 kegs port wine (5 gallons each). 

2 kegs sherry wine (5 gallons each). 

20 gallons alcohol. 

1 case champagne. 

200 pounds powder. 

5 M cartridges, .22 caliber. 



St. George Island (population — native, 94; white, 7; total, 101). 



3 barrels beer. 

2 kegs whisky (5 gallons each). 

1 case whisky. 

2 kegs brandy (5 gallons each). 

3 cases still wine. 
1 case gin. 



I keg port wine (5 gallons). 

1 keg sherry wine (5 gallons). 

5 gallons alcohol. 

100 pounds powder. 

200 cartridges, .38 caliber. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 571 

In respect to the liquors above mentioned, the company has been 
informed that the arbitrary designation of barrels, cases, kegs, etc., 
may be disregarded, and the liquors sliipped in packages di.Terent 
from those mentioned, provided the whole amount of each kind of 
liquor shipped does not exceed the amount specified in the foregoing 
list. 

Respectfully, ■ Lawrence O. Murray, 

Assistant Secretary. 



July 9, 1907. 
Mr. Walter I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge of Seal Fisheries, 

Prihilof Islands, AlasTca. 
Sir: In compliance with the request contained in the letter dated 
the 1st instant, from the North American Commercial Co., the 
collector of customs at San Francisco and the deputy collector of 
customs at Unalaska have been requested to permit the company 
named to ship from either of said ports to the Prihilof Islands during 
the current fiscal year the following-named ammunition : 

St. Paul Island: 250 pounds powder; 250 cartridges, .44 caliber; 
10,000 cartridges, .22, long; 10,000 cartridges, .22, short; 500 car- 
tridges, .25-.20. 

St. George Island: 1,000 cartridges, .44 caliber; 2,000 cartridges, 
.22 caliber. 

You will please be governed accordingly. 
Yours, very respectfully, 

Lawrence O. Murray, 

Assistant Secretary. 

July 17, 1907. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge of Seal Fisheries, 

St. Paul Island, Prihilof Group, Alaslca. 
Dear Sir: I inclose herewith hst of ordnance and ordnance 
stores furnished to this department by the Ordnance Department, 
United States Army, for use in the protection of the Prihilof Islands 
and Government property thereon. These arms and ammunition 
are to be transported to the islands by the steamer Homer of the 
North American Commercial Co. 

The arms and ammunition described in the accompanying lists 
must be taken up on your property returns and report made annu- 
ally to tliis ofRce, in order that this office may in turn make its 
semiannual returns of ordnance and ordnance stores to tlie Ordnance 
Department, United States Army. 

With kindest personal regards to yourself and the other fur-seal 
agents, I remain. 

Very truly, yours, F. H. Bowen, 

Chief Cleric. 



572 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



Department of Commerce anh Labor, 

Alaskan Fttr Seat. Fisheries, 

Sepfemler 16, 1907. 
To the Chief Clerk: 

Please cause the supplies specified below to be furnished for the official use of this 
. W. I. Lbmbkey. 



Approved. 



F. H. B., Chief Clerh. 



Item No. 



Quantity. 



Articles. 



391a 

1290O.M. 

kr>, MI 252 

m M58y 

400 

M75 

46 

16 

1.3 

22Cc 

322 

321 ba 

322b 

290b 

396ay 

441 

46ay 

217 

216c 

238 

396 

156a 

161a 

395 

208 

196 

275a 

253 

258ay 

258 

379b 

393 

398 

397a 

32Sc 

325y 



2 

1 

1 

2 

4 

2 

24 sheets 

1 

1 

§ doz 

1 gross 

....do 

....do 

....do 

11 

2 

4 doz 

2 

ilb 

2 

1 

2 

2 

2 

2 

1 

i doz 

2 doz 

i doz 

— do 

2 

2 

4 

2 

i doz 

pieces 



Steel erasers. 

Desk brush (counter brush). 

Whisk broom. 

Waste baskets, wire. 

Desk bookracks. 

Cuspidors, iron. 

Blotters, large sheets, granite. 

Ream, typewriter, second sheets, 8 x lOJ. 

Ream, typewriter, continuation sheets, 8 x 10* 

Boxes, Gem clips. 

Rubber bands, No. 30. 

Rubber bands, No. 19. 

Rubber bands. No. 32. 

Steel pens, Miller Bros., carbon stub, 4, 

Paper weights, No. 60. 

Blotter holders. 

Blotters for blotter holders. 

Pincushions. 

Pins, medium, No. 4. 

Library paste, 4-ounce. 

Paper weight, No. 200 W. 

Inkstands, 2|" square. 

Sponge cups, reservoir. 

Shears, 8". 

Bottles, red ink, 4-ounee. 

Quart writing fluid. Carter's. 

Penholders, cork tips. 

Pencils, black— Mongol, No. 2; Sequoia, medium 

Pencils, red, Faber's. 

Pencils, blue. 

Rulers, boxwood, 18-inch. 

Letter openers, steel. 

Bill files. 

Pin racks, glass base. 

Ink erasers, rubber, Comet. 

PencU erasers, rubber. Premier, No. 20. 



Received the above September 18, 1907. 



W. I. Lembkey, 
Per F. C. Hall. 



MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT*. THE FACTS IN THIS MATTER OP 
THAT COLLAPSE OF THE LAND KILLING ON THE PRIBYLOV ISLANDS, 
SEASON OF 1907. 



The Secretary of Commerce and Labor says on page 53 of his last 
annual report to the President dated December 1, 1907: 

During the period from May 12 to June 29, 1907, there were driven on St. Paul Island 
16,089 individual seals, of which 10,966, or 68 per cent, were killed. On St. George, 
from June 7 to July 29, 4,636 animals were driven, and 2,072, or 44 per cent, were 
killed. 

When the Secretary says that "16,089 individual seals" were 
driven on the St. Paul Island last summer, out of which only " 10,966 
were killed," thus leaving 5,123 as spared, he makes an utterly un- 
founded assertion, and for which he has no valid warrant. It seems 
fairly incredible that his agents on the islands are ignorant of the fol- 
lowing points, which deny in toto this official statement of the Sec- 
retary, as above quoted : 



SEAT. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 573 

When the killable seals on the islands are driven up from the several 
hauUng grounds, say, from Tolstoi, for instance, to the killing grounds, 
they are looked over before they are clubbed by the natives; if a seal 
is not large enough, or has a torn skin, etc., that seal is not killed; it 
is turned away; it goes back soon thereafter to the water; it returns 
speedily to that place from whence it was driven (Tolstoi), and hauls 
out there again, along with the others like itself and new arrivals, 
which have been hauling there ever since this drive was made early 
in the morning or during the day before; but when that seal was 
spared, as above described, it was turned off from tlie killing grounds 
with no mark of any sort placed upon it for identification by the 
natives. It was, however, counted at the time as one of those 
"individual seals" thus released and spared during that day's work. 
There may have been 100, or 200, or 300 such seals thus released on 
this day, and so recorded as being below or above the standard size 
ordered taken. 

After the lapse of three or four days, another, or the second drive 
of tills season, is made from Tolstoi; in its progress this rejected seal 
above described, and all the others hke it, are hustled up with the 
new arrivals, and it is again driven over to the killing grounds; again 
it is turned away for tlie second time; again it returns to Tolstoi; but 
it has been counted again as another "individual seal," when it is 
not so, and it will be recounted again and again in this manner just 
as often as it shall be redriven from Tolstoi during the entire season. 

Thus, a single released or spared seal during the season is actually 
counted into this sum total of spared seals, which the Secretary says 
were spared, anywhere from at least two, and at the most, 10 or 12 
times! 

In tliis improper citation of 5,123 seals as driven and then spared 
during the season of 1907 on tlie Pribylov Islands, it is proper to say 
that not to exceed 1,500 small, "runty" seals were actually saved 
from the club on St. Paul, and some 200 to 300 such seals left alive 
on St. George! 

Of necessity, in the light [of conditions] as above shed, it is impos- 
sible for anyone to give an accurate sum total of the "individual 
seals" thus driven and then spared; but, nevertheless, a competent 
investigator, in reading the lines of this report of the Secretary of 
Commerce and Labor, will quickly read between them correctly. By 
so doing, he understands at once that really desperate status of our 
fur-seal herd to-day, and of wliich tins high official report does not 
even hint. 

Henry W. Elliott. 

17 Grace Avenue, Lakewood, Ohio, January 17, 1907. 



vSecretary's report contains no statement such as EUiott imputes^ 

Lembkey. 



1908. 
Part I. Instructions to Agents and Agents' Reports. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Assistant Secretary, 

Washington, March 4, 1908, 
The honorable the Secretary of Commerce and Labor. 

Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith the original of a letter 
from the North American Commercial Co., the lessee of the sealing 
right on the Pribilof Islands, stating that by reason of their failure to 
renew the charter of the vessel they have been sending to the islands 
for some years past, they will have no passenger accommodations for 
the Government agents on the vessel which they will charter for the 
coming season of 1908. 

In view of the probability that Assistant Agent E. W. Clark, who is 
there already, will not be well enough to stay on the islands during two 
successive winters, it will be necessary for me to go to the islands this 
spring prepared to stay for a year, in which case it will be necessary 
also to take my wife with me. Agent Chichester also will go to the 
islands to remain a year. 

Because of the inability of the lessee to take passengers on its 
vessel, there is no other method for the agents to reach the islands 
than on one of the Government vessels engaging in the annual patrol 
about the islands. I have therefore the honor to request that per- 
mission be requested of the Secretary of the Treasury for accommo- 
dations from Seattle or San Francisco to the islands on a revenue 
cutter for myself and wife and Agent Chichester. 
Respectfully, 

W. I. Lembkey, 
Agent in Charge Seal Fisheiies. 



April 1, 1908. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge of Seal Islands, 

Department of Commerce and Lahor. 

Sir: Section 1. Order to Proceed to Islands. — You are 
directed to proceed to the seal islands in time to arrive there before 
the beginning of the sealing season of 1908, there to assume charge of 
the Government's interests on the islands. Assistant Agent H. D. 
Chichester will be instructed to accompany you to the islands and will 
report to you for instructions. 

Sec. 2. "Assignment of Assistants. — You will make such assign- 
ment of the assistant agents for the season's work as in your judgment 
will best subserve the interests of the service and the welfare of the 
native inhabitants, and will notifv the department of your action in 
this regard. 

574 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 575 

Sec. 3. Agents to Report to Washington. — At the close of the 
sealing season, or as soon thereafter as feasible, Assistant Agents 
James Judge and E. W. Clark will return to Washington and report 
for duty at the department. Assistant Agent Chichester, as well as 
yourself, will remam on the islands during the coming winter. 

Sec. 4. Copies of Contract Inclosed. — Inclosed herewith are 
copies of the contract between the United States and the North 
American Commercial Co., and it will be your duty and that of your 
assistants to see that its provisions are enforced and the rights of the 
Government and those of the lessee duly protected. 

Sec. 5. Decision in Event of Difference. — Should a difference 
of opinion arise at any time between yoiu'self and the representatives 
of the company in respect to a matter of administration on the islands, 
your decision must govern, but in all cases you should request the 
superintendent of the company to furnish a written statement of his 
views on the question involved. This statement should be trans- 
mitted to the dei^artment with an ex])ression of your own views at 
the earliest practicable moment. 

Sec. 6. Quota. — If the condition of the herd will ])ermit, the lessee 
may be allowed to take during the season of 1908 as many as 13,000 
male seals of the proper age on the island of St. Paul, and as many as 
2,000 on the island of St. George, but not more than the number spec- 
ified in either case: Provided, however, That in case the number of 
male seals hauling on St. George Island is so greatly in excess of the 
number usually hauling there as to convince the Government agent in 
charge on St. George that there has been a material contemporaneous 
diminution in the number of male seals hauling on St. Paul Island, 
said agent in charge may, in his discretion, authorize the taking of a 
total of not to exceed 3,000 seals on St. George Island. This taking 
is, of course, to be subject to all the other requirements and limita- 
tions of these regulations. The numbers to which the quotas of the 
two islands are thus limited shall be inclusive of any skins accepted 
by the company from food drives made ])rior to the present sealing 
season. No seals shall be taken this season that have reached the 
age of 4 years (i. e., seals that have attained their fifth summer), nor 
shall any seals be taken that are under 2 years of age. 

Sec. 7. Reservation of Young Males. — In order to remove all 
doubt as to the reservation of a sufficient number of male seals for the 
perpetuation of the herd, you are instructed to- release from among 
the best seals a])pearing in the first drives of the season not less than 
1,000 3-year-old males and not less than 1,000 2- year-old males. Of 
the 3-year-olds and 2-year-olds to be reserved, 800 of each shall be 
released on the island of St. Paul and 200 of each on the island of 
St. George. Ihe seals thus released are to be marked in such a 
manner as will make them readily recognizable throughout the sea- 
son, and under no circumstances are they to be taken by the lessee. 

Sec. 8. Sizes of Killable Seals. — No seals shall be killed having 
skins weighing less than 5 ])ounds nor more than 8| pounds. Skins 
weighing less than 5 pounas or more than 8J pounds shall not be 
shipped from the islands, but shall be held there subject to such 
instructions as may be furnished 3^ou hereafter by the department. 

wSec. 9. Killing Season. — The killing season should begin as soon 
after the 1st of June as the rookeries are in condition for driving. 



576 SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Seals shall not be killed by the lessee later tlian July 31 . The killing 
of pups for food for tlie natives or for any other purpose is not to be 
permitted. 

Sec. 10. Seals for Food. — The number of seals to be killed by 
the natives for food for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 1908, shall 
not exceed 1,700 on the island of St. Paul and 500 on the island of 
St. George, subject to the same limitations and restrictions as apply 
to the killing of seals by the compan}^ for its quota. Care should be 
taken that no branded seals be killed in tlie drives for food. 

Sec. 11. Driving. — The representatives of the company on the 
islands should be required to give notice on the day preceding that 
on wliicli they desire to make a drive of seals, stating the name of 
the rookery selected. The time, place, tod manner of conducting 
all drives shall be subject to your approval. A representative of 
the Government should be present on the killing ground in each 
instance to superintend the kilHng. If at any time the methods 
employed in driving or killing appear in your judgment to be faulty 
or detrimental to the seal herd you should see that such methods 
are immediately corrected, indicating to the representative of the 
company what changes are to be made. 

Sec. 12. Killing Grounds. — As heretofore, you should establish 
on each of the islands killing grounds that can be reached by the 
shortest possible drive: Provided, however, That such killing grounds 
must be at places sufficiently distant from the rookeries to prevent 
annoyance from the deca3dng carcasses. 

Sec. 13. Acceptance of Skins. — In an opinion dated March 8, 
1902, it was held by the Solicitor of the Treasury that the lessee has 
no right to reject any of the skins taken from the seals which it has 
selected for killing. You will therefore see that all such skins, 
regardless of condition, are accepted. 

Sec. 14. Counting Skins. — All the sealskins should be carefully 
counted into the salt houses in the presence of the department agent 
and of the representative of the company, and a receipt, in dupli- 
cate, in the following form should be prepared and signed by said 
agent and by the representative of the company: 

St. Island, 

, 190—. 

We certify that there have been placed in salt in the salt house in our presence 
sealskins. 



Agent, United States Department of Commerce and Labor. 



Agent, North American Commercial Co. 

Sec. 15. Receipts for Sealskins Salted. — The original of the 
above receipt should be retained by the department agent and the 
duplicate be given to the representative of the North American Com- 
mercial Co. At the close of the season, when the sealsldns are again 
counted and sliipped on board the company's steamer, the usual 
ai^nual receipts should be signed by the captain of the steamer and 
the representative of the department. 

Sec. 16. Trading in Skins. — The North American Commercial 
Co. has tlie exclusive privilege under its contract of taking sealskins 
on the islands of St. Paul and St. George, and you should see that 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 577 

the Company is protected in this right. Care should be taken to 
prevent the disposal of skins by the natives to any other company 
or to any person. All trading in sealskins by the natives is stiictly 
proliibited, nor shall the natives be permitted to do any trading in 
rox skins. 

Sec. 17. Measures to Prevent Shipment of Skins by Natives. — 
To avoid the possibility of sealskins or fox sldns being surreptitiously 
sliipped from the islands, you are directed to continue the practice of 
examining all goods to be shipped by the natives, including baggage 
and personal eli'ects, and wliere barrels, casks, boxes, or other recep- 
tacles are used, they should be closed under your supervision, after 
an examination of their contents, before being placed in the warehouse. 
Any skins found concealed in packages to be sliipped by the natives 
should be seized and held, subject to instructions from the department. 

Sec. 18. Census of Seal Herd. — You are expected to make a. 
thorough examination into the condition of the seal herd during the 
coming season, and to make a careful count of the number of breeding 
seals, male and female, on the islands, and also a computation as 
accurate as possible, of the number of seals not breeding, including 
idle bulls, half bulls, bachelors, and virgin females. A careful enu- 
meration should also be made of the pups found dead at the close of 
the season, and such information as can be had regarding the cause 
of death reported; provided, however, that in case the presence of 
pelagic schooners near the islands at any time during the summer 
should make it unwise to so disturb the rookeries by counting as to 
drive off the breeding seals into the water, yourself, and the assistant 
agent in charge on St. George should use j^our discretion as to what 
further counts should be made, or wliether coiinting shoukl be dis- 
continued altogether for the remainder of the season. 

Sec. 19. vSealskins to be Weighed. — You are instructed to 
have the skins of the seals taken b)^ the lessee during the coming sea- 
son carefully weighed, and to keep a record of tlie weights for the 
information of the department. You should also weigh the skins of 
seals that are killed to supply food for the natives, and record the 
weights. The natives may be required to assist as far as practicable 
in the work of weighing. 

Sec. 20. Care of the Natives. — The care and welfare of the na- 
tives should receive your close attention, and you are directed to see 
that the lessee performs all of the obligations of its contract toward 
such natives. You should ascertain the prices charged at the com- 
pany's stores, compare them with the prices at San Francisco, and 
report any instances where the natiA^es are compelled to pay unfair 
prices. You should also inspect the articles supplied as to quality 
and c[uantity, and if they are in any manner deficient you should 
re])ort the fact to the department. 

Sec. 21. Compensation to Natives for Taking Skins. — In view 
of the increase of the prices charged the natives on the seal islands 
for necessaries of life by the lessee, the latter has been informed that 
the compensation to be paid by the company for killing, salting, 
curing, bundling, and loading the sealskins on the company's steamers 
will be 75 cents for each skin, instead of 50 cents a skin as heretofore. 
The increase of 25 cents per skin is designed to meet the increased 
cost of necessaries of life on the islands. It is the purpose of the 

2403— H. Doc. 93, 62-1 ^87 



578 SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

department to require that the prices of labor in the work of seahng 
by the natives shall be adjusted to meet as far as may be the increased 
cost of articles required for their subsistence. You are therefore 
directed to notify the department of any further increase in the 
prices of goods sold by the company to the natives. 'The money 
thus earned is to constitute a community fund for distribution among 
the natives according to their respective classes. At the close of the 
sealing season, after a conference with the native chiefs, yo\i will 
make such division of the fund among the natives according to their 
classification as is deemed fair and just and submit a report of such 
division, showing the amoimt apportioned to each native partici])at- 
ing in the fund. This report should be accompanied with an indorse- 
ment of approval from the native chiefs and a certificate from the 
company's agent that such funds have been credited to such natives 
on the books of the company. 

Sec. 22. Returns to Natives Under Fox Contract. — The con- 
tract granting the North American Commercial Co. the right to prop- 
agate on the islands of wSt. Paul and St. George the fur-bearing animal 
known as the blue fox will expire on April 1 instant. The ques- 
tion of renewing said contract for the ensuing fiscal year is now under 
consideration by the department. If a new contract is concluded, 
you will be advised in a later communication regarding its terms. 
Should you fail to receiA''e notice of the execution of such a contract, 
you are directed to see that no fox skins are taken by the company. 

In the absence of a contract with the company you will exercise 
your judgment as regards permitting any fox skins to be taken by the 
natives. If you are convinced that it will be advisable to allow the 
lolling of a certain quota of foxes, you may permit a reasonable quota 
to be taken under the direction of the Government agents, the skins 
to be delivered into your custody and to be retained by you awaiting 
instructions from the department as to the manner of their disposal. ■ 
If skins are thus taken, the question of applying the proceeds in 
whole or in part to the support of the natives will be given careful 
consideration. 

Sec. 23. Payment of Natives' Earnings. — The amounts that are 
earned from the compan}^ by the natives for labor other than sealing 
and foxing are to be paid to them in cash, and you will instruct the 
company's representatives accordingly. The funds earned from 
sealing and foxing, however, are to be disbursed on orders as heretofore. 
The payment to the natives of money from the appropriation for their 
maintenance, upon the orders of the Government agent, is strictly 
prohibited. Articles that do not properly come within the term 
"necessaries" should not be exposed for sale in the company's stores 
nor sold to the natives for the money they earn by labor. 

Sec. 24. Support of Natives. — Congress has been requested to 
appropriate the sum of $19,500 "to enable the Secretary of Commerce 
and Labor to furnish food, fuel, and clothing, and other necessaries 
of life to the native inhabitants on the islands of St. Paul and St. 
George, Alaska," during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1909. Should 
. this appropriation be made the greatest care and economy should be 
exercised in its expenditure. Articles of strict necessity only should 
be issued. No expensive dress goods, boots, or other articles are to 
be provided. Each of the natives should be restricted to one pair of 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 579 

dress shoes per year, and each of the women to one good dress. 
Ginghams, cahcoes, mushns, and similar inexpensive dress goods may 
be issued in reasonable quantities. 

The supply of fuel for the use of the natives is paid for from this 
appropriation, and the cost of such fuel should not be overlooked in 
determining how much of the appropriation is available for other pur- 

Eoses. In the distribution of supplies, no distinction is to be made 
etween persons without means and those having small savings from 
previous years. 

You will continue the plan adopted under previous instructions of 
issuing orders upon the company for such supplies as are required by 
the native inhabitants. At the end of the season, as heretofore, you 
will submit to the department the stubs of the orders given, payable 
from the appropriation, for use in verifying the accounts of the 
company. 

Sec. 25. Coal Supply. — The North American Commercial Co. has 
agreed to furnish during the coming season for use on the islands 
285 long tons of coal at $20 per ton, including delivery on the beach, 
185 tons to be delivered on St. Paul Island and 100 tons on St. George 
Island. This coal, with the 80 tons additional that the company is 
required to furnish under the terms of its contract, will make available 
for all purposes a supply of 365 tons, and in its distribution the 
widows and orphans and aged and infirm inhabitants of the islands 
of St. Paul and St. George are to be included. 

Of the 285 tons purchased from the company you may make the 
following distribution: 

St Paul Island: Tons. 

For the Government house 15 

For use of the natives 170 

St. George Island: 

For the Government house 15 

For use of the natives 85 

Total 285 

Of the 80 tons furnished by the company without charge under its 
contract, 50 tons may be distributed to the natives of St. Paul and 30 
tons to the natives of St. George. 

Sec. 26. Dw^ellings for Natives. — The agreement of the com- 
pany in its contract to furnish the native inhabitants of the islands a 
sufficient number of comfortable dwellings and to keep such dwell- 
ings in proper repair should be strictly enforced. 

Sec. 27. Schools for the Natives. — You will require the schools 
for the native children to be maintained from September 1 to May 1, 
and to be open five days in each week, the school hours to be from 
9 o'clock a. m. to 3 o'clock p. m., with an hour recess at noon, and 
15 minutes recess in the forenoon. 

It will be your duty to see that the teachers appointed by the com- 
pany are competent to teach the English language, and that they 
faithfully perform this duty. None but the English language shall 
be taught in the schools. 

If parents of the children on the islands desire to send them to the 
Jessie Lee Home at Unalaska, the department has no objection, pro- 
vided no expenditure of public money is involved in their transpor- 
tation to Unalaska, or their maintenjince and schooling while there. 



580 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

This course will also be permitted, under the same conditions, in the 
case of orphan children for whom provision is now made by the com- 
pany under its contract. 

Sec. 28. Widows, Orphans, Aged, and Infirm. — The company 
is required by its contract to provide the necessaries of life for the 
widows and orphans and aged and infirm inhabitants of the islands 
who are unable to provide for themselves, and you will see that this 
obligation is fully enforced. Widows and orphans having small 
sums of money to their credit should not be compelled to spend them 
and become wholly dependent before they are allowed to draw sup- 
plies under this provision in the company's contract. Such sums, as 
well as similar accounts held by other natives, may be drawn uj)on 
from time to time, ho\\ ever, with the consent and under the direction 
of the Government agent, for such reasonable articles as will con- 
tribute to the comfort of the persons possessing the funds. 

Sec. 29. Natives to Render Service. — In consideration of the 
support gratuitously afi'orded the natives by the Government, you are 
directed to utilize their services, when not required by the company, 
in repairing roads, guarding the rookeries, and performing such other 
duties as may seem desirable. This instruction is not to be regarded, 
however, as relieving the company from its obligation to employ the 
natives at a fair and just compensation for all such work as they are 
fitted to perform. 

Sec. 30. Election of Native Chiefs. — No interference should be 
permitted in the selection of their chiefs by the native inhabitants of 
the islands. If it should transpire, however, that persons manifestly 
unsuitable for the position are chosen, it will l)e your duty to interpose 
in the interest of good government and require the selection of proper 
persons, but such action should be taken only in extreme cases. 

Sec. 31. Sale of Intoxicants Prohibited. — The company agrees 
in its contract that it will not permit any of its agents to keep, sell, 
give, or dispose of any distilled spirits or spirituous liquors or opium 
on either of the islands or the waters adjacent thereto to any of the 
native inhabitants, such person not being a physician and furnishing 
the same for use as a medicine. This obligation is to be rigidly 
enforced. 

Sec. 32. Manufacture of Intoxicants Prohibited. — The brew- 
ing or distilling of intoxicating beverages on the islands is prohibited. 
In the enforcement of this provision you are authorized to discontinue 
the sale from the company's stores of sugar or other articles entering 
into the manufacture of intoxicants to any person who violates this 
order or who is found to be intoxicated. Should intoxication become 
so general among the people as to interfere with good government and 
jeopardize the peace, you are authorized to discontinue altogether 
the sale of sugar and of other articles entering into the manufacture 
of intoxicants for such length of time as may appear wise. 

Sec. 33. Removal for Cause. — Should natives or other pers^ons 
become so unruly or immoral in conduct as to endanger the peace and 
good government of the people, they should be removed from the 
islands, and the Revenue-Cutter Service will be instructed to render 
such assistance as may be necessary for that purpose. 

Sec. 34. Landing on the Islands Restricted. — No persons other 
than Government officers, representatives, and employees of the 
North Am?rican Commercial Co., and duly accredited representatives 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 581 

of the Russian Church shall be allowed to land on the islands except 
by written authority from the department. The permission granted 
representatives of the Russian Church to visit the islands ma}^ be 
suspended, however, when its exercise is attempted by an improper 
person. Visitors to the islands should not be permitted to inspect 
the rookeries except under your supervision. 

Sec. 35. Killing of Sea Lions to be Limited. — The preservation 
of the sea-lion rookeries on the islands is highly important. The kill- 
ing of these animals should be limited to such numbers as are abso- 
lutely necessary in providing for the construction of bidarras or skin 
boats. Sea-lion pups should not be killed for any purpose. 

Sec. 36. Information Regarding Affairs on the Islands. — 
No information regarding the seals, or any other matter pertaining 
to the seal islands, is to be given out by you or by any of the assistant 
agents. All applications for such information should be referred to 
the department. 

Sec. 37. Conclusion. — The maintenance of guards on isolated 
rookeries, to prevent illegal landings and raids, should be continued. 

Should questions arise involving matters not covered by these 
instructions it will be your duty to report the facts to the department 
and to await instructions, except in cases requiring immediate deci- 
sion, when you will take such action as sound judgment dictates. 

The instructions embodied in this letter are to remain in force until 
thej^ are superseded by later ones, and in the event of your failure to 
receive revised instructions for a subsequent season, the directions 
herein given are to be followed for such season so far as they are 
applicable. 

Three additional copies of this letter are inclosed herewith, and you 
are directed to furnish one of these copies to each of the assistant 
agents for their information and guidance. 
Respectfully, 

Lawrence O. Murray, 

Assistant Secretary. 



April 30, 1908. 

Sir: Authority is hereby given for the travel of yourself and 
Assistant Agent H. D. Chichester from Washington, D. C, to the 
Pribilof Islands, in the spring of 1908, and of Assistant Agents James 
Judge and E. W. Clark from the Pribilof Islands to Washington, 
D. C., in the fall of 1908, such travel to be by the most direct 
and usually traveled routes. If excess baggage is necessary for the 
travel authorized, charges therefor may be mcluded in amounts not 
to exceed $30 for each agent for the trip going out. On the return 
trip 100 pounds of excess baggage will be allowed, if actually neces- 
sary, and not to exceed 250 pounds may be transported as freight 
direct from San Francisco, Cal., through the Quartermaster's Depart- 
ment via Ogden. 

The actual necessary expenses of yourself and the assistant agents 
for board and lodging at San Francisco, Cal., not to exceed $5 per 
diem, during such reasonable time as may be necessary for the trans- 
action of official business pending your departure for Alaska, wdll be 
allowed. Your arrival on the Pacific coast should be so timed as to 
relieve the department of any charges for detention there for a longer 
period than required for the transaction of official busmess. This 



682 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

injunction applies as well to the stay on the Pacific coast of yourself 
and the assistant agents upon your return from Alaska en route to 
the department. 

Yours, respectfully, " Oscar S. Straus, 

Secretary. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Seal Islands, 

Department of Commerce and Lnhor. 



[Memorandum in re printing a new edition of the pamplilet containing the Paris award (fur-seal 

fisheries).] 

Since the transfer from the Treasury Department of the fur-seal 
service it is not known that an}^ applications have been made to this 
department for copies of the document in question. Furthermore, 
there is no apparent need in this department for pamphlet copies of 
the award. So far as I can see, the printing of the award in pam- 
phlet form will meet no necessity in this depa,rtment. 

W. I. Lembkey. 

May 4, 1908. 



[Telegram.] 

San Francisco, Cal., May 20, 190S. 
Secretary Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C. 
Sailing delayed until 24th. Address Hotel Jefferson. 

Lembkey, 
Agent Seal Fisheries. 



May 22, 1908. 

Sir: I have given a letter, of which the inclosed is a copy, to Hon. 
Francis W. Cushman, M. C., granting permission to Capt. A. M. 
Baber, the concessionary of the Eskimo village at the Alaska- Yukon- 
Pacific Exposition, to taking moving pictures of the natives and 
scenery on the Pribilof Islands, Alaska. 

My purpose is to permit him to photograph anything he finds of 
interest, excepting the actual killing of the seals. The President 
agrees with me that to take moving pictures of the actual killing of 
the seals and to exhibit them promiscuously, which, of course, would 
be done, would have a brutalizing effect, and it is not in the interest 
of public morals that such should be done. Therefore, I have care- 
fully eliminated any permission to photograph the process of killing. 
I have also reserved in you the right to supervise the permission, 
knowing that you will use your good judgment in the matter, as I 
see no objection whatever to taking pictures which will illustrate 
the scenery and the life, customs, habits, and dwelling places of the 
natives. Views of this kind are not only interesting, but instructive 
from an anthropological point of view. 

In this connection I also beg to advise you that I brought the 
subject of your letter, recommending the sending of a gunboat, to 
the attention of the President, and he directed the Secretary of the 
Navy to send the same. It is very important that you use good 
and calm judgment, and I also desire to warn you against any mis- 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 583 

understandings or conflict of authority. All of this kind of disa- 
ojreenients can be easily avoided, and I am sure you will avoid them 
by the use of tact and good judgment. Such conflicts always dis- 
credit the service, are harmful to the best interests of the Govern- 
ment, and defeat the very purposes intended to be served. I tnist 
nothing untoward will happen this season, and that the gunboat 
will prove to be the ounce of prevention. 

Respectfully, Oscar S. Straus, 

Secretary. 
Mr. Walter. I. Lemkey, 

Agent in Charge of Seal Fisheries of Alasl'a, 

Prihilof Islands, Alaslca, 
Care North American Coramercial Co., San Francisco, Col. 



[Copy.] 

May 22, 1908. 

Sir: I be^ to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 19th 
instant, advising me that between June and October, 1909, there 
Avill be held at Seattle, Wash., the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposi- 
tion, and that one of the great features of this exposition is designed 
to be not only an exhibit of the resources of Alaska, but also 
numerous exhibits showing the life and customs of the natives; and 
further, that Capt. A. W. Lewis, director of the division of conces- 
sions of said fair, has written you that one Capt. A. W. Baber, a 
resident of vSeattle, has been granted a concession by the fair to place 
therein an exhibit showing the ''Eskimo village;" that a part of this 
exhibit is intended to be a moving-picture theater, and that Capt. 
Baber expects to secure the pictures for this exhibit, or a part of 
them, on the islands of St. Paul and St. George, comprising the group 
known as the Pribilof Islands, located in Bering Sea; and that Capt. 
Baber owns the schooner Sophia Johnson, and intends to leave Seattle 
for the islands on May 25. You ask that Capt. Baber be given a 
permit to land upon these islands, and that written authority be sent 
you which will enable him to do so, and that it will be perfectly sat- 
isfactory if such documents contain any and all restrictions which I 
may wish to incorporate therein. 

Authority is hereby given to Capt. Baber to land on the Pribilof 
Islands, namely, St. Paul and St. George, and to take pictures of the 
natives and of the scenery, under such restrictions and conditions as 
may be imposed by the department's agent in charge of said islands.- 
It is. expressly understood, however, that Capt. Baber shall not take 
pictures of the killing of the seals, for the reason that I deem it contrary 
to the public interest to exhibit the slaughtering of these animals 
before promiscuous audiences who can not be familiar with the cir- 
cumstances and conditions which permit such slaughtering to be done 
under carefully guarded limitations and supervision. 

A copy of this letter will be forwarded to Mr. Walter I. Lembkey, 
agent in charge of seal fisheries of Alaska, Pribilof Islands, care of 
North American Commercial Co., San Francisco, Cal. 
Respectfully, 

(Signed) Oscar S. Straus, 

Secretary. 

Hon. Francis W. Cushman, 

House of Representatives, Washington, D. C. 



684 seal islands of alaska. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Division of Alaskan Fisheries, 

Washington. 

St. Paul Island, Alaska, August I4, 1908. 

Sir : I have the honor of acknowledging the receipt of yoiir letter of 
May 22 last, kindly inclosing for my information a copy of your letter 
to Hon. F. W. Cushman of even date, granting permission to Capt. 
A. W. Baber, of Seattle, to take photographs on the seal islands 
for exhibition in a moving-picture theater at the Alaska- Yukon 
Exposition. 

In this connection I have the honor to report that Capt. Baber 
landed on St. Paul July 1 on the gasoline schooner Sophia Johnson. 
While I did not have at that time the copy of the letter to which you 
refer, I carefully scrutinized his letter of authority furnished by you, 
and informed him that he was welcome to photograph anything he 
might see on the island except the actual killing of seals, which, how- 
ever, was not then in progress. Accompanied by a guide furnished 
by me, therefore, he visited a rookeiy and remained there for nearly 
two hours taking photographs of seals. He also photographed agents, 
natives, dwellings, boats, etc., after which he returned aboard and 
set out for Nome. 

Adverting to that portion of your letter enjoining the avoidance of 
misunderstanding and conflict of authority by the use of tact and 
good judgment, it gives me pleasure to say tliat I have endeavored 
sedulously during the past summer and before to establish relations 
of cordiality with all whose duty connects them witli this reservation, 
and especially with the commanders of patrolling vessels. Outside 
of any ethical reason, harmony is essential from a practical stand- 
point, as the islands are dependent upon these vessels for protection 
and assistance, and the best measure of each can not be obtained 
without good will. That I have been more or less successful in main- 
taining this relation is shown by the readiness with which each sug- 
gestion for the furtherance of the islands' interests was acted upon 
this summer by the Cutter Service. It is only fair to state, however, 
that in this endeavor I have been more than met by the revenue- 
cutter captains, who have overlooked no opportunity to cooperate 
in conserving the interests of the Government. ' I feel very grateful 
to them. 

I had no opportunit}^ of communicating with the captain of the 
'Yorktown, which arrived off this island about July 7, and approached 
the village but twice, when she remained only a short time. On each 
of these occasions I was absent at Northeast Point on official business, 
and upon my return to the village the YorMown had steamed away. 
None of the officers or men from the Yorktovm came ashore. 

During the remainder of the season I apprehend no serious com- 
plication in connection with the pelagic fleet oif the island. 
Very respectfully, 

W. I. Lembkey, 
Agent in Charge of •Seal Fisheries. 

To Hon. Oscar S. Straus, 

Secretary of Commerce and Lahor. 



seal islands of alaska. 585 

Hotel Jefferson, 
San Francisco. 

Dear Mr. Secretary: We leave to-morrow at 6.30 a. m., hoping 
to reach the islands before June 15. I will report my arrival there 
together with a brief resume of conditions as foimd upon arrival. I 
have your telegram announcing the detail of a gunboat. 
^ Very truly, yours, 

W. I. Lembkey. 
Hon. Oscar S. Straus, 

Secretary of Commerce and Labor. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 
Division of Alaskan Fisheries. 

June 15, 1908. 
The honorable the Secretary of Commerce and Labor. 

Sir: I have the honor to request information as to what arrange- 
ments, if any, have been made to transport Agents Judge and Clark, 
with their A\ives, from the seal islands to the States. 

The agents' travel heretofore has been on the steamer of the North 
American Commercial Co., lea^-ing the islands near August 15 of 
each year. This jeav, however, the company is unable to haul any 
of the agents from the islands because its steamer has no passenger 
accommodations and space enough to carry only its own emploj^ees. 
It is really necessary for the agetits tliis fall to avail themselves of 
the means of transportation afforded by the revenue cutters now on 
patrol. 

The sealing season on the islands closes on July 31, after wdiich the 
agents mentioned desire to return to the States. Agent Judge and 
his vrdQ have spent two successive winters on the islands and Agent 
Clark and Ms wife one year. The cutters, under their instructions, 
will not leave the sea until November 1 or thereabouts. Even under 
this arrangement, should transportation on cutters be furnished 
them, it is obvious that it would be in the nature of a hardship to 
require Agents Judge and Clark to remain on the islands for over two 
months after their work has been completed solely for lack of trans- 
portation, especially when they have spent already two and one 3'ears, 
respectively, at their stations. This would result in taking that 
amount of time from the short period they have to remain in the 
States. 

At the time of my departure from Wasliington in May the question 
of the transportation of the agents from the islands this fall was 
being discussed between Acting Secretary Earl and Capt. Ross, of 
the Revenue-C/Utter Service, but no definite arrangement had been 
made when I left. 

If it is not feasible for a cutter to take the agents mentioned from 
the islands directly to Seattle near the 1st of August, I have the 
honor to suggest that arrangements be made for a cutter to call for 
them at the islands at that time and take them to Valdez, where 
they ma}' take a steamer for Seattle. Tliis latter arrangement will 
meet the situation and will not result in taking a cutter off the patrol 
for any extended period. 

Respectfully, W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge of Seal Fisheries. 



586 seal islands of alaska. 

Department of Commerce and Labor. 

Division of Alaskan Fisheries, 

Washington. 

St. Paul Island, Alaska, June 17, 1908. 

Sir: I have the honor to report my arrival, on the 12th instant, 
at this station. 

I left San Francisco May 24 on the McCulloch and arrived at 
Unalaska, via Sitka, on June 10. On the Uth instant I left Una- 
laska on the Rush, landing on St. Paul the following day. Agent 
Chichester, who came with me, was landed on St, George b}^ the 
Rush on June 14. I was unable to land on the latter island because 
of bad weather. 

Conditions on St. Paul were found to be good. Agent Judge is 
entitled to commendation for his efficient management of affairs 
during the winter. Reports received from St. George from Agent 
Clark indicate favorable conditions there. 

No seals have been killed this spring except a few for food. The 
salt house on St. Paul Island contained, on my arrival, 1,192 seal- 
skins. No marking of bachelors has occurred on St. Paul, because 
few seals of that character have hauled as yet. 

A critical exammation of the breeding bulls found on the rookeries 
of this island indicates that the number of this class will be as large 
as last year, and probably greater. Numbers of yoi ng bulls, sta- 
tioned for the first time, are noted, demonstrating the efficacy of the 
regulations reserving bachelors for breeding purposes. 

Only a few cows have arrived, and no opportunity has been afforded 
for judging what decrease in their numbers has occurred during past 
year. 

No sealing schooners thus far have been sighted in the sea. The 
cutter patrol, however, already is active. Two vessels are con- 
stantly about St. Paul, and a third visits St. George at intervals of 
about two days, spending the remaining time at St. Paul, around 
which the whole sealing fleet gathers. In their journey to Unalaska, 
all of the cutters followed the coast line of Alaska, but only two 
sealing schooners — both Japanese — were encountered during that 
cruising. A sealing schooner of the nationality mentioned is reported 
to have landed a portion of its crew near Sicka, in the close vicinity 
of the naval station at that port, who were engaged in fishing and 
killing game out of season until they were apprehended by a posse 
comitatus under the direction of the United wStates deputy marshal 
at Sitka. 

I will report conditions here during the summer at every oppor- 
tunity. 

Respectfully, W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries. 

Hon. Oscar S. Straus, 

Secretary of Commerce and Labor. 



seal islands of alaska. 587 

Department of Coaimerce and Labor, 

Division of Alaskan. Fisheries. 

Washington. 

June 17, 1908. 

My Dear Mr. Bo wen: May I ask you to forward to me at St. Paul 
Island about 25 copies of my recent report on the seal fisheries? I 
had mailed several to the islands, but they went astray in the mails. 
If they were mailed soon after the receipt of tliis letter, in care of the 
North American Commercial Co., Mills feuilding, San Francisco, they 
would reach us by the vessel of that company sailing from the port 
named on Jul}^ 25. 

We had a rather rough passage to the islands, but arrived safely, and 
find conditions on the island everything that might be expected. We 
have two cutters constantly about St. Paul Island, while one devotes 
a portion of her time about St . George. No sealing schooners have been 
seen in tlie sea so far, but 38 Japanese are known to be on their way. 
With the efficient patrol, we do not anticipate any raids, although the 
artillery is planted, the small arms ready for use, and guards placed on 
the rookeries. 

Mr. Judge and Maj. Clark will be witli you during the winter, but 
when they will arrive I can not say, as they will have to depend upon 
cutters for passage down, and the cutters do not leave until November. 

With thanks in advance for the favor involved in the above request 
and with my personal regards. I am, belicA^e me. 

Very sincerely, yoiu's, W. I. Lembkey. 

Mr. F. H. Bowen, 

Chief Clerk. 

July 6, 1908. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Chief Agent, St. Paul Island, Prihilof Group, Alaska. 

My Dear Mr. Lembkey: I have received your letter of June 17, 
and in accordance with your request am sending you 50 copies of your 
last report on the seal fisheries. I find that we have a large number 
of copies of the report, so have taken the liberty of sending the addi- 
tional copies also. The packages containing these reports slioidd 
reach you on the same boat that brings tliis letter. 

I am very glad lo get your letter and to loiow that everything is in 
good shape on and around the islands so far as the protection of the 
seals is concerned. I trust \vith the additional cutters on patrol and 
with your shore armament the Japanese or other pirates will not attack 
the rookeries this year. I Avish you might be Avith us during the com- 
ing winter, but I shall do all that I can to assist Maj. Clark and Mi'. 
Judge wliile they are here. I suppose there is one consolation about 
staying on the islands, namely, that letters from friend Elliott are not 
as frequent as they are here in Wasliington. I think we have not 
heard from him since your departure from Washington. 

With kindest regards and very best wishes for your health and com- 
fort, I remain. 

Very truly, yours, Frank H. Bowen, 

Chief Clerk. 



588 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

[Copy — original too faint for reproduction.] 
[Telegram.] 

San Francisco, Cal., June 30, 1908. 
William L. Soleau, 

Disbursing Cleric, Dejjartment Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C: 

Vouchers for salary for fiscal year ended June 30, 1907, on way to 
Washington. Please prevent amount of same going back into Treas- 
ury under one-year rule. 

James Judge, 
Assistant Agent, Seal Islands. 



July 27, 1908. 

Sir: The department is in receipt of your letter of June 15, 1908, 
advising it that this year the North American Commercial Co. is 
unable to ' ' haul any of the agents from the islands because its steamer 
has no passenger accommodations and space enough to carry only 
its own employees," and requesting that arrangements be made for the 
use of a revenue cutter to transport Agents Judge and Clark from the 
islands at the termination of their services, about August 1, 1908. 

In reply thereto you are advised that orders have been issued by 
the Treasury Department to Capt. Munger, of the Revenue-Cutter 
Service, to transfer Agents Judge and Clark, with their wives, from the 
islands to Unalaska, thus enabling them to connect with the steamer 
Dora for the United States. The Treasury Department was requested 
to furnish a cutter to transport the agents, with then- wives, from the 
islands to Seattle, *but upon consideration it was determined that this 
request could not be granted, as no cutter was available for the trip 
except those now patrolling the waters in the vicinit^T- of the islands, 
and the vessels engaged in the patrol could not be spared for that 
length of time. 

The department trusts that the arrangement finally agreed upon, 
as above indicated, will prove satisfactory, as it is the best that could 
be done under the circumstances. 

Very respectfully, Wm. R. Wheeler, 

Assistant Secretary. 

Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Chief Agent, St. Paul Island, Pribilof Group, Alaslca. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 
Division of Alaskan Fisheries. 

St. Paul Island, Alaska, Octobers, 1908. 
Sir: In view of the fact that the North American Commercial Co. 
now has no facilities for carrying the Government agents from the 
seal islands to the States, I have the honor to request that the Treas- 
ury Department be asked to authorize a cutter to take myself and 
wife to St. Michaels next summer, where I may take passage either 
on a river steamboat going up the Yukon to connect with the White 
Pass Railroad at White Horse Rapids, or on an ocean steamer going 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 589 

to Seattle. As it is the practice for a revenue cutter to report at St, 
Michaels every two weeks during the summer to communicate by 
wireless with the department, such journey will entail no extra 
service on the cutter's part, nor will it result in taking the cutter 
off patrol duty. 

In view of the advantage which the journey on the Yukon will 
afford in acquainting myself with conditions in Alaska, of which, at 
the present time I am unfamiliar, I urgently request that I may be 
authorized to return to Washington next summer by way of the 
Yukon River. The slight extra expense involved, in my opinion, 
will be justified. I infer that Agent Chichester, also, will be willing to 
take the same journey. 

Very respectfully, W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge of Seal Fisheries. 

Hon. Oscar S. Straus, 

Secretary of Commerce and Lahor. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Division of Alaskan Fisheries, 

Washington. 

St. Paul Island, Alaska, August 13, 1908. 

Sir: I have the honor to report that the lessee of the sealing con- 
cession on the Pribilof Islands secured, during the season ended 
July 31, 1908, its full designated quota of 15,000 sealskins, of which 
2,500 were taken on St. George and 12,500 on St. Paul. Of the whole 
number taken, the company will ship to San Francisco on its steamer 
Grace Dollar, 14,964 skins. From its catch during the season men- 
tioned there were retained on the islands by the Government agents 
33 small and 4 large skins taken by the company, the weights of which 
failed to conform to the regulation requiring that skins taken should 
weigh over 5 and under 8^ pounds. 

The count of breeding bulls stationed on the rookeries of St. Paul 
Island during the season of 1908 is as follows: Bulls with harems, 
1,062: idle bulls, 90; young bulls, ''quitters," 45; water bulls, 68. 

The above figures, which represent an accurate count of all bulls 
on the island, show a decrease of 81 stationed bulls from the count of 
the preceding year, 1907. 

On St. George Island the count of bulls stationed in 1908 shows 
the following: Bulls with harems, 241; idle bulls, 34; "quitters," 27. 

The foregoing count for St. George indicates an increase of 54 
stationed bulls over the number present in 1907. The counts for both 
islands show that, notwithstanding the heavy killing of seals in the 
water, a slight increase in the number of breeding bulls on the two 
islands has occurred. 

The fact that the number of bulls found on St. Paul indicates a 
decrease, while that on St. George an increase is due, in my opinion, 
to the presence of practically the whole pelagic fleet about St. Paul, 
operating so close to land that on several instances the noise of their 
gunfire drove oft' the young male seals from their hauling grounds. 
This constant disturbance in the water and on land has had the 
effect during this and the preceding year of forcing bachelors to St. 



690 SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

George, where there is Httle disturbance, and, undoubtedly, of 
diminishing the number of bulls that normally would have hauled on 
St, Paul. How many of these males perished in the waters about the 
islands through the agency of pelagic sealing can not be known. 

Because of the constant presence of pelagic schooners about the 
islands and the counter effort on our part to avoid all possible dis- 
turbance of the rookeries beyond that absolutely necessary, the 
counting of pups to determine the number of cows present was 
limited to one rookery on each island — Ketovi on St. Paul and 
North on St. George. These counts, while approximately accurate, 
are unsatisfactory in that they show the condition of these rookeries 
to be practically the same as last year, without indicating that any 
decrease has occurred as the result of the steady destruction of seals 
in the water. While this decrease is visually apparent on the rook- 
eries when taken as a whole, Ketovi and North rookeries for some 
reason unknown at present neither present this diminution to the 
eye nor disclose it when an actual count of seals present thereon is 
made. Under ordinaiy circumstances it would have been desirable 
to extend this counting to other rookeries, but to do so would have 
entailed the driving into the water of all breeding seals on such 
rookeries, a practice which would have merited the favorable indorse- 
ment of the whole pelagic fleet. liather than make these further 
counts for the purpose of determining not that a decrease had occurred 
but merely the rate or volume of such decrease, I deemed it to be 
for the best interests of the service to allow the matter to rest with 
the enumeration of but one rookeiy on either island. 

Pelagic sealing about the islands has been more active than hitherto, 
and, if anything, the sealers have been more aggressive than before. 
This summer instances have been noted repeatedly at Northeast 
Point on St. Paul of the boats from half a dozen schooners advancing 
abreast on that rookery until within a short distance of shore, when 
their occupants would begin a fusillade from their shotguns which 
would have the effect of disturbing the seals and of driving many 
of those ashore into the water. The boats then would withdraw 
to a safe distance from shore and their crews proceed to kill those 
seals which they had just frightened off the land. This practice 
has had the effect of materially decreasing the catch of sealskins 
from Northeast Point rookeiy, the largest on the islands, and un- 
doubtedly of augmenting the pelagic catch. On several occasions 
boats from the schooners came so close to shore shooting seals that 
the native guards were obliged to fire off their rifles to warn the 
marauders away. No landings were made on either of the two islands 
in the reservation, although a boat's party from the Saikai Maru 
was observed to land on Walrus Island, an islet unfrequented by 
seals in numbers and uninhabited by man. The remains of a seal 
carcass were found on this island after the boat's party had departed. 

Two Japanese schooners were seized this summer, on July 22, both 
by the U. S. S. Bear. On this occasion both schooners were found 
kdling seals inside the 3-mile limit and had not breeze enough to 
escape upon the approach of the cutter. They were named respec- 
tively the Saikai Maru and the Kinsei Maru. The schooners were 
towed to Unalaska by the U. S. S. Rush, whence later the crews were 
taken by the Bear to Unga for commitment proceedings before a 
United States commissioner. 



SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 591 

The patrol by vessels of the Revenue-Cutter Service durmg the past 
summer has been the best m the history of the islands. The com- 
manders of these vessels have spared no effort to prevent violations 
of our laws and protect the rooKeries from raids. Furthermore, all 
the captains have not been sparing in. offers of transportation to the 
agents, company employees, and natives of the islands, and of assist- 
ance in every wa}^. I desire to express here my deep appreciation of 
the value of the services rendered this summer to the islands by the 
Revenue-Cutter Service. 

There were marked and released on the islands this spring the 2,000 
young male seals recj[uired by the regulations to be reserved for future 
breeding purposes. 

The blue fox catch on St. George Island last winter aggregated 438 
blues and 8 whites, in addition to 2 small blues taken for museum pur- 
poses. No foxes were taken on St. Paul because there were not 
enough foxes on that island to justify trapping any. 

A detailed report of the summer's work will be submitted to you as 
soon as it can be prepared. 

Very respectfully, W. I. Lembkey, 

Age7it in Cliarge of Seal Fisheries. 

To Hon. Oscar S. Straus, 

Secretary of Commerce and Labor. 



' Seattle, Wash., August 25, 1908. 
The honorable the Secretary, 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C. 

Sir: I have respectfully to report my arrival in this city this day, 
via Seward and Valdez, Alaska, per mail steamers. 

I left the island of St. George on the 31st of July. The sealing quota 
of that island was completed on the 25th of July, to wit, 2,500 skins. 

The Japanese poachers, 58 m number, which were arrested by the 
cutter Bear about the middle of July, were at Unga undergomg a pre- 
liminary trial when I passed that place the 7tli of August on the mail 
steamer. 

I request a leave of absence for 10 days before leaving for East, if 
consistent with the public interest. 

Very respectfully, Ezra W. Clark, 

Assistant Agent Seal Fisheries. 



[Telegram.] 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, September 1, 1908. 
Ezra W. Clark, 

Agent Fur-Seal Fisheries, Seattle, Wash.: 
Leave of absence granted by Secretaiy as requested. Report here 
15th instant. 

Frank H. Bowen, 

Chief Cleric. 



592 SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

[Copy — original too faint for reproduction.] 
[Telegram.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

San Francisco, 'Cal., August 26, 1908. 
Secretary Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C. 

Report arrival with cargo of sealskins. Quota this season 14,964. 
Request that I be allowed until October 1 before reporting at depart- 
ment. 

Jas. Judge, 
Assistant Agent Seal Island. 



[Copy — original too faint for reproduction.] 
[Telegram.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Chief Clerk, 
Washington, D. C, September 1, 1908. 
James Judge, 

Assistant Agent Seal Fisheries, 

Care American Commercial Co., 

San Francisco, Cal. 
Leave of absence until October 1 is granted by Secretary. 

(Signed) Frank H. Bowen, 

Chief Cleric. 
Official business: 

(Signed) Frank H. Bowen, Chief Cleric. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Division of Alaskan Fisheries, 

Seattle, Wash., September 9, 1908. 
F. H. Bowen, Esq., 

Chief Cleric, Department of Commerce and Labor. 
My Dear Sir: I have been detained here longer than I expected,, 
owing to two holidays, and I shall feel compelled, when I reach 
Chicago, to ask for three days' additional delay in reporting at the- 
department. I have a couple of sons in Chicago whom I have not 
seen for 16 months, and I could not go through without stopping. 
Besides, my wife will probably be there to join me. 

Kindly look out for my request for three days' delay. 
Yours, very truly, 

Ezra W. Clark, 
Assistant Agent, etc^ 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 593 

[Teiegrain.J 
DzrARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND LaBOR. 

19WU UF.E. 30 Collect GR. 

Chicago, III., September 15, 190S. 

Secretary of Commerce and Labor Department, 

Washington, D. C: 

Request delay reporting at Wasliington until 19tli instant. 
Ezra W. Clark, Asst. Fur Seal Agent, 

Care American-Sistering Railway, 

Exchange Building, Chicago. 



Department of Commerce and Labor^ 

Office of the Chief Clerk, 

Washington. 

Request for extension of four days' leave beyond amount granted 

September 1. If Secretary does not need to see Clark personally, 

I Know of no objection. Has been on islands two winters and three 

summers. 

F. H. B. 

[Telegram.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, September 15, 1908. 
Ezra W. Clark, 

Care American-Sistering Railway, 

Exchange Building, Hyde ParJc, Chicago, III. 
Replying your telegram to-day extension until 19th. granted. 

Straus, Secretary. 
Official business: 

Frank H. Bowen, Chief Cleric. 



Annual Report Seal Fisheries of Alaska, 1908. 

By Walter I. Lembkey, Agent in Charge. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Division of Alaskan Fisheries, 
St. Paul Island, Alaska, September 15, 1908. 
Sir: I have the honor to submit the following annual report of the 
administration of affairs on the Pribilof Islands, Alaska, reservation 
during the season of 1908: 

Under instructions from you I departed from Washington on 
May 13 for San Francisco, where, on May 23, I took passage on the 
U. S. S. McCulloch for Unalaska, arriving there June 9. On June 
10, 1 embarked on the U. S. S. Rush for St. Paul Island, arriving there 
the following day, June 11. 

2403— H. Doc. 9.3, 62-1 38 



594 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

RESERVATION OF BACHELORS FOR BREEDING PURPOSES. 

Notwithstanding the fact that it is desirable to dispose as expedi- 
tiously as possible of the work of marking bachelors for the annual 
breeding reservation, this duty could not be begun on St. Paul until 
June 24, because seals enough were not hauled on shore. Beginning 
on this date, however, the marking was carried on as expeditiously 
as possible and was finished June 27. A list of the drives made for 
this purpose, and the number of seals marked from each, follows: 

Bachelors marked on St. Paul Island, 1908. 



Date. 


Rookery. 


2 years. 


3 years. 


June 24 


Reef 


572 
119 
109 


380 


25 


Zapadni 


163 


27 


Northeast Point 


257 




Total 






800 


800 











The methods used in marking these bachelors so that they might 
be distinguished when appearing in subsequent drives, were the same 
as have been described m previous reports, and need not be detailed 
here. Sheep shears were used to cut a patch of hair off the head of 
each seal reserved. 

On St. George the marking of bachelors was begun on June 12 and 
was completed on the 24th of the same month. The quota for that 
island was 400. 

KILLING OF SEALS. 

The killing of seals by the lessee began immediately after the mark- 
ing of bachelors was completed, and continued until the end of the 
season, July 31, except on St. George, where the quota of 2,500 was 
obtained on July 25. Drives were made from all the hauling grounds 
on both islands as often as the number of seals hauled there justified. 
The entire quota of 15,000 seals was obtained. 

INCREASE OF ST. GEORGE QUOTA. 

It was found that, proportionately, more seals were hauling on St. 
George than usual, as was the case last year. The stipulated quota for 
that island of 2,000 was obtained by July 16. In view of this fact, 
and by vntue of the appropriate clause in my instructions from the 
department, I increased the St. George quota by a further amount of 
500 skins, reducing at the same time the St. Paul quota by that num- 
ber. This made the St. George quota 2,500 and that of St. Paul 
12,500. 

NUMBER KILLED ON ST. PAUL. 

During the season of 1908, beginning June 27, there were taken by 
the lessee on the island mentioned 11,308 skins. These, added to 16 
skins left on hand from the preceding season and 1,176 killed for 
food during the previous fall and spring, made a total of 12,500, the 
quota assigned for that island. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 595 

From tliis number there were deducted 32 skins retained by the 
Government agents as being either over or under the weights pre- 
scribed by the reguhitions. The remaining skins, 12,468, were 
placed on board the lessee's steamer Grace Dollar on August 14, 1908, 
lor shipment to San Francisco. 

NUMBER OF DRIVES ON ST. RAUL. 

During the season of 1908, on St. Paul Island, 29 drives were made 
by the lessee for skins, not including 1 made at Northeast Point to 
furnish bachelors for marking, from whicli drive the residue of seals 
driven, after the number to be marked had been obtained, furnished 
236 skins. In this list of drives made, 2 drives were often recorded 
from 1 killing, as, on quite a few instances, 2 rookeries were 
driven on the same day and the seals therefrom properly could have 
been merged as 1 drive; they were kept distinct, however, for the 
purpose of more careful scrutin}^. For instance, a drive would be 
made from Tolstoi on the same day as one also from the Reef. 
Both these rookeries lie close to the village, and the seals from each 
rookery would reach the sam.e killing ground at the same time. 
They would not be allowed to intermingle, however, but would be 
kept apart for the purpose of obtaining segregated data from each 
rookery. 

By a reference to the statistics for 1907, it will be found that only 
10,755 seals were actually taken during the lessee's sealing season, 
the remainder of the quota of 12,400 for that year being made up 
of 1,645 seals taken for food or left on hand from the season of 1906. 
As the lessee in 1908 obtained 11,308 skins, it follows that there were 
actually killed on St. Paul during the lessee's killing season of 1908 
553 more seals than were taken during their preceding season in the 
same number of drives. As it was, tlie lessee made no special effort 
to obtain its quota in 1908, and had in reserTC a drive at Northeast 
Point, which it could have made on the 31st, had a scarcity of seals 
at the village made it necessary. This drive, however, was not made. 

PERCENTAGE OF SEALS KILLED ON ST. PAUL, 1908. 

On St. Paul the percentage of seals killed to the whole number 
driven averaged 65 per cent, the several killings ranging from 41 to 
82 per cent. Three drives only were made in which the percentage 
killed exceeded 80 per cent, and two of these were small drives. 
Contrasting this with the preceding season, we find that the average 
•percentage killed in 1908 was 5 per cent lower than in 1907. 

KILLING ON ST. GEORGE. 

On St. George 13 drives— 2 drives less than the preceding year — 
were made, in which were taken 2,500 skins, an average of 192 skins 
for each drive. Of this number 2,496 were shipped on August 11 on 
the Grace Dollar. It is stated by Agent rhichester, on St. George, 
that 5 skins were retained as being outside the prescribed weights, 
which number added to the 2,496 shipped would make a total of 
2,501 skins taken during the season. 



596 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

The percentage of seals killed from the whole number driven by 
the lessee on St. George varied from 31 to 62 per cent for the season, 
an average which exceeds that of the previous season 2 per cent. 

STATISTICS OF KILLINGS, 1908. 

An examination of the killing record for the year mentioned for 
St. Paul during the lessee's killing season shows that 17,149 male 
seals appeared in the drives made by it, from which 11,308, or 65 
per cent, were killed. During the preceding season of 1907, in the 
period during which the lessee killed seals, 15,355 seals appeared, 
and 10,335, or 70 per cent, were killed. This shows that while 553 
more seals were killed on St. Paul than in 1907 the percentage released 
in 1908 was greater by 5 per cent. 

In 1907 sealing on St. Paul was fmished practically on July 27, 
all but 57 of tlie legal quota having been obtained on that date. Had 
it been necessary, additional drives could have been made in that 
year from Keef, Zapadni, Tolstoi, Northeast Point, and Halfway 
Point, from which, in all probability, 1,000 more skins could have 
been secured. In 1908, while sealing was prolonged until July 31, 
additional drives could liave been made at Zapadni and Northeast 
Point hiid such action been necessary to secure tlie quota. 

In 1907, 29 drives, and in 1908 tlie same number, excluding one 
made for branding, were made, indicating that even if in the latter 
year sealing were carried on until the end of the season the drives 
numbered practicall}'' the same in both years. 

Attention is called here to the fact that in 1908, 3 drives were made 
from Reef, in each of wliich over 1,000 seals were killed. In one of 
the drives, on July 17, 1,458 seals were killed out of 2,081 appearing 
in the drive, the largest drive and the largest killing for some years. 

On St. George, the record shows that during the lessee's sealing sea- 
son (June and July, 1908) 2,000 sldns were secured, to obtain wliich 
4,292 were driven. The number killed in these drives represents 46 
per cent of the whole number driven. In 1908, 13 drives were made 
as against 17 in 1907. The seahng season of 1908 on St. George 
ended on July 25, with 6 lawful killing days remaining. Had sealing 
on St. George been continued until July 31, undoubtedly several 
hundred mora skins could have been taken, 

DISMISSALS FROM DRIVES. 

On vSt. Paul, during the lessee's sealing season of 1908, there were 
2,091 small and 1,526 large dismissals from drives made by it. In 
addition, there were 2,224 dismissals of seals marked that year for 
breeders. 

The large seals dismissed were composed of 375 4-year-olds, 515 
5-year-olds, 441 6-year-olds, and 233 7-year-olds and adult bulls. 
Concerning these latter animals (the 7-year-olds and adult bulls), 
it should be said that prior to July 15 those dismissed of tliis class 
were young bulls that had not succeeded up to this time in obtaining 
stations on the rookeries. Some of these bore wounds which showed 
that they had made the attempt to estabhsh themselves among the 
cows, but had been driven off by the rookery bulls already stationed, 
after which they liad hauled among the bai^iielors to rest before 



I 



SEAL ISLAXDS OF ALASKA. 597 

Mf^ain maldng the attr^mpt to secure a liarem. After the date men- 
tioned, however, wliile yoiin<< bulls still apjjcared among the rejected 
seiils some mature bulls were noted also, which evidently had finished 
their period of service on the breeding rookeries and had liauled up 
among the bachelors to sleep and rest. These old bulls could be 
distinguishsd easily by their gaunt and emaciated a]:)peai-ance and 
their generally dejected bearing, although some of them still showed 
spirit and resented the lack of ceremony with which they were 
hustled thi'ough tlie killing drives. 

On St. George, during the season mentioned, there were dismissed 
831 large and 089 small seals, and 788 of the young seals marked in 
the spring. Of tlie large turned awav from the .St. George drive,;;, 
160 were 4-Year-olds, 311 5-3-ear-olds,'211 6-year-olds, and"l43 bulls 
eitlier young or mature. 

The dismissals fi'om both islands, compiled from the foregoing, 
are as follows: 

Dismissals from drives, 1908, large, 2,360; small, 3,080; branded, 
3,012. 

The large dismissals from St. George include those ineligible seals 
turned away from the drives made for marldng bachelors. The 
statistics for St. Paul exclude those drives. Had note been taken 
on St. Paul of those seals dismissed from the drives made by the 
agents for securing the quota of reserved bachelors, a much larger 
record of large young seals turned away woidd have resulted. 

By consulting the table of dismissals for 1907 we find that 7,709 
seals of all classes were turned away in that year, while 8,452 were 
dismissed in 1908. As fewer drives were made in 1908, it would follow 
that seals hauled more plentifully in that than in the preceding year. 
It can not be claimed that an}^ increase in the number of bachelors 
present has occurred. 

CHANGE IN HAULING HABITS OF BACHELORS. 

Bachelors were present on St. George the last summer in larger 
numbers even than in 1907, when the number hauling there was 
so much more than usual as to require a readjustment of the quotas 
for the two islands. In both years the allotted quota of 2,000 for 
St. George was obtained by the middle of July, with two weeks of the 
best part of the sealing season remaining. The increased quota of 
'2,500 for that island was secured in 1908 on July 25, six days before 
the legal end of the sealing season. Furthermore, from the very 
beginning of the season of 1908 bachelors hauled on St. George so 
plentifully as to justify the prediction that the St. George quota 
would be obtained early in the season. In addition to tliis, the 
average number of seals in each drive Idlled on St. George was 
increased from 138 in 1907 to 192 in 1908. From the early date on 
which the St. George was obtained in 1908 it was apparent that at 
least 500 more skins could have been secured had kilhng been con- 
tinued until the end of the season. 

In contrast to this the change in the hauling habits of bachelors 
on St. Paul was marked. The largest breeding rookery on that 
island. Northeast Point, heretofore has furnished more sldns than 
any other rookery. There was, in other words, a proper relation 
between the number of breeding seals on the rookery and the number 



598 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

of bachelors frequenting its hauling grounds. The largest drives to 
be made were expected from Northeast Point. 

The annual catch of skins from tliis large rookery, however, has 
diminished steadily from 4,454 in 1905 to 2,768 in 1908. Zapadni, 
another large rookery, has also fallen off in its yield from 3,305 in 
1905 to 1,699 in 1908. Polavina and Tolstoi rookeries have con- 
tinued practically without change to furnish only a few skins to the 
quota. 

As contrasted with tliis, Reef rookery, including Gorbatch, has 
increased its catch of skins from 3,744 in 1905 to 5,911 in 1908, 
wliile the breecUng seals thereon at the same time were steadily 
diminisliing in numbers as they were on all the other rookeries. 

It can be seen from this that the yield of skins from all of the large 
hauling grounds of St. Paul has been reduced materially with the 
sole exception of Reef, which has had its catch augmented 63 per 
cent. On the other hand, enough additional bachelors frequent 
St. George, as already shown, as to be able in an emergency to increase 
its conventional quota of 2,000 by 50 per cent. 

We have next to consider the cause of this reversal of conditions 
and we find that tliis change has been contemporaneous with the 
establishment of a cordon of Japanese schooners about St. Paul 
Island, operating within sight of land and using the noisy shotgun 
exclusively to capture seals. When we realize that tliis firing is 
close to land, and is practically continuous about St. Paul during 
the entire summer, we can easily infer that it has a direct influence 
upon the bachelors as they haul up from the water. "V\Qien we know 
also that bachelors have become more plentiful on St. George, an 
island that is almost free from disturbance by the seal hunters, we 
have an additional fact that would point to the conclusion that 
pelagic sealing close to St. Paul lias changed the hauling habits of 
tlie baclielors. 

These baclielors have no fixed habitat, but loiter about the rook- 
eries, hauling up when they desire to sleep or rest. When in the 
water they pass close to shore from one rookery to another. They 
are migratory in their habits, as bachelors found on Reef rookery 
to-day, for example, may be on Northeast Point to-morrow, while 
S"t. Paul bachelors often are found on St. George, and vice versa. 
This has been shown clearly by observations made of the marked 
bachelors. 

It is well laiown, also, that bachelors are the most timid and 
elusive members of the species. Breeding seals can not be driven 
away from a locality during the ruttmg season, and, at that time, 
display little fear of man. The bachelors, on the other hand, go 
hurriedly into the water upon sight of a man, and can be startled 
even by the scent of man coming down on the wind from quite a 
distance. The daily visitation by man of a hauhng ground would 
prevent bachelors remaining there at all. It is easily conceivable, 
therefore, that the constant firing of guns in the w^ater close to the 
rookeries and hauling grounds would tend to disturb these bachelors, 
and change, to a degree, their hauling habits. 

The same reason why bachelors should frequent St. George in 
greater numbers since the coming of the Japanese fleet to the islands 
applies in the case of their hauling in greater numbers on Reef 
rookery on St. Paul. The reason is that tJiey seem to seek a locality 



SE-4.L ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 599 

wliere they may be removed from tlie rattle and bang of tlie shotgun 
ileet. This fleet, as will be stated later, when olT St. Paul is com- 
posed of two divisions. One, and by far the greater, has its rendez- 
vous off Northeast Point, while the other and smaller division oper- 
ates off West Point. The ebb and flow of the tides cause swift cur- 
rents about tlie reefs of St. Paul, which are strongest at Northeast 
Point, West Point, and Reef Point. At these places tide rips are 
formed, and for these rips the seals seem to have a preference, as num- 
bers of seals are found in tliese rips at all times. Undoubtedly they 
make use, either voluntarily or otherwise, of these currents in passing 
from one point of the island to another, and, as these currents con- 
verge at the places stated, tins might form a reason why tJiese rips 
contain a large number of seals. In or near these rips at West and 
Northeast Points the sealers' small boats work, daily shooting at 
seals found tliere and creating that noise and disturbance winch 
can not but have tlie effect of driving seals away from those localities, 
just as a constant disturbance on a hauhng ground would cause tlie 
seals to abandon that place. 

Reef Point, on the other hand, is approximately midway between 
these two extremes of the island. It is near the village, and there- 
fore free from marauders, as any attempt to approach it unlawfully 
would be detected easily and punished. It has large and attractive 
hauling grounds of its own, in addition to its being only a short dis- 
tance from Sea Lit)n Rock, which men seldom visit. With all its 
natural advantages it has the added and grateful one of being so far 
removed from the fleet that the noise of the shooting never penetrates 
its mossy shoals and seductive currents. In these the bachelors may 
]>lay uiiharmed and undisturbed. It is not hard to believe that bacli- 
elors resort here after being constantly disturbed by the incessant 
sea hunting at the two extremes of the island. 

On this In'pothesis. also, one can readil}^ infer why bachelors fre- 
quent St. George in greater numbers than before the Jai)anese fleet 
closed in on St. Paul. Wiiile several schooners hovered about St. 
George during tlie summer, as before stated, their presence was not 
continuous, and with one or two excepted occasions their l)oats ke])t 
well oft' land. That condition of quiet, desired by seal life, was present 
about St. George, and it is not surprising that the bachelors should 
have congregated tliere, as they did on Reef, after having been fright- 
ened and harassed by the continued discharge of firearms in the areas 
where the fleet hunted. 

I beheve it safe to conclude that bachelor seals gathered in certain 
localities in unusual numbers within the last two j^ears to escape tlic 
disturbance from sea hunting to which they were subjected in other 
localities where, normally, the}' resort. 

ENUMERATION OF SEAL LIFE. 

Counts erf hreeding seals. — Between the dates of July 13-16 tltc 
breeding bulls on St. Paul were carefully counted by Agent Judge 
and myself. As the result of this enumeration 1,062 harems were 
found, together with 90 idle ]>ulls, 48 so-called ''quitters," and C^S 
water bulls. The young bulls on the hauling grounds, where the 
bachelors congregate, wjiile quite a few in number, were not counted 



600 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



with the breeding seals, as they had been noted from time to time 
during the summer among the seals dismissed from the killing drives. 

The harem bulls and idle bulls are those stationed on the rookeries 
among tJie cows. The quitters are those young bulls which are among 
the cows also, but which run away at our approach. The water bulls 
are those found on the beach line in front of the rookery spaces. 

A comparison of this count with the number present in 1907 
follows : 

Breeding bulls, St. Paul Island. 



Years. 


Bulls with 
harems. 


Idle 
bulls. 


Quitters. 


Water 
hulls. 


1907 


1,122 
1,062 


61 
90 


74 
48 


100 


1908 


68 






Decrease 


60 


129 


26 


32 







' Increase. 

The foregoing comparison between the statistics of the two years 
shows that a decrease in every class of bulls has occurred on St. Paul 
except in tliat of the idle bulls, in which an increase of 29 is noted. 

On St, George the breeding bulls were counted ])y Assistant Agents 
Chichester and Clark on July 12 and 13, 1908, when they found 241 
bulls with harems, 34 idle bulls, and 27 quitters. A comparison of 
this count with that of 1907 follows: 

Breeding bulls, St. George. 



Year. 


Bulls 
with ha- 
rems. 


Idle 

bulls. 

* 


Quitters. 


1907.... 
1908.... 

Increase 


188 
241 


3.3 
34 




27 


53 


1 







The quitters were not counted in 1907. We can see from the 
foregoing that an increase of 53 bulls having harems occurred in 1908 
on St. George, wliile the idle bulls remained practically the same as in 
the year before. 

From the foregoing statistics, we may make a comj^arison of the 
number of stationed bulls on l^oth islands in the two years. The 
term ''stationed bulls" includes harem masters and idle bulls, ex- 
cluding quitters and water bulls: Stationed bulls— 1907, 1,404; 1908, 
1,427; increase, 23. 

This shows that, oven with pelagic sealing more active than ever 
before in the history of tlie islands, the number of bulls on the rook- 
eries has increased slightly. Tiiis lias occurred in the face of incessant 
shotgun firing about one of the islands, concentrated on the rookery 
front of one of our largest rookeries. Tliis increas«.\ however, has 
occurred entirelv on St. George around which island pelagic sealing 
has been very slight. I have no doubt that, had St. Paul not suf- 
fered in tile degree that it Jias from the killing of its seals in the water, 



J 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 601 

a siibstantiiil increase in tlie number of bulls on its rookeries Avoiild 
Jiave been noted. 

Fi)U' condition of roolcery hulls.- — The inspection of the rookeries 
made at tlie time the harems were counted showed strongly the fact 
that the stationed rookery bulls were young animals to 95 per cent 
of their whole number. ^lany harems were found in charge of 7- 
year-old bulls so apj^rehensive of approach by man that they de- 
serted their harems in our presence and fled into the water. Of 
course, these animals would return on our departure and again 
resume tlieir places as harem masters. This inspection, however, 
disclosed tlie fact that there had been a heavy decrease in bulls 
during the last migration period, to offset which on St. Paul the 
incoming of young bulls from the reservations of previous years was 
insufficient. 

It is regretted that, since the inauguration of the practice of 
reserving bachelors each year to mature as breeding bulls, pelagic 
sealing has been so active as practically to prevent that increase of 
male breeders wliich otherwise would occur. That salutary condi- 
tions have resulted from this reservation, none can deny. The 
checking of the stead\^ diminution of breeding bulls, the elimination 
of old bulls from the rookeries, and the filling of their places with 
young vigorous animals, the large increase in the number of half bulls 
found in the drives of bachelors, and, more tlian all, the actual 
increase of the number of breeding bulls on St. George, where the 
need has been greatest, are sufficient to demonstrate the efficiency 
and the benefit of these reservations of young males. 

The experience of the last two years, however, has made it apparent 
that the full measure of good from the reservation of young males 
can not be derived while pelagic sealing is as active as at present. 
Not only does the reservation of young males ackl to the catch of the 
sea hunters, but the normal hauling habits of seals have been dis- 
arranged. 

Nor in my judgment can this be remedied by the provision of a 
larger reservation of immune bachelors. The evidence is plain to 
me that sea killing destroys a large number of these young reserved 
males, and the increasing of the reservation would increase the pelagic 
catch and nothing more. But for the presence of the Japanese fleet 
there would have been tliis year a decided increase in bulls on St. 
Paul instead of the slight decrease already mentioned. As this sur- 
plus created by the yearly reservation of young males seems to be 
diverted to the fleet's catch and not to the breeding rookeries, ordi- 
nary prudence would dictate that the yearly reservation of bachelors 
should not be enlarged so long as this fleet remains in the sea. 

Counts of pujys. — Because of the activity in pelagic seahng already 
mentioned, the enumeration of black pups on the rookeries, to arrive 
at an idea of the number of breeding cows, was confined to one rook- 
ery on each island — Ketovi on St. Paul and North on St. George. 
Indeed, it was with hesitation that these counts were authorized, as 
the counting of these pups necessitates the driving oft' of all breeding 
seals into the water where. A^^tliin plain sight, the pelagic fleet is 
waiting to slaughter those that make their way through the territory 
covered by its boats. However, as it was desired specially to secure 
some basis upon which a correct idea might be formed as to the num- 



602 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



ber of breeding cows present, this disturbance of the rookeries men- 
tioned was considered justifiable. 

On St. Paul the count of Ketovi, including Amphitheater, was 
made on August 4, 1908, as follows: 



Rookery. 


Live pups. 


Dead pups. 


Ketovi . 


1,628 
24« 


79 
4 


Amphitheater 

Total 


1,877 


83 



On St. George the count of pups on North rookery was made on 
August 12, 1908, and disclosed the following: Live pups, 3,969; 
dead pups, 154. 

In both counts conditions were most favorable, as the pups had not 
yet taken to the water. These counts can be considered as nearly 
accurate as possible. 

Contrasting the result obtained in 1908 with that in 1907, when 
similar counts were made on the same rookeries, we find the following 
totals : 



Year. 


Ketovi. 


North. 


1908. . . . 
1907. . . . 


1,920 
1,95C) 


4,123 
4,185 


' 1 


2 02 



1 Increase. 



2 Decrease. 



The difference between the counts of pups made in the two years 
is so slight as to indicate on their face that practically no change in 
the number of breeding cows has occurred. If these counts were 
taken as a criterion of the condition of all the rookeries on the two 
islands, we would have to beheve that there has been no decrease in 
breeding female seals during the past year. Tliis conclusion, how- 
ever, would be hard to accept. 

If the number of breeding seals has not decreased, as these figures 
would lead one to believe, where, then, could the catches of the 
pelagic fleets have been obtained? It is known that in 1907 some 
17,000 sealskins were marketed by the two fleets — Canadians and 
Japanese — most of which were those of female seals. This, of course, 
is m addition to the 15,000 young male skins taken in 1907 on the 
islands by the lessee. A total of 32,000 skins, therefore, was taken 
from the herd in 1907, which, in that year, was composed approx- 
imately of 175,000 animal?, of which only 65,000 were adult and 
virgin cows. 

In addition to this slaughter in 1907, the catch of the pelagic fleets 
in 1908 has been as heavy as in the preceding year. The Canadian 
fleet, it is true, contains fewer vessels tliis year than ever before, 8 in 
all. As against tliis, however, we have an increased Japanese fleet, 
composed approximately of 38 vessels. Tliose pelagic schooners that 
have been spoken this year b}^ the })a trolling vessels were found to 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 603 

have been quite successful. The 2 schooners captured last July by 
the U. S. S. Bear had over 700 skins between them. 

With all this activity, it is impossible to believe that so many seals 
could have been taken out of the Pribilof herd — now onl}^ a skeleton — ■ 
without decreasing the size of the herd. With so many agencies con- 
suming the life of the herd, there is only one factor to offset tliis 
decrease, namely, the annual increment of virgin cows. If we are to 
accept the conclusion that no decrease occurred between 1907 and 
1908, we must believe that the increment of virgin cow^s during the 
period mentioned was as large as the catch of the schooners, added 
to the land killing, the loss from natural causes, and the waste from 
seals killed in the water and not recovered. Such a conclusion can 
not be justified by conditions. 

Visually the rookeries showed that a decrease among cows had 
occurred during the last yenj. Wliile the change was not readily 
apparent on the massed portions of the rookeries, the sparse ends 
either are tliinner than before or practically bare of seal life. Tolstoi 
Cliffs and Zapadni Reef, for example, are virtually eliminated, each 
containing only a few harems of several cows each. The north end 
of Lukanin and the south end of Ketovi also show more bare space 
than before. Lagoon contains fewer cows and fewer harems, while 
Polavina, from one end of its line of cliffs to tlie other, shows a de- 
cided tliinning out among the cows. Little East, on St. George, is 
almost wiped out, having less than 150 cows last year. 

In view of this contraction in the space occupied by the breeding 
cows, we must disregard the apparent showing of the tables of counts 
of pups on the two rookeries, and conclude instead that a decrease 
has occurred in the whole herd, which decrease, however, for some 
unexplainable reason was not apparent on the two rookeries on which 
pups were counted this year', but which w^ould have been shown on 
the other rookeries had our counting been extended to them. 

To have disturbed other rookeries by driving off all the breeding 
seals in an endeavor to find out how many seals were lacking from the 
count of the ]H-evious year would have been decidedly unwise, to say 
the least. Many of these seals, had they been driven off, would have 
found their way to the boats of the palegic fleet, stationed as close to 
the 3-mile limit as possible, and undoubtedly would have been shot. 
Tliis, in my judgment, would have been too great a price to pay for 
the mere satisfaction of determining the rate at wliich the seal herd 
had diminished, when we already knew that a decrease had occurred. 
Furthermore, the driving off of these seals would have been in direct 
line with the tactics of the sealing fleet, which were deliberatel}' to 
drive off the land as many seals as possible, so that they might be 
sliot in the water. For these reasons, I deemed it advisable to relin- 
quish the attempt to enumerate the breeding seals, and to allow the 
latter to rest without further disturbance. 

Estimate of whole herd in 1908. — In 1907, it was found tliat the 
breeding females on St. Paul had decreased 24 per cent and those on 
St. George 18 per cent, a mean of 21 per cent. This shrinkage had 
occurred through the combined agencies of pelagic sealing and natural 
mortality. In 1908 these agencies were as active as they were in 
1907, and it is reasonable to believe that the same rate of diminution 
occurred in the latter year as in 1907. This mortahty, however, 
which we have mentioned, has relation only to the breeding cows 



604 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

which comprise the larger part of the pelagic catch, and does not refer 
to the males and nonbreeding seals, which are not affected so heavily 
by sea killing. However, numbers of these animals are taken in the 
water, and allowance for the effect of sea killing on them needs to be 
made. An estimated decrease, therefore, of 15 per cent, which will 
apply to the whole herd, nonbreeding as well as breeding seals, in 
my opinion would be a rational estimate of the diminution occurring 
since 1907. 

In 1907 the whole herd was estimated at 172,512. A deduction 
of 15 per cent from this number would leave 146,636 as the estimated 
number of animals in the Pribilof herd at the close of the season of 
1908. 

PELAGIC SEALING. 

The entire Japanese fleet of 38 schooners surrounded St. Paul 
Island during the months of Juh^ and August last. While an occa- 
sional schooner was sighted from St. George during the summer, in 
tlie main this latter island was practically free from the near presence 
of the fleet. 

The first pelagic schooner was sighted from St. Paul June 19, and 
almost daily thereafter schooners and small boats could be seen 
from shore until September 8, when the last vessej of the Japanese 
fleet is supposed to have left for home. 

The patrol of the islands this summer furnished by the Govern- 
ment consisted of the four revenue cutters McCulloch, Bear, Rush, 
and Perry, and the gunboat YorMown. The lu-st of the patrolling 
fleet to arrive was the Perry on June 7, followed by the Rush and 
Bear on June 11, and on June 15 by the McCulloch. The YorJctoivn 
was reported first about the islands on July 7, on which date she was 
sighted at anchor at Northeast Point. She left the islands September 
•4, her period of cruising being completed. 

The fleet of revenue cutters cruised continuously about the islands 
until all sealing in the sea had ceased. The first of the cutters to 
leave the islands was the Bear, on September 3, when she left to attend 
court at Valdez, and to transport thither as prisoners the crews of 
the two schooners captured by her at Northeast Point. The re- 
jnaining cutters patrolled actively until October. 

EFFICIENCY OF PATROL. 

The patrol was conducted this summer not only with energy but 
with the exercise of good sense and judgment. One or another of the 
vessels usually would be anchored at the village, where it could be 
communicated with hourly, if necessary. Other of the vessels made 
Northeast Point a base and operated from there. In addition the 
cutters called regularly at St. George and patrolled about that island. 
No portion of the area in which any violations of our laws might 
occur was left open by cutters, but, in fact, was constantly visited 
and guarded. 

In addition to this, the captains of the cutters were kind enough to 
furnish transportation to the agents, company officials, and natives 
to and from the islands. On their biweekly journeys to Unalaska for 
coal, if some of the officers did not come ashore, the cutters would 
invariably signal their intention to leave, and offer to take mail and, 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 605 

passengers either to the other island or to Unalaska. As a matter of 
fact, about 20 native men were taken to Unalaska from St. Paul and 
returned by the cutters, together with 8 men from this island who 
visited St. George. They brought, also, an entire family from Una- 
laska to St. Paul, with their household effects. This is in addition 
to the transportation afforded natives of St. George to Unalaska 
or St. Paul, and to the Unalaska natives who visited the islands. The 
cutters also rendered assistance to the poverty-stricken natives of 
Akutan, distributing clothing sent up by charitable' institutions and 
transporting the natives and their priest to and from Unalaska. 

I am indebted also to the captain and engineer officers of the Bear 
for the duplication of certain parts of the engine of our gasoline 
launch, that had been broken through use, the lack of which would 
have caused the launch to be useless for a year until new parts 
could have been received from the factory. I desire to report here 
my deep appreciation of the help and assistance rendered during the 
summer by the officers of the cutters. 

THE PELAGIC FLEET. 

The Japanese pelagic fleet in Bering Sea in 1908 consisted of 38 
vessels, as already stated. Eight of these are reported to have 
engaged in seal hunting during the spring on the British Columbian 
coast, while the remaining vessels, with the exception of several that 
remained in the vicinity of the Aleutian chain hunting sea otter as 
well as seals, came directly into the sea after having followed the 
Commander Islands herd north along the Asiatic coast. 

Of these vessels, 6 are reported to have had white masters or navi- 
gators aboard, in addition to a number of white Canadian hunters, 
who formerly worked on Canadian vessels, but who shipped on Jap- 
anese vessels last year because the latter have privileges in taking 
seals which are denied the Canadians under international agreement. 
The following white men in the Japanese fleet this year have been 
reported : 

Kinsei Maru. Capt. Richardson, has Bill Williams aboard. 

Toro Maru. Capt. Hagaman, a Bonin Island sealer. 

Kaiwo Maru. Was seized by the Perry in 1907, but released. 

Aitoku Maru. Capt. Thompson; arrested by the Russians in 1905. 

Matsu Maru. Has Fred Cochrane aboard, a former Canadian sealer. 

Toyai Maru. Capt. Harry Jacobsen; from Victoria. Has tlie fol- 
lowing former Canadian sealers aboard: Edward McNeil, Edward 
Harris, Ned Burke. 

Because of the international restrictions running against Canadian 
vessels under the Paris award, there is a strong desire on the part of 
he Canadian sealers to operate their vessels under the flag of Japan, 
which country is not restricted in any way in taking seals save by the 
operation of our own laws applicable to our territory and the sur- 
rounding territorial waters, it is reported that at least one Canadian 
sealing schooner changed her registry to Japanese last spring, with a 
strong probability that othei-s will follow her example. 

The greatest portion of the Japanese fleet hunted seals in the imme- 
diate vicinity of St. Paul Island. On one occasion 29 vessels were 
seen in one day by a patroUing vessel within sight of St. Paul. Because 
01 the comparatively small number of seals on St. George few schoon- 



606 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

ers worked in that locality. One or two were sighted almost daily 
from that island during the latter part of July and early August, but 
the body of the fleet, as before stated, was off St. Paul. 

METHODS OF OPERATION. 

The two localities about St. Paul where seals in the water seemed 
most plentiful were those off Northeast and West Points, respectively. 
This was due probably to the fact that the tide currents converge at 
these points, carrying thither the seals that are swimming about the 
island. The Japanese fleet therefore divided itself naturally into two 
divisions, one operating oft' West Point and the other and larger ren- 
dezvousing at Northeast Point. 

The fleet off West Point was constantly in sight from the village 
and necessarily in that of the patrolling vessel that made that station 
her base. Consequently, although in sight of land, these vessels kept 
well offshore and at no time under my observation did they come 
within the 3-mile limit or commit any violation of our laws. 

Tne Northeast Point fleet, on the other hand, was the larger and by 
far the more aggressive. At Northeast Point rookery a shore guard 
of four native men, with rifles and revolvers and a Hotchkiss cannon, 
was maintained constantly from the 1st of June until well into Octo- 
ber. This guard was changed weekly and was in communication 
with the village by telephone. Reports were made regularly each 
morning, and oftener when occasion required. This rookery is 12 
miles from the village, on the extreme northeastern end of the island. 
In addition to being the largest rookery on the island, there is located 
there a salt house, containing, in the summer time, some thousands 
of sealskins. 

Within a radius of 10 or 15 miles lay the greater portion of the 
Japanese pelagic fleet. Here, also, during the latter part of the sum- 
m3r, lay one or more vessels of the patrolling fleet, and in the first 
part of the summer a cutter visited daily. While the cutters were 
at anchor there or in sight the schooners and small boats kept well 
offshore, but if for any reason the cutter should be absent, even for 
a short while, the schooners and their flotilla of small boats would 
move in close to shore, sometimes within range of the rifles of the 
shore guard, while the crews of the small boats would shoot at seals 
in the water. After this policy of aggression was discovered, however, 
a cutter was stationed constantly at the Point, the presence of which 
had a restraining effect upon the cupidity of the sealers, although 
they continued to hunt seals as close to the limit as possible. 

During the summer probably 25 rifle shots were fired by the native 
guard from shore at approaching small boats to warn them away. 
In addition to this, the Hotchkiss was fired twice on one occasion at 
a schooner that stood into shore with the presumable purpose of 
making a landing on the rookery. These shots had the effect of 
making the approaching boats turn hurriedly and stand offshore. 

These instances of aggression occurred while the patrolling vessels 
were at the village or p-t other portions of the island. The information 
when signaled to them had the immediate effect of causing a cutter 
to steam in haste to Northeast Point, but by the time she arrived 
there the marauders had retreated outside the 3-mile limit. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 607 

EVIDENCE OF CONCERTED ACTION. 

The watchmen on guard at Northeast Point reported on half a 
dozen occasions that they had observed the small boats from the 
schooners to form a line a mile or so in length and, in that formation, 
advance abreast on the rookery. When close to shore, the occupants 
of the boats would begin a fusillade with their shotguns, the noise of 
which would drive off a number of seals from the rookeries and hauling 
grounds. The boats would then withdraw to a safe distance from 
shore and there pursue and seek to capture those seals which had just 
been driven off the land by them. 

On other occasions, when a dozen or more schooners would be near 
the Point, one of them, anchoring on or close to the 3-mile limit, 
would display a light at night and presumably act as a lightship, 
while the others would have their lights extinguished. This action 
of the schooners in combining their forces is significant. Heretofore, 
with the exception of the raids in 1906, the schooners and boats have 
operated individually, covering a wide territor}^, but with large inter- 
vals between the boats. Now, however, when boats from several 
schooners advance in line a mile or two long, sweeping the water 
clear of seals as they advance, the destruction caused must be greater 
and the chance for seals to escape correspondingly less. 

Clearly, the danger point, as regards raids and other infractions of 
our laws by deep-sea sealers, is at Northeast Point, and a revenue 
cutter or other patrolling vessel should be stationed there at all times 
during the summer. Wliile these schooners are there in force, the 
absence of a patrolling vessel is a signal for their entry into forbidden 
waters to kill seals close to shore. On the other hand, they keep well 
offshore when a cutter is near. 

CAPTURE OF TWO SCHOONERS. 

On July 22 the Bear made a midnight voyage to Northeast Point 
from the village, arriving there at 4 a. m. The morning was foggy, 
but rifts in the fog allowed inspection of the sea at intervals. At the 
time of her arrival at the Point shotgun firing from small boats was 
so incessant as to sound like a battle being fought just offshore. The 
Bear found several schooners and a number of small boats all inside 
the limit shooting seals. She was able to capture two of the schooners, 
the Saikai Maru and the Kinsei Maru, both of which were towed to 
the village whence, the following day, they were towed by the Rush 
to Unalaska. Later the Bear took the crews of both schooners to 
Unga for commitment proceedings before a United States commis- 
sioner, and on September 3 left Bering Sea to again transport these 
prisoners from Unga to Valdez for trial. 

The Saikai Maru is the schooner that is reported to have raided the 
Pribilofs last year, obtaining 62 skins, although nothing is known of 
such a raid if committed. This year several boats from this vessel 
were seen to land on Walrus Island, almost immediately after she had 
arrived -in the sea. The Kinsei Maru, Capt. Richardson, probably 
has been more aggressive in approaching shore this summer than 
any other vessel in the fleet, and her master has been known to express 
contempt for the shore guard as well as for the cutter patrol. It is 
believed that no vessels in the fleet deserved capture more than the 



608 SEAL ISLANDS OP ALASKA. 

two taken by the Bear, and that their apprehension had a restraining 
effect upon the remainder of the fleet. 

The %£c Cnlloch, at nearly the same time, also detained a number of 
small boats in a dense fog off West Point. "When, however, the fog 
lifted, it was found that the position in which the boats were taken 
was just outside the 3-mile limit, and the boats, therefore, were 
released. 

THE CANADIAN FLEET. 

The Canadian fleet in 1908 was composed of only eight vessels. 
How many of these entered Bering Sea is not known. So far as my 
knowledge goes, none of the Canadian schooners were seen by patrol- 
ling vessels. It is certain that the weather in Bering Sea after 
August 25 was so boisterous as to prevent large catches by any pelagic 
schooners. As the Canadians began killing on August 1, they had 
only a short time in which to take seals in Bering Sea. 

schooners' PLAN OF OPERATION. 

After a careful study of the situation as regards the location, dis- 
tribution, and methods of operation of the pelagic fleets, I believe that 
it may be stated as follows : 

First. That the entire Japanese fleet in Bering Sea lies off St. Paul 
Island during the summer, without disturbing St. George Island in 
any appreciable degree. 

Second. Tliat this fleet is divided mto two divisions, one of which 
has its rendezvous off West Point, the other and larger off Northeast 
Point. 

Third. Any or all of these vessels have no apparent scruples about 
approaching shore inside the 3-mile limit, provided no patrolling 
vessels are present. 

Fourth. That on the approach of a patrolling vessel the schooners 
retire to a safe distance from shore, on her departure they work in 
agam to the land. 

Fifth. That the small boats from these vessels by combming and 
forming a line at Northeast Point approach close to shore and 
frighten seals off the rookeries by shotgun firing, then kill those seals 
which they have caused to leave the shore. 

Sixth. That the Canadian fleet is now so small as to be no longer 
a factor of importance in the killing of seals. 

To meet these conditions the vessels on patrol about the islands 
should be stationed (a) at the village, from wliich point they can 
oversee that division of the pelagic fleet off West Point and where 
they can be communicated with from shore; and (b) at Northeast 
Point, where the larger portion of the fleet gathers and where the 
presence of a patrolling vessel is necessary to curb the propensity of the 
sealers to close in on the shore. Such an arrangement was adopted 
during the latter portion of the last summer, and, in my opinion, 
should be adhered to next season. 

CONTINUOUS STEAMING UNNECESSARY. 

The foregoing dispositions would furnish the best protection to the 
Government's interests on the islands that could be secured. Con- 
tinuous steaming about the islands is unnecessary, and invites inva- 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 609 

sion of our territorial waters. Should a cutter, for instance, make a 
circuit of St. Paul daily, this fact would become known at once to the 
sea hunters, and the}" at once would arrange their plans to approach 
the shore closely when the cutter would be at a distant pomt and to 
draw out agam on her approach. This has occurred repeatedly in my 
observation during the last two years and is w^ell Iviiown to the native 
guards. Furthermore, a cutter under way steaming about the islands 
some miles off shore can not be communicated with by signals or 
otherwise for hours or even days, and it usually occurs when the cut- 
ters are thus cruising, that the guards begin telephoning to the village 
that boats or schooners are approaching. 

There is no remedy for this except the one already suggested, 
namely, of having the cutters station themselves at anchor at the 
points named, where their continued presence would deter boats from 
coming in close, or cause the capture of these boats if they would so 
approach. 

PRESENT LAW SHOLTLD BE CHANGED. 

I urgently recommend that if possible an act be passed by the Con- 
gress making it as much of a misdemeanor for sealing boats to be 
found inside our 3-mile limit, having aboard the paraphernalia for 
killing seals, as it is for their actually killing them there. 

As the matter now stands, small boats from sealing schooners are 
not liable to seizure when found inside our 3-mile limit unless they 
actually are detected in the act of killing seals there or have on board 
the carcasses or skins of seals killed. This procedure is the result of 
a ruling of Capt. Munger, the fleet captain, and is substantiated, I 
u;aderstand, by an opinion of the Attorney General, in which it was 
held that the waters covered by our territorial 3-mile limit are open 
to navigation by vessels of friendly nations, and that the mere 
presence therein of vessels or boats, even with all the implements for 
taking seals on board is not an incriminating act sufficient to convince 
an impartial jury that an offense has been committed or attempted. 

This has proved a great handicap to the officers of the patrolling 
fleet. If, for example, a schooner or small boat is found within the 
3-mile limit about the islands, without seals or sealskins therein, it 
must be released on the plea of the occupants that they were unaware 
of their position, or were making a passage, or what not, when, as a 
matter of fact, these same boats had been hunting seals in prohibited 
waters, but, on the approach of the cutter, probably had heaved 
overboard what skins it had captured just before it was apprehended. 

This condition can be relieved by the passage of a law such as has 
been mentioned, which action, as well as a general readjustment of 
the laws relating to the protection of seals, I urgently recommend. 

SHORE GUARD OF MARINES UNNECESSARY. 

I understand that, as the result of the summer's patrolling, it will 
be the purpose of at least one captain to recommend the stationing on 
the islands of a regular marine guard during the entire season. Such 
action, however, would be unnecessary and useless, provided the cut- 
ters on patrol would station themselves at the points already men- 
tioned, and would anchor there. If such disposition of patrolling 
2403— H. Doc. 93, 62-1 39 



610 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

vessels be made — such, in fact, as was made during the latter half of 
this summer — there would be no need of the presence of a marine 
guard on shore, or, in fact, of any guard beyond the usual watchmen 
required to report conditions. A guard would be unnecessary for the 
very obvious reason that, with a cutter or other guard vessel stationed 
at each of the places mentioned, in plain sight at all times of the 
schooners, none of the latter would send their crews inshore, or even 
allow them to come within 3 miles of the island. Such being the case, 
a shore guard would be useless. 

Besides being unnecessary, the question of a guard of marines or 
sailors on shore would present other points of difficulty. Guards of 
sailors have been stationed on the islands in former times. These 
guards were quartered in the village. The rookeries in any danger 
from raids are from 6 to 12 miles from the village. Because of this 
distance, and notwithstanding the presence of the sailors, natives had 
to be stationed on the rookeries just as though no guard were on the 
island. Should a rookery be threatened, the natives there would 
have to return to the village to report and the marine guard then pro- 
ceed to the seat of disturbance. This procedure would consume from 
4 to 8 hours, according to the distances to be traversed, and, in that 
time, the rookery could be raided and the raiders make away with as 
many skins as they could carry. I can not see that this arrangement 
contributed in any marked degree toward additional safety of the 
rookeries, nor would it, in my opinion, if again adopted. 

If a marine guard were stationed on the islands, with headqua,rters 
on the rookeries and not in the village, it would result in my judg- 
ment in so disturbing the seals as to prevent those rookeries on which 
the guard is stationed from affording the usual number of bachelors 
from which the catch of skins is secured. As these bachelors are 
wary and elusive, it requires caution on the part of those perfectly 
familiar with seal life and the arrangement of a rookery to visit it 
without driving off the bachelors that may have hauled there. If 
the rookery were to be visited daily by strangers unacquainted with 
seals and their habits, and having no interest in securing the catch, 
it is more than probable that bachelors constantly would be driven 
off these hauling grounds, and the catch materially interfered with. 

The natives take pride in performmg watch duty during the sum- 
mer, and have shown that they are competent to maintain an effec- 
tive and dependable guard. With an active patrol by Government 
vessels such as was maintained in 1908, there will be no occasion for 
the stationing of an additional guard on the islands, and I recom- 
mend strongly that any proposition to this effect be not entertained. 

CATCH OF BLUE FOXES. 

During the. winter of 1907-8, the take of blue foxes on St. George 
Island aggregated 438 blue and 8 white fox skins, in addition to 2 
small blue skins taken for museum purp)oses and shipped by the 
lessee to the museum of the Brooklyn Institute. On bemg delivered 
to the North American Commercial Co., under its contract for that 
privilege, the lessee paid to the natives for these skins $2,208, at the 
rate of $5 for each blue skin and $1 for each white skin delivered 
and accepted. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 611 

On my visit to St. George Island, June 26 last, I was informed by 
Agent Clark that 1,005 blue foxes and 8 whites passed through the 
traps during the winter, of which 446 were killed or were found dead 
afterwards on the beaches. Of these, all the white skins and 438 of 
the blues were accepted and paid for by the lessee, as already men- 
tioned, while the remainder either were mangy or other\vise unfit 
for the market. During the winter, 267 male and 272 female blue 
foxes, all prime animals, were released for breeding purposes. 

On St. Paul foxes were not trapped or killed during the winter. 
It is certain, however, that the number of foxes on this island is 
increasing slowly, as more are seen each year than in the one before. 
Not enough of them are present, however, to justify trapping. 

CENSUS OF NATIVE INHABITANTS. 

St. Paul Island, on June 30, 1908, had 177 native residents, com- 
posed of 93 males and 84 females. During the year ended on the 
date mentioned, 8 births and 6 deaths occurred, \\dth a net increase 
in the population of 7, of which 5 were through accessions from other 
localities. 

On St. George, the census taken on June 30, 1908, showed 88 
native residents — 45 female and 43 male — a decrease of 5 from the 
preceding annual census. During the year 2 births and 6 deaths 
occurred, while 1 of the St. George people removed to St. Paul. 

The total native population of the two islands on June 30, 1908, 
was 265, of which 136 were males and 129 females, a net increase of 
2 over the preceding census. 

EARNINGS OF NATIVES. 

On St. Paul, during the sealing season ended June 30, 1908, $9,351 
was earned from the taking of 12,468 sealskins at 75 cents each, 
which sum was divided among 46 native sealers. On. St George, the 
$2,208 earned fi'om taking foxes, already mentioned, and $1,871.25 
from taking 2,495 seal skins, were divided among 25 native men, all 
to be disbursed for the maintenance of the native inhabitants not 
charges on the lessee. 

APPORTIONMENT OF APPROPRIATION. 

The appropriation by Congress of $19,500 for natives' support 
during the year ending tJune 30, 1909, was apportioned as follows: 

St. Paul $9, 460 

St. George 4, 340 

Coal, both islands. 5, 700 



Total 19, 500 

I desire to report that the lessee of the sealing concession performed 
faithfully all the obligations of its contract with the Government, in 
relation both to the interests of the Government and the native 
inhabitants. 

Very respectfully, W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge of Seal Fisheries. 
To Hon. Oscar S. Straus, 

Secretary of Commerce and Labor. 



612 



SEAL. ISLANDS OP ALASKA. 



1 

<1 


Total 
number 
of seals 
killed. 


^ 




S2| 


o 


Mrt c 


5 n 

— Cl 


i 


204 
253 
458 
108 
182 
1.031 


1 


rtCO-JS-Wt^COOC.-HOC — 

cscocii^oocooo'OO'Wr- 

■W CO>CW 0-9"C^-«< 


417 

1,070 

42 

348 


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614 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Exhibit 2. 
Statistics of killings, 190S. 



Date. 



July 



1908. 

June 27 

29 

30 

1 

3 

3 

6 

7 

7 



Rookery. 



Northeast Point... 

Reef 

Tolstoi 

Zapadni 

Northeast Point... 

Halfway point 

Zapadni 

Reef and Gorbateh, 

Tolstoi 

Northeast Point... 

Halfway Point 

Zapadni 

Reef 

Northeast Point. . . 

Halfway Point 

Zapadni 

Reef and Gorbateh 

Tolstoi 

Northeast Point. . . 

Halfway Point 

Zapadni 

Reef and Gorbateh 

Tolstoi 

Northeast Point. . . 

Halfway Point 

Reef and Gorbateh 

Tolstoi 

Zapadni 

Reef and Gorbateh 
Tolstoi 

Total 



Seals 
killed. 



236 
583 
204 
253 
458 
108 
182 
1,031 
148 
491 

33 
326 
574 
787 

30 
280 
1,458 
201 
448 

71 

417 

1,070 

42 
348 

19 
562 

41 
241 
633 

33 



11,; 



Dismissed. 



Branded. 



2 years. 3 years, 



140 
29 
54 
86 

4 
10 
51 

5 
20 

1 
28 
95 
40 

3 

38 

153 

17 

55 

4 
47 
81 

2 
28 

1 
115 

9 
30 
91 

6 



1,243 



138 
19 
38 
98 
11 

4 
64 

7 
12 

3 

8 
24 
19 

2 
12 
71 
12 
65 
12 
26 
161 
20 
19 

4 
61 
18 
16 
41 

6 



Not branded. 



Small. Large, 



6 
32 
19 
23 
34 
11 
10 
113 



46 

152 

107 

2 

28 
328 

32 

29 
5 

77 
251 



67 

2 

144 

3 

63 

453 

23 



2,091 



64 

213 

108 

67 

76 

81 

14 

104 

31 

40 

15 

10 

25 

21 

3 

15 

71 

27 

57 

19 

23 

100 

35 

20 

9 

99 

26 

36 

106 

11 



1,526 



Total 
driven. 



306 

1,106 
379 
435 
752 
215 
220 

1,363 
198 
597 
52 
418 
870 
974 
40 
373 

2,081 
289 
654 
111 
590 

1,653 
99 
472 
35 
981 
97 
386 

1,324 
79 



17, 149 



Per cent 
kiUed. 



1 What remained of a drive for branding. 

Exhibit 3. 

Count of harems and bulls, St. Paul Island, 1908. 



Rookery. 


Harems. 


Idle. 


Quitters. 


Water 
bulls. 




8 

200 
42 
6 
44 
88 
20 
13 

237 
16 
24 
36 

148 
64 
10 

103 
3 


1 
20 
5 
2 
1 
6 






Reef 


10 
2 
2 
3 

2 
2 
1 

17 
2 


6 




17 








2 


Tolstoi 


10 


Tolstoi Cliffs 






1 

27 

2 




Northeast Point 


13 




3 








3 
12 

4 


1 
3 


4 








4 




i 
1 
1 


2 




6 


8 












Total 1908 


1,062 
1,122 


90 
61 


48 
74 


68 


Total 1907 


100 








I 60 


2 29 


126 


1 32 



1 Decrease. 



' Increase. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Exhibit 4. 
Classification of large rejects, 190S. 



615 



Date. 



Rookery. 



4 years. 



5 years. 



6 years. 



7 years. 



Julv 



June 27 
29 
30 
I 

3 
3 

6 
7 
7 



Northeast Point 

Reef 

Tolstoi 

Zapadni 

Northeast Point 

Halfway Point 

Zapadni 

Reef and Gorbatch. 

Tolstoi 

Northeast Point 

Halfway Point 

Zapadni 

Reef 

Northeast Point 

Halfway Point 

Zapadni 

Reef and Gorbatch . 

Tolstoi 

Northeast Point 

Halfway Point 

Zapadni 

Reef and Gorbatch . 

Tolstoi 

Northeast Point 

Halfway Point 

Tolstoi 

Reef and Gorbatch . 

Zapadni 

Reef and Gorbatch . 
Tolstoi 



Total. 



375 
372 



515 
502 



441 
430 



233 
224 



Exhibit 5, 
Weights of sealskins, St. Paul Island, 1908 {Aug. 10, 1907, to July 81, 1908). 



Weights. 


Number. 


Weights. 


Number. 


4 


5 


6| 


1,079 


4i 


17 


7 


1,089 


^i^ 


13 


7i 


801 


4| 


3 


7J 


894 


5 


541 


^l 


489 


5i 


524 


8 


451 


5i 


951 


8i 


313 


5i 


1,109 


8i 


249 


6 


1,276 


9f 


3 


6i 


1,051 


lOi 


1 


6i 


1,577 


11 


1 



Exhibit 6. 

Island of St. Paul, 
Bering Sea, Alaska, August I4, 1908. 
This is to certify that 12,468 fur-seal skins have tliis day been 
shipped on board the North American Commercial Co.'s steamer 
Grace Dollar, consigned to the North American Commercial Co., San 
Francisco, Cal. 

W. I. Lembkey, 
Agent in Charge of Seal Fisheries. 
John S. Hagen, 
Master Steamer "Grace Dollar." 



616 



SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



Exhibit 7. 

Division of natives' earnings, St. Paul Island, Alaska, season of 1908. 

By 12,468 sealskins, at 75 cents |9 351 

To 23 first-class shares, at $250 |5, 750 

To 8 second-class shares, at $200 l' 600 

To 9 third-class shares, at $150 l| 350 

To 4 fourth-class shares, at $100.25 ' 401 

To 8 special shares 250 

■ Total 9 351 



Alex. Melovidoff. 
Karp Biiterin. 
Jacob Kochutin. 
Nicoli Krukoff. 
Simeon Melovidoff. 
Simeon Nozekoff. 
Theo. Sedick. 
Dorofay Stepetin. 
John John Stepetin. 
A. Bourdukofsky. 
N. Bogadanoff. 
Nicoli Gromoff. 



P. Bourdukofsky. 
Michael Kushin. 
Innokenty Sedick. 
Zahar Tetoff. 



Alex. Galaktioneff. 
Constantine Buterin. 
Vlass Pankoff. 
Paul Koshevnikoff. 
Stepan Rookavishnikoff. 



First-class shares, 23 men, at $250 each. 

George Kotchergin. 
John Kochutin. 
Alex. Merculieff. 
Parfiri Pankoff. 
Elary Stepetin. 
Noon Tetoff. 
J. E. Orloff. 
John Krukoff. 
George Shisenikoff. 
Peter Tetoff. 
Necon Shabolin. 

Second-class shares, 8 men, at $200 each. 

Michael Kozloff. 
Metrofan Krukoff. 
John Merculieff. 
Trefan Kochutin. 

Third-class shares, 9 men, at §150 each. 

Nekita Hopoff. 
Nicoli Kozloff. 
Theo. Kochutin. 
John Fratis. 



Ivanally Kozeroff. 
John Mazeekin. 



Fourth-class shares, 4 men, at $100.25 each. 

Condrat Krukoff. 
Paul Merculieff. 



Special class, 8 men. 



Alex. Merculieff, first chief, $J 
J. Kochutin, shopkeeper, $15. 
N. Tetoff, boatkeeper, |15. 
Peter Oustigoff, $50. 
John Stepetin, gunner, $10. 



John Stepetin, second chief, $50. 
G. Shisenikoff, assistant shopkeeper, 
S. Nozekoff, librarian, $5. 
Innokenty Mandregan, $50. 



St. Paul Island, Alaska, August 8, 1908, 
I hereby certify that the foregoing division was made by me, in the 
manner detailed, after conference with the native chiefs on this island. 

W. I. Lembkey, 

• Agent in Charge of Seal Fisheries, 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



617 



St. Paul Island, Alaska, August 8, 1908. 
I hereby certify that the amounts, as before stated, representing 
the division of natives' earnings on St. Paul Island for the season 
of 1908 will be placed to the credit of the respective natives on the 
books of the North American Commercial Co. 

The North American Commercial Co., 
By J. C. Redpath, Superintendent. 



St. Paul Island, Alaska, August 8, 1908. 
We hereby approve the foregoing division of natives' earnings for 
St. Paul Island for the season of 1908, for and on behalf of the natives 
of that island. 

Alex. Merculief, 

First GJiief. 
John vStepetin, 

Second Chief. 



Exhibit 8. 

Census of native inhabitants, St. Paul Island, Alaska, year ended June SO, 1908. 



Age. 

Bogadanoff, Nicoli, husband 36 

Bogadanoff, Uleta, wife 41 

Bogadanoff, Agrafina, niece 11 

Bourdukofsky, Apollon, father 55 

Bourdukofsky, Peter, son 29 

Buterin, Karp, husband 54 

Buterin, Parascovia, wife 52 

Mazeekin, Wassalisia, adopted 

daughter 13 

Buterin, ('onstantine, son 22 

Buterin, Marina, wife 18 

Fratis, John, husband 22 

Fratis, Sandulia, wife 18 

Fratis, Gavriel, son 2 

Fratis, Christopher, son Infant. 

Galaktionefi, Alexander, husband . 36 

Galaktioneff, Lukeria, wife 31 

Galaktioneff, Mary, daughter 6 

Galaktioneff, Matrona, daughter... 5 

Galaktioneff, Aggie, son 2 

Hansen, Anna, stepdaughter 8 

Gromoff, Nicoli, husband 40 

Gromoff, Oulianna, wife 38 

Stepetin, Pavla, adopted daughter. 16 

Stepetin, Elary, jr., adopted son. . 7 

Volkoff, Tecan, orphan 15 

Krukoff , Mary, orphan 11 

Kochutin, Jacob, husband 56 

Kochutin, Alexandria, wife 46 

Mandregan, Innokenty, orphan. .. 17 

Mandregan, Nekifer, orphan 12 

Kochutin, John, husband , 

Kochutin, Claudia, wife 

Kochutin, Nikanor, son 

Kochutin, Erena, daughter 

Kochutin, Nicoli, son 

Vickalof, Alexander, stepson 



Kochutin, Theodore, husband.. 

Kochutin, Mary, wife 

Kochutin, Karp, son 

Kochutin, Trefan, husband 

Kochutin, Natalia, wife 

Kochutin, Larion, adopted son. 

Hopoff, Nekita, husband 

Hopoff, Parascovia, wife. 



Age. 
20 
22 
3 
23 
28 
15 
20 
19 

Hopoff, John, son Infant. 

Kochergin, George, husband 30 

Kochergin, Agafia, wife 28 

Tetoff, Peter, adopted son 6 

Koxloff , Michael, husband 22 

Koxloff, Akalina, wife 18 

Kozloff , Nicoli, husband 20 

Kozloff, Alexandria, wife 27 

Melovidov, Alexandria, niece 6 

Koshevnikoff, Paul, husband 24 

Koshevnikoff , Mary, wife 34 

Krukoff, John, husband 28 

Krukoff, Uleta, wife 24 

Krukoff, Alexandra, daughter 2 

Krukoff, Condrat, brother 18 

Diakanoff, Andrew, stepson 14 

Krukoff, Metrof an, husband 25 

Krukoff, Pelagia, wife 20 

Philamonoff, Feokla, sister-in-law. 13 

Krukoff, Nicoli, husband 57 

Krukoff, Katherine, wife 50 

Krukoff, Eustinia, daughter 18 

Emanof , Alexia, nephew 9 

Tetoff, Agrafina, adopted daughter. 6 

Kushin, Michael, husband 24 

Kushin, Matrona, wife 18 

Kushin, Yamali, son 1 

Mazeekin, John, husband 19 

Mazeekin , N atalia, wife 22 



618 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



Census of native inhabitants, St. Paul Island, Alaska, year ended June 30, 1908 — Con. 



Age. 

Melovidov, Alexander, husband. . 33 

Melovidov, Salome, wife 32 

Melovidov, An tone, son 14 

Melovidov, Alf ai, son 5 

Melovidov, Joseph, son 1 

Melovidov, Simeon, husband 40 

Melovidov, Alexandra, wife 40 

Melovidov, Margaret, daughter. . . 16 

MeloAddov, Christopher, son 14 

Melovidov, Alexander, son 12 

Melovidov, Simeon, jr., son 9 

Merculief , Alexander, husband ... 33 

Merculief, Agafia, wife 30 

Merculief, Auxenia, daughter 12 

Merculief, Terenty , son 5 

Merculief, Dosofai, son 3 

Merculief, Paul, brother 18 

Merculief, John, husband 22 

Merculief, Avdotia, wife 33 

Merculief, Serefima, daughter 4 

Merculief, Leonti, son 1 

Nozekof, Simeon, husband 31 

Nozekof , Avdotia, wife 33 

Nozekof, Mary, daughter 10 

Tetoff, John, adopted sou 4 

Kozerof , Ivanally , half brother 20 

Kozerof , Alexandria, half sister .... 15 

Orlof-, J. E. (Rev.), father 50 

Orlof , Olga, daughter 18 

Orlof, Nadia, daughter 16 

Orlof, Nicoli, son 14 

Orlof, Alexandria, daughter 11 

Pankof , Parfiri, husband 45 

Pankof, Varvara, wife 29 

Pankof, Martha, daughter 10 

Pankof, Vlass, husband 20 

Pankof, Agrafina, wife 20 

Rookavishnikof, Stepan, husband. 27 

Rookavishnikof, Elizabeth, wife.. 21 

Rookavishnikof, Andrew, son 3 

Rookavishnikof, Karathenia, 

daughter 1 

Sedick, Theodore, father 60 

Sedick, Innokenty, son 23 

Sedick, John, son 11 

Shabolin, Necon, husband 41 

Shabolin, Feokla, wife 38 

Shabolin, Varvara, daughter 10 

Shabolin, Matrona, daughter 8 

Shabolin, Daniel, son 5 

Shisenikof, George, husband 26 

Shisenikof, Evdotia, wife 17 

Shisenikof, Sergius, son 3 

Stepetin, Dorofai, husband 37 



Age. 

Stepetin, Luboff, wife 32 

Stepetin, Auxenia, daughter 9 

Stepetin, Helena, daughter 3 

Stepetin, Auxenty, son Infant. 



Stepetin, Vassili, son. 

Stepetin, Elary, husband 

Stepetin, Anna, wife 

Stepetin, Agnes, daughter 

Stepetin, Nicoli, son 

Stepetin, Mark, son 

Stepetin, John, husband 

Stepetin , Vera, wife 

Stepetin, Marina, daughter 

Stepetin, Vassili, son 

Stepetin, Larion, son 

Stepetin, Olga, daughter 

Tetof , Neon, husband 

Tetof , Agrafina, wife 

Tetof, Mary, daughter 

Tetof, Dimitri, son 

Tetof, Irena, daughter 

Tetof, Anna, daughter 

Tetof, Peter, husband 

Tetof, Mary, wife 

Tetof, Varvara, adopted daughter. 
Stepetin, Chionia, adopted 

daughter 

Tetof, Zahar, husband 

Tetof, Daria, wife 

Tetof, Paul, son 

Tetof, Benedic, son 

WIDOWS AND ORPHANS. 

Balakshin, Matrona, widow 

Shaposhnikof , Parascovia, spinster. 

Emenof , Mary, widow 

Emenof , Eneka, son 

Emenof, Peter, son 

Emenof, Mammoth, son 

Fratis, Akalina, widow 

Fratis, Agrafina, daughter 

Fratis, Simeon, son 

Fratis, Oulianna, daughter 

Fratis, Martha, daughter 

Kochutin, Zenobia, mother 

Kochutin, Innokenty, son 

Kozlof , Parascovia, widow 

Serebrinikof, Ripsimia, niece 

Kushin, Mary, widow 

Kushin, Nestor, grandson 

Hansen, John, grandson 

Peeshnikof, Wassalisa, widow 

Nedarazof, Catherine, widow 



15 
44 
37 
12 
5 
2 

28 

28 

10 

7 

3 

2 

38 

33 

12 

10 

8 

1 

43 

47 

12 

13 

29 

28 

3 

1 



58 

41 

30 

7 

5 

2 

34 

17 

14 

12 

9 

40 

5 

49 

15 

53 

15 

12 

48 

50 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 619 

RECAPITULATION. 

Number of males 93 

Number of females 84 

Total of residents 177 

Total native population, June 30, 1907 170 

Arrivals during the year ended June 30, 1908 5 

Births during year ended June 30, 1908 8 

183 
Deaths during year ended June 30, 1908 6 

Total native population, June 30. 1908 177 



Exhibit 9. 

Daily record of events, St. Paul Island, season of 1908. 

[Until otherwise Indicated, the following notes are by Walter I. Lembkoy.] 

June 12, 1908. — Wind northeast, thick fog. Strong breeze. 

At about 8 a. m. a boat from the Rush brought ashore Mr. Lemb- 
key's baggage. Owing to a misunderstanding as to the course to be 
steered from the cutter to the landing, the boat, which left the ship 
at 5.30, rowed all around English Bay before finally reaching the 
west landing at about 8 a. m. They w^ere given breakfast by Mr. 
Redpath, after which they returned to the cutter. All 3 cutters 
left the anchorage in the morning, the Perry to return to Unalaska 
to coal. 

One of the cutters began whistling in the fog at about 7 a. m., 
and, believing that it w^as the company's ship trying to reach the 
anchorage, one of our Hotchkiss was taken up to the flagstaff and 
fired several times as a signal, in accordance w^ith long-established 
custom. It was later ascertained that the Bush was whistling to 
guide its boat, which had gotten astray in the fog. 

In the afternoon Capt. Bertholf and Lieut. Hinckley of the Bear 
came ashore and paid a visit to the Government and company houses. 
On liis visit to the Government house, the captain inquired particu- 
larly as to the cause of the firing on the hill this morning, and stated 
that he was at a loss to know whether or not it was the result of a 
raid on the island. The matter was explained as outlined above. 

June 13, 1908. — Wind northeast ; moderately strong breeze. Thick 
fog. The Bear remained at anchor on the west side all day. In the 
afternoon the whistle of a vessel blowing fog signals was heard, pre- 
sumably to the southwest, faintly audible. 

In the afternoon, also, Mr. Judge and I w^ent to Gorbatch and 
counted the bulls there, as well as examining them for age, and as to 
w^hether an}^ bulls were present on stations occupied by them the 
year previous. We found on Gorbatch Cliffs, 1 bull stationed and 
2 quitters; Gorbatch. 68 bulls and 14 quitters; and on Ardiguen, 6 
bulls. The bulls w^ere all voung, magnificent animals, with the excep- 
tion of several on Gorbatch that were middle-aged, but the latter were 
fat, vigorous, and aggressive. Two bulls, branded in 1904 on the 
liead wdth irons, were found stationed on Gorbatch and holding their 
positions tenaciously. One bull w^as covered with fresh wounds, 



620 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

while another to the rear of the one injured had his nose slit and his 
muzzle torn. One bull at the extreme west end of the cinder slope 
was recognized as having occupied that station last year. He was 
easily recognized because of his extreme viciousness and his position 
on the jutting end of a rock that overhung the rocky beach. His 
teeth are yellow and partiall}^ broken, but he is fat, active, and full 
of fight, driving us back up the slope, as was his custom last year. 
Another very troublesome middle-aged bull fronting the cinder slope 
last year, which persistently charged an observer, is not present this 
year so far. 

Ardiguen had 6 bulls. The greater portion of the rookery surface 
adjoining the water line is covered with drifts of snow that has not 
yet melted, and on this several of the bulls are stationed. It appar- 
ently interferes with the hauling back of several of the bulls that 
are squatting in the sea wash. 

On Reef there are about 400 bachelors on the hauling ground, the 
greater number of which being 4 and 5 year olds. It is hoped that 
a drive for branding can be made soon from that rookery. 

The number of bulls present on the several rookeries gone over 
this afternoon indicates that the numbers of last year will be reached 
if not exceeded. 

July 14, 1908. — Wind southeast, light breeze; weather, thick fog. 
Surf breaking on east side. 

Both cutters Rush and Bear were at anchor a part of the day on 
the west side, but fog prevented observing whether they remained 
there until evening. 

In the afternoon Mr. Judge and I walked to Ketovi. That rookery 
has 29 bulls and 13 quitters. The entire east front of the rookery 
is bare of seals, whereas last year there were several young bulls 
stationed on the point and westward toward Black Bluffs. As a 
contrast to this, however, I found at No. 10 a mass of 6 young 
bulls hauled back on the lava shelf that for years past has been bare of 
seal life. The presence of young bulls is marked, as evidenced by 
the number of quitters as well as by the number of young bulls that 
held stations. This is certainly encouraging, as it shows that 
beneficial results have been gained from the saving of bachelors in 
the last four years and justifies the wisdom of the regulations that 
require that action. 

The presence of several old friends among the bulls was noted. 
The branded bull at No. 8, Ketovi, is in the place he has occupied 
since 1906, when he appeared as a hesitating quitter. He is not a 
quitter now, however, and roars lustily when one goes near him, 
although he is not aggressive to the point of charging. He is now 
9 years old, and there is little about his appearance that would indicate 
that he was passing through the period of his youth, except his teeth, 
which are yellow and partially broken down. His right lower canine 
is broken off short, while the other is not pointed as acutely as it 
should be. Plis whiskers, however, are short and do not indicate age. 
This case is interesting in that it offers means of comparison whereby 
the ages of other bulls might be computed. 

On the typical harem space there was last year a bull with one 
eye, or rather a, blind eye, showing a cataract or white cast. We 
called him for purposes of identification "One-eyed Riley." Riley 
is present this year in the samej space, lying about 5 yards from 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 621 

the place that marked last year the center of his harem. He is 
pugnacious and aggressive, and evidently regrets that he can not 
climb the bluff to drive us away. 

The old yellow bull at the north end of Amphitheater is present, 
and roars, but is not vicious. He has been in this position with the 
intermission of a year or two since 1902 or thereabouts. He is 
toothless, and that, coupled with the high yellow cast of his hide, 
makes him conspicuous. His neighbor, however, the toothless bull 
that for several years occupied the gully on the south end of the 
theater, has not made an appearance thus far. • The Amphitheater 
has 4 bulls and 2 quitters. 

Lukanin has 32 bulls, 3 quitters, and 1 cow, the latter bemg the 
first observed this season. She has no pup, but has been out of the 
water at least 36 hours, as her coat is dry and turning brown. This 
rookery presents a very promising appearance as regards bulls, as 
the young 7-year-olds are hauled among the rocks at the high south 
end, well toward the crest of the elevation. In contrast to this, 
however, the rocky beach under the low bluffs along the rookery 
is bare of bulls with the exception of a 6-year-old that has taken a 
temporary station under the most northerly bluff. 

Tne arrival ei^ masse of a considerable number of young bulls 
upon a depleted rookery contains features of interest and can be 
observed this year. The gregarious instincts of the seal are promi- 
nent. Large spaces of vacant rookery present themselves to the new 
arrivals as apparently desirable places to occupy and form a harem. 
The bowlder-strewn beaches unoccupied last year are admirably 
fitted for rookery purposes, but these without exception are avoided, 
and the young bulls take stations back of or adjacent to the most 
thickty settled portions of the rookery, where competition necessarily 
must be keenest and where they can not hope to prevail over the 
older and stronger bulls in the struggle for females. There they will 
staj^ until they have been driven off in bloody encounters or finally 
shift their positions as the breeding season wanes. 

On Ketovi rookeiy the young bulls are massed in the rear of the 
space that contained last the fullest harems. On Lukanin the new 
arrivals are likewise gathered back of the space where cows were so 
thick that harem lines were obliterated and cows and bulls together 
formed one great family. What unerring instinct guides these 
young bulls in entering a harem for the first year of their breeding 
service to haul up at the very place that cows are the most plentiful 
at a time when there are no cows on shore and nothing to indicate 
that when they do arrive they will haul there in numbers ? Unlike 
the old bulls, they are not drawn to the place by the fact of their 
having occupied it the previous year, as the previous year they were 
not stationed, but oscillated between the hauling grounds and the 
rookery water fronts. It would seem that when the time arrives 
for them to take up stations on a rookery as breeders they turn 
naturally to the place where when the season opens the cows will 
be thickest and fiom which place the rookery expands. 

June 15, 1908. — Wmd northeast, fresh breeze; weather, rain in 
forenoon, then thick fog. Rush and Bear at anchor until 11 a. m., 
when Rush left. Bear steamed out in afternoon. The McCulloch 
anchored at west side about 2 p. m. She signaled about 3 p. m., 
but fog too thick to distinguish signals. I then went out in steam 



622 SBAIi ISIANDS OF ALASKA. 

launch, trying to find her, but she could not be located in the fog. 
The company's steamer Grace Dollar anchored about 2 p. m., and 
unloading began at once, continuing until 9 p. m. 

Mr. Judge and I, in company with Messrs. Hinckley and Ward, 
and Dr. Hurley, of the Bear, went to Tolstoi tliis morning, we to count 
Tolstoi and they to locate surveyor's old marks with a view of running 
lines to be used in making soundings about Reef. 

The count of bulls was as follows: 

Lagoon has 10 bulls and 2 quitters, the same as at this date last 
year. 

Tolstoi has 78 bulls and 3 cows. Last year at this date she had 
78 bulls and 1 quitter. The bulls on this rookery seem to have 
hauled farther back and to the eye would seem to have increased in 
numbers. 

Tolstoi Cliffs has 17 bulls and 2 quitters, a decrease of 6 from this 
date last year. On Tolstoi hauling ground there were about 100 
bachelors, among which were 12 full-grown bulls. 

June 16, 1908. — Wind northeast, light breeze; weather fair. 

Capts. Manger, De Otte, and Daniels came ashore for a visit. The 
Rush and McCulloch at anchor all day. The company's vessel dis- 
charging cargo all day, and everyone attending to aorrespondence to 
go below. 

June 17, 1908. — Wind east, light breeze; weather clear. 

The Eusli left for Unalaska with Capt. Munger, fleet captain. The 
McCuUocli left her anchorage this a. m, steaming to the westward. 

The Bear at anchor all day. Capt. Bertholf came ashore and took 
luncheon. Mr. Hinckley established a beacon on Tolstoi. 

Mr. Judge made the following counts: 

Gorbatch Cliff had 1 bull and 2 quitters. 

Gorbatch, 74 bulls, 16 quitters, 1 cow. 

Ardiguen, 7 bulls; 200 bachelors on Reef; 2 large pods on Sea Lion 
Rock. 

At 10 p. m. the company's steamer, Grace Dollar, left St. Paul for 
San Francisco, carrying Dr. Williamson and Mr. Allis to St. George. 

June 18, 1908. — The Bear lay at anchor at the -village all day. The 
McCulloch anchored at the village in the evening and signalled for 
news, to which I replied that there was nothing of importance to 
report. 

Mr. Judge counted to-day: 

Ketovi, 33 bulls, 10 quitters, 1 cow and pup. 

Ampliitheater, 4 bulls, 2 quitters. 

Lukanin, 35 bulls, 4 quitters, 5 cows, and 3 pups. 

June 19, 1908. — Wind east, light breeze; weather fair in a. m., 
thick fog in p. m. 

Worked all day with Mr. Judge and Mr. Redpath repairing the 
gasoline launch. In the morning the Bear steamed toward Northeast 
Point on the east side. At 8 a. m. a schooner was sighted sailing 
between Walrus Island and Northeast Point. At about the same 
time the McCullocTi signaled for news, and was informed that a 
schooner was at Northeast Point. She steamed at once around 
West Point. 

In the evening the Bear returned to west anchorage and Mr. 
Hinckley came ashore with two officers, reporting that he had boarded 
the Saikai Maru near Northeast Point and that the Mc OullocJi was at 



SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 623 

anchor at that place. About the same time the Northeast Point 
watch reported that several boats were "a little over a mile from 
shore. ' ' I informed Mr. Hinckley, who waited ashore for half an hour, 
but the men at the Point had all left the watch house for the rookery, 
and we could obtain no further news from that place. The officers 
then went aboard, taking with them a bronze fitting off the gasohne 
launch which they will repair on board. 

The captain of the Bear sent in word that that vessel would leave on 
the 22d for Unalaska, and that all passengers for that port or St, 
George should go aboard on that date. 

Later in the evening the chief telephoned to the Point and was told 
by the watchmen that four boats from the schooner had landed on 
Walrus Island. The McCuUoch anchored on the west side of North- 
east Point. 

June 20, 1908. — Wind north, light breeze; weather fair. 

At 8 a. m. the Bear signaled for news. I signaled the fact that 
boats from a schooner had landed on Walrus Island j^esterday. The 
Bear asked the whereabouts of the McCulloch, and after telephoning 
to Northeast Point, I replied that the McCuUoch left Northeast Point 
at 2 a. m. The Bear got under way immediately and went by the 
east side to Northeast Point. 

In the evening both the Bear and the McCuUoch anchored on the 
west side at the village and the McCuUoch signaled for news at 6 p. m, 
I rephed that nothing of importance had occurred. The Bear then 
signaled, asking the time yesterday when the watchmen had seen the 
boats land on Walrus Island, Before I could signal in reply, the sun 
got into my line of ^dsion and I was unable to distinguish the last 
hoist from the Bear. I then took out a boat and explained to the 
captain of the Bear verbally the incidents of the landing as reported 
to me. He doubted that the watchmen had seen the boats at the 
hour stated, as he was in thick fog at that time. I then called the 
cliief, who was on board with me, and who had first received the 
telephonic message from the Point, and had him repeat what the 
watchmen had stated. The captain, however, could not be convinced 
that the watch could have seen boats land at Walrus Island from the 
position of the watch at Northeast Point, 

The captain agreed to tow a natives' boat to Walrus Island in the 
morning for eggs, and also to turn out another piece of bronze for the 
launch. With the boat to-morrow I will send to Northeast Point 
a Hotchkiss gun and ammunition. 

After returning from the Bear I found that the watch from North- 
east Point, returning from their service, had come to the Government 
house and made a statement to Mr, Judge. The statement is 
appended: 

' Statement of Alex. Galaktioneff, watchman: 

On June 19, as soon as the Bear had left the schooner, the schooner put six boats into 
the water, four of which go straight to Walrus Island, coming within 1 mile of Northeast 
Point, and two boats came close to the Sea Lion rookeries at Northeast Point. These two 
boats fired at least four shots, and before it got foggy I saw one man in each boat stand 
up and examine the shore with glasses. Two of the four boats had reached Walrus 
Island and the other two were very close to it when the fog shut in. At that time the 
McCulloch came around West Point, which was about 5 o'clock in the evening. When 
the schooner sent the boats to the eastward, the schooner followed them close. I 
watched all day and all night. At 2 a. m. the fog lifted a little and I saw that 
the McCulloch had gone awav from the Point. 



624 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

June 21, 1908. — Wind west, light breeze ; weather bright and warm, 
occasional fog. 

The McCullocJi weighed anclior at 7 a. m. and stood to the south- 
west, after having been signaled by the Bear. The Bear signaled 
soon afterwards for the egg hunters to come off, and 10 natives, in 
two boats, went to her. The boats were hoisted aboard, and the 
Bear got under way. I sent to the Bear the portion of the steam 
launch shaft, for which Chief Wood will kindly make a fitting. 

Soon afterwards a schooner appeared on the east side, and as the 
Bear got around to her she overhauled the schooner and then pro- 
ceeded to Northeast Point, where she agreed to land a Hotchkiss 
gun sent out from the village in the natives' boats. She then went 
over to Walrus Island. She returned at 7 p. m., bringing a boatload 
of eggs, and returning the launch shaft, with the fitting made, and 
also a duplicate for emergencies, for all of which I desire to state 
here that we are under great obligations. Had this fitting not been 
made, and it could not be made ashore, as we had no lathe, the 
launch would have been out of commission for a year, until fittings 
could have been received from the States. 

The Bear on arrival signaled for news and asked if the RusJi had 
been reported. I replied that there was no news, and that we had 
not seen the Rush. The natives returning from Otter Island reported 
having found a seal skull there, freshly skinned, the remains of a recent 
fire, and seal bones, thus furnishing strong corroborative evidence of 
the correctness of the watchmen's report that boats from the SaiJcai 
Maru had landed there on the 19th. Officers from the Bear also 
went ashore, saw the evidence above detailed, and admitted that 
the watchmen were correct in their report. The SaiJcai Maru was 
reported to have raided the Pribilofs last year, obtaining over 60 
skins. 

The schooner overhauled to-day by the Bear was the Toyai Maru 
No. 2, the one which, in 1906, raided Northeast Point. 

June 22, 1908. — Wind east, strong breeze; weather rain and fog. 

The Bear cruised to Halfway Point and returned to the west 
anchorage. The McCulloch is reported to be at anchor at Northeast 
Point. The Rush came to anchor on the west side at about 2 p. m. 

Messrs. Hinckley, Wood, and Dr. HurJey, from the Bear, came 
ashore and set up hydrographic marks on the Reef. Mr. Judge and 
I spent the greater part of the day repairing the launch. 

Two natives and the priest and his daughter went aboard the Bear 
this evening, expecting to sail to Unalaska in the early morning. 

June 23, 1908. — Wind southeast, fresh breeze; weather foggy, 
with occasional sunshine and light rain. 

The Bear left her anchorage early this morning. The Rush and 
McCuIlocJi were at anclior on the west side in the morning, and the 
latter signaled for news. I replied that there was nothing, and sig- 
naled the captain for permission for passage for myself to St. George. 
He replied that he would take me when he left. 

No report was received from the M^atch at Northeast Point. 
Messrs. Judge, Redpath, and I finished work on the launch. 

A drive for branding will be made to-morrow from the Reef, where 
a small drive is on foot. News received by the Rush shows that seals 
are hauling there in proportionately larger numbers than on this 
island, as was the case last year. 



SfiAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. ^ 625 

June 24, 1908. — Wind east, light breeze; weather fair in a. m.; 
thick fog in evening. 

A drive of seals from the Reef for branding reached the village 
killing ground at 4 a. m. The marking of the eligible bachelors 
therein began at 6 and continued until about 8.30, when 572 2-year- 
olds and 380 3-year-olds were marked by clipping the hair and fur 
from the tops of their heads with sheep shears. At least 150 large 
half bulls were included in the drive and turned away. 

During the progress of the w^ork the Rusli signaled for news and 
was answered with the signal, "Nothing of importance," etc. 

The McCuUoch signaled in the afternoon, stating that the captain 
would leave for St. George the folknving morning and would take me 
over if convenient to me. I replied that it was perfectly convenient, 
and asked whether I should come aboard to-night. The captain 
replied that I should, if convenient. I then thanked him. At 7 
p. m. I took a boat out in thick fog and boarded the McCvUoch. 

Before leaving I arranged with Mr. Judge to brand at Zapadni in 
the morning, if the conditions were favorable. 

June 25, 1908. — Calm, thick fog. The McCuUoch, on account of 
the fog, did not get under weigh until after 9 a. m., then steamed 
slowly in the direction of St. George. After running her distance 
she w^as unable to make a landfall because of the unusually thick 
fog and stood off and on all night. 

The following notes for vSt. Paul Island were made by Mr. Judge: 

No wind, thick fog. At 5 a. m., pulled over to Zapadni with all 
hands and branded 119 2-year-olds and 163 3-year-olds. 

On our return, between 9 and 10 o'clock, the fog lifted for a while, 
showing the McCullocJi at her anchorage. At 11.30 she had taken 
her departure. 

Northeast Point guards report hearing shooting all day offshore, 
but that they could see nothing on account of the fog. 

June 26, 1908 (on board the McCullocli). — Made St. George about 
6 a. m. after standing off and on all night. Fog prevented picking 
up the anchorage until 8 a. m. I went ashore in a ship 's boat about 9, 
landing under tlie bluff instead of the usual West Landing, because or 
low water. 

I found Major and Mi's. Clark well and with reports of having spent 
a pleasant winter. The whole branding quota for St. George this 
spring has been obtained and 132 skins in addition secured by the 
lessee, in addition to those seals killed in the fall for food. There 
were several drives of about 100 each hauled up on each of the 3 
rookeries on the north side, from which drives will be made to-morrow. 

An inspection of North rookery only could be made, and only a 
portion of that, as about 150 bachelors were hauled up on the northern 
central portion of that rookery. A large proportion of young sta- 
tioned bulls was noted, and I was informed by Mr. Chichester that 
already there is an increase in stationed bulls over the number 
stationed at the height of the preceding season. Quite a few 7-year- 
old bulls were present on the rookery as quitters, which condition, I 
was informed, was apparent on other rookeries. An increase in bulls 
on this island over last year is an apparent certainty. 

2403— H. Doc. 93, 62-1 40 



626 • SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 

Lack of time and the presence of bachelors prevented an inspec- 
tion of the other rookeries. Little East, the outlying flank of 
East rookery, is practically gone, only 2 or 3 bulls occupying stations 
there. 

Foxes appear plentiful on St. George this summer. The statistics 
of fox killing on that island last winter follow : 

Foxes, St. George, 1907-8. 

Blue, killed or found dead 446 

Died, not included in above 13 

Killed, mangy 7 

Total 466 

Skins accepted, blue 438 

Skins accepted, white 8 

Total 446 

Released for breeders, males 267 

Released for breeders, females 272 

Total 539 

Total trapped, killed, and released, 1,005 blues, 8 whites. 

The pigs, owned in community by the natives, suffered a distinct 
loss during the winter, between 55 and 60 dying of natural causes. 
From what I could gather those that died were generally young pigs 
littered during the winter and perishing for the most part through 
inability to withstand the winter's cold. There remain on the island 
about 22 pigs, old and young, divided among the several native 
families and the priest, and these will receive probably more careful 
attention than when they ran at large and were a charge on the entire 
community. 

The native "town hall" contains a beautiful billiard table, built by 
Stepan Lekanoff, the workmanship in which can hardly be excelled 
by an expert workman. Altogether the village is in a prosperous 
condition apparently. 

I received a request from the natives that they be allowed to 
receive from their earnings the sum of $10 cash at Christmas. It was 
rather difficult to refuse such a request, con-^'dering the fact that the 
natives' earnings in gross are all taken by the Government officers 
and expended for necessaries without the native being consulted. ^, 
However, as a cash contribution of this size would seriously cripple A 
the available resources of the island, I was forced to tell them that ™'' 
$10 each, in my opinion, would be more than they could afford, in my 
judgment, but that I would speak to Mr. Chichester and ask him to 
give them such amount as, in his judgment, the resources would 
allow. 

A request was also made by George Merculieff and Peter Prokopieff 
that their houses be enlarged. They occupy small 2-room houses, in 
which their families of 8 and 9 members, respectively, reside. I stated 
that I would bring the matter to the attention of Mr. Redpath and 
request that additional room be provided in the houses occupied by 
these families. 

Capt. Daniels came ashore in the afternoon, and at his request I 
returned aboard the McCulloch at 7.30 p. m. 



I 



SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 627 

The following notes for this day are by Mr. Judge: 

Wind north. Issued orders for natives' supplies. Shortly after 
noon 1 boat loaded with provisions and coal and 3 wagons loaded with 
men left for Northeast Point. 

On arriving there at 4 p. m., 1 schooner and the Rush were visible 7 
or 8 miles out and as far apart. In the evening a schooner was 
sighted off West Point. 

The Hotchkiss recently sent to Northeast Point was mounted on 
Hutchinson Hill, the ammunition for the same being stored in the 
church house at the point. 

June 27, 1908. — After lying at St. George all night the McCulloch 
left her anchorage there, steaming slowly for St. Paul about 6 a. m. 
Thick fog at intervals. Arrived at St. Paul anchorage at 12.30 p. m. 
and signaled for a boat. A shore boat came alongside soon after- 
wards, in which I returned to the village. I brought ashore the ship's 
dog, which seems unable to withstand the cruising. He is to be 
returned on demand. 

The following notes for this day are by Mr. Judge : 

At 4 a. m. all hands at the point turned to and marked 109 2-year- 
olds and 257 3-year-olds, bachelors, thereby completing the quota 
for breeding purposes to be reserved during the season of 1908. After 
breakfast the remainder of the drive was gone over and 230 skins 
secured. 

There were 6 food skins on hand, which were added to to day's 
catch, ma,king the entry 236. Two cut and 1 bitten were rejected. 
Dismissed 64 large and 6 small. The former consisted of 22 fours, 
10 fives, 16 sixes, and 16 mature seals. 

June 28, 1908. — Wind north; strong breeze; weather clear. 

The McCulloch and Rush are at anchor at the village west anchor- 
age. Several native boats went aboard, on one of which I sent a 
note to Capt. Daniels of the McCulloch, stating that I found a record 
on the island log, made during my recent absence at St. George, to 
the effect that on June 2.5 the watch at Northeast Point reported 
that they heard firing offshore all of that day, but could see nothing 
because of the fog. Ca])t. Daniels replied later with a note stating 
that the firing mentioned was target practice on the Rush, anchored 
that day at the Point. 

Four schooners are in sight to the westward. The natives on 
watch at the flagstaff reported to me that eight boats could be seen 
in the water and that one of them approached within a mile of West 
Point. This latter fact was not reported to me until some time after 
the boat had approached shore and gone off again. The Rush left 
her anchorage in the afternoon to take a look about. 

A drive will be made to-morrow morning from Reef. 

June 29, 1908. — Wind northwest; weather clear and bright. 
McCulloch left this morning for Unalaska. Rush anchored on east 
side. Capt. de Otte came tishore for dinner. The Bear arrived at 
East Landing at 8.30 p. m. and signaled ''Have mail." A boat was 
taken out from the east side and the mail brought in, along with the 
two natives who went on her to Unalaska along witli the priest and 
his daughter. 

A drive from the Reef reached the village at 4 a. m. Kilhng began 
at 5. There were killed 583 seals. Of these there were 9 cut and 3 
bitten rejected and 14 small skins retained as being under the 5-pound 



628 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

limit prescribed by the department. A count was then made of the 
retained skins accumulated during last season and fall as being under 
and over weight, and 26 were found which were turned over to the 
company as a part of its quota under the instructions contained in 
department letter of April 27, 1908. 

There were dismissed from the drive 32 small and 213 large not 
branded and 140 twos and 138 threes branded. The large seals dis- 
missed consisted of 30 fours, 83 fives, 71 sixes, and 29 sevens. 

A drive mil be made to-morrow morning from Tolstoi. 

June 30, 1908.- — Wind northwest; light breeze; weather fair and 
warm. A beautiful day. 

The Bear and Rush were anchored on the east side until 11.15 
a. m., when the Bear steamed to the westward and the Rush to the 
eastward. The Bear returned to the same anchorage in the after- 
noon and at 4.50 p. m. signaled for news, to which answer was made 
that there was nothing to report. 

A drive was made this morning from Tolstoi, the drive being left 
at the head of the Lagoon, the warm weather preventing the seals 
being driven farther. At that it was necessary to dip the seals in 
the small lake there before they could be worked over. One large 
7-year-old seal died on the drive from overheating. 

There were killed 204 seals, the skins of all of which were accepted. 
There were dismissed from the drive 29 twos and 19 threes of branded 
seals and 19 small and 108 large not branded, the large seals consist- 
ing of 19 fours, 35 fives, 34 sixes, and 20 sevens. 

A drive will be made to-morrow from Zapadni. 

July 1, 1908. — Wind northeast; moderate fresh breeze; weather 
clear until 8 a. m., then foggy. The Rush is anchored on the west 
side. The Bear got under weigh at about 8 a. m. A gasoline schooner 
came in from the westward and anchored about 8.30 a. m. alongside 
the Rush. It was found to be the Sophia Johnson, from Seattle, 
calling at the island with permission from the Secretary of Commerce 
and Labor to take photographs of seals, to be used in biograph 
exhibitions at the Seattle-Yukon Exposition. Capt. Bieber, the 
charterer of the schooner, and Capt. Quirk, the master, came ashore 
and, under escort of a native, visited Gorbatch rookery, where they 
took a series of photographs. They went aboard the schooner about 
5 in the afternoon with the intention of proceeding at once to Nome. 

A drive was made this morning from Zapadni, the gang proceeding 
there in boats towed by the steam launch. There were killed 253 
seals, of which 252 skins were accepted and 1 large retained as being 
over weight. There were dismissed from the drive 54 branded twos 
and 38 branded threes. Of seals not branded there were turned 
away 23 small and 67 large, the latter being 18 fours, 18 fives, 13 sixes, 
and 18 sevens. 

A start for Northeast Point will be made to-morrow morning. 

July 2, 1908. — Wind northeast, fight breeze; weather, thick fog. 

The Bear was at anchor all night on the east side. The Rush can 
not be heard on the west side, and presumably has gone to Northeast 
Point. It is too foggy to tell whether the gasoline schooner has left. 

A start for Northeast Point was made with three teams at 9.30 
a. m. The point was reached at 1.30. A drive will be made from that 
rookery early to-morrow morning. The telephone at the point was 
repaired, an instrument belonging to the Government being placed in 



I 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 629 

the watch house. Another instrument was taken up with the inten- 
tion of running the line to Hutchinson Hill, where the guard may tele- 
phone to tlie village without making the mile trip from the hill to the 
watch house. 

July 3, 1908. — Wind east, light breeze; weather warm, with thick 
fog. 

The drive at Northeast Point reached the killing ground at 3 a, m., 
and killing began at 4. From this 458 seals were killed, of which 3 
were rejected— 2 cut and 1 bitten. There were dismissed from the 
drive, of the branded seals, 86 two-year-olds and 98 three-year-olds, 
of the branded seals. Of those not branded, there were turned away 
34 small and 76 large, the latter consisting of 18 fours, 26 fives, 21 
sixes, and 11 sevens. 

In returning to the village, a stop was made at Halfway Point and 
108 seals killed. There were dismissed from the drive 15 branded 
seals — 4 twos and 1 1 threes. Of seals not branded, there were turned 
away 11 small and 81 large, the latter consisting of 7 fours, 41 fives, 
25 sixes, and 8 sevens. 

No drive is contemplated for to-morrow. 

July 4, 1908. — Wind south, very light breeze; weather fair, occa- 
sional heavy fog. 

The Bear and Rush are anchored on the east side. The Rush sig- 
naled "Send your letters" in the afternoon. Before tliis signal had 
been received, however, I took the gasoline launch out from the west 
side around to the Rush with letters. Returning, the launch towed 
in five fishing boats. 

July 5, 1908. — Wind south, hght breeze; weather fair. 

The Bear was at anchor on the east side all day. The Rush left for 
Unalaska in the morning. The Perry anchored about 5 p. m., on the 
west side, bringing mail from vSt. George. 

The captain of the Bear came ashore in the afternoon. A boatload 
of sailors from the Perry came ashore in the evening. 

A drive will be made in the morning from Zapadni. 

July 6, 1908. — Wind east, fresh breeze; weather cloudy. 

The drive from Zapadni tlds morning resulted in securing 182 
skins, all acceptable. Dismissed from the drive, of branded seals, 
10 twos and 4 threes; of seals not branded, 10 small and 14 large, the 
latter being 6 fours, 5 fives, and 3 sevens. 

A drive will be made in the morning from Reef and Gorbatch. 

The Bear remained at anchor on the east side until 1 p. m., when she 
steamed to the east side and anchored. The Perry left her anchorage 
on the west side and came around to east anchorage. At 12 noon a 
message was received from Northeast Point that six boats were to be 
seen there, two of which were close to shore. A signal was hoisted 
at once to the Bear, "Two boats northeast close in." wShe replied 
that our signal was so abbreviated as to be unintelligible and asked us 
to repeat. We then hoisted the special signal N. E,, indicating the 
presence of suspicious craft at Northeast Point. The Bear then 
hailed the Perry, and the latter went at once to Northeast Point. 

Two schooners in sight on the west side. No schooner was in sight 
from Northeast Point, notwithstanding that six boats could be seen 
by the watch there. 

July 7, 1908. — Wind northeast, fresh breeze. Weather cloudy, 
with fog. Rain in a. m. 



630 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Drives were made in early morning from Reef and Gorbatch, and 
Tolstoi. 

From Reef and Gorbatch there were killed 1,031 seals, of which 
1,029 were accepted and 2 small retained. There were dismissed 
from the drive, of branded seals, 51 twos and 64 threes. Of seals not 
branded, there were turned away 113 small and 104 large, the latter 
being 59 fours, 35 fives, 7 sixes, and 3 sevens. 

The Tolstoi drive yielded 148 skins, all acceptable. There were 
dismissed from the drive, branded, 5 twos and 7 threes. Of seals not 
branded, there were turned away 7 small and 31 large, the latter 
being 6 fours, 14 fives, 8 sixes, and 3 sevens. 

At a signal hoisted that killing was in progress, four officers from the 
Bear and a number of sailors came ashore and witnessed the kilfing, 
which lasted from 5 to 9 a. m. The Bear then left west anchorage. 
The Perry anchored there sometime during the day. The YorTctown 
is reported at anchor at Northeast Point. 

Yamili, the year-old son of Michael Kushin, died this morning of 
spinal meningitis. 

July 8, 1908. — Wind northwest, fresh breeze. Weather cloudy. 

All hands went to Northeast Point at 9 a. m., arriving tliere after 
1 p. m. 

The Perry left west anchorage in the morning and stood toward 
St. George, The Yorlctown left her anchorage at Northeast Point 
and steamed toward East Landing, where she was joined by the Bear. 

The watchmen at Northeast Point report that two days ago 
two boats came so close in to Hutchinson Hill shooting seals that the 
bachelors were frightened off the hauling grounds there. The 
watchmen abstained from firing on the boats. This was the occur- 
rence reported to tlie Bear on the 6th instant, on which occasion 
the Perry proceeded at once to the point. The watchmen state 
that when the Perry arrived here the boats made away and could 
not be seen by the cutter. 

July 9, 1908. — Light northwest breeze. Weather warm and 
foggy- The killing at Northeast Point resulted in 491 skins, 2 of 
which were not acceptable, 1 being cut and 1 (large) retained. There 
were dismissed, branded, 20 twos and 12 threes; not branded, 34 
small and 40 large, the latter being 19 fours, 5 fives, 13 sixes, and 3 
sevens. 

On our way, returning to the village, a small drive was secured 
at Halfway Point, from which 33 skins were taken. From this 
drive there were dismissed 1 branded two and 2 'threes. Of seals 
not branded there were turned away 15 large, consisting of 9 fives, 
4 sixes, and 2 sevens. No small seals were dismissed, only several 
of them appearing in tlie drive. 

At Northeast Point firing offshore was heard at infrequent 
intervals from 4 a. m. until we left there. No schooners could be 
seen, but one boat was in sight, probably inside the 3-mile limit, 
on the north side of Hutchinson Hill. At 9 a. m. I asked Mr. Proctor 
by telephone to send a note to the captain of the Bear informing 
him of the firing and the presence of the boat. Within an hour 
after the receipt of this note the Bear steamed to Northeast Point, 
followed by the Yorlctown. In the evening the Bear anchored on 
the west side of the village and the Yorlctown on the east side. The 



SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 631 

Perry is stated to have gone to the westward tliis morning and 
boarded several schooners. 

Five schooners in sight during the day on the west side. Two 
small boats could be seen also; all outside the limit. 

Julij to, 190S. — Wind west, light breeze, weather cloudy, with fog. 

The Yorldown left East Landing at about 9 a. m. and anchored 
at North Shore, near Northeast Point. The Bear signaled for news 
in the morning, and, after having the chief telephone to Northeast 
Point, I replied that there was nothing to report. The Bear after- 
wards changed her anchorage to the east side. 

A hearing was given this morning to Nestor Kushin, a 15-year- 
old boy, who struck Innokenty Mandregan, a 16-year-old boy, with 
a club, nearly putting out his eye. The Kushin boy is a bully, while 
the other is a quiet, harmless body, v/ithout sense enough to take care 
of himself. After developing through witnesses that the attack 
was without provocation I requested the two chiefs to take the 
Kushin boy to the sliop and thrash him in the presence of witnesses. 
This was done, 20 strokes being administered with a cod line. After 
that, the boy being still sulky and defiant, 8 more "licks" were 
given him with more severity, upon which the culprit admitted he 
had had enough. 

The Kushin boy is something of a hooligan and leads the gang 
of lialf -grown boys in the village. Wlien the chief went for him 
this morning to bring him to the Government house for a hearing, the 
boy refused to come and picked up a pair of shears, with which he 
proposed to resist any attempt to punish him. The chief relieved 
him of the shears and afterwards brouglit him to the house. 

A son was born this morning to Elary and Anna Stepetin, to be 
called Peter. 

July 11, 1908. — Wind southeast, fresh breeze, weather cloudy, with 

A drive was made this morning from Zapadni, the gang going 
overland in teams and meeting the drive at Little Za()adni. There 
were taken 326 skins, of wliich 3 were rejected, cut. There were 
dismissed 23 twos and 8 threes of branded seals and 46 small and 
10 large of seals not branded, the large being 7 fours, 1 six, and 
2 sevens. 

The Bear signaled in the morning that she would go to St. George 
to-morrow morning and that she would take mail, for which kind 
offer I set a signal thanking the cai^tain. Shortly after noon, 
however, after the Rusli had arrived and anchored on the west side, 
the Bear signaled that slie was ready to sail and to hurry with 
the mail. I replied that a boat would go to her shortly. Soon 
after she again signaled to liasten. A boat b}^ that time had 
started, taking what few letters we had, for St. George, and the ^mr 
at oiice got, under weigh. In the evening the Rush and Perry were 
seen at anchor on the west side. The Vor-Jcfown is anchored on the 
north shore, near Northeast Point. 

I sent a letter to-day to Agent Cliichester, at vSt. George, increasing 
the quota of that island 500 seals, making it 2,500 in all, and reducing 
the quota of this island to 12, .500. 

July 12, ^90:'?. -Wind east, light breeze, weather fair in morning, 
foggy in afternoon. A boat from the Perry came ashore in the 
morning, bringing mail from St. George. Both the Perry and Rush 



632 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



left in the morning, the Perry returning in the afternoon to the west 
side. A drive will be made to-morrow from Reef. 

July 13, 1908. — Wind light, variable; weather warm and clear, 
with thick fog at intervals. 

A drive was made this morning from the Reef, from which there 
were secured 574 skins, of which 569 were accepted and 5 rejected, 
cut. There were dismissed from the drive of branded seals 95 twos 
and 24 threes. Of seals not branded, there were turned away 152 
small and 25 large, the latter consisting of 15 fours, 4 fives, 3 sixes, 
and 3 sevens. 

After the completion of the drive and killing, Mr. Judge and I 
began the annual count of harems. We were precluded from finish- 
ing the count of Gorbatch, because of the discovery there of several 
hundred bachelors well hauled up, which the drivers this morning 
had overlooked. We therefore discontinued our count at a point 
midway of the rookery, and will finish it when the bachelors nave 
been driven. 

An inspection of the rookeries shows to the eye a decided shrinkage 
in cows, due to pelagic sealing. There is not, also, that increase m 
bulls which was expected and which we had reason to believe would 
occur this year. There are large numbers of young bulls on the 
rookeries in charge of cows, some of them so young that they run 
away from their harems when approached. But there seems also 
to have l^.een a large falling off m bulls during the last winter, as 
against which the incoming of young bulls was scarcely sufficient to 
meet it. 

The count of harems as made to-day follows : 



Rookery. 


Harems. 


Idle. 


Quitters. 


Water 
bulls. 




8 
200 

42 1 
6 1 
44 1 
88 1 
20 1. 
13 


1 
20 
5 
2 
1 
6 






Reef 1 


10 
2 
2 
3 
2 
2 
1 


5 




17 








2 




10 








1 


». 







I 20 bulls on hauling ground. 

A drive will be made to-morrow from Northeast Point. 

July 14, 1908. — Wind northwest, fresh ])reeze; weather cloudy. 

All hands went to Northeast Point this morning, arriving there 
about 1 p. m. A drive will be made early to-morrow morning. 

July 15, 1908. — Wind northeast; weather, thick fog in morning, 
dear in late forenoon and afternoon. 

A drive was made this morning from Northeast Point, from which 
there were secured 787 skins, of which 784 were accepted and 3 
rejected— 2 cut and 1 bitten. There were released from the drive 40 
twos and 19 threes of branded seals, and of seals not branded, 107 
small and 21 large, the latter being 10 fours, 7 fives, 2 sixes, and 2 
sevens. 

After the killing, Mr. Judge and I counted the harems on that 
rookery, finding 237 harems, 17 quitters, 27 idle, and 13 water bulls. 
Previous to our count the guard at that point made a patrol of the 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



633 



entire rookery front, some suspicious noises having been heard in 
the early morning. This patrol probably drove off some quitters and 
water bulls that had hauled up. 

The mass at Hutchinson Hill is compact at this date and shows no 
signs of disintegration, such as has occurred at this time during the 
two last seasons. This would argue more ability on the part of the 
bulls or more bulls. 

The count of the rookery follows : 

Bulls with harems, 237; quitters, 17; idle bulls, 27; 13 water bulls. 

Between 75 and 100 sea lions were on their rookery. An iron anchor 
buo}^ was found on the east side of Sea Lion Neck. 

At Halfway Point 30 skins were secured. There were also driven 
up 3 twos and 2 threes of branded seals and 2 small and 3 large seals 
that were not branded. 

While there, Mr. Judge and I counted the harems on the Polavina 
rookeries, finding as follows: 





Rookery. 


; Bulls. 


Idle. 


Quit- 
ters. 


Water 
bulls. 


Little Polavina 




i 16 


2 


2 




Polavina Cliffs . .. 




! 24 




Polavina 




1 36 


3 


1 


4 











The Perry is at Northeast Point. The Rush is anchored at the 
village on the west side. In the evening several officers came ashore 
and visited Reef rookery in company of Mr. Judge. A drive will be 
made in the morning from Zapadni. 

July 16, 1908. — Wind northeast, fresh breeze; weather, foggy in 
early morning, then clear and bright. 

The drive at Zapadni resulted in securing 280 skins, of which 279 
were accepted and 1 rejected, cut. There were turned away from 
the drive of branded seals 38 twos and 12 threes. Of seals not 
branded, there were dismissed 28 small and 15 large, the latter con- 
sisting of 6 fours, 5 fives, and 4 sixes. 

After the killing Mr. Judge and I counted the harems on the Zapad- 
nis. We were assisted by two natives, but required their services 
only on Zapadni proper, and then only in several instances. Cows are 
scarce. Zapadni Reef is but a skeleton rookery. While 10 harems 
are noted, half of these were 1-cow harems and appeared to have been 
caused by the accidental meeting of a young bull and a cow on an 
unfrequented portion of the beach. The entire bowlder beach is 
deserted except in two spots, where five sparse harems of a half a 
dozen cows each huddle. 

Our count follows : 



Rookery. 



Ha- 
rems. 



Quit- 
ters. 



Water 
buUs. 



Zapadni 148 

Little Zapadni \ 64 

Zapadni Reef 10 



634 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

The Rush remained at anchor on the west side all day. The Perry 
returned from Northeast Point because of an easterly swell and 
anchored also on the west side. Four officers from the Rush came 
ashore in the afternoon and climbed Bogaslov Hill. 

A drive will be made in the morning from Reef and Gorbatch. 

July 17^ 1908. — Wind northwest; strong breeze; weather overcast, 
with light rain, increasing to a moderately heavy rain during the day. 
The first rain on the islands this summer. 

A drive was made this morning from Reef and Gorbatch and from 
Tolstoi. From Reef and Gorbatch there were secured 1,458 skins, 
1,454 of which were accepted and 4 rejected, cut and bitten. There 
were dismissed from the drive, of branded seals, 153 twos and 71 
threes, and of seals not branded 328 small and 71 large, the latter 
being 21 fours, 24 fives, 11 sixes, and 15 sevens. 

From the Tolstoi drive there were killed 201 seals, all acceptable 
skins. Of branded seals there were released 17 twos and 12 threes, 
while of seals not branded there were turned away 32 small and 27 
large, the latter being 10 fours, 9 fives, 4 sixes, and 4 sevens. Two 
officers from the Rush attended the Idlling. 

The Perry remained at anchor at the village. The Rush steamed 
to the westward about 10 a. m. There will be no drive to-morrow. 

July 18, 1908. — Wind northeast; fresh breeze; weather fair. 

Eight schooners were in sight from Northeast Point this morning, 
and three could be seen from the village flagstaff. All of them were 
outside the limit. The Rush, after we had informed her that there 
was nothing of importance to report, steamed along the east side of 
the island beyond Walrus Island, and afterwards returned to the 
village. The schooners at Northeast Point were all on the west side. 

The Bear came to anchor on the west side and signaled "Send a 
boat." I took out the launch soon after and boarded the Bear, finding 
there Peter Oustigoif, wife, and two children, from Unalaska. Peter 
was deported from this island several years ago for bad conduct, and 
has been at Unalaska ever since. At Unalaska this spring I gave him 
permission to return. 

The Bear reports that the Republican presidential nominees are 
Taft and Sherman. The Thetis, that was reported to be jammed in 
the ice near Nome and sinking, was not in danger at all, and has given 
assistance while there to several vessels. The McCulloch and Yorlc- 
town are at Unalaska. The duty of the latter is to communicate via 
Nome with the department every two weeks. 

In the afternoon Mr. Judge and I completed the count of harems 
on Gorbatch rookery, which was interrupted on the 13th by the 
discovery there of a good-sized bunch of bachelors. The completed 
count of that rookery follows: Harems, 103; idle, 6; quitters, 1 ; water 
bulls, 8. 

From 15 to 20 young bulls were found on the hauling ground of that 
rookery. 

July 19, 1908. — Wind east-northeast; fresh breeze; weather fair. 

In the morning I signaled to the Bear, "Northeast Point reports 
eight schooners in sight outside the limit." The Bear replied, 
"Thanks." Later the Bear made a circuit of the island, returning to 
west anchorage in the evening. 

I went aboard the Rush in the afternoon and the Bear in the 
evening. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 635 

July 20, 1908. — Wind northwest; fresh breeze; weather cloudy. 
The teams started for Northeast Point at 9 a. m. A drive is to be 
made there to-morrow. 

July 21, 1908. — Wind northwest, Ught breeze. Weather fair and 
warm. The drive at Northeast Point resulted in securing 448 skins, 
all of which were accepted. There were turned away from the drive 
of branded seals 55 twos and 65 threes. Of seals not branded there 
were dismissed 29 small and 59 large, the latter being 2 fours, 19 
fives, 23 sixes, and 15 sevens. 

The telephone line from Northeast Point to the village is out of 
order. The point has 9 schooners in sight this morning, and a num- 
ber of small boats are in the water. Wliile killmg, the guard reported 
that one schooner was coming in well within the limit and standing 
in for the rookery. The guard fired a warning cannon shot, at which 
the schooner altered her course. 

A stop was made at Halfway Point, where 71 skins were taken. 
There were dismissed from that drive 4 twos and 12 threes, branded 
seals, and 5 small and 19 large of seals not branded, the latter being 
2 fours, 5 fives, 4 sixes, and 8 sevens. 

The Bear signaled in the evening for news. At 7 p. m. I went 
aboard and informed the captain of the number of schooners at 
Northeast Point and that the telephone is not working. 

A drive will be made m the morning from Zapadni. 

About 11.30 p.m. a runner came in from Northeast Point and was 
brought to the Government house by the tw^o chiefs. The runner's 
name was Theodore Kochutiu. He was so exhausted that he could 
hardly stand, and so out of breath that he could speak with difhculty 
only. He stated that at about 9.30 p. m. he went from the watch- 
house at the point in the direction of Hutchinson Hill, whither the 
three watchmen had preceded him. When he reached the north 
shore of Webster Lake lie beheld the three watchmen confronted by 
six strangers, presumably Ja})anese, from one of the schooners in 
that vicinit3^ One of the watchmen then walked in his direction, 
Theodore said, and "signaled" by waving his arms. Theodore 
took this to mean that the watchmen desired him to summon aid 
from the village. 

Theodore immcdiateh^ started for the village on a dead run, carry- 
ing '>vith him his rifle and revolver, which he did not desire to fall into 
the hands of the raiders in case they should have over]iowered the 
guard. He made the 12 mihs in 1 hour and 30 minutes, carrying a 
rifle, revolver, and belt full of ammunition. 

As the tele]:)hone was not working, I decided, in view of the state- 
ments of the runner, that it would be well not to take chances on his 
statements being inaccurate, but to take up some men to the point 
to relieve the guard there. Accordingly, I asked the chief to detail 
four men for the pur]wse. Mr. Judge, who was aroused also by the 
report, took a boat and went at once to the Bear, lying off the west 
side, acquainting the ca])tain with the facts as stated, and requesting 
him to proceed to the point as soon as possible. 

July 22, 1908. — Myself, the second chief John Stepetin, and John 
Fratis, Innokenty Sedick, and Trefan Kochution, armed with rifles — 
all but myself — started for Northeast Point at 12.30 midnight. The 
night was calm and foggy. We reached the point at 4 a. m., wet to 
the middle from walking in the tall wet s:rass. Simultaneous with 



636 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

our arrival there was that of the Bear, which must have left the village 
for the point at once after receiving Mr. Judge's message. 

We found two of the guard patrollmg the rookery, and the watch- 
man in charge standing at the salt house to receive us. The story 
told by Theodore was without foundation, no boat's crew having 
landed the evening previous, nor had the watchmen asked Theodore 
or given him any "signal" to summon aid from the village. A boat 
from the Bear, with Messrs. Hinckley and Alexander, and an armed 
boat's crew came ashore soon after m}^ arrival and ascertained the 
state of the situation. I regretted that the story of the watchman 
was without foundation and requested Mr. Hincldey to convey my 
apologies to the captain, but to state that I was as badly misled by 
the report as he. 

About 15 minutes before we reached the point shotgun firing began 
off the shore near the salt house and developed into a regular fusillade. 
Firing from small boats in the water was heard on all sides and was 
practically continuous. I have never heard so many shots fired in 
the water around the island at one time. While the officers from 
the Bear were ashore a boat could be seen through the fog off Sea 
Lion Neck shooting at seals in the rips off that point. Fog pre- 
vented our seeing the other boats that were firing. 

The Beards boat returned to her and she got under weigh in the 
direction of Northeast Point. Even after she started, the boat close 
to shore continued firing. An hour afterwards the fog lifted and 
showed the Bear coming from the northward with a schooner in tow, 
while another schooner was anchored off Sea Lion Neck. This second 
schooner the Bear picked up and with both in tow proceeded with 
them to the village. 

A team, with two men, ample provisions, and arms, was sent up to 
the point, reaching there before noon. For the team I have to ac- 
knowledge indebtedness to Mr. Redpath, the superintendent of the 
company. 

I left the point at about 3.30 with the men who had come up with 
me, arriving back at the village about 7.30. I found the Bear and the 
Rush anchored on the west side, with the two schooners, which were 
named the SaiJcai Maru and the Kmsei Maru. After getting some- 
thing to cat, I took the launch and vT.nt aboard both cutters, re- 
porting the state of affairs at the point. The captain of the Rush 
decided to go to Northeast Point during the night to reach there by 
daybreak in the ho])e of gettting any schooner that might take ad- 
vantage of the early morning hours to come in close for seals. He 
would then return to the village and take the two schooners in tow 
to Unalaska. 

The schooners were seized by the Bear for being within the 3-mile 
limit and having small boats therein shooting seals. 

I found on arrival back at the village that Mr. Judge, with the 
launch, had been of much assistance to the Bear after she had returned 
to the village with her prizes, by running back and forth between the 
cutter and the schooners, towing boats, etc. He also went to Za- 
padni, got a barrel of seal livers and seal meat for the crew of the Bear. 

Mr. W. C. Alhs, of the company, arrived here on the Rush from St. 
George. 

A drive will be made to-morrow from Reef and Gorbatch, and 
Tolstoi. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 637 

July 23, 1908. — Fresh southerly wuid, with fog. Weather cloudy. 

The drive from the Reef and Gorbatch netted 1,070 skins, of which 
1,047 were accepted and 23 rejected — 3 bitten, 15 cut, and 5 small — the 
latter retamed by the department. There were dismissed from the 
drive 81 twos and 151 threes of branded seals, while of seals not 
branded there were turned away 251 small and 100 large, the latter 
being 41 fours, 25 fives, 23 sixes, and 11 adults. 

From Tolstoi there were taken 42 skins, of which 40 were accepted 
and 2 rejected, cut. There were dismissed from the drive, of branded 
seals, two 2-year-olds and twenty 3-year-olds. Of seals not branded, 
there were turned away no smalls and 35 large, the latter bemg 5 fours, 
14 fives, 7 sixes, and 9 adults. 

The Rush, after patroilmg Northeast Point this mornmg without 
finding any schooners close in, returned to the village and started for 
Unalaska with the Beards two schooners m tow. The Bear circled the 
island later m the day, returning to the west anchorage m the evening. 
I went aboard with mail for St. George and reported the situation 
ashore to the captain. I walked to Rocky Point in the afternoon to 
repair the telephone line. 

July 24, 1908. — Southerly wind, with rain, in morning. Weather 
cloudy, with fog. 

The fog obscured the movements of the Bear. In the afternoon 
the captam came ashore to learn news from Northeast Point. Un- 
fortunately, the telephone is not worldng, and no news from the point 
has been received for two days. 

July 25, 1908. — Wind west, fresh breeze; weather fair. The Bear 
remained at anchor at the village during the day and drew around 
to Northeast Point in the evening, where she anchored off the salt 
house. The McCulloch came in to the west anchorage in the morning, 
and I went aboard the Bear, meetmg there the captain of the McCul- 
loch. The captain of the Bear kindly loaned me a magneto for testmg 
breaks in electric circuits, to be tried on the telephone fine at North- 
east Pomt. 

After lunch the three teams went to Northeast Point. In the 
evening the Webster House line was cut out of the Northeast Point 
circuit, wliich had the effect at once of rmgirig up the village and 
estabhslmig connection there with the watch house at the point. The 
break, evidently, was in a small wire in the Webster House machine. 

The watchmen at the point report that, on the 24tli, 10 schooners 
and 30 or 40 small boats were operatmg around the point, the noise 
of the shootmg being very loud. It had the effect of making the 
bachelors leave their hauling ground under Hutchinson Hill. They 
state that one large schooner, with black sails, is persistent in coming 
close or inside the limit and sending her boats further inshore to seal. 

July 26, 1908. — Wind east, hght breeze; weather foggy in morning, 
clearing in eveiung. 

The drive at Northeast Point resulted in securing 348 skins, all 
acceptable. There were dismissed from the drive, of branded seals, 
28 twos and 19 threes, and of seals not branded, 57 small and 20 large, 
the latter consisting of 11 fours, 3 fives, 5 sixes, and 1 seven. 

The drive at Halfway Point produced only 19 skms. There were 
dismissed 1 branded two and 4 branded threes. Of seals not branded, 
there were turned away 2 small and 9 large, the latter consisting of 
8 sixes and 1 old bull. 



638 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

The ship's bell of the Bear could be heard in the fog in the morning, 
off the salt house at Northeast Point. Later in the day the captain 
came ashore there and telephoned to the village. The McCuUoch is 
not in sight to-day. 

The McCulloch, on the 24th, detained several schooners and small 
boats until the fog lifted enough for her to determine their position. 
They were picked up off West Point. They were found to be only a 
fraction of a mile outside the limit and were therefore released. 

A drive will be made to-morrow from Reef and Gorbatch, and 
Tolstoi. 

July 27, 1908. — Wind west, light breeze; weather fair in morning, 
foggy in evening. 

The drive from Reef and Gorbatch resulted in 562 skins, of which 
548 were accepted and 14 rejected, 5 of which were bitten and 9 small 
retained. There were released from the drive 115 two years and 61 
threes of branded seals. Of seals not branded, there were turned 
away 144 small and 99 large, the latter being 4 fours, 25 fives, 57 sixes, 
and 13 adults. 

From Tolstoi there were taken 41 skins, all accepted. There were 
turned away 9 branded twos and 18 threes. There were dismissed, 
of seals not branded, 3 small and 26 large, the latter being 6 fours, 6 
fives, 13 sixes, and 1 seven. 

The fog obscured the movements of the cutters, although the watch- 
men reported this mornmg that both the McCulloch and the Bear 
were at anchor at Northeast Point. 

A drive will be made in the morning from Zapadni. A westerly 
swell was making in to-day, otherwise the boats would have gone to 
Zapadni after the Reef killing. 

July 28, 1908. — Wind southeast, strong breeze; weather cloudy. 

Zapadni furnished 241 skins this morning, of which 1 bitten was 
rejected. There were dismissed from the drive, of branded seals, 
30 twos and 16 threes. Of seals not branded, there were turned 
away 63 small and 36 large, the latter being 5 fours, 11 fives, 16 sixes, 
and 4 sevens. 

The Bear and McCulloch anchored on the west side in the morning 
and went to the north shore in the evening. The Perry came from 
St. George in the evening and went also toward north shore. In the 
morning the Bear signaled for news, and then for information as to 
the whereabouts of the Perry. She then stated that she had mail for 
us, to wliich I replied that a boat would come to her. Mr. Judge then 
went aboard. 

July 29, 1908. — Wind southeast, moderately strong wind; weather 
overcast, with rain and fog. 

Three cutters are anchored on the north shore at Northeast Point. 
The sea is rough and the landings are poor. 

July 30, 1908. — Wind southwest, fresh breeze; weather foggy in 
morning, clear in afternoon. 

The Rush came to the west side and signaled that she had mail. 
I replied that I could not get out my boat, and that she was not to 
attempt to land in her own boats at Gorbatch until to-morrow. The 
McCulloch came later in the afternoon on the east side and signaled 
that they desired information whether transportation was wanted 
for Mi. Judge to Unalaska to connect with the Dora, which would 
leave Unalaska on the 3d of August. To this we sent the reply, 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 639 

"No; thanks." The Bear left Northeast Point in the morning and 
her whereabouts is unknown. 

A drive ^\dll be made in the morning from Reef and Gorbatch, to 
obtain the 666 skins required to fill this island's quota. If the drive 
from that place is not sufficient to furnish this number, a team will 
be sent to Northeast Point in the afternoon, to take the remainder 
necessary. A good-sized drive is on Gorbatch, and it was for this 
reason that I requested the Rush not to land on Gorbatch until 
to-morrow, when the drive will have been made. 

July 31, 1908. — Wind southwest, hght breeze; weather cloudy. 

The last kiUing of the season occurred this morning from Reef and 
Gorbatch, and Tolstoi. Only 666 skins were secured to fill the quota 
for the island, although probabl}^ 100 more skins could have been 
taken from this drive. 

From Reef and Gorbatch there were taken 633 skins, of which 630 
were accepted and 3 rejected, cut. There were turned away from 
the drive, of branded seals, 91 twos and 41 threes. Of seals not 
branded, there were dismissed 453 small and 106 large, the latter 
being 16 fours, 45 fives, 26 sixes, and 19 adults. 

From Tolstoi there were taken 33 skins. There were dismissed, 
of branded seals, 6 twos and 6 threes. Of seals not branded, there 
were turned away 23 small and 1 1 large, the latter being 7 fives and 
4 sixes. 

At 1 p. m., 3 teams left the village for Northeast Point to haul out 
skins salted there on the occasion of the last killing. 

A boat from the Rush landed on the west side in the early morning, 
bringing mail deUvered at Unalaska by the last Dora. 

August 1, 1908. — Wind northeast, hght breeze; weather cloudy. 

The teams returned from Northeast Point at noon. 

In the morning, the Rush came into the west side and signaled for 
Qews. Rephed that there was nothing to report. The Rush with- 
out having anchored steamed to the westward. 

August 2, 1908. — Wind northeast, fresh breeze; weather cloudy. 
A boat from the Perry came ashore in the afternoon, bringing several 
letters and stating that a cutter would be kept at Northeast Point 
continuously, by order of Capt. Munger. 

A dance was held in the native shop in the evening to mark the 
close of the seahng season. 

August 3, 1908. — Wind east, light breeze; weather cloudy, with fog. 

The whistle of a steamer was heard in the fog off the west side this 
afternoon, but the fog prevented its being made out. 

August 4, 1908. — Wind northwest, strong breeze; weather foggy 
and cloudy. 

The gasoline launch was hauled up on the ways and necessary 
repairs made to the gear case. The men bundled skins all day, haul- 
ing them to the point warehouse. About half the skins were bundled. 

Mr. Judge, with several native men, counted the pups on Ketovi 
and Amplii. rookeries, iinding as follows : 

Ketovi, live pups, 1,628; dead pups, 79. 

Amplii., live pups, 249; dead pups, 4. 

On typical harem space there were 82 live and 3 dead. 

This count made to-day shows the presence of practically the 
same number of pups as when the same space was counted last year. 
If this were taken as a criterion of the condition of all the rookeries 



640 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

on the island, as was intended and as has been done heretofore, it 
would indicate that there has been no decrease in seal life during the 
past year, but if anytliing an increase. But no increase can have 
occurred in the face of the destruction of seals by the combined pe- 
lagic fleets. Tliis is shown by the appearance of an attenuated condi- 
tion on other large rookeries on which no count of pups was made, 
and on which no count would be justifiable because of the necessary 
disturbance of breeding seals and the driving of them off the land 
to meet the fleet hovering in sight of the island. It will not be well 
to accept the condition of Ketovi as typical of the whole island, while 
on the othisr hand it will not be prudent to sweep another rookery 
clean in order to make a further count. 

The Perry is anchored off the salt house at Northeast Point. 
The Rush was seen coming from the point on the east side but has 
not been in communication with the village to-day. 

August 5, 1908. — Wind northwest, moderate fresh breeze; weather 
fair. 

The native men were engaged in bundling skins. 

The cutters Perry and Rush are at Northeast Point. 

Nicoli, the 1-year-old son of John and Claudia Kochutin, died last 
evening rather suddenly. 

August 6, 1908. — Wind west, light breeze; weather fair. 

Both cutters at the point. A number of boats out fishing which 
returned with extraordinary catches of halibut. The launch taken 
around the bay to test the clutch. 

August 7, 1908. — Wind northeast, light breeze; weather cloudy. 

The McCulloch came into west landing with a signal, "Have mail." 
Mr. Judge took out the launch and went aboard, receiving some na- 
tive mail from St. George. The Rush also came to W^est Landing 
anchorage in the afternoon. 

A small food drive will be made in the morning from Gorbatch; 

August 8, 1908. — Wind southeast, light breeze; weather fair, bright, 
and warm. 

A drive of seals was brought up from Gorbatch for a food killing. 
From this, there were secured 183 skins, of wliich 181 were acceptable 
and 2 rejected, cut. There were dismissed from the drive, of branded 
seals, 13 twos and 3 threes. Of seals not branded, there were released 
96 small and 5 large, the latter being 1 four, 3 fives, and 1 adult. 

The teams with men then left for Northeast Point to bundle the 
skins there. The officers from the Rush came ashore there in the 
evening and took dinner ashore. The Rush was anchored there all 
day. 

August 9, 1908. — -Wind southeast, moderate gale; weather overcast, 
with good rain. 

The teams returned from the point at noon. In the evening addi- 
tional lines were placed on the launches for security. 

August 10, 1908. — Wind southeast, strong wind. No landing on 
the island. 

The cutters Rush and McCulloch are anchored at Northeast Point. 

The division of natives' earnings from taking sealskins during the 
past season was signed to-day. It wiU appear on the next two pages 
following. 

August 11, 1908. — Wind southeast, strong breeze; weather over- 
cast, with occasional rain. No landings on the island. 



SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 641 

In the afternoon the Rush came to the village and signaled to 
know if there was a landing. She was infoimed that there was none. 
She then anchored on the west side. 

August 12, 1908. — The wind is southeast, moderate breeze. 
Weather clearing, with occasional mist and rain. 

The Rush was at anchor on the west side during the night, having 
an uncomfortable berth. In the afternoon a boat went to her, from 
the west side, the crew of which were informed by the captain that 
he would not leave here until the arrival of the Perry or the Bear. 
The wind rising in the evening made the landings rough again. 

The Rush remained at anchor all night. At about 10 p. m. the 
company's steamer Grace Dollar anchored on the west side near the 
Rush. As the landing was poor, no boat went out to her. 

August 13, 1908. — Wind west, fresh breeze; weather partially fair. 

At 9 a. m. the Grace Dollar left for Northeast Point to load the 
skins in the salt house there. The Rush left at 9 a. m. for Unalaska, 
taking George Kotchergin and Nicoli Kozloff as passengers to Una- 
laska. The Perry and McCulloch are at anchor on the west side. 

August 14, 1908. — Wind southwest, fresh breeze; weather cloudy. 
The native men worked from 4 a. m. to 10 p. m. unloading the cargo 
from the Grace Dollar. In the evening the passengers for San 
Francisco went aboard of her, as follows: Assistant Agent James 
Judge and wife; J. C. Redpath, superintendent North American 
Commercial Co.; W. C. Allis, agent North American Commercial Co.; 
M. A. Williamson, M. D., former physician, St. Paid; Morris Holtz- 
man, formerly teamster. 

The McCulloch remained at anchor all da}' on the west side. 

August 15, 1908. — Wind south, fresh breeze; weather cloudy. 

The Grace Dollar left for San Francisco at 6 a. m. 

At noon the McCulloch, on the west side, signaled that she would 
take mail and passengers for St. George. At 2 p. m. a boat went 
aboard of her, taking Michael Kozloff as passenger for St. George. 

August 16, 1908. — Wind east, light breeze; weather cloudy, fair. 

The Perry came from Northeast Point, made a circuit of the island, 
and again anchored at the point. 

August 17, 1908. — Wind northeast, cloudy, with rain. 

In the morning a count was made of all the skins remaining in 
salt in the '•alt house at the village, and the following number of skins 
were found : 

Retained by the agents from last season, 32. Drive from reef, 
August 8, 183; 181 accept, 2 reject, cut. Watch skins, Southwest 
Bay, 7. 

In the afternoon the British gunboat Algerine came in to East 
Landing, and her commander, Capt. Edwards, accompanied by Lieut. 
Sims and Surg. Hewitt, visited Gorbatch rookery and returned 
aboard at 6.30. 

August 18, 1908. — Wind east, light breeze; weather fair. 

The McCulloch anchored on the west side at noon, after haviiig 
signaled for us to come for our mail. At 2 p. m. I went aboard in 
the gasoline launch, finding a small package of mail. I brought the 
captain and 2 officers ashore and took them to Gorbatch rookery. 
After spending a pleasant afternoon I took them aboard at 5.30. At 
7 p. m. 6 native men went aboard to make the trip to Unalaska. 

2403— H. Doc. 93, 62-1 41 



642 • SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 

August 19, 1908. — Wind south, light breeze; weather fair, with 
occasional light rain. 

The McCuTloch left early in the morning for Unalaska. At 6 p. m. 
the Rush came to east Itinding. I sent a boat's crew over with 
instructions to take out a boat, but before they got there the Rush's 
boat put off from the ship, bringing ashore the 2 men who had made 
the trip to Unalaska in her, and brought ashore also a quantity of 
freight for the natives. The ship's boat returned with an oral mes- 
sage from me to the captain. The Bear is expected here on the 21st. 

August 20, 1908. — Wind south, fresh breeze; weather fair. 

The Rush left her anchorage on the east side at 9 a. m., steaming 
in the direction of Northeast Point. Issued to-day the potatoes and 
onions ordered in the spring for the natives. 

August 21, 1908. — Wind south, moderate gale; weather overcast, 
with steady rain. A strong southerl}'" swell, breaking on both 
landings. 

No word of the cutters was received to-day. 

August 22, 1908. — Wind south, fresh breeze; weather cloudy in 
morning, fair in afternoon. Swell abating. 

The watchmen from Southwest Bay returned this afternoon, report- 
ing but one schooner was seen by them during the week. They report 
the watch house at Southwest Bay to be in a bad condition. The 
watchmen from Northeast Point also reported that the Perry and 
Rush are at anchor at Northeast Point. On Tuesday, the 18th, \ 
boat from one of the schooners came in so close that the watchman 
stationed then on Hutchinson Hill fired four shots to frighten them 
away. The boat, after the shooting, put about and stood away from 
the rookery. At the time of the firing the captain and the surgeon 
of the Perry were on shore at the Point to take a photograph of the 
sea-lion rookery. The captain saw the approaching boat, and with- 
out taking the photograph returned hastily to the cutter and went 
after the boat, which, the watchmen state, by that time was well out. 

The priest to-day requested permission for the marriage of Inno- 
kenty Sedick and Ripsemia Serebrinikoff . It was given. The wed- 
ding is to occur on the 29th of this month. 

August 23, 1908. — Wind south, light breeze; weather cloudy in 
morning, fair later. 

The landings are poor on both sides of the island. The cutters are 
at anchor at Northeast Point — the Rush and the Perry. 

August 24, 1908. — Wind northwest, light breeze; weather fair. 

The Perry passed the east side of the village this morning with a 
signal set, "Have 3^ou any news?" Replied that there was nothing 
to report. She steamed to the westward, returning about 6 p. m., 
at which time I hoisted a flag on East Landing. The cutter, how- 
ever, did not come to an anchor but steamed in the direction of 
Northeast Point. 

The steam launch was hauled up this evening. 

August 25, 1908. — Wind southwest, fresh breeze; weather cloudy, 
with fog. 

The native men were engaged all day in working for the company. 

The cutters Bear and Rush are at anchor on the north shore. 
Nothing is seen of the Perry, and the supposition is that she has gone 
down to Unalaska. We regret that she did not stop yesterday to 
give us an opportunity to send mail. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 643 

August 26, 1908. — -Wind southwest, fresh breeze; weather fair, with 
occasional fog. 

The Rush left Northeast Point this morning for St. George. In the 
after,noon, Mr. Hinckley, of the Bear, went ashore at the point and 
telephoned to me that he wished to erect beacons on several promi- 
nences for the purpose of cliarting soundings about the point. In 
the evening the captain also went ashore and telephoned to me. He 
stated that this would be the last trip of the Bear to the islands. He 
stated further that the two schooners captured by him tliis summer 
were both held by the commissioner at Unga, and that tlie crew was 
left there to be taken by the Bear to Valdez for trial in October. He 
stated that the pelagic schooners are leaving the sea, and that the 
last schooner sli.ould be away from_ this region about September 8. 

August 27 , 190S. — Wind northeast, light breeze; weather fair. 

The Bear, after standing off and on Northeast Point, came to West 
Landing about 4 p. m. In the evening Capt. Bertholf came ashore, 
and took off \vith him the anchor buoy of the Yorlctown and the kyak, 
belonging to Mr. Hinckley, which we have had ashore patching. 
The Bear Anil leave the sea on September 3, and will go to Valdez, in 
time for court, which is to convene on October 1. 

August 28, 1908. — Wind, light breeze, veering northeast and north- 
west ; weather fair. 

The McCuUoch came in sight at 11 a. m., from St. George. At 
1.30 p. m., made out her signal, "Send a boat." A pulling boat went 
out to her, and brought ashore the six men who had been taken to 
Unalaska on her a week ago, and also the St. George visitor from tliis 
island. With Peter Bourclukofsky returned a bride from the Jessie 
Lee Home in Unalaska — a fine-looking j^oung woman aged 17, named 
Petersen, born in Unga. They were married in Unalaska by the 
Protestant head of the home, but a further ceremony according to 
the rites of the Russian Church will be performed on tliis island a 
week from next Sunday. 

About 3 p. m. the Rush also anchored on the west side, and Capts. 
Daniels and de Ottee came ashore and remained to dinner. Alter 
dinner I took them aboard in an island boat, the gasoline launch 
refusing to work after having started. Capt. Daniels took aboard 
the box of stationery for St. George, wliich the Grace Dollar landed 
here by mistake. 

The Rush will leave here for Unalaska on the 30th, and will take 
with her three native men from this island who desire to "\dsit relatives 
in Unalaska. 

August 29, 1908. — Wind, light breeze, varying west and south. 
Weather fair, with fog. 

The Rush and McCullocJi both left West Landing in the morning. 
The Bear is at Northeast Point. 

I spent the day repairing the gasoline launch, which required new 
batteries, and which also had a large quantity of water in the gasoline 
tank. This latter condition was the cause of its inaction last evening. 

August 30, 1908. — Wind south, strong breeze, rising to strong 
wind. Weather overcast, with rain. 

At about 10 a. m. the Rush anchored off East Landing, where pre- 
viously I had had a flag hoisted, and signaled, "Send passengers." 
I replied, "Boat is coming to you." I had a boat launched at east 
landing at once, in which Karp Buterin and John and Simeon Fratis 



644 SEAL ISLANDS OP ALASKA. 

with a boat 's crew went to the Rush. The natives named are to make 
the trip to Unalaska. The Rush at once got her anchor and steamed 
toward St. George. 

The McCulloch soon afterwards came into view, steaming from St. 
George. She passed the Rush and headed for Northeast Point 
without approaching the village. 

At 2 p. m. Innokenty Sedick and Ripsemia ShaposhnikofT were 
married. In the evening a dance was given in their honor. 

August 31, 1908. — Wind southwest, moderately strong wind. 
Weather overcast, with drizzle and fog. 

Owing to the fog the movements of the cutters to-day could not be 
observecl. There is no landing on either side of the village. 

Septemher 1 , 1908. — Wind southwest, strong breeze. Weather, thick 

fog- 
School opened this morning with 40 pupils — 19 boys and 21 girls. 

In the afternoon a steamer's whistle was heard in the fog, presumably 

near the Reef on the south side. The shop bell was rung and the 

whistling ceased. The thick fog prevented our ascertaining what 

vessel it was. 

September 2, 1908. — Wind west, moderate gale. Weather cloudy, 
clear. 

The Perry was found this morning at anchor between the Reef and 
East Landing. At about 9 a. m. she steamed to East Landing and 
signaled, "Have mail." I replied, "Boat is going to you." 

Although the wind was blowing strong, the chief volunteered to 
take a boat out. Accordingly, the Government boat at East Landing 
was launched, and, with two men on each oar, went out to the Perry 
and brought back a small quantity of mail, principally Chinese 
newspapers. The Perry at once got her anchor and steamed for 
Northeast Point, where this morning the McCulloch and the Bear 
were anchored. 

September 3, 1908. — Wind west, light breeze in morning, changing 
to northeast in afternoon. Weather clear. 

At 11 a. m. the cutter Bear anchored on the east side in response 
to a signal set at that landing. Capt. Bertholf and Mr. Hinckley, 
the executive, came ashore and had lunch. At 1.30 p. m, the captain 
went aboard with Mr. Hinckley. On the Bear went to Unalaska 
the following natives of this island on a visit : Elary Stepetin, Dorof ay 
Stepetin, Necon Shabolin, John Merculieff, Trefan Kochutin, and 
Alex. Melovidoff. The captain stated that this would be the last 
trip of the Bear to the islands this season, as he would leave on the 
15th of this month for Valdez, to attend the trial of the Japanese 
sealers arrested by him this summer for killing seals unlawfully off 
Northeast Point. 

Two natives from St. George were landed at Northeast Point this 
morning by the McCulloch and they made their way to the village. 

September J)., 1908. — Wind northwest, light breeze. Weather fair. 
In the morning the McCulloch and YorJctown both came to anchor 
on the west side. Went out to them in the gasoline launch, and 
Capt. Glennin, of the YorMown, with five officers, and Capt. Daniels, 
of the McCulloch, with one officer, came ashore for lunch, and subse- 
quently visited Gorbatch rookery. Two liberty parties from the 
YorMown and two officers subsequently came ashore. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 645 

I returned Capt. Glennin to his vessel in the launch at 5 p. m., also 
towing a boatload of sailors at the same time to the Yorktown. That 
vessel soon afterwards got under weigh for Unalaska, her period of 
cruising being completed. 

In the evening Mr. Proctor and I made a short call on the captain 
and officers of the McCnlloch. 

September o, 1908. — Wind northwest, light breeze. Weather fair. 
The Perry has been at anchor at Northeast Point all week. The 
McCuMoch left her anchorage on the west side and steamed toward 
Walrus Island, returning in the afternoon. The guard at Northeast 
Point reports one schooner in sight, the same one that has been around 
for several days, and which was overhauled yesterday by the YorJc- 
tovni. It is the Chitose Maru 2, and is supposed to be leaving the 
sea to-day. No other schooners are in sight, and the patrolling officers 
believe that all the Japanese fleet is now on its way home. 

Septemher 5, 1908. — Wind northwest, light breeze. Weather fair, 
with bright sun in afternoon. 

At 8 a. m. signaled the McCulloch that there was nothing of impor- 
tance to report. She then steamed toward Northeast Point, returning 
in the early afternoon and anchoring on the east side. Capt. Daniels 
then came ashore, returning aboard about 4 p. m. Light rain and 
cloudy at 10 p. m. 

September 6, 1908. — Wind west, light breeze; weather fair. 

At 8.30 a. m. the McCulloch signaled for news and I replied that 
there was nothing of importance to report. 

At 2 p. m. Peter Bourdukofsky and his bride were again married, 
this time by the Russian Church ceremony. Capt. Daniels and three 
officers came ashore to witness the ceremony. The captain and my- 
self held the crowns. The captain and one officer stayed for dinner, 
returning aboard at 8 p. m. 

The captain took aboard the two St. George men who have been 
here for a week. He took also five men from this island to visit St. 
George. 

At about 4 p.m. the Perry steamed past the east side, having come 
around the island from the north side. I set a signal stating that I 
desired a personal interview, for the reason that Capt. Daniels desired 
to speak with the captain of the Perry. The McCulloch also hoisted 
a signal for the Perry, but the latter evidently saw neither, as she 
steamed on her course about 3 miles off the shore, heading for North- 
east Point. 

A dance was held in the shop in the evening. 

September 7, 1908. — Very light westerly breeze, practical calm; 
weather cloudy. 

At 10 a. m. the Perry came in sight on the east side from Northeast 
Point. She having been reported about 9.30, 1 had a man set a flag 
at East Landing, but the Perry held her course for lleef Point and did 
not come into east anchorage. The flag signal at East Landing was 
flat against the mast. 

At 4 p. m. the McCulloch came to anchor at East Landing and sig- 
naled for a boat. The Perry, which at that time was standing for 
Northeast Point, also headed in for East Landing. I took a boat to 
the McCulloch and found that the captain had been to vSt. George and 
landed the natives for that island, but that on account of a heavy 
northerly swell was unable to lie at that island and therefore came 
over here. He had mail for the island and a letter from him to me. 



646 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

I went with the captain in his boat to the Perry to pay a call on 
thfe captain of that vessel and then returned ashore in my boat. Both 
vessels may remain here to-morrow. 

Good rain in the evening with somewhat rising westerly wind. 

September 8, 1908. — ^Wind west, fresh breeze; weather fair, with 
shifting banks of thick fog. 

At 8 a. m. both the McCulloch and the Perry are at anchor on the 
east side. At that time, after telephoning to Northeast Point, I set 
a signal that there was nothing of importance to report, but because 
of the fog it was not seen for some time. 

The natives who visited St. George report that there are several 
cases of mumps there. There have been at least 10 cases of mumps 
on this island, with ready recovery in each case. 

The Perry got under weigh for Northeast Point about 8.30. 

The RusJi anchored on the east side about 1 p. m. The captain of 
the McCulloch then signaled us that the Rush had mail. I sent a boat 
out, but the Rush had already sent a boat in and landed the mail and 
the three passengers that went to Unalaska with her on August 30. 
The Perry soon appeared from the eastward and also anchored on the 
east side. The chief engineer and doctor from the Perry came ashore 
and visited Reef rookery. 

A strong southerly gale springing up in the afternoon, the Rush and 
Perry went to Northeast Point, while the McCulloch went in the direc- 
tion of St. George I had several applications from natives of this 
island to go aboard the McCulloch for passage to Unalaska, but I 
refused all of them, believing that we had put the friendship of the 
captain of that vessel to a severe test and that any further requests 
for transportation would for that reason be out of place. Then, again, 
there are now 11 men away from the island, either at St. George or 
Unalaska, not counting the 7 men on watch, and the island work is 
practically at a standstill because of lack of workmen. 

September 9, 1908. — Wind west and northwest, heavy gale, with 
rain. 

The wind which arose last evening continued to increase until this 
morning it became a heavy gale. At 10 a. m. it became necessary to 
batten down the roof of the Government house to prevent all the 
shingles on the west and south sides from being blown off. As it was, 
quite a patch on the west side was blown off before the shingles could 
be secured. The schoolhouse and native houses through the village 
also suffered. In the evening it was decided that it was unsafe to 
leave the gasoline boat in the water overnight, and accordingly the 
gang was called out at 7 p. m. and the launch hauled up on the ways 
after some little trouble caused by the backwash in the cove. Some 
of the planking on the wharf also narrowly escaped being carried away. 

At midnight the wind and sea were both rapidly subsiding, and the 
indications are that conditions to-morrow will be nearly normal and 
that the severe storm is local in its scope. 

September 10, 1908. — Wind northwest, light wind, changing in 
afternoon to north, heavy wind. 

At noon the Perry anchored on the east side and signaled for news. 
I replied that there was nothing of importance to report. At 4 p. m. 
the vessel steamed to the west side and anchored there. 

September 11, 1908. — Wind northwest, strong wind. Weather fair 
with squalls of rain and sleet. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 647 

The Perry remained at anchor all night on the west side. At 8 
p. m. I hoisted the signal indicating that there was nothing of impor- 
tance to report. At noon she had anchored on the east side, where 
the landing was so poor that it was not advisable to hoist the landing 
flag there. 

The late gale turned over tlie large Government boat kept at East 
Landing, rolling it over twice and crushing in a portion of the plank- 
ing. It can be repaired without much eifqrt, however, and will not 
affect the efficiency of the boat. 

September 12, 1908. — Wind west, fresh breeze; weather fair. 

The Rusli anchored on the east side last evening about 9 p. m. 

At 8 a. m. this morning I signaled that there was nothing of impor- 
tance to report, to which both the Perry and Rush responded. I then 
had a flag hoisted on the east side to indicate a landing tliere. The 
Government boat at East Landing was raised and lashed to place. At 
10 a. m. Mr. Proctor with a tea.m and men went to Northeast Foint 
to replace shingles blown ofl' by the recent gale. The watch at 
Zapadni will be discontinued from this date, as the sea is clear of 
sealers. 

In the afternoon tlie Perry signaled that she would take mail and 
that she would sail to-mono w at daybreak. I thanked the captain, 
and, after inquiry at the company house and finding that there was 
no mail there, replied to the Perry that we had no mail to send. 

September 13, 1908. — Wind northwest, fresh breeze; weather fair, 
with occasional squall. 

Ihe Perry left east anchorage at about 6 a. m. for L'nalaska. The 
Rush lay there until about noon, then anchored olf the salt house at 
Northeast Point. At 8.30 a. m. I hoisted the signal to indicate that 
there was nothing to report and then had a flag hoisted at East Land- 
ing. In the afternoon two officers went ashore at Northeast Point. 

The team of mules which v/ent to Northeast Point yesterday with 
Mr. Proctor appeared in the village this morning, having escaped 
from the inclosure at the point. It was necessary to send them back, 
which was done, a driver leaving here with the horse and two mules 
in tow at 10 a. m. ^Ir. Proctor and the workmen returned to the 
village at 6 p. m. 

I walked to Rocky Point in the afternoon. Snipe have left the 
island, save a few, and there are no migrant ducks. Two blue cranes 
are in the tundra between Kaminista and Rocky Lake, but are so 
wary that they can not be approached, their harsh croak indicating 
their alarm before they can be seen. 

A dance was given in the native shop this evening by Nicoli 
Bogadanoff. 

September I4, 1908. — Wind northwest, brisk breeze; weather- fair, 
with squalls of rain. 

The Rush anchored at the village at about 3 p. m. The native men 
employed in working for the company. I went after the two blue 
cranes seen on Kaminista Flat yesterday, but although I maneuvered 
for an hour I could not get within 200 yards of them. They took 
flight on getting my scent, as I was forced to get into the wind of 
them to cover my approach behind the only hillock within range. 

The school-teacher this evening reported the absences of eight 
pupils, v;hom, I found on inquiry, were under treatment for the 
mumps. The doctor reports IS cases in the village so far. This 



648 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

disorder has been in the village since August, but has been confined 
to a few families until recently, when it gives every appearance of 
spreading to the entire village. Isolation was tried at first without 
checking the malady, and there is nothing to do now but to let it run 
through the village. 

September 15, 1908. — Wind, northwest, fresh breeze; weather fair 
with squalls of rain and snow. Quite a snowstorm in the morning. 

At 8 a. m. signaled to the Rush that there was nothing to report. 
Tlie Government boat at East Landing was repaired in the morning. 

The Rush, left her anchorage at about 9.30 a. m. and steamed 
toward Otter Island, where she went fishing. In the afternoon she 
returned to East Landing and the captain and Mr. Kean came ashore 
and stayed for dinner, returning aboard in an island boat at about 
8 p. m. 

Capt. de Otte will go to St. George and try to bring back the St. 
Paul men that are visiting there. He will leave the islands on the 
19th for Unakska and Seattle. 

The doctor found five new cases of mumps in the village to-day. 
The schoolmaster returned a list of 9 pupils absent, all down with 
the mumps. Twenty-three cases so far. 

September 16, 1908. — Wind northwest, moderate gale, heavy 
squalls of sleet and snow. 

The Rush remained at anchor all day. The native men, such as 
were not engaged in working for the company, were engaged in dig- 
ging down the bank in the rear of the native shop. 

Twelve children absent from school to-day because of mumps. 
The doctor reports 9 new cases, 32 in all. 

At 8 a. m. the Rush was signaled that there was nothing to report. 



Exhibit 10. 

St. George Island, Alaska, August 11, 1908. 

My Dear Mr. Lembkey: I am sending you with this, under 
separate cover, the following reports : 

Annual statement of fur seals killed. 

Weights of sealskins taken, season 1908. 

Young male seals branded. 

Statistics of killings and seals turned away. 

Count of bulls. 

Harem counts. 

Seal division. 

Shipping receipts for 2,498 sealskins. 

No attempt was made this year to count pups on an}'' of the rook- 
eries for the reason that during the latter part of July and early 
August hardly a day passed that there were not one or more Jap- 
anese sealers operating off the rookeries. Under the circumstances 
both Maj. Clark and myself deemed it to the best interest of the 
seal herd not to subject the rookeries to the great disturbance neces- 
sary in pup counting. 

I am much gratified to be able to report that there has been a very 
material increase in the number of bulls on all the rookeries this 
year, with the exception of Little East. Both in bulls and cows 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 649 

this rookery has fallen considerably short of last year and seems 
to be doomed to speedy extinction. 

From counts and observations made during the summer I think 
it quite safe to say that there has been little if any decrease in the 
number of cows this year. Very careful counts made on North, East, 
Reef, and East Cliffs are almost identical with those made last year. 
By reason of the massing of seals and the impossibility of reaching 
a point where the whole rookery can be observed counts on Zapadnie 
and Staraya Artel are only approximate, but it is my belief that 
there are as many cows on these rookeries this season as there were 
last. 

Although the quota of skins to be taken on this island was raised 
from 2,000 to 2,500, no difficulty was experienced in fdling it. Less 
drives were made tliis year than last and less 5-pound and more 
7-pound sldns were taken. Only 5 seals with skins weighing under 
5 or over 8^ pounds were killed. The quota was filled by July 25, 
and had sealing been carried on until the end of the month I am 
confident that 500 more skins could have been obtained. 

On July 28 Gregory Swetzof died of pulmonary tuberculosis. 
His widow (nee Zoya Mandregan) of St. Paul wishes to return there 
to live. She has one child a couple of years old. Kindly advise 
me if the transfer would meet your approval. 

On July 31 I allowed Nicolai Malavansky to take passage on the 
U. S. S. McCuUocli for Unalaska. He is in quest of a wife and has 
not yet returned. 

Durmg the past month from one to four schooners have been 
sighted nearly every day, none very close to land. But on several 
occasions small boats have been seen shooting seals well within the 
3-mile limit. On August 1 for nearly half a day I watched three boats 
off East rookery shooting seals not more than 2 miles from shore. 
So close were they that with my glasses I could plainly see them fire, 
then lift the dead seal into the boat. 

The native guards have done good work this summer, and that 
no raids have been attempted is, I think, due to their vigilance. 

At your earliest convenience please advise me of the amount of 
the appropriation which will be allotted to this island. 
Respectfully, 

H. D. Chichester, 
Assistant Agent in Charge St. George Island. 

Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Alaskan Seal Fisheries, 

St. Paul Island, Alaska. 



650 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 






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652 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



Exhibit 12. 

Island of St. George, 

Bering Sea, Alaska, 

August 11, 1908. 
This is to certify that Twenty-four hundred and ninety-six (2,496) 
fur-seal skins have this day been shipped on board the North Ameri- 
can Commercial Co.'s steamer Grace Dollar, consigned to the North 
American Commercial Co., San Francisco, Cal. 

H. D. Chichester, 
Assistant Agent, Department Commerce and Lahor. 

John G. Hagen, 
Master Steamer "Grace Dollar." 



Exhibit 13. 
Statistics of killings and seals turned away, St. George Island, 1908. 





Rookery. 


Killed. 


1 


Released. 


Date. 






3 


3 . 

_OT3 




"3 

s 

CO 


1i 




June 12 




Branding. 

Food 10... 

Branding. 

. do 


35 
3 

■■"'s' 

8 


10 

32 

24 

24 

13 

6 

30 

48 

12 

34 

24 

2 

8 

3 

4 

26 

2 

9 


"io" 

15 
15 
20 
6 
30 
36 

"'32' 
18 
5 

1 

■"3' 

13 

5 

2 


10 

5 

16 

18 

7 

15 
15 
20 
9 
5 
4 
4 
2 
3 
2 
1 










k 13 


North 


13 




68 


14 


17 


Staraya Artel 




19 


East 


11 
53 

'"69" 
138 
41 
65 
34 
22 
69 
20 
54 
123 
32 
44 








E 22 
23 




do 








Zapadni 


....do 


15 

"39" 
11 

80 
92 
12 

142 
25 

181 

190 
62 

140 






24 


East and North 


80 
140 

57 

272 

302 

107 

, 277 

48 
184 
326 

89 
108 


14 

5 

5 

25 

20 

...... 

2 
9 
17 
4 
5 


230 
421 
141 
528 
499 
153 
510 
102 
437 
698 
196 
309 


34 


27 
W 30 


East, North, and Staraya Artel 


33 
40 


July 2 
7 


East, North, and Staraya Artel 
do 


61 
62 


9 




53 


11 
14 


East, North, and Staraya Artel 
Zapadni 


53 

47 


16 


North 


42 


20 
21 


East, North, and Staraya Artel 
Zapadni 


46 
45 


25 


North and East 


31 




Total 






2,000 


169 


311 


211 


143 


788 


989 


4,292 


46 


■ 







H. D. Chichester, 

Assistant Agent Seal Fisheries, in Charge St. George Island. 



Exhibit 14. 

of sealskins taken on St. George Island, season ending July SI, 1908. 
Pounds. Number of skins. 

^ 5 

4| 4 

5 153 

5i Ill 

5^ 252 

5i 68 

6 556 

6J 118 

6i 387 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 



653 



Pounds. Number of skins. 

6i 54 

7. 453 

7i 63 

7i 147 

7i 25 

8 53 

8i 15 

8^ 5 

8f 2 

9 4 

10 1 

12^ 1 

19 skins over and under weights of last year turned over to company by order of 

the department (for weights see statement for last year) ' 19 

4 watch skins not weighed 4 

Total 2, 500 

H. D. Chichester, 

Assistant Agent Seal Fisheries, 

in Charge St. George Island. 



Exhibit 15. 
Count of bulls, St. George Island, 1908. 



Rookery. 


Bulls 

with 

harems. 


Idle bulls. 


Total. 


Stationed. 


Quitters. 


Idle. 


Bulls. 


East Clifls 


41 
20 
5 
94 
41 
40 




9 
4 
1 
5 
3 
5 


9 

7 

1 

21 

11 

12 


50 


East Reef 


3 


27 


Little East 


6 


North 


8 

7 


115 


Staraya Artel 


52 


Zapaani 


52 






Total. .'. 


241 


34 


27 


61 


302 







H. D. Chichester, 

Assistant Agent Seal Fisheries, 

in Charge St. George Island. 



Exhibit 16. 

Harem counts, St. George Island, 1908. 



Date. 


Rookery. 


Harems. 


Cows. 


Idle bulls. 


Quitters. 


July 12 
12 


East Cliffs 


41 
20 
5 
94 
41 
40 


1,648 
612 
138 
2,877 
1,282 
1,600 




9 


East Reef 


3 


4 


12 


Little East 


1 


13 


North 


16 

8 

7 


5 


13 


Staraya Artel 


3 


13 




5 




Total 






241 


8,157 


34 


27 









H. D. Chichester, 

Assistant Agent Seal Fisheries, 

in Charge St. George Island. 



654 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Exhibit 17. 
Young male seals branded on St. George Island, season 1908. 



Date. 



Rookery. 



2-year. 



3-year. 



4-year. 



June 12 
17 
19 
22 
23 
24 



Staraya Artel... 

do 

East 

Staraya ArtPl... 

Zapadni 

North and East. 



203 



200 



17 



H. D. Chichester, 

Assistant Agent Seal Fisheries, 

in Charge St. George Island. 



Exhibit 18. 

[Seal division, St. George Island, Alaska, August 1, 1908, 

By 2,495 sealskins, at 75 cents $1, 871. 25 

To 14 first-class men, at 183.90 $1, 174. 60 

To 4 second-class men, at $67.30 269. 20 

To 7 third-class men, at $50.35 352. 45 

To 2 special-class men, at $75 75. 00 

Total 1, 871. 25 1, 871. 25 

First class: 

1. John Galanin 83. 90 

2. Rev. Peter Kashavarof 83. 90 

3. Stepan Lekanof 83. 90 

4. Demetri Lestenkof .' 83. PO 

5. Mike Lestenkof 83. 90 

6. Nicolai Malavansky 83. 90 

7. George Merculif 83. 90 

8. Joseph Merculif 83. 90 

9. Nicolai Merculif 83. 90 

10. Andronic Philamonof 83. 90 

11. Gregory Philamonof 83. 90 

12. Simeon Philamonof 83. 90 

13. Peter Prokopief 83. 90 

14. Emanuel Zaharof 83. 90 

Second class: 

1. Alexander Galanin 67. 30 

2. Walter Kashavarof 67. 30 

3. Demetri Philamonof 67. 30 

4. Michael Shane 67. 30 

Third class: 

1. Anatoli Lekanof 50. 35 

2. Sergius Lekanof 50. 35 

3. JohnMerculif 50.35 

4. Stepan Merculif 50. 35 

5. Paul Swetzof 50. 35 

6. Isidoe Nedarazof 50. 35 

7. Gregory Swetzof 50. 35 

Special class: 

1. Stepan Lekanof, chief 40. 00 

2. Joseph Merculif, second chief 35. 00 



I 



SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



655 



I hereby certify that the above division was made by me after 
conference with the native chiefs on this island. 

H. D. Chichester,' 
Assistant Agent, United States Department of 
Commerce and Labor, in Charge St. George Island. 

I hereby certify that the amounts as above stated have been placed 
to the credit of the respective natives on the books of the North 
American Commercial Co. 

B. Netherland, 
Agent North American Commercial Co. 

The division as above made is hereby approved on behalf of the 
natives of St. George Island. 

Stefan T.,ekanoff, First Chief. 
Joseph Merculieff, Second Chief. 



Exhibit 19. 

Fox division, St. George Island, 1908. 

By 438 blue fox skins, at $5 each $2, 190. 00 

By 8 white fox skins, at $1 each 8. 00 

By 2 small fox skins, natural-history specimens, sent to Mr. Lucas, Brook- 
lyn, at 10.00 

2, 208. 00 

To 12 first-class shares, at $102.45 1, 229. 40 

To 7 second-class shares, at $82 574. 00 

To 5 third-class shares, at §61.52 307. 60 

To 3 special shares, amounting to $80 80. 00 

To hydrant keeper, $5 5. 00 

To repairs to native library, etc., |12 12. 00 

First class: 

1. Galanin, John 102.45 

2. Lekanoff, Stepan ; 102. 45 

3. Lestenkoff, Dimitri 102.45 

4. Malavansky, Nicolai 102. 45 

5. Merculioff, George 102. 45 

6. Merculioff, Joseph 102. 45 

7. Merculioff, Nicolai 102.45 

8. Philimonoff , Andronic 102. 45 

9. Philimonoff, Simeon 102.45 

10. Prokopioff, Peter 102. 45 

11. Zacharoff, Emanuel 102.45 

12. Kashivaroff, Peter, priest 102. 45 

Second class: 

1. Galanin, Alexander 82. 00 

2. Kashivaroff, Walter 82.00 

3. Lestenkoff, Michael 82.00 

4. Philimonoff, Gregory 82.00 

5. Philimonoff, Dimitri 82.00 

6. Shane, Michael 82.00 

7. Swetzoff, Gregory 82.00 

Third class: 

1. Lekanoff, Anatoli 61. 52 

2. Lekanoff, Sergius 6L 52 

3. Merculioff, John 6L 52 

4. Merculioff, Stepan 61. 52 

6. Niderezoff, Isidor 6L 52 



656 



SEAX. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



Special class: 

1. Stepan Lekanoff, as chief, expenses $35. 00 

2. Joe Merculioff, expenses as second chief 25. 00 

Joe Merculioff, as hydrant keeper 5. 00 

3. Nicolai Niderezoff 20. 00 

4. Repairs to library of natives 10. 00 

5. Oil used at hydrant 2. 00 

The foregoing fox division was made by me after due conference 
with the native chiefs on St. George Island. 

Ezra W. Clark, 
Assistant Agent in Charge. 
The foregoing amounts have been placed to the credit of the natives 
designated respectively on the books of the North American Com- 
mercial Co. 

Benjamin Netherland, 

Agent. 
Approved on the part of the natives of St. George Island. 

Stepan Lekanoff, 

First Chief. 
Joseph Merculioff, 

Second Chief. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Division of Alaskan Fisheries, 

Washington. 

St. George Island, Alaska, June 4, 1908. 
Walter L Lembkey, Esq., 

Agent Seal Fisheries. 
Sm: I have respectfully to hand you herewith the fox division 
made by me for the natives of St. George Island, the fund obtained 
through the catch of foxes for the past winter, 1907-8. 
Very respectfully, 

Ezra W. Clark, 
Assistant Agent in Charge. 



Exhibit 20. 



Num- 
ber of 
family. 


Num- 
ber of 
per- 
sons. 


Name of individual. 


Family 
relation. 


Ages. 


Date of birth. 


Remarks. 


1 


1 
2 
3 

4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 


Galanin, Alaexander 

Galanin, Mary 


Husband 22 

Wife 22 

Mother 46 

Husband ' 26 

Wife 26 

Husband 21 

Wife 24 

Son 1 

Husband 38 

Wife 38 

Son 18 

Son 16 

Daughter 14 

Daughter 13 


Sept. 11, 1880 

June 22,1892 

1862 

Sept. 30, 1881 
1881 
Feb. 7, 1887 
May 27,1884 
Apr. 19,1907 
Sept 11,1869 
Oct. 20,1869 
Apr. 13,1890 
Oct. 6, 1891 
Aug. 30,1893 
Mar. 9, 1895 






Galanin, Akalina 


Supported by N. 


2 


Galanin, John 


A. C. Co. 








3 


Kashivaroff, Walter 




4 


Kashivaroff, Helena 

Kashivaroil, Andrew 






Lekanoff, Pelagia 
























Lekanoff, Marina 





SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



657 



Num- 
ber of 
per- 
sons. 



Name of individual. 



15 Lekanoff, George 

16 Lestenkoff, Dimitri 

17 Lestenkoff, Alexandra. . . 

18 Lestenkoff, Constantine . . 

19 LestenkoH, Elizabeth 

20 Lestenkoff, Michael 

21 Lestenkoff, Oulita 

22 Lestenkoff, Innokenty . . . 

23 Lestenkoff, Anna 

24 Malavansky, Nicolai 

25 Malavansky, Ripsimia . . . 

26 Malavansky, Wassie 

27 Malavansky, Christopher 

28 I Merculiofl, George 

29 ; Merculiofl, Stepanid 

30 [ Merculioff , Peter 

31 i Merculiofl, Sophie 

32 i Merculiofl, George, jr 

33 ' Merculioff, Nicolai 

34 Merculiofl, Alexandra 

35 Merculioff, Martha 

36 Merculiofl, Joseph 

37 I Merculioff, Marvara 

38 I Merculiofl, Parascovia. . . 

39 t Merculiofl, John 

40 ! Merculiofl", Nicolai 

41 j Merculioff, Matrona 

42 j MerculiotI, Laurence 

43 ! Merculiofl, Benjamin 

44 Merculiofl, Elizabeth 

45 Merculiofl, Wassalis 

46 Merculiofl, Alexandra 

47 Niderezofl, Nicolai 

48 Niderezofl, Isidor 

49 Philimonofl, Andronio. . . 

50 Philimonofl, Zenobia 

51 i Philimonofl, Leonti 

52 i Philhnonoflj Alexandra.. 

53 Philimonofl, Eofl 

54 Puilimonofl, Gregory 

55 Philimonofl, Malania 

56 Philimonofl, Dimitri 

57 I Philimonofl, Paul 

58 I Philtmonoff, Simeon 

59 Philimonofl, Evadotia... 

60 ! Philimonofl, Zoya 

61 ' Philimonoff, Joseph 

62 ! Philimonoff, Ignati 

63 I Philimonoff, Julia 

64 I Philimonoff, Helena 

65 Prokopioft, Peter 

66 ' Prokopiofl, Stepanida 

67 1 Prokapiotf , Martha 

68 ' Prokopiofl, Marina 

69 Prokopiofl, Alexander 

70 Prokopiofl, Lavrenty 

71 Prokopiofl, FevTonia 

72 Prokopiofl, Mary 

73 I Prokopiofl, Anna 

74 I Shane, Michael 

75 ! Shane, Raisse 

76 Merculiofl, Stepan 

77 j Swetzoff, Gregory 

78 Swetzoff, Zoya 

79 Swetzoff, Agnes 

80 ] Swetzoff, Paul 

■ 81 1 Swetzoff, Fe vronia 

82 Zacharofi, Emanuel 

83 Zacharofl, Mary 

84 Zacharofl; Daria 

85 I Zacharofl, Kate 

Priest's family: 

86 1 tKashivarofl, Peter... 

87 I ' Kashivarofl, Anna. . . 

88 t Pavlofl, Katherine... 



Family 
relation. 



Son 

Husband.. 

Wife 

Son 

Daughter. 
Husband.. 

Wife 

Son 

Daughter. 
Widower.. 
Spinster... 

Spinster... 

Son 

Husband. 

Wife 

Son 

Daughter. 

Son 

Son 

Daughter. 

Sister 

Husband., 

Wife 

Daughter. 
Brother. . . 
Husband., 

Wife 

Son 

Son 

Daughter. 
Widow . . . 



Daughter. 
Bachelor.. 
Brother... 
Husband., 

Wife 

Son 

Daughter. 

Son 

Husband.. 

Wife 

Brother... 
Nephew . . 
Husband.. 

Wife 

Daughter. 

Son 

Son 

Daughter. 
Daughter. 
Husband.. 

Wife 

Daughter . 
Daughter. 

Son 

Son 

Daughter. 
Daughter . 
Daughter. 
Bachelor.. 

Mother 

Cousin 

Husband.. 

Wife 

Daughter. 
Bachelor.. 

Sister 

I Husband.. 

Wife 

Daughter. 
Daughter. 

Husband.. 

Wife 

Niece 



11 

46 

28 

9 

1 Inf't. 
35 
38 
11 

1 9 
43 
50 

33 

4 

34 

29 



5 
2 
1 

16 

36 

29 

1 

18 

28 

25 

5 

2 

Inf't. 

57 

30 

30 

17 

41 

41 

14 

12 

6 

35 

34 

22 

12 

57 

37 

16 

14 

8 

6 

4 

44 

31 

12 

10 

6 

4 

3 

1 

Inf't. 

20 

56 

17 

22 

21 

1 

16 
31 
28 
34 
6 
2 

51 
43 
14 



Date of birth. 



Apr. 

May 
May 
Sept. 
Sept. 
Oct. 
Oct. 
Sept. 
Sept. 
Dec. 



Aug. 

June 

Nov. 

Dec. 

July 

Sept. 

Apr. 

Nov. 

Apr. 

July 

Mar. 

May 

Dec. 

Jan. 

May 

Oct. 

Sept. 

Oct. 

June 

Jan. 

Apr. 
Dec. 
Feb. 
Oct. 
Nov. 
May 
Apr. 
June 
Oct. 
Jan. 
May 
July 
Aug. 
Feb. 
Nov. 
Feb. 
Dec. 
Mar. 
Apr. 
May 
Nov. 
Mar. 
Mar. 
May 
Aug. 
July 
Nov. 
May 
Oct. 

Sept. 
Nov. 

Dec. 
July 
June 
July 
Apr. 
Apr. 
Dec. 



Mar. 3 
Jan. 17 
Dec. 2 



1897 
1862 
1879 
1898 
1907 
1872 
1869 
1896 
1898 
1864 
1858 

1874 
1904 
1873 
1878 
1899 
1901 
1903 
1905 
1907 
1893 
1872 
1879 
1906 
1890 
1880 
1883 
1902 
1905 
1907 
1851 

1878 
1877 
1891 
1867 
1866 
1894 
1896 
1902 
1872 
1874 
1886 
1896 
1850 
1871 
1892 
1894 
1899 
1902 
1904 
1864 
1876 
1896 
1898 
1902 
1903 
1905 
1906 
1908 
1887 
1852 
1890 
1885 
1884 
1906 
1892 
1877 
1898 
1874 
1902 
1905 

1857 
1865 
1893 



Remarks. 



Supported! by^ the 
N. A. aco. 

Do. 



Supported t by the 
N. A. C. Co. 



2403— H. Doc. as. 62-1- 



-42 



658 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 

SUMMAEY. 

Number of native inhabitants last census 93 

Increase of natives by births during the year 2 

Decrease of natives by deaths during the year 6 

Decrease of natives by transfer to St. Paul Island during the year 1 

Net decrease during the year 5 

Total native population at present 88 

The foregoing is a correct census of St. George Island, Alaska, on 
the 30th day of June, 1908. 

Ezra W. Clark, 
Assistant Agent, in Charge. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Division of Alaskan Fisheries, 
St. Paul Island, Alaslca, October 5, 1908. 
Sir: I have the honor to state that the Government buildings on 
the Pribilof Islands are in need of repairs. These buildings were 
erected in the early seventies, and have had practically no repairs 
since. For example, the Government house on this island needs a 
new shingle roof, the one now on being so loose that portions of it 
blow off in every gale and it becomes necessary to batten down the 
roof with planks to save the remainder. This house also needs some 
heavy timbers to replace rotten sills and joists. The board floor of 
the Government coal house also is in poor condition, and the coal 
drops through, while some of the tiebeams are rotting. This building 
requires a concrete floor, as weU as repairs to the rafters. The 
watch house at Zapadni virtually is uninhabitable, and entails hard- 
ship on the men required to hve there on guard duty. We require 
also a small building in which to shelter the artillery from the rough 
winter weather. 

In view of these conditions, I have the honor to recommend either 
that an allotment of $2,500 be made from the contingent appropria- 
tion of the department for this purpose, or that the Congress be asked 
to make a special appropriation of $3,000 for repairs to pubUc build- 
ings on the Pribilof Islands. 

Very respectfully, W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge of Seal Fisheries. 
Hon. Oscar S. Straus, 

Secretary of Cornmerce and Labor. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Division of Alaskan Fisheries, 
St. Paul Island, Alaslca, October SO, 1908, 
Sir: I have the honor to present the following question for the con- 
sideration of the department: 

The first lessee of the sealing right, namely, the Alaska Commercial 
Co., established a system of savings accounts on these islands, under 
which the native residents were encouraged to deposit with the com- 
pany such sums as they might save from their earnings, upon which 
the company paid an annual interest of 4 per cent. Under this 
arrangement a number of natives opened savings accounts, some only 
for a lew dollars, some for as much as $2,000. 



SEAL. ISLANDS OF AJLASKA. 659 

When, in 1890, the new contract was entered into between the Gov- 
ernment and the present lessee, these old savings accounts were trans- 
ferred to the North American Commercial Co., which company for 
some years thereafter continued to pay interest on these old accounts, 
and to accept new accounts as well. About six years ago, however, 
the company refused to accept any new accounts to bear interest, on 
the ground that it did not wish to do so. At the same time, however, 
it retained such old accounts as were in existence at that time, and 
has continued to pay interest thereon up to the present day. 

In all respects, therefore, the practice of the present lessee conforms 
to that of the old lessee as regards these accounts, save that the pres- 
ent lessee will not open new savings accounts. 

Recently, however, the company, on the request of Mr. Judge, 
accepted as an interest-bearing account a small sum of money saved 
by the chief, Merculief, while, at the same time, the company refused 
to accept as interest bearing an account representing a sum of money 
saved by a widow. 

Up(m my request this summer that he receive as an interest-bearing 
account that of the widow, JVIr. Redpath stated that he had author- 
ized payment of interest on the account of Merculief because he was 
chief and to a certain extent an employee of the company whom he 
desired to favor; that this action did not in any sense change the 

Eolicy of the company not to accept new accounts to bear interest, 
ut was in the nature of a favor to one native who had performed 
service for the company. He declined to accept the widow's account 
as an interest-bearing one. 

I will state that the company still accepts deposits from the natives, 
which are subject to be drawn upon at any time, but upon which 
interest is not paid. 

Under these circumstances, I desire to submit to the department 
the question whether the acceptance by the company of interest- 
bearing accounts from the natives is a duty under its contract, or 
whether it is an accommodation merely, to be exercised at the pleas- 
ure of the lessee. I inclose herewith a copy of the lessee's contract 
with the Government. 

Respectfully, W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries. 
Hon. OscAE, S. Straus, 

Secretary of Commerce and Lahor, 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, December 8, 1908. 

Sir: Receipt is acknowledged of your letter of October 30, 1908, 

in which you ask whether the acceptance of interest-bearing accounts 

from the natives on the islands of St. Paul and St. George is a duty 

of the North American Commercial Co. under its contract or an 

accommodation merely, to be exercised at the pleasure of the lessee. 

In reply thereto there is inclosed a copy of a memorandum opinion 

of the solicitor, to whom your letter was referred. You are requested 

to submit to the department your views as to the advisability of 



660 SEAL ISLANDS OP ALASKA. 

draftingja regulation to cover this subject matter Jalong the Hnes 
indicated in this memorandum. 

Respectfully, Wm. R.Wheeler, 

Assistant Secretary. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Chief Agent, St. Paul Island, 

Prihilof Group, AlasTca. 
(Inch) 



December 4, 1908. 

[In re inquiry as to wiiether the North American Commercial Co. is required under contract of March 12, 
1890, to accept, and pay interest thereon, savings accounts from natives on the islands of St. George ana 
St. Paul, in the Territory of Alaska.] 

In a letter to the Secretary of Commerce and Labor, under date of 
October 30, 1908, Mr. W. I. Lembkey, agent in charge of the seal 
fisheries, submits to the department the question whether the accept- 
ance of interest-bearing accounts from the natives on the islands of 
St. Paul and St. George is a duty of the North American Commercial 
Co. under its contract or an accommodation merely to be exercised 
at the pleasure of the lessee. 

Mr. Lembkey explains that the Alaska Commerical Co., the former 
lessee of the seahng privilege, established a system of savings accounts 
on these islands, under which the natives were encouraged to deposit 
with the company such sums as they might save from their earnings 
and upon which the company paid an annual interest of 4 per cent. 
He states that when the present lessee began operations under its con- 
tract all of the existing savings accounts were taken over and new 
accounts were also accepted. It appeals, however, that about six 
years ago the company refused to accept new accounts, although it 
retained those already in existence. While in one case an exception 
was recently made, the company refuses to take interest-bearing 
accounts, although open accounts are accepted. 

Under its contract with the United States the lessee is bound " to 
obey and abide by all rules and regulations that the Secretary of Com- 
merce and Labor has heretofore or niay hereafter estabhsh or make 
in pursuance of law, concerning * * * \^q comfort, morals, and 
other interests of said inhabitants. * * *" 

While it does not appear that the Secretary has ever issued a regu- 
lation covering the matter in question, it would appear that under its 
agreement the company would be bound to abide by a regulation 
requiring it to hold for safe-keeping such money as the inhabitants 
of the islands might accumulate. Such a regulation would, under 
the conditions that exist on the islands, be entirely reasonable and 
without hardship to the company. But I am of the opinion that the 
authority of the Secretary does not extend so far as to enable him to 
require that the company shall pay interest on the amounts so depos- 
ited. This view, however, requu-es some explanation and modifica- 
tion. To require the company to pay interest on deposits would 
imply that these deposits would have to be safely invested by the 
company. The authority of the Secretary can not be held to extend 
so far. But, on the other hand, if the company should see fit to 
invest these deposits on its own initiative, the income therefrom 
would rightfully belong to the depositors. The company would only 
be entitled to so much of the income as would cover the expense of 



SEAL. ISLANDS OP ALASKA. 661 

making the investment, plus a moderate compensation for so doing. 
A very fair way to apportion this income would be to credit the depos- 
itor with 4 per cent interest and to allow the company the excess. 
It is due to the depositors that the company should not be allowed 
the use of the deposits without giving some compensation in return. 

The matter may therefore be summed up in tne following proposi- 
tions : 

A requirement that the company should provide for the safe- 
keeping of the accumulated wealth of the natives would be reasonable 
and within the terms of the contract. To require the natives to hide 
away their money would induce crime, while, on the other hand, the 
company alone has the means for the safe-keeping of this money. 

The Secretary has no authority to require the company to invest 
such deposits, and therefore can not require interest to be paid 
thereon. 

The Secretary has the authority, by regulation, to prevent the com- 
pany from investing the deposits of the natives with the alternative 
that if the deposits are invested interest at 4 per cent per annum 
shall be credited to the accounts of the depositors. Should such a 
regulation be drawn, means of insuring good faith on the part of the 
company could doubtless be worked out on practical lines. 

In this connection attention is called to tne fact that the contract 
of the present lessee expires on April 30, 1910. If the sealing privilege 
is to be granted under a new contract, it would be entirely proper for 
the Secretary to cover the subject matter of Mr. Lembkey's question 
by express stipulation. 

Respectfully submitted. 

Solicitor. 



[Memorandum.] 

In the matter of the advisability of drafting a regulation to cover 
the subject matter of interest to natives on deposits held by the 
North American Commercial Co., in accordance with the opinion and 
suggestion of the solicitor hereto attached, it seems hardly worth 
while to draft a regulation covering the matter at this time, for the 
following reasons : 

(a) The accounts the company refused interest on are few and the 
amounts involved not large, and there is at present no reason to 
believe there will be any further increase of such accounts during the 
life of the existing lease. 

(6) The present lease expires April 30, 1910. If the contract for 
the sealing privilege is renewed, the subject matter of this opinion can, 
as indicated, be incorporated therein by express stipulation. 
Very respectfully, 

James Judge, 

Agent Seal Islands. 

[Memorandum.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Solicitor, 

Washington, December IS, 1908. 
In view of what is said in the attached memorandum of Assistant 
Agent Judge, I would suggest that this correspondence be retained in 



662 SBAI. ISLANDS OF AIASKA. 

the files of the chief clerk, to be taken up when the question of enter- 
ing into a new lease comes up in the spring of 1910. 
Respectfully submitted. 

Chaeles Earl, 

Solicitor. 
The Assistant Secretary. 
Approved. 

W. R. W. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington^ November 11, 1908. 

Sir : You are hereby directed to report at once to the Acting Com- 
missioner General of Immigration, for duty in the Bureau of Immi- 
gration and Naturalization, for a period not to exceed 10 days. 
Respectfully, 

Oscar S. Straus, 

Secretary. 
Mr. James Judge, 

Assistant Agent Seal Fisheries in AlasTca. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, November 11, 1908. 
Sir : You are hereby directed to report at once to the Acting Com- 
missioner General of Immigration, for duty in the Bureau of Immi- 
gration and Naturalization, for a period not to exceed 10 days. 
Respectfully, 

Oscar S. Straus, 

Secretary. 
Mr. Ezra W. Clark, 

Assistant Agent Seal Fisheries in Alaslca. 



[ Memorandum for the Secretary of Commerce and Labor, retransfer of the Alaskan seal service to the 
Bureau of Fisheries, by James Judge, assistant agent, seal islands.] 

In December, 1905, a proposition was advocated by Dr. David 
Starr Jordan, and the Commissioner of Fisheries, Mr. Bowers, for the 
removal of the Alaskan seal service, from the direct supervision of 
the Secretary, to the Bureau of Fisheries. The proposition involved 
the removal of two of the seal agents and the substitution therefor 
of two naturalists. 

It was alleged by Dr. Jordan that "the fur-seal question was 
almost wholly biological in character, and that the preservation and 
increase of the herd, and the reestablishing of the fishery on the 
highly productive commercial basis of two decades ago could be 
intrusted only to trained naturalists." 

Hon. V. H. Metcalf, at that time Secretary of Commerce and 
Labor, in a letter to the President, dated January 2, 1906, took ex- 
ception to both statements. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 663 

He showed that the decrease in seal Hfe on the Pribilof Islands 
was due to pelagic sealing, and nothing else, and that the reestablish- 
ment of the industry could be accomplished only by securing inter- 
national regulation, which would stop the slaughter of seals at sea. 

He pointed out that the naturahsts, according to their own state- 
ments, have already exhausted the scientific features of seal Hfe, and 
quoted to that effect from a statement by Dr. Jordan himself, in 
1902, at a hearing before the Ways and Means Committee, Fifty- 
seventh Congress, first session. 

The Secretary also pointed out that the recommendations of the 
Jordan commission for the preservation and increase of the seal 
herd had in every instance proved impracticable, and that, instead 
of increasing the herd, many deaths among seals were directly due to 
the efforts put forth in carrying out said recommendations. 

A transfer of the seal service was not deemed advisable by Secre- 
tary Metcalf, for reasons cited in said letter, to which attention is 
respectfully invited. 

In order, however, to ascertain the latest developments in seal life, 
Mr. H. C. Marsh, an expert in the diseases of fishes in the Bureau of 
Fisheries, was sent by Secretary Metcalf to the islands in the summer 
of 1906. Mr. Marsh arrived on the islands early in June of that 
year and remained there until the middle of the following August. 
He was rendered every assistance by the resident agents in his 
investigation. 

Dr. Jordan, in commenting on the report of Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 
agent in charge of seal fisheries (S. Doc. No. 98, 59th Cong., 1st sess.), 
contended that the number of bulls reported did not comprise all the 
bulls present, and in liis memorandum he referred to the fact that 
deaths among seal pups due to uncinaria, an intestinal parasite, were 
not reported. 

Mr. Marsh had instructions to investigate these two points par- 
ticularly. 

In the matter of bulls, Mr. Marsh carried maps of the rookeries 
and on these he depicted the positions of the bulls found, with the 
exact number present when the respective counts were made. The 
number found was fewer than reported the preceding year and veri- 
fied the counts of the agent at that time. 

In regard to uncinaria, Mr. Marsh, although on the rookeries daily 
from June 6 until July 28, found not a single case. At the latter 
date the further disturbance of the rookeries was prohibited, by 
order of Mr. Sims, on account of the activity displayed by Japanese 
sealers in the vicinity of the islands. No naturalist has since visited 
the Pribilof s. 

In 1897 Dr. Jordan recommended that a naturalist be made super- 
intendent of the seal herd. (Fur Seal Investigation, pt. 1, p. 194.) 

No action was taken on this recommendation by the present or 
succeeding Secretaries of the Treasury or Department of Commerce 
and Labor, and in 1906, as indicated herein. Secretary Metcalf de- 
clined to make any change which would affect the conduct of affairs 
on the islands. 

The subject was again brought forward early in 1907 by Dr. 
Jordan and Commissioner Bowers, and Secretary Metcalf again re- 
fused to comply wdth their wishes and order the transfer of the seal 
agents to the Bureau of Fisheries, as desired by them. 



664 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Just who is advocating the change at this time or the arguments 
used are unknown to the writer. 

The present force consists of one chief and three assistants. Three 
of these are lawyers, the fourth a student of medicine. The junior 
agent has spent eight years in this service on the islands, the three 
others longer periods. 

All are zealous in their work and thoroughly understand adminis- 
trative conditions on the islands as well as the handHng of seals and 
foxes. In addition to being familiar with seal and fox Hfe they 
understand the natives, who under their guidance have proved their 
own worth in trying situations and are making material progress in 
the art of correct living. 

Every change of officers affects these people, who are worthy of 
consideration at the hands of the department. 

One of the complaints of the past was the frequent change of 
officers. Dr. Jordan, speaking of the fact that the agents of the 
Government were not mvestigators, says, on page 191, Fur Seal 
Investigation, part 1 : 

* * * To make matters worse, these men were speedily replaced by others equally 
inexperienced as soon as, by reason of practical contact of the affairs of the islands, 
they began to acquire some knowledge of their duties. 

On page 387, Fur Seal Investigation, part 2, he says: 

The Government should retain its competent agents during good behavior, as the 
company does. Messrs. Redpath and Webster have been long in the service of the 
two companies and have a thorough knowledge of every phase of the practice relating 
to seals. * * * The Government's interests are seldom as carefully managed as 
the company's. When the Government agent has become somewhat experienced a 
change puts a new and untried man in his place. 

The present system in this department was inaugurated by Mr. 
F. H. Hitchcock, and most of the time since his departure the 
Assistant Secretary has had special charge of the seal agents. 

The departmental regulations under which the seal agents operate 
on the islands were framed by Mr. Hitchcock and have been continued 
with few alterations since his time. They worked smoothly and 
satisfactorily and in a maimer beneficial to the pubhc service. 

It is understood that those desiring a change in the present status 
of the seal agents make no specific charge of defects in the existing 
system, but offer general statements only. It is fully believed that 
the change suggested would not result in improvement of the service; 
it would be an experiment. 

The contract of the present lessees of the seal islands expires next 
year. Who will be best equipped when the time for leasing again 
arrives to inform the department as to desired changes in the new 
contract, etc. ; men of experience on the islands or new appointees ? 

As every scientific investigation of seal life involves at times the 
driving of seals into the water, and consequently into the hands of 
pelagic hunters such investigation while pelagic sealing continues 
should be prohibited rather than encouraged. 

Mr. C. H. Townsend, a naturalist of the Fish Commission, visited 
the islands annually from 1884 to 1900. 

On his last visit he said it was useless for him to make the trip, as 
the Treasury agents could gather the information desired, and he 
availed himself of the data in their possession. 



SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 665 

Mr. Marsh, like^vise in 1906, accepted the counts made and data col- 
lected by the agents of this department and used the' same without 
scruple as to its correctness and genuineness. 

Mr. Townsend spent more time on the seal islands, studying seal 
life, than probably any other five naturalists. He ought to be a good 
judge of the proficiency of the agents, and if the latter were proficient 
in 1900 their experience since should have made them more so. 

Owing to the operations of the Japanese sealing fleet, in close prox- 
imity to the islands part of the rookery work has, since 1906, with 
the approval of the department, been discontinued and should remain 
so while pelagic seaHng goes on. 

The moving reason for this transfer of the seal agents to the Fish 
Commission is that the herd of seals need scientific control and man- 
agement. See letters of Commissioner of Fisheries, February 8, 1905, 
and February 10, 1906, and letters of Dr. Jordan at about the same 
dates. 

Scientists can not be put in charge without discharging part of the 

E resent skilled force, who hold tenure under civil-service rules, or else 
y enlarging the force, which would require an act of Congress. 

It is suggested that with the herd in its present depleted condition 
and pelagic sealing still in practice to further deplete it an appeal to 
Congress to enlarge the force can not be made consistently. 

The question arises, Will any gain in simplicity in handling sealing 
matters come about by making the proposed transfer? All the files 
and all information regarding the seal service are now in possession of 
the Secretary. The seal agents now in Washington are arranging a 
careful index of these files, and one or more of the agents will always 
be on hand to produce them when needed. Only during the period 
of summer sealing are all the agents required on the islands. 

No other men can become as skilled in the business as are these 
agents, save by assuming and performing their work. The head of 
any bureau, to which the seal agents may be attached, will have to 
rely on the men from the islands to suppl}^ him with information, as 
is the case at present. 

It is not believed tliat the interests of the Government and of the 
natives will be served to the best advantage by a supervision half 
scientific and half business. The Government supervision must be 
one or the other. Any conflict of authority between the Government 
representatives would be deplorable, and work disastrously so far as 
the natives are concerned. The agents occupy a delicate situation in 
the discharge of their duties. They are reqiiired to govern the na- 
tives by the use of moral influences only. No police, no magistracy, 
no jail or other machinery for exercising judicial authority is provided 
for them. For at least seven months in each year there is no mail or 
communication with the outside world. The interests of the com- 
pan}'', as also the personal interests of its employees, often clash with 
the interests and wishes of the natives, and the desires of the latter are 
not always just and right. 

The Government agent stands for all the law and authority of the 
Government on the islands. When a native considers himself 
wronged he appeals to the Government agent for redress. 

The company men seldom do so. 

They are able to take care of themselves and in any controversy 
with the natives or the Government agent, are always united, and 



666 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

generally supported by their home office. The Government agents 
deserve the support and encouragement of the department to secure 
the best results. With a conflict of authority in the Government 
house or feeling of mutual distrust, such as a divided responsibihty 
will engender, the native seeking redress would be at a disadvantage. 

Unity of action and the mutual support of each other by the Gov- 
ernment agents are important elements in the administration of 
affairs on the islands. No charges have been preferred against any 
of the agents. Affairs on the islands are at present well administered. 
This being the case why make any change ? As before shown, the 
uniform action on former movements for the transfer of the seal serv- 
ice to the Bureau of Fisheries has been adverse. No new facts or 
features come into the case. It is, therefore, with great respect sug- 
gested that the department's action be in accord with that of the 
past. 

It is to be observed that Hon. Frank H. Hitchcock, when connected 
with the Department of Commerce and Labor, had charge under the 
Secretary of the sealing business; that he made an exhaustive exami- 
nation of all the questions affecting the seal life; that, as before stated 
herein, he prepared the regulations under which the business is now 
conducted. Furthermore, that he has full}^ considered the question of 
placing the seal agency under the Commissioner of Fisheries, the 
matter having come up for consideration at the time the control of 
the salmon fisheries was transferred to the Bureau of Fisheries. At 
that time the seal fisheries were exempted specifically from such 
transfer and retained under the chief clerk. 

Mr. Hitchcock's knowledge of the seal life was so perfect and his 
mastery of the seal question was so complete that the President 
remitted the subject to his supervision and control even after he 
became First Assistant Postmaster General. It is earnestly recom- 
mended that if the reasons assigned in the foregoing statements are 
not deemed sufficient that Mr. Hitchcock's knowledge of the subject 
be availed of. 

Respectfully submitted. 

December, 1908. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Secretary, 
Washington, December 28, 1908. 
To the Commissioner of Fisheries, the agents charged with the manage- 
ment of the seal fisheries in AlasTca, and others concerned: 
By virtue of the authority vested in me by the Revised Statutes of 
the United States, sections 1973 and 161, and by the organic act 
creating this department, approved February 14, 1903, it is hereby 
ordered that, subject to the direction of the head of the department, 
the Commissioner of Fisheries shall be charged with the general man- 
agement, supervision, and control of the execution, enforcement, and 
administration of the laws relating to the fur-seal fisheries of Alaska; 
that the agents charged with the management of the seal fisheries of 
Alaska, together with such other persons in the employ of the depart- 
ment as may hereafter be engaged in the execution of the said laws, 
shall be subject to the immediate jurisdiction and control of the Com- 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 667 

missioner of Fisheries, and shall, in addition to the duties required of 
them by law, perform such other duties as he may, ^vith the approval 
of the Secretary of Commerce and Labor, prescribe; that the appropri- 
ations for "Salaries, agents at seal fisheries in Alaska," 1908 and 1909, 
"Salaries and travehng expenses of agents at seal fisheries in Alaska," 
1908 and 1909, and "SuppUes for native inliabitants, Alaska," 1908 and 
1909, shall be expended under the immediate direction of the Commis- 
sioner of Fisheries, subject to the supervision of the Secretary; and that 
all records, papers, files, printed documents, and other property in the 
department appertaining to the fur-seal fisheries of AlasKa shall be 
transferred from their present custody to the custody of the Bureau 
of Fisheries. 

Oscar S. Straus. Secretary. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
Washington, January 2, 1909. 

The Secretary of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C. 
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your order of 
December 28, charging the Commissioner of Fisheries with the general 
management, supervision, and control of the execution, enforcement, 
and administration of the laws relating to the fur-seal fisheries of 
Alaska, and making subject to his jurisdiction and control the agents 
charged with the management of the seal fisheries, together A\ith 
such other persons in the employment of the department who may 
hereafter be engaged in the execution of the said laws. 

The instructions embodied in the order will be carried out. 
Respectfully, 

Geo. M. Bowers, Commissioner. 



Part II. Communications Relative to Revenue-Cutter 

Patrol. 

Treasury Department, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, May 1, 1908. 
Capt. F. M. MuNGER, 

United States Revenue-Cutter Service, 

Commanding Bering Sea Fleet, Port Townsend, Wash. 
Sir: 1, You are informed that the President has designated the 
revenue cutters Bear, McCulloch, Perry, and Rush to cruise, as far 
as may be practicable the present season, in the North Pacific Ocean 
and Bering Sea, including the waters of Alaska within the domain of 
the United States, for the enforcement of the act of Congress approved 
December 29, 1897, and the regulations of the Paris Tribunal of Arbi- 
tration decreed the 15th day of August, 1893, for the preservation of 
the fur seals. 

2. Under the provisions of the act of Congress above referred to, 
it is unlawful for any citizen or vessel of the United States to engage 



668 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

in pelagic sealing at any time or in any manner in the waters of the 
Pacific Ocean north of the 35th degree of north latitude and including 
the Bering Sea and the Sea of Okhotsk. You are there directed to 
seize any vessel of the United States found navigatmg the waters as 
above indicated, in violation of the law, and send the same to the 
nearest or most accessible port of the United States; upon arrival 
there to be surrendered to the custody of competent authority having 
jurisdiction. 

3. Since, under the enactment by Congress above referred to and 
given in full in the regulations, Fur-Seal Fishing Season of 1902 
(which apply to the present season), vessels of the United States are 
prohibited absolutely from engaging in fur-seal fishing within the 
geographical limits prescribed, it follows that the regulations of the 
Paris Tribunal of Arbitration (given in full herewith) are applicable 
only to British vessels, and that fur-seal fishing is prohibited to sub- 
jects of Great Britain at any time or in any manner within a zone of 
60 geographic miles around the Pribilof Islands, inclusive of terri- 
torial waters, and from May 1 to July 31 in that part of the Pacific 
Ocean, inclusive of Bering Sea, situated north of the 35th degree of 
north latitude and eastward of the 118th degree of longitude from 
Greenwich, until it strikes the water boundary described in article 1 
of the treaty of 1867 between the United States and Russia, and 
following that line up to Bering Straits. 

4. You will arrange with the senior British naval officer at Unalaska 
engaged in carrying out the provisions of the award, for the mutual 
delivery of vessels of the one country seized by officers of the other. 

5. The following instructions in relation to the enforcement of the 
fur-seal regulations are issued for your guidance: 

(a) The terms of the award apply only to vessels of the United 
States and Great Britain. The first duty of the boarding officer is 
to satisfy himself, by an inspection of her documents, as to the vessel's 
nationality. Vessels boarded beyond the legal jurisdiction of the 
United States, and found to be of a nationality not included in the 
award are not to be searched or detained longer than is necessary to 
establish the fact. 

(b) Long chases are not advisable. After a vessel is brought 
within reach of your guns if she does not bring to, display the national 
ensign and open fire. Fire one blank and one solid shot as a warning. 
If she still neglects to come to the wind, aim to hit, and use the force 
at your command to compel her to submit to being boarded and 
searched. 

(c) A mere cursory or perfunctory search of vessels boarded is 
strictly forbidden. The search must be made by two commissioned 
officers, or one commissioned and one petty officer, and the necessary 
number of men, who are required to remain on board until every part 
of the vessel where a sealskin or a shotgun or rifle could be concealed 
has been searched. 

(d) Boarding officers are required to exercise courtesy and forbear- 
ance and avoid all discussions. Offensive remarks or actions by 
members of the crew or others on board the vessel being searched are 
under no circumstances to be taken notice of. 

(e) Should a sealskin be found on board that bears satisfactory 
evidence of having been shot within the Bering Sea, or killed in any 
manner within the area of the award in the Pacific Ocean between 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 669 

April 30 and August 1, or within 60 miles of the Pribilof Islands, at 
any time, the vessel must be seized. 

(/) Any vessel of Great Britain found within the area of the award 
during the closed season engaged in fur-seal fishing or fitted for fur- 
seal fishing and not being provided with the special sealing license is 
ordered seized. When any licensed sealing vessel of Great Britain is 
found within the area of the award during the closed season having 
on board a seal-hunting outfit, she should be seized only if it be found 
that she was sealing or contemplating sealing within the area at that 
time. If the boarding officer nnds evidence of the recent use of her 
boats and sealmg outfit, or that they were in readiness for immediate 
use for taking fur seals, the matter should be closely investigated, 
and, if the circumstances warrant, she should be seized. 

ig) Only sailing vessels are permitted to engage in fur-seal fishing 
during the period of time and in the waters in which fur-seal fishing 
is allowed. Any vessel propelled in whole or in part by steam or 
motive power other than sail found so engaged is ordered seized. 

(Ji) If a vessel which appears to be a sealing vessel is found within 
the area during the period of time in which fur-seal fishing is forbidden, 
you will ascertain whether she has been engaged in fur-seal fishing; 
whether she was carried there by stress of weather, by a mistake 
during foggy or thick weather, or is there in the ordinary course of 
navigation making the best of her way to any place. You must judge 
whether such vessel has been engaged in fur-seal fishing from the 
presence of sealskins or bodies of seals on board, or salt, and from 
other circumstances and indications. 

(i) If such vessel is found outside of the area of the award and it 
is evident that she has been engaged in fur-seal fishing within said 
area, and has thus committed an offense, you will seize her. A vessel 
may violate the law by her boats fur-seal fishing within said area 
while the vessel herself is outside of said area. 

(j) When you make a seizure you will at the time thereof draw up 
a declaration, in WT-iting, stating the conditions of the seized vessel, 
the date and exact place of seizure, giving the latitude and longitude 
and any additional data bj^ which exact location may be determined, 
and circumstances showing guilt. Arms or skins found (the cause 
of seizure), as well as all papers, must be examined on board the seized 
vessel, and so marked as to be readily identified by the boarding 
officers when produced in court or elsewhere. This is important and 
must not be neglected. 

(Tc) The seized vessel will be taken or sent, as soon as practicable, 
with all persons on board thereof, m charge of a sufficient force to 
insure delivery, together with witnesses and proofs, and the declara- 
tion of the officer making the seizure, if American, to the most con- 
venient port of California, Oregon, Washington, or Alaska, and 
dehvered to the officers of the United States court; and if British, to 
Unalaska and there dehvered to the senior British naval officer 
present, or taken to the most convenient port in British Columbia and 
delivered to the proper authorities of Great Britain, or deliver her to 
the commanding officer of any British vessel authorized to receive her. 

(I) A signed and certified list of papers of the seized vessel will be 
delivered to the master thereof, and duplicate copy transmitted with 
the declarations. 



670 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

(m) Any British vessel boarded and found not to be subject to 
seizure will be furnished with a copy of the fur-seal regulations. 

(n) Each vessel so boarded shall be given a written certificate 
showing the date and place of examination, the number of fur-seal 
skins, and the number of bodies of seals on board. A dupUcate of 
said certificate shall be preserved. 

6. You will also cause careful attention to be given to the matter 
of preventing raids on the Pribilof Islands and guard as far as possible 
the 3-niile territorial limit, and to tliis end you will cause the agents 
of these islands to be frequently communicated with in order that the 
commanding officers of the cutters may avail themselves of any 
information in the possession of the agents touching the movements of 
marauding vessels. The agents on the islands have received instruc- 
tions from the Secretary of Commerce and Labor that the cutters will 
cooperate with them to remove undesirable persons from the islands. 
You will arrange to have at least one vessel constantly stationed on 
patrol duty in the vicinity of the islands. 

7. Prior to August 1 the efforts of the vessels should be directed 
toward preventing raids on the islands. After that date, when the 
Canadians are allowed to begin seaUng, one of the vessels should share 
with the British cruiser on patrol the duty of maintaining the 60-mile 
zone. As the Japanese fleet, however, will probably be most active 
in August, the patrol of the zone should be subsidiary to the pro- 
tection of the islands. 

8. The patrol of Bering Sea should be continued until every sealer 
has left the sea, or until about October 15, and as the last cutter leaves 
the sea in the fall, the commanding officer should make a special trip 
to the islands for the purpose of obtaining for the Government the 
latest information regarding the conditions thereon. 

Respectfully, 

(Signed) Beekman Winthrop, 

Assistant Secretary. 

Department of Commerce and Labor. 

Washington, D. C, May 2, 1908. 
Approved. 

Charles Earl, 
Acting Secretary. 

[Memorandum in re changes in instructions to revenue cutters on patrol In Bering Sea, as compared 

with 1907.] 

The instructions to the revenue-cutter patrol for 1907 (Sec. F) con- 
tained an order that any vessel of Great Britain found within the 
award area having on board a sealing outfit suitable for taking seal, 
but forbidden then and there to be used, shall be seized. 

The instructions for 1908 alter this order by providing that if the 
vessel is found within the award area with such implements and there 
is evidence that she had recently taken seals or was about to engage 
in taking seals she should be seized, in the discretion of the boarding 
officer. 

(Note. — I quote the instructions for 1908 from memory only. — 
W. LL.) 

By reference, it is ascertained that the British Bering Sea award act, 
1894 (Apr. 23, 1894), to give effect to the award of the Paris Tribunal 



SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 671 

of Arbitration, reenacts the provisions of the award and provides a 
penalty for persons and forfeiture of vessels engaged in contravention 
of said act. 

There is no clause in this act, however, similar to that in the 
American act (Apr. 6, 1894, sec. 10, 28 Stat., 53) under which a vessel 
found in prohibited waters, or with prohibited implements, shall be 
presumed guilty until it is othermse sufficiently proved. 

With respect to British subjects and vessels, American seizing 
officers obtain their authority from the British act. In like manner, 
British seizing officers obtain their authority to seize American ves- 
sels and citizens from the American act. The British act cited gives 
to American seizing officers such powers only as are exercised under 
that act by British officers. 

It follows that neither British nor American seizing officers have the 
power under the British Bering Sea award act cited to seize a British 
vessel merely because she may be found within the award area with 
skins aboard or implements used for sealing. They must find, 
before seizing her, such evidence as would tend to show that she had 
been violating the law by engaging in unlawful sealing, or being 
about to so engage, while within this area. 

In other words, under the British act, it is not unlawful for a 
British vessel to be found within a prohibited area, or during a closed 
season with sealskins or sealing paraphernalia aboard, provided there 
is no other evidence to show that these skins were taken, or implements 
used, in violation of law. Instructions to American officers with 
respect to British vessels, necessarily must conform to this act. 

The instructions of 1908, furnished to revenue-cutter officers, as 
to the treatment of British vessels within the award area, in my 
opinion, are not objectionable in view of the law on the subject. 

The omission from these instructions, however, of any order to 
investigate the alleged sealing by British schooners on the northwest 
coast after May 1 is regretted in view^ of the fact that a British schooner 
was seized last year by a cutter under this same instruction, which 
schooner was afterwards condemned for the offense. There is a 
strong probability that others may be similarly engaged this year. 
Outside of this, the deterrent eft'ect of the presence of an American 
patrol vessel along the coast, searching for violations of a law common 
to both nations is excellent. In may judgment, the instructions to 
cutters for 1908 should continue this coast patrol practically as it 
was in 1907. 

W. I. Lembkey. 

May 4, 1908. 



[Copy — original too faint for reproduction.] 
[Telegram.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Secretary, 

WasUngton, May 20, 1908. 
Walter I. Lembkey, 

Care North American Commercial Co., 

San Francisco, Cal.: 
Navy Department will send gunboat as recommended by you. 

Oscar S. Straus, 
Secretary of Commerce and Labor. 



672 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

[Copy.] 

United States Ke venue-Cutter Service, 

Steamer "Perry," 
TJnalaska, Alaska, May 30, 1908 
Capt. F. M. MuNGER, 

United States Revenue- Cutter Service, 

Commanding Bering Sea Fleet, Unalaslca, Alaska. 
Sir: 1. In accordance with the instructions contained in depart- 
ment letter (W. G. R.) of the 5th instant to follow the coast line as 
far as may be practicable for the purpose of investigating the report 
that the Canadian sealers do not cease sailing on the coast May 1, 
I would respectfully report that no Canadian sealers were sighted 
during the entire passage to this place. I made inquiiy at Sitka, 
Yakutat, Port Etches, Seward, and Karluk, but did not learn of any 
such vessels being sighted after May 1. 

2. On the 24th instant this vessel passed the Japanese sealing 
schooner Hoan Maru, of Tokyo, with her boats down and engaged in 
sealing. The nearest point of land from this sealer was Cape St. 
Elias, west 16 miles. 

3. At Sitka the United States marshal informed me that during 
the early part of the month natives brought in the report that two 
Japanese sealers were off that port, and that they had landed men to 
hunt deer. One of these schooners is said to have landed three 
Japanese men on one of the harbor islands for the purpose of entering 
the United States in violation of the immigration laws. It is said 
that the names of these two vessels are Koama Maru and the Toyei 
Maru III. I could not obtain any reliable information as to these 
circumstances. 

4. At Yakutat I learned from the storekeeper (a white man) that 
on April 18 the Kaise Maru entered that harbor for wood and water, 
leaving again on the 23d of that month. The same vessel again 
entered that harbor on April 29 during a southeast gale, and left 
again on May 2, apparently bound to the southward. The vessel 
carried a Japanese crew and one white man, and had not caught any 
seals to date. 

Also, that on the 10th instant the Japanese schooner Matsu Maru 
called in to make repairs to her rudder; she left again on the 19th 
instant, also bound to the southward. She had 20 skins on board. 
She also carried a Japanese crew and one white man. 

Men from both these vessels came on shore and traded with the 
natives, but were well behaved in every respect and made no attempt 
to hunt. 

Respectfully, 

(Simed) F. J. Haake, 

Lieutenant, United States Revenue- Cutter Service, 

Commariding. 



seal islands of alaska. 673 

Treasury Department, 
Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, July 2, 1908. 

The honorable the Secretary of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C. 

Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith extract of a report 
dated May 27 last, from Capt. A. J. Henderson, United States Revenue- 
Cutter Ser-vice, commanding United States revenue cutter Thetis, in 
relation to vessels engaged in fur-seal fishing. 
Respectfully, 

Beekman Winthrop, 

Acting Secretary. 



[Extract.] 

United States Steamer "Thetis," 

UnalasJca, AlasTca, May 27, 1908. 
The honorable the Secretary of the Treasury, 

Washington, D. C. 
Sir: I have the honor to notify the department that the Thetis 
arrived at this place at 5.05 p. m., tliis date. 

No British sealing schooners were seen en route north, and inqui- 
ries made of natives engaged in sealing operations in the vicinity of 
Sitka, Alaska, developed the fact that no such vessels had been seen 
by them. They reported, however, that four Japanese vessels were 
engaged in seahng to the westward of Sitka. These vessels were sub- 
sequently sighted off the Fairweather grounds to the eastward of 
Yakutat Bay. Two of them were boarded and examined, a third one 
was spoken, but not boarded, owing to the heavy sea prevailing at the 
time, while the fourth one was lost in the fog and haze. 

These four vessels were the only ones seen en route north, and the 
weather was such that they had no boats lowered. 

******* 

Respectfully, 

A. J. Henderson, 
Captain, United States Revenue- Cutter Service, Commanding. 



Treasury Department, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, July 16, 1908. 
The honorable the Secretary of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C. 
Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith copy of a report from 
vSenior Capt. F. M. Munger, United States Revenue-Cutter Service, 
dated Unalaska, Alaska. June 20, 1908, in relation to the operations 
of the Bering Sea patrol fleet from June 8 to 20. 
Respectfully, 

Beekman Winthrop, 

Acting Secretary. 
2403— H. Doc. 93, 62-1 43 



674 seal islands of alaska, 

United States Revenue-Cutter Service, 

UnalasJca, Alaska, June 20, 1908. 
The honorable the Secretary of the Treasury, 

Washington, D. C. 

Sir: I have the honor to make the following report of operations 
of the Bering Sea Patrol Fleet from June 8 to June 20, viz: 

June 5. The Perry sailed to take station at Pri]>ilof Islands. 

June 9. The Bear sailed for the Pribilof Islands. Thetis sailed for 
the north. 

June 10. The Rush left for the islands to relieve the Perry. 

June 13. The Perry arrived in port; had her return to make the 
Attn trip. 

June 14. McCuUoch left port for the islands; I took passage, in- 
tending to visit the agents of the islands. On our way north visited 
the Bogoslof Island; found great changes since last year; Perry Peak 
entirely covered, and several additional islands on the south side; 
full report and photographs on return of the McCuUoch. 

June 16. Visited the agent on St. Paul, who informed me they had 
the rapid-fire guns mounted and crew drilled, and thought themselves 
able to defencl the rookeries. At this date no sealing vessels have 
been seen about the island, and but fe"w' seals had appeared on the 
rookeries. 

The ice left the island May 30, but the water is still very cold (33°), 
indicating that the ice is not very far away; the cold water is also 
thought to be the cause for the presence of so few seals. 

June 16. Left the island on the Rush. Perry left port for a cruise 
to Attn. 

June 17. Returned to port on the Rush. Had the Rush return for 
coal, to return to the islands June 20, so that there will be two vessels 
at the islands. 

June 19. North American Commercial Co.'s steamer Grace Dollar 
arrived in from the islands. 

Japanese sealer Toyei Maru arrived in; had been seahng in the 
Pacific Ocean; had 206 sealskins; had 6 white men in crew of 42. 

June 20. Rush left port for the islands. 

Japanese sealing schooner left port. 

North American Commercial Co.'s schooner leaving to-day; this 
letter goes out on her. 
Respectfully, 

(Signed) F. M. Hunger, 

Senior Captain, United States Revenue- Cutter Service, 

Commanding Bering Sea Fleet. 



[Copy.] 

United States Revenue-Cutter Service, 

Steamer "Bear," 
Village Cove, St. Paul Island, Alaska, July 22, 1908. 
Senior Cai)t. F. M. Hunger, 

United States Revenue- Cutter Service, 

Commanding Bering Sea Patrol Fleet, 

Unalaska, Alaska. 
Sir: I have the honor to report that I have tliis day seized the 
Japanese sealing schooner Saikai Maru, of Hakodate, and the No. 2 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 675 

Kinsai Maru, of Tokyo, both for illegal sealing within the territorial 
limit of 3 miles. 

Early this morning, being at anchor at the south side of Northeast 
Point of St. Paul Island, near the salt house, a great many shotgun 
reports were heard to the northward and eastward and apparently 
not far away. At the time there were very light airs from the north- 
ward to calm, and the weather was misty and partly foggy, meaning 
by the latter term that the fog was in layers and patches, with occa- 
sional clear spaces. In toward shore the end of Northeast Point 
could be seen and also the land to about three-quarters of the distance 
to Polovina Point. At 5.10 got under way and steamed east by 
north, intending to steam out until we could turn northward around 
the shoals, in which direction the shots were being heard frequently. 
At 5.20 a passing clear place in the fog showed a schooner bearing 
north-northeast, magnetic. Kept on our course, not being able to 
haul to the northward as yet. At 5.28 sighted a rowboat on star- 
board bow and romng rapidl}' in the direction of the schooner. 
Stood southeast by south for tliis boat and at 5.37 stopped alongside 
her. The position of the boat was as follows: North end of Walrus 
Island E. f S., magnetic; Northeast Point NW. f W., magnetic, dis- 
tant 3 miles; nearest land, being the point south of Northeast Point, 
2^ miles distant. 

The boat contained a crew of three Japanese, guns, ammunition, 
provisions, water, and necessary boat gear, together with one fresh 
female sealskin (removed from the body) and one unskinned seal, the 
latter being a female not yet quite dead and bleeding from wounds 
in the region of the head. The boat belonged to the Saikai Maru, of 
Hakodate. Took the crew on board and the boat in tow, and at 
5.43 stood north by east for the above-mentioned schooner. 

By this time the fog had cleared somewhat and several schooners 
were seen in various directions, and many small boats offshore and 
inshore of them, shooting being continually heard. Only two of the 
schooners were apparently within the limit, one of which was the one 
we were heading for. As soon as we headed in this direction this 
schooner made all sail and attempted to work offshore to the east- 
ward. Her boats were all inside of her save one, which was offshore. 
The other boats in view soon started back to their respective ships. 
At 6 stopped alongside the nearest schooner and found her to be the 
Saikai Maru, of Hakodate, whose boat we had just seized. The posi- 
tion of the Saikai Maru was as follows: Northeast Point W. J S., 
magnetic; south end of Walrus Island SE. f E., magnetic; nearest 
land, being south point of Northeast Point, distant 2.6 miles. 

As she was inside the lijnit and had some of her boats farther in- 
shore, and one of these boats had just been taken with freshly killed 
seal, sent Lieut. Alexander on board \vith three men, all armed, to 
seize her and remain hove to until the Bear could investigate the 
case of the other schooner. 

At 6.06 steamed ahead for the other schooner that appeared to 
be inside the limit. She was now under all sail, standing to the 
eastward, and in addition had several of her boats towing her. She 
had recalled all her boats and made sail about the time we headed 
up for the Saikai Maru. Blew several blasts on the steam whistle 
for her to heave to, but she paid no attention. Then fired a blank 
shot from the forward gun, whereupon she called in her boats and 
hauled down her head sails. At 6.23 stopped abreast this schooner 



676 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

and found her to be the No. 2 Kinsai Mam, of Tokyo, and her po- 
sition was as follows: Tangent Northeast Point southwest by west, 
I west, magnetic; and tangent Walrus Island, southeast, magnetic; 
being 2f miles from Northeast Point. 

Sent Lieuts. Hinckley and Weightman aboard. Her boats were 
alongside. No sealskins nor carcasses were in them, but there 
was fresh blood in several of the boats. As she was within the limit 
and several of her boats were still farther inshore sealing, and several 
of her boats showed they had been seahng, by the fresh blood, the 
vessel was seized and an officer and three men left on board, all 
armed. Took her in tow, turned and stood back to the Saikai Maru 
and took her also in tow and steamed to the southward and around 
to Village Cove. There was a warrant officer and three men on 
board the Kensei Maru and an officer and three men on board the 
Saikai Maru, all armed. 

After anchoring, sent Lieuts. Hinckley and Alexander on board 
the Saikai Maru, and all skins were examined and counted, and all 
the arms and ship's papers were examined and marked for identifi- 
cation. The ship's papers and the arms were brought on board the 
Bear. The same duties were performed on board the Kinsai Maru 
by Lieuts. Hinckley and Weightman. 

In the meantime, the captured small boat belonging to the Saikai 
Maru was hoisted on board and the contents catalogued. The seal 
was skinned, and this skin and tlie other skin found in the boat 
were salted and sealed in a package. The three men comprising 
the crew of this boat were retained on board, and will be confined 
this night. 

This evening the Bush returned from a trip to St. George and 
anchored at Village Cove. Her commanding officer came on board 
and I arranged for him to take the two vessels to Unalaska and deliver 
same to you. As he informs me his coal supply is getting low, I 
have directed him to leave to-morrow morning, not deeming it wise 
for these two schooners to remain here any longer than necessary. 
I will turn over to the commanding officer of the Rush all papers, 
persons, articles, and so forth, in connection with these seizures. 
As the complement of the Rush is small, I have detailed Lieut. 
Weightman, Gunner Gold, and two men as prize crew for the Kinsai 
Maru. 

I have given the master of each of the seized schooners a certified 
fist of the papers brought on board the Bear, and also a list of the 
arms, and I will dehver copies also to the commanding officer of 
the Rush. 

I also inclose letters addressed to mej^y Lieuts. Hinckley, Alex- 
ander, and Weightman, said letters bearing on the matter of evidence. 

I would also state that the run of the Bear by her patent log, 
from her position at anchor to the place where the small boat was 
seized, coincides with the cross bearings for that same position. 
From this position to the two positions where the Saikai Maru and 
the Kinsai Maru were seized, the log does not give exactly the same 
positions as the cross bearings, but the positions by log run, as well 
as the positions by cross bearings, place these vessels inside the 
3-mile limit. 

Respectfully, (Signed) E. P. Bertholp, 

Captain, United States Revenue- Cutter Service, 

Commanding. 



seal islands of alaska. _ 677 

Navy Department, 

Washington, July 25, 1908. 
Sir: The following is a copy of a telegram received from the com- 
manding officer of the U. S, S. Yorliown, dated the 24th instant, 
sent fro^ Safety, Alaska : 

Now off Yukon River. Five Japanese schooners sealing in the vicinity of St. 
Paul. Situation quiet. Will return here about August 6 to report. 

(Signed) Glennon. 

Very respectfully, N. E. Mason, 

Acting Secretary. 
The honorable the Secretary of Commerce and Labor. 



Treasury Department, 
Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, July 30, 1908. 
The honorable the Secretary of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C. 
Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith copy of a report dated 
the 8th ultimo from Senior Capt. F. M. Munger, United States Revenue- 
Cutter Service, commanding the Bering Sea Fleet, of the operations 
of that fleet from May 16 to that date. 
Respectfully, 

Beekman Winthrop, 

Acting Secretary. 



[Copy.] 

United States Revenue-Cutter Service, 

Unalasl-a, Alaslia, June 8, 1908. 
The honorable the Secretary of the Treasury, 

Washington, D. C. 

Sir: I have the honor to make the following report on matters 
relating to operations of the Bering Sea Fleet: 

On May 13 I took passage on the Areata to Victoria; called on 
the United States consul and collector of customs; obtained from 
the latter a list of Victoria sealing schooners that had been licensed 
for operation in Bering Sea for the season of 1908; only 6 vessels 
had obtained licenses, and one of them, the Ella G., had been lost 
at sea, leaving but 5 vessels of the Victoria fleet. 

No official information could be obtained of the number of Victoria 
sealing vessels under Japanese flag; the following-named vessels are 
known to be under the command of Canadians, viz: 

Kinsie Maru, Capt. Retchie; she has two Victoria hunters, Ned 
Burke and Bill Williams; Autol-a Maru, Capt. Thompson; Toyoi 
Maru, Capt. Jacobson; Matsu Maru has Fred Cochran as chief 
hunter. 

The Toyoi Maru wa-j one of the vessels engaged in the raid on 
Zapadni rookery, St. Paul Island, in 1906; she has two Victoria 
hunters on board, Edward McNeil and Edward Harris. Capt. 
Thompson, of the Autolca Maru, was on the schooner HouTcausia Maru 
when sunk by the Russian cruiser Gromovi, and was arrested for illegal 
sealing. 



678 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

The Perry was delayed at Port Townsend one day to obtain stores 
sent from San Francisco; we left port May 16, and arrived at Sitka 
May 20. Received department telegram relating to the use of coal 
from storehouse there; advised commanding officers of the Bear, 
McCuUoch, Rush, and Thetis of the order. 

Interviewed the marshal at Sitka regarding the Japanese sealers 
said to be violating the law, but obtained no other information than 
that already in possession of the department. A Japanese schooner 
is said to have landed four Japanese on one of the outlying islands; 
these men were in charge of the United States immigrant inspector; 
could obtain no positive information as to the names of the vessels 
referred to above. 

Capt. D. F. A. de Otte reports having received information at 
Yakatat of a Japanese seahng schooner visiting that port and report- 
ing loss of a boat with four men, possibly some connection with the 
above case. 

After leaving Sitka w^e kept witliin 20 miles of the shore, and arrived 
at Unalaska May 30; saw but one vessel, a Japanese sealer, about 16 
miles west of Cape St. Elias; visited Yakatat, Port Etches, Seward, 
Karluk, and Alitak Bay; no vessels at any of the places visited. 

At my request Capt. Haake visited Seward that I might interview 
Assistant United States District Attorney Ray; he wired for author- 
ity to accompany us to Unalaska and obtained permission, but just 
before sailing received a wire from the marshal at Valdez of a murder 
and trouble at Cordovia, which made it impossible for Mr. Ray to 
leave at that time. 

First Lieut, of Engineers J. H. Chalker, United States Revenue- 
Cutter Service, reported May 1 1 , and accompanied me on the Perry, 
as also Ship's Writer F. V. McClung. 

The Thetis was in port on my arrival; the Bear and Rush arrived 
June 3; Rush had rudder quadrant broken; had it repaired at Dutch 
Harbor. Perry left for the islands June 5 ; Bear leaves for the islands 
June 9; Rush, June 10. McCulloch not here. 

For detail account of operations of the Perry on the cruise I inclose 
copy of Capt. Haake's report. 
Respectfully, 

(Signed) F. M. Munger, 

Senior Captain, United States Revenue- Cutter Service, 

Commanding Bering Sea Fleet. 



[Copy.] 

United States Revenue-Cutter Service, 

Steamer "Bear," 

rnaJasla, Alasla, July 30, 1908. 
Senior Capt. F. ^I. Munger, 

United States Revenue-Cutter Service, 

Commanding Bering Sea Fleet, Unalaska, Alaska. 
Sir: I have the honor to report the arrival of the Bear at this 
port at 9.20 p. m. to-day, all on board being well. 

In accordance with your order of the 14tli instant, the Bear left 
Unalaska at 9 a. m. of the 17th and proceeded to St. Paul Island, 
arriving there at 7.20 p. m. of tlie LStli. 



J 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 679 

The 19th instant, cruised around the island. Sighted 15 sail to the 
southward and westward and 5 sail to northward and eastward, all 
hull down, no small boats being in sight. 

The 20th, remained at anchor at Village Cove, having received 
information from the shore that no vessels were in sight from the 
island. 

On the 21st instant, got underway with the intention of making 
a cruise around the island to the westward. Sighted six sail to the 
southward and westv.-ard. hull down, and several small boats, all 
outside the limit. At 2.20 p. m., fog shutting in thick, returned to 
anchorage at ^^illage Cove. In the afternoon communicated with 
the shore and found that the special agent had no news to impart. 

At 12.30 a. m.. July 22d, Special Agent Judge come on board to 
inform the commanding officer that one of the native guards had just 
arrived from Northeast Point and reported a raid having taken 
place there at 10 p. m. the day before. The telephone system being 
out of order, this nati^^e had run from Northeast Point to the village 
with the news. Special Agent Lembkey had left the village with a 
force of four natives and proceeded to Northeast Point immediately 
upon receipt of this news, and Mr. Judge at the same time came to 
not if}- the Bear. 

At 12.55, got under wa}' and steamed to the eastward for North- 
east Point. The weather being quite foggy, the vessel was obliged 
to proceed vnWx caution. At 4.10 a. m., anchored On the south side 
of Northeast Point and sent Lieuts. Hinckley and Alexander ashore 
with, an armed boat's crew to investigate. At 5 a. m. the boat 
returned Avith the report that Special Agent Lembkey had arrived 
at Northeast Point a slioi't time before the Bear anchored and ascer- 
tained that the reported raid was without foundation; that the 
native who brought word to the village had been frightened without 
cause. 

To my mind, the incident of the reported raid on the night of the 
21st illustrates the ease with which a raid can be made on St. Paul, 
due to the inadequate guard at the rookeries, and I deem it my duty 
to bring the matter to your notice. There is telephone communica- 
tion between Northeast Point and the village and between Zapadni 
and the village, and a small guard of natives is maintained at each 
of these pomts — the guard at Northeast Point consisting of four 
natives. These four men could not prevent the landmg of three or 
four boats, especially if tliick weather permitted the boats to get 
close to the shore before they were discovered. If the telephone is 
working, a message to the village mil bring assistance, of course, 
but as this assistance must travel 12 miles to get to Northeast Point, 
it would give the raiders at least two hours in which to work ti.eir 
will on the seals and depart. If the telephone is not workmg, it 
means that a messenger must run to the village to give the alarm, 
and this means still further delay. 

On the night of the 21st instant, one of the four natives on guard 
at Northeast Point thought he saw several strange men who had 
landed, and the telephone being out of order, he ran to the village 
to give the alarm. He left Northeast Point at 10 p. m. and, being 
frightened, he covered the 12 miles to the village in an hour ancl a 
quarter. Special Agent Lembkey started for Northeast Point with 



680 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

reinforcements as soon as possible, but did not reach there until 
3.45 a. m. Also, as soon as the messenger reached the village, Special 
Agent Judge proceeded to notify the Bear, but, the weather being 
foggy, the Bear was obUged to proceed with caution and could not 
reach Northeast Point before 4 a. m. 

Now, had there really been a raid at 10 p. m. of the 21st, the raiders 
would have been practically undisturbed between 10 p. m. and 3.45 
a. m. Thus they would have had five and three-quarters hours in 
which to slaughter seals, skin them, and depart. 

In addition, when there happens to be only one vessel at the island, 
as was the case on the night of the 21st, she, of course, can be at but 
one place. If she anchors at Northeast Point, then the Zapadni or 
Tolstoi rookery is open to raids at foggy times, and I understand 
that at the Tolstoi rookery there is no guard. If the vessel anchors 
at Village Cove, or in the vicinity, in order to protect the southern 
rookery, then the rookeries at Northeast Point are open to raid. 
The situation is still further complicated by the fact that, although 
the vessel can be communicated with by boat at Village Cove if 
darkness or foggy weather prevents signals, she can not be com- 
municated with if anchored at Northeast Point, for there they have 
neither boats nor signals. Of course, the reported raid on the night 
of the 21st was a myth, but the foregoing is cited to show how very 
little there is to prevent a raid if several boats from the sealing fleet 
are so minded. 

From my observations thus far, I do not believe there has been 
any preconcerted attempt to engage in sealing operations within 
the prescribed limits, but when the weather is thick, it is difficult to 
ascertain one's exact position, and when several schooners or their 
boats happen to find themselves close to the limit when the fog clears, 
and the same clearing of the fog disclosed no cutter near by, un- 
doubtedly they embrace the opportunity and pursue their sealing 
operations as close to the rookeries as possible. The continued 
presence of a vessel in the vicinity of Northeast Point and in the 
vicinity of Village Cove would act as a great deterrant to any opera- 
tions witliin the prescribed limits on the part of the sealing fleet. It 
is suo;gested that a vessel stationed at Village Cove and required to 
remam in that vicinity and another vessel stationed at Northeast 
Point and required to remain in that vicinity, together with an 
adequate guard at both Northeast Point and Zapadni, would furnish 
the necessary protection. The guard would be able to prevent any 
boats from landing when it was too foggy, or too dark for the vessel 
to see what was going on, and the vessels being near by would pre- 
vent operations within the 3-mile limit. Of course, a vessel can not 
remain at Northeast Point nor yet at Village Cove during all kinds 
of weather, but when the weather prevents a vessel from anchoring 
at either of these points, no boats can land; therefore no raids nor 
sealing within the limit need be apprehended. 

In referring to a guard on the island I mean officers and men 
landed from the fleet for tliis purpose. I understand that the reason 
that the native guard at present maintained at the rookeries is so 
small is because, up to the end of July, the services of as many men 
as can be obtained are needed for the almost daily drives and killings. 
Landing a sufficient number of officers and men from the fleet will 
overcome tlus condition, and undoubtedly the knowledge of a regular 



J 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 681 

service guard on the island would have a greater effect on the sealing 
fleet than would a native guard. All of which is respectively sub- 
mitted for your consideration. 

Respectfully, E. P. Bertholf, 

Captain, United States Revenue-Cutter Service, Commanding. 



Treasury Department, 
Office of the Secretary, 

WasTiington, August 11, 1908. 

The honorable the Secretary of Commerce and Labor, 

WasTiington, D. C. 

Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith for your information 
extract of a report dated the 19th ultimo from Senior Capt. F. M. 
Hunger, Unitea States Revenue-Cutter Service, commanding Bering 
Sea Patrol Fleet, in relation to certain Japanese schooners supposed 
to be engaged in fur-seal fishing. 
Respectfully, 

Beekman Winthrop. 

Acting Secretary. 



[Extracts.] 

Unalaska, Alaska, July 19, 1908. 

The honorable the Secretary of the Treasury, 

WasTiington, D. C. 

Sir: I have the honor to make the following report of operations 
of the Bering Sea Patrol Fleet, from June 21 to July 19, viz: 

June 21, Japanese schooner TpyJci Maru No. 2 arrived in port; has 
a crew of 30 men, 3 white. 

June 22, Japanese schooner ToTca Mam arrived in port, crew of 30 
men, all Japanese. 

June 23, Japanese schooner Nitto Maru arrived in port, crew of 32 
men, 2 white. This is the vessel seized last year by the Manning, 
same captain. 

June 24, Bear returned; towed in whaling schooner Rosie H.; 
found her becalmed outside of the head; 56 days from San Francisco. 
Bear reports having boarded two Japanese schooners; also very few 
vessels about the islands. 

All Japanese vessels left port. 

* * * * * * * 

Japanese sealing schooner Kinsei Maru arrived in; crew of 30 
men; captain, Canadian, and crew of mixed nationality; this vessel 
has changed her rig to a topsail schooner, and painted hull white. 

* * Hs * * * * 

Respectfully, 

(Signed) F. M. Hunger, 

Senior Captain, United States Revenue- Cutter Service, 

Commanding Bering Sea Fleet. 



682 seax. islands of alaska. 

Treasury Department, 
Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, August 15, 1908, 

The honorable the Secretary of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C. 

Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith copy of a telegram 
received this date from Senior Capt. F. M. Hunger, United States 
Revenue-Cutter Service, commanding the Bering Sea Patrol Fleet, 
reporting the seizure of certain Japanese schooners within the ter- 
ritorial waters near St. Paul Island. 

Respectfully, L. A. Coolidge, 

Acting Secretary, 



[Copy.] 

Unalaska, Alaska, August I4, 1908. 

(Via Seward, Alaska; via Seattle. 
Secretary Treasury, 

Washington, D. C: 
July 22 Bear seized Japanese schooners Two Kinsei Maru (32 men), 
Sailcai Maru (27 men) , sealing territorial waters, near St. Paul ; evidence 
sufficient; no district attorney; no commissioner here. Bear sails 
August 2 to take marshal and prisoners before commissioner's court 
at Unga for commitment October term court. 

Mungee. 



Navy Department, 

Washington, August 15, 1908. 
Sir: I have the honor to forward herewith for your information the 
substance of a telegram received this date from the U. S. vS. YorJctown, 
now cruising in Bering Sea, dated Unalaska, August 4, via Sitka, 
August 14: 

Unalaska, fourth, overhauling boilers; will proceed soon as practicable Port Safety; 
for communication address telegrams there. Sixteen Japanese schooners known oft 
Pribilofs; 2 captured within 3 miles by revenue service; two British sealers thus far 
seen outside limits. No British war vessels yet arrived. 

I have the honor to be, sir. 

Your obedient servant, J. E. Pillsbury, 

Acting Secretary. 

The honorable Secretary of Commerce and Labor, 

Department of Commerce and Labor. 



Navy Department, 

Washington, September 4, 1906. 
Sir: The following is a copy of a telegram received from the com- 
manding officer of the U. S. S. YorHown, dated the 1st instant, sent 
from Valdez, Alaska: 

Conditions Pribilofs quiet; Japanese sealers have mostly left for Japan; few British 
sealers well outside limit; British gunboat Algerine arrived Unalaska August 11, leaves 
for Esquimau September 2. 

I have the honor to be, sir. 

Very respectfully, V. H. Metcalf, 

Secretary. 

The honorable the Secretary of Commerce and Labor. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 683 

[Copy.] 

United States Revenue-Cutter Service, 

Steamer "Bear," 
Vndlaska, Alaska, September 4, 1908. 
Senior Capt. F. M, Munger, 

United States Revenue- Cutter Service, 

Commanding Bering Sea Fleet, Unxilaslca, Alaska . 
Sir : I have tlie honor to report the arrival of the Bear at this port 
to-day at 6.10 p. m., all being well on board. 

Referring to that portion of my report of July 30, wherein is shown 
the advisability of having a vessel always in the immediate neigh- 
borhood of Northeast Point of St. Paul Island, I desire to respectfully 
add the following: 

Notwithstanding the vigilance and activity of the several vessels 
on patrol, my observation leads me to believe that the seal islands, 
and St. Paul in particular, are not and can not be properly protected 
against maraudmg on the part of the sealing fleet without maintain- 
ing a guard on shore at Northeast Point. The necessity for main- 
taining a guard at Northeast Pomt is well understood by the repre- 
sentatives on the island, and the special agent in charge daes maintain 
a guard of 4 natives at Northeast Point from the beginning of the 
season and for a portion of the season a guard of 1 or 2 men at Zapadni 
Point. But these 4 men at Northeast Point and the 2 men at Zapadni 
are more in the nature of watchmen than guards. They patrol the 
shore line in the vicinity of the rookeries and hauling grounds at 
night and during fog and give notice to the village by phone of any 
encroachment by the boats from the sealing fleet. These 4 natives, 
however, can not be expected to be, and never have been, able to 
ward off any attempted raid on the rookeries without assistance. 

Unless a raid is attempted while the force from the village are 
kilHng at Northeast Point, the guard of 4 men can get assistance 
only by telephoning to the village. The village being 12 miles dis- 
tant and the road being poor, it requires some time for assistance to 
get to Northeast Point, and, during this period, a marauding party 
could very well work its will and get away. In addition, it must be 
borne in mind that tlie skms taken at Northeast Point during the 
killing season are stored m the salt house there until the company's 
steamer comes up in August, and consequently this salt house, con- 
taining thousands of sealskms ready for transportation, is protected 
by 4 natives only, who can get no assistance within two hours at the 
least. The result of a raid by several boats under cover of fog or 
night can be readily predicted. The fact that no raid has been 
made this season is no reason to suppose that none will be made in 
following seasons. 

Naturally a raid would not be made except under cover of fog or 
darkness. At such times there is no way in which the 4 native 
guards could get assistance from a cutter anchored at Northeast 
Pomt for the reason that there is no boat on the shore there. There- 
fore, if the cutter were anchored on one side of the point and several 
boats landed on the otlier side of the point under cover of fog or 
night, for the purpose of making a raid on the salt house or the rook- 
eries, there would be no way of notifying the cutter that assistance 
was needed, and assistance would have to come by way of the village, 



684 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

which is, as I have said, 12 miles away with a poor road. The 4 
natives are armed, of course, and, in addition, there is a 1-pound 
iieklpiece at Hutchinson Hill at Northeast Point. This gun, how- 
ever, is a mile distant from the watch house, where the guard spends 
its time when not patrolling. Sometimes the breechblock and box of 
ammunition are kept at the gun and sometimes at the watch house. 
This gun, although a mile distant from the watch house, is but a 
quarter of a mile from the beach. To keep the ammunition at the 
gun means that both gun and ammunition would be captured by a 
landing force in a few minutes unless the guard was at the gun. If 
the guard remained at the gun they would be a mile away from the 
telephone, while, if they remained at the watch house they would be 
a mile away from the gun. The presence of this gun and under 
these circumstances seems to fulfill no useful purpose. 

Two years ago a raid was made at Northeast Point, which, although 
it was finally repulsed and several of the raiders killed, was not alto- 
gether unsuccessful, since a number of sealskins were taken off to 
the schooners. Furthermore, this raid was not repulsed by the 
native guard. It so happened that the force from the village had 
been killing the day before and had not all returned to the village. 
Even with this assistance being accidentally present, the raiders 
were able to make way with some skins and it is easy to conjecture 
what would have happened had only the four natives been at the 
point when the raid was made. 

What is needed at Northeast Point is, of course, a guard. Dur- 
ing the killing season on the island, more than 4 men can not be 
spared from the natives, and, in my judgment, a force of not less 
than 20 men, with an officer and warrant officer, should be landed 
for guard duty at Northeast Point on St. Paul Island during the 
pelagic sealing season. The rookeries on St. Paul Island, from 
Polovina around to Zapadni are all within easy reach of the village 
and can be protected from the village. If, however, any signs of 
danger were seen at Zapadni, a small portion of the 20 men could 
be sent there for guard duty. I learn there is an objection to such 
a guard, but it is not insurmountable. 

During the killing season on the island, which is practically the 
months of June and July, it is necessary that the hauling grounds 
be as undisturbed as possible, as it is from these grounds the seals 
are driven to the killing ground. When the seals are disturbed 
those on the hauling ground are apt to take to the water, and under 
such circumstances it is difficult to obtain the quota of skins allowed 
for the season. The objection to the seaman guard is that, being 
unfamiliar with the habits of the seal, this guard, in patrolling, 
would disturb the seal and thus keep the hauling ground depleted. 
This objection can easily be remedied by maintaining, in addition 
to the 20 men from the cutters, the 4 natives now used as a guard 
and patrol, and causing a native to always accompany the seaman 
patrol to show how to pass the rookeries and hauling grounds with- 
out disturbing the seals. It appears also that the boats from the 
sealing fleet sometimes come close to the shore under cover of the 
fog, and by continuous firing endeavor to disturb the seal so that 
many extra seals having taken to the water the boats can then 
retreat outside the 3-mile limit and capture passing seals at their 
leisure. If the guard on shore fire at these boats they but add to 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 685 

the disturbance of the seals and help to produce the result aimed 
at by the boats. The present native guard does sometimes fire at 
the boats, and should the seaman guard also fire at the boats their 
firing would disturb the seals no more than at present. 

In addition to these 20 men being able to repulse any raid without 
waiting for assistance, it is undoubtedly a fact that the known 
presence of a military guard on the island would act as a strong de- 
terrant against raids on the part of the pelagic sealing fleet. 

With a guard on the island as outlined, and one vessel always in 
the immediate vicinity of Reef Point, there would be small chance 
of the pelagic fleet doing damage inside the 3-mile limit. 
Respectfully, 

E. P. Bertholf, 
Captain, United States Revenue- Cutter Service, 

Commariding. 



Treasury Department, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, September 10, 1908. 
The honorable the Secretary of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C. 
Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith copy of a report dated 
July 30, 1908, from Senior Capt. F. M. Munger, United States Revenue- 
Cutter Service, commanding the Bering Sea Patrol Fleet, in relation 
to the seizure by the revenue cutter Bear, on July 22, of the Japa- 
nese sealing schooners Two Kinsai Maru and Saikai Maru; also 
extracts from a report from that officer dated the 17th ultimo of the 
operations of the Bering Sea Patrol Fleet from July 20 to August 
17 last. 

Respectfully, J. B. Reynolds, 

Acting Secretary. 



United States Revenue-Cutter Service, 

UnalasJca, Alaslca, July 30, 1908. 

The honorable the Secretary of the Treasury, 

Washington, D. C. 

Sir: Confirming my telegram this date as follows: 

July 22 Bear seized Japanese schooners Two Kinsei Maru (32 men), Saikai Maru (27 
men), sealing territorial waters, near St. Paul; evidence sufficient; no district attor- 
ney; no commissioner here. Bear sails August 2 to take marshal and prisoners before 
commissioner's court at Unga for commitment October term court. 

I have the honor to report that the evidence seems sufficient to 
convict; I held the vessels; unbent sails; removed arms; took 
inventory; and turned them over to United States marshal. They 
will be sent before a commissioner's court at Unga. 

The Two Kinsei Maru changed her rig, after coming into the sea, to 
a topsail schooner, and painted hull white; with quaker smokestack 
could be easily mistaken for the Rush or Perry in a fog about the 
islands; she has 6 Canadian hunters on board, several of whom 
have been implicated in previous raids on either the Pribilof or 
Commander Islands; the balance of her crew, 33 men, are of all 



686 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

nationalities. This vessel appears to be leader in trespassing on 
territorial waters, as previous to her arrival the Japanese kept well 
away from the islands. 

There being no district attorney or commissioner here, I will send 
the prisoners, 59 men, to Unga, the nearest court, on the Bear. She 
will sail from here on the 2d of August. 

As soon as this case is settled, the commanding ofhcer of the Bear 
will investigate reports of Japanese otter hunting and committing 
other lawless acts about the Shumagin group. 

I inclose copy of Capt. Bertholf's report relating to seizures of 
Japanese schooners, also a copy of report of the United States com- 
missioner at Unga relating to illegal acts of Japanese about the 
Shumagin group. 

Respectfully, 

F. M. Hunger, 
Senior Captain, United States Revenue- Cutter Service, 

Commanding Bering Sea Fleet. 



United States Revenue-Cutter Service, 

TJnalaska, Alaska, August 17, 1908. 

The honorable the Secretary op the Treasury, 

Washington, D. C. 

Sir: I have the honor to submit the following report of opera- 
tions of the Bering Sea Patrol Fleet from July 20 to August 17, viz: 

July 20: Perry returned from cruise. 

Received verbal information from deputy collector of customs 
that he had satisfactory evidence that Japanese were fishing on the 
Pacific side of Unalaska Island, probably in Kuliliak Bay. 

July 24: Perry sailed for Kuliliak Bay to investigate the report 
of Japanese fishing there. 

July 25: Rush returned with Japanese sealing schooners 2 Einsei 
Maru and Saikai Maru in tow, having been seized by the Bear July 
22 for illegal sealing in territorial waters near St. Paul. Unbent 
vessels' sails and secured arms. 

July 26: Perry returned after a thorough examination of _ the 
coast; found no evidence of Japanese fishing operations in Kuliliak 
Bay or elsewhere. 

Placed Japanese schooners 2 Kinsei Maru and SaiTcai Maru in 
charge of United States marshal; 2 Japanese sick, with nurse, placed 
in hospital; Rush issued rations for them. 

******* 

August 2: Bear sailed for Unga with Japanese prisoners. 
******* 

August 10: Schooner Emma, Benson, master, arrived in from 
Sannak with beef. Captain reports that 9 Japanese sealing schoon- 
ers have been sealing and otter hunting about the Sannaks; that 
they went to Bering Sea about the middle of July; also that Emil 
Mo^eck took away the Japanese deserter from the ToJcia Maru 
and landed him at a fishing station at Cape Bankof. 

******* 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 687 

Bear returned from Unga; Japanese prisoners committed for Oc- 
tober term of court, and officers of Bear bonded to appear as wit- 
nesses at Valdez October 1. Bear brought back Mizusoma Rohm- 
zayema, deserter from Japanese schooner Tokia Maru. The cruise 
of the Bear subject of a special report. 

Respectfully, 

F. M. MUNGER, 

Senior Captain, United States Revenue- Cutter Service, 

Commanding Bering Sea Fleet. 



Part III. Communications Relative to Supplies, 

[Copy— original too faint for reproduction.] 
[Telegram.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Harrishurg, Pa., May 13, 1908. 
Chief Clerk, 

Departmsnt of Commerce and Labor, Washington, D. C: 
Mail large red memorandum book in middle drawer my desk to me, 
Frisco, care company. 
Haste. 

Lembkey, 
Agent Seal Fisheries. 
May 14, 1908. 

May 15, 1908. 
Sir: The mushroom anchor called for in your requisition for cer- 
tain supplies for use on the Pribilof Islands not being obtainable in 
Washington in time for shipment, you are hereljy authorized to pur- 
chase an anchor of this description for use at the islands mentioned, 
at a cost not to exceed 10 cents per pound. 
Yours, very respectfully, 

Herbert Knox Smith, 

Acting Secretary. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Care of the North American Commercial Co., 

San Francisco, Cal. 



REQUISITION FOR SUPPLIES. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Alaskan Fisheries, 

October 22, 1908. 
To the Chief Clerk : 

Please cause to be furnished to tliis bureau for official use the sup- 
plies specified below. 

James Judge, 
Acting Chief of Bureau* 
Approved. 

W. R. B., Acting Chief CUrJc, 



688 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



Item 
No. 



251 

251 

328b 

321b 

322b 

16 

431 

436 



41 5d 



Quantity desired. 



2 

1 dozen 
....do. 
....do. 

2 gross. 

do. 

1 ream . 

1 

1 

1 

1 



Articles. 



Waste baskets 

Hard pencils. No. 3 American 

Soft pencils, No. 2 American 

Erasers, typewriter, $0,245 a dozen 

No. 16 rubber bands, assorted, $0,085 a gross 
No. 32 rubber bands, assorted, $0.20 a gross . 

Heavy typewriter paper 

Brusb for cleaning type 

Brusb for cleaning machine 

Remington card receiver 

Put new seat in No. 1026 chair 

Ribbon, record, Ij inches wide, Paragon 

Loan of Remington. No. 8, 19041 



Cost. 



$0.14 
.14 
.25 
.17 
.40 



Received the above October 29, 1908. 

James Judge, 
Assistant Agent Seal Fisheries. 



[Telegram.] 

Depaetment of Commerce and Labor, 

San Francisco, Cat., June 30, 1908. 
Secretary Commerce and Labor, 

WasThington, D. C: 
Have been requested to send the following telegram: Secretary 
Commerce and Labor: Stationery and other supplies requested for seal 
islands through Division of SuppUes not received. Respectfully re- 
quest same to be forwarded by company's steamer leaving San Fran- 
cisco July 25, proximo. 

W. I. Lembkey, 
Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries, 
July 1, 1908. 



1909. 
Part I. Instructions to Agents and Agents' Reports. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Chief Clerk, 

Washington, Januaj-y 5, 1909. 
Commissioner of Fisheries, 

Department of Commerce and Lahor. 
Dear Sir: In compliance with tlie recent order of the Secretary of 
Commerce and I^abor, assigning to the Bureau of Fisheries the fur- 
seal agents of the department, together with their records, files, etc., 
I transmit herewith such correspondence, together with card index 
of same, as have remained a part of the chief clerk's files up to the 
present time. The remainder of the files are in the possession of the 
fur-seal agents themselves, and wiU accompany their other possessions 
as soon as physically transferred to your olFics. 

In regard to records and files, I may also suggest that the Solicitor 
of the Department of Commerce and I^abor lias a considerable amount 
of information bearing on the legal aspect of the Fur-Seal Service, and 
while these papers are properly a part of his own hies, yet they may 
be consulted at any time by officials engaged on this work. 
Very truly, yours, 

Frank H. Bo wen. 

Chief ClerTi. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bltieau of Fisheries, 
Washington, January 12, 1909. 
Messrs. Barton W. Evermann, Walter I. Lembkey, Millard C. 
Marsh, James Judge, and A. B. Alexander, 

Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 
Gentlemen: You are hereby appointed a board, to be known as 
the fur-seal board, witli Dr. Evermann as chairman, and as such you 
will take charge under my general direction of the administration and 
oihce routine of all matters pertaining to the fur-seal service recently 
transferred to this bureau by the Secretary of Commerce and Labor. 
Within the scope of t)iis service come all matters relating to the fur 
seals and blue foxes of tlie Pribilof Islands, the Government's relations 
to the company leasing the islands and to the natives, and all those 
functions usually regarded as the duties of the fur-seal agents. 

It is my desire that tliis board and the individual members thereof 
give their best thought to the many questions involved to the end that 
the fur-seal service may be administered as intelligently and efficiently 
as possible. 

Respectfully, Geo. M. Bowers, 

Commissioner. 

2403— H. Doc. 93, 62-1 44 689 



690 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Division of Alaskan Fisheries, 

St. Paul Island, Alaska, June 9, 1909. 
Hon. G. M. Bowers, 

Commissioner, Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, D. C. 

Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 
January 12 last, containing my appointment as a member of the fur- 
seal board. 

Respectfully, W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, January 26, 1909. 

The honorable the Secretary of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C. 

Sir : It appears from the report of Agent Lembkey of the seal fish- 
eries that the Government buildings on the seal islands are in impera- 
tive need of repairs. For instance, the Government house on St. 
Paul needs a new shingle roof and a number of heavy timbers to 
replace rotten sills and joists. The watch house at Zapadni is vir- 
tually uninliabitable, entailing hardship on the men required to live 
there while on guard duty. The coal house, a large building, re- 
quires a concrete floor. A small room is necessary to shelter the 
guns and ammunition from the rough winter weather. 

Conditions equally bad — such as leaky roofs, rotten floors, and 
joists — are reported as existing in the Government buildings on St. 
George Island. The watch house at East rookery on that island 
needs extensive repairs. 

These islands are completely isolated and without communication 
with any other land for about seven months of every year, and this 
during the inclement season when severe storms and high winds 
occur. The buildings are frame structures, 30 to 35 years old, and at 
present unfit to withstand the force of the tempests. 

The accidents of any storm might bring about serious suffering and 
the destruction of important public records. 

The sum of $3,000 is estnnated as necessary for the materials 
requisite in making the repairs desired. All labor will be performed by 
the agents of this bureau and the natives and without cost to the 
Government. 

In view of the conditions named, I have the honor to recommend 
that Congress be asked to make a special appropriation of $3,000 for 
repairs to public buildings on the Pribilof Islands. 
Very respectfully, 

Geo. M. Bowers, 
Commissioner of Fisheries. 



seal islands of alaska. 691 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
Washington, March 9, 1909. 
The Secretary of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C. 
Sir: In the matter of the application of F. M. Brown, attorney, for 
the remission of the fine imposed upon 32 members of the crew of 
the Japanese seahng schooner Kinsei Maru No. 2, and for discon- 
tinuance of the forfeiture proceedings instituted against said vessel 
for the illegal kilHng of fur seals in Bering Sea, I have the honor to 
inclose a memorandum prepared in this bureau covering the facts in 
the case. 

From this it appears that the officers and men of the vessel men- 
tioned were duly arrested for sealing within our territorial jurisdic- 
tion; that the vessel was seized within the 3-mile hmit; that the 
parties were tried and found guilty in the United States court at 
Valdez, Alaska; that they have the right of appeal to the higher 
courts, but have not exercised it; and that in every respect they 
have been accorded the same treatment as would be given American 
citizens. It is further shown that the granting of the request of 
the petitioners would be greatly to the disadvantage of our sealing 
industry. 

In view of all the facts I am satisfied that the granting of the 
relief sought would be prejudicial to the pubHc service, and accord- 
ingly recommend that the application be denied. 
Respectfully, 

Geo. M. Bowers, 

Commissioner. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
Washington, March 9, 1909. 

[Memorandum to the Secretary. In re application for remission of fines imposed on 32 members of the 
crew of the sealing schooner Kinsei Maru, and discontinuance of libel proceedings against said vessel 
for unlawfully killing fur seals in the waters of Bering Sea in July, 1908.) 

In liis letter to the Secretary of the Treasury opposing the objects 
of the application mentioned above, United States District Attorney 
Crossley truly says: 

The object principally sought by the defendants is not bo much to obtain remission 
of the fines and penalties imposed on the sealers, as to secure discontinuance of the 
proceedings which look to the forfeiture of the ship and her cargo. 

The cargo consists of 416 sealskins, having an estimated value of 
over $9,000. The real culprits in all violations of the fur-seal laws in 
Bering Sea are the owners of the vessels and the captains thereof. 

In their work of seahng the men on board must obey the captain, 
who in turn takes liis orders from tlie owners. While the men 
caught violating our laws must be punished, it is evident that if the 
ship goes free the principal culprit has not suTered, and that notliing 
has been accomplished toward deterring the same or other vessels 
setting our laws at defiance in the future. 

All Japanese vessels engaged in sealing in the vicinity of the 
Pribilof Islands violate the laws of their own Government. Thev are 



692 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 

licensed for the home trade only, the northern and eastern limits of 
wliich are 50° north latitude and 160° east longitude. (Report of 
U. S. Considar Agent E. J. King, Hakodate, Jan. 26, 1909.) 

No notice is taken by the Japanese authorities of infractions of 
this law by sealing schooners, so that in this respect the Kinsei Maru 
is no worse than other sealing vessels; but she has gained the re})uta- 
tion on the coasts of Alaska, as will appear herein, of being a terror 
to all defenseless people. 

Last spring Simoneski Island, within the cruising ground of this 
vessel, was raided, the natives plundered, stock killed, and houses 
burned; but the poor natives were unable to identify the vessel. 
The vessels engaged in these practices stand off at sea, or remain 
sheltered from view while their boats go ashore to rob and destroy. 
The immense coast line of Alaska, with only the limited protection 
afforded by the few revenue cutters on duty there, is calculated to 
invite attack from tliese desperate characters, many of whom, as is 
the case of the Kinsei Afaru, are white men sailing under the Japanese 
flag. 

Capt. F. A. Haake, commanding revenue cutter Perry, reports 
under date of May 30, 1908, that the Kinsei Maru entered the harbor 
of Yakutat, April 18, ostensibly for wood and water, and remained 
five days; and on A])ril 29 she again entered said harbor, remaining 
until May 2. The Kinsei Maru is one of the few sealing schooners 
which enter American ports with impunity for sup])lies which it is 
unlawful for Americans to selb sealing schooners. (See act Dec. 30, 
1897.) 

Only a few days before the capture of the Kinsei Maru Capt. 
Hunger, always watchful and alert, sent word to the islands that the 
crew of this vessel was composed of desperate men, and for the 
native guard to keep a sharp lookout and not mistake this vessel for 
a cutter. In an official report of July 30, 1908, he says: 

The 2 Kinsei Maru changed her rig after coming into the sea to a topsail schooner, 
and painted hull white; with quaker smokestack could be easily mistaken for the 
Rush or Perry in a fog about the islands; she has 6 Canadian hunters on board, several 
of whom have been implicated in previous raids on either the Pribilof or Commander 
Islands; the balance of her crew, 33 men, are of all nationalities. This vessel appears 
to be a leader in trespassing on territorial waters, as previous to her arrival the Japanese 
kept well away from the islands. 

Mr. Lembkey, who was present at Northeast Point when the 
Kinsei Maru was captured, says on page 29 of his annual report 
for 1908: 

On July 22 the Bear made a midnight voyage to Northeast Point from the village, 
arriving there at 4 a. m. The morning was foggy, but rifts in the fog allowed inspec- 
tion of the sea at intervals. At the time of her arrival at the point shotgun firing 
from small boats was so incessant as to sound like a battle being fought just offshore. 
The Bear found several schooners and a number of small boats all inside the limit 
shooting seals. She was able to capture two of the schooners, the Saikai Maru and the 
Kinsei Maru, both of which were towed to the village. * * * 

The SaiJcai Maru is the schooner that is reported to have raided the Pribilofs last 
year, obtaining 62 skins, * * * This year several boats from this vessel were 
seen to land on Walrus Island, almost immediately after she arrived In the sea. The 
Kinsei Maru, Capt. Richardson (Ritchie), probably has been more aggressive in 
approaching shore this summer than any other vessel in the fleet, and her master has 
been known to express contempt for the shore guard as well as for the cutter patrol. 
It is believed that no vessels in the fleet deserved capture more than the two taken by 
the Bear, and that their apprehension had a restraining effect upon the remainder of 
the fleet. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 693 

Supplementing what Mr. Crossley says on page 2 of his letter 
relative to the opportunities of the defendants for destroying the 
evidence of their having killed fur seals just oif the seal rookeries, 
and intimating that the skins taken that morning were sent away 
in the boats that escaped capture, it is worthy of note: 

(a) That on many occasions sealing boats have landed on the 
islands, none of which ever carried more than three men — a hunter, a 
rower, and the one who steers. 

(b) That the two boats of the Kinsei Maru escaping capture carried 
four men each, and among the eight so escaping were Smith and 
Williams, the white hunters. 

That these white men w^ere capable of thinking quickl}^, of collect- 
ing the sldns secured that morning, and escaping to another vessel, 
is most likely. 

The evidence was ample to convict. Capt. Bertholf testified (p. 12 
of transcript) that he found the vessel 2f miles from land; that three 
or four of the Kinsei Maru's boats were betv-een the ship and shore; 
that he heard shooting from those boats; and that he saw a wounded 
seal coming from the direction of those boats. 

Lieut. Hinkley of the Bear saw^ and heard firing from seven boats 
inshore of the Kinsei Maru, four of which belonged to her ; no other 
boats were in that vicinity except the seven mentioned; he saw a 
wounded seal coming from the direction of those boats; saw fresh 
blood in two of the Kinsei Maru's boats; and he found tw^o skins on 
board that were only new salted. 

This damaging testimony was corroborated by other .officers and 
men of the Bear, among whom was Coxswain Jacobson, w^ho had spent 
five years as a sealer. He saw fresh red blood on the bottom of the 
Kinsei Maru's boat and also on the sides. 

On rebuttal, the Government offered Dr. Hurley, surgeon on the 
Bear, who would have testified that the blood in the boats of the 
Kinsei Maru w^as fresh, but he was not permitted to give his evi- 
dence because the defense objected, and the court sustained the 
objection on technical grounds. 

With the exception of H. Webb, who admitted shooting at one 
seal, none of the defendants admitted doing any shooting; none of 
them saw more than one seal, and some of them saw- none, although 
they w^ere out one hour that morning before being captured. Seals 
are thick in the water at that season. On the day before the capture, 
i. e., July 21, one of the Kinsei Maru's boats caught 11 seals. (See 
testimony of H. Webb, p. 64.) 

It would indeed be surprising if eight boats manned with alert 
sealers should spend an hour close to the largest rookery on St. Paul 
without seeing or killing a seal. In the boats of the Saikai, captured 
just before the Kinsei Maru, the bodies and skins of several freshly 
killed seals were found. Owing to the suddenness of their surprise 
and capture, the latter lacked time in w^hich to destroy evidence of 
tlieir guilt. 

The log of the Kinsei Maru showed 415 skins on board; but a care- 
ful count of the skins revealed a discrepanc}^ of one skin between 
the log count and the actual count. The latter showed 416 skins. 
Now, how did this discrepancy arise? Is it not likely that the one 
skin in excess had been taken during the watch in which the vessel 
was captured, and before the log had been w-ritten? How else are 



694 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

we to account for the presence of the extra skin ? The log should be 
reliable; it is the record upon which every man is paid. It seems con- 
clusive that the count of the log was the count made before sealing 
began in that morning's watch. 

The officers and men in the boats of the Kinsei Maru witnessed the 
capture of the Saikai, and as the boats of both vessels were hunting 
at the same time in the same neighborhood, it is fair to presume that 
they not only lolled the seals, but having a full hour in which to 
destroy evidence of their guilt, that they did so. 

It must not be forgotten that the hunters of the Kinsei Maru are 
among the most expert in the fleet. At the time of the capture 
they had a larger catch than any other vessel in the sea. They had 
416 skins, as compared with 276 on the SaiJcai. They had seven 
boats in the water in exactly the place from which the sound of firing 
came, and yet her men testified that they neither saw seals nor did 
any shooting. In the light of all the evidence, the jury could not do 
otherwise than disregard such testimony and return a verdict of 
guilty. 

(1) The Kinsei Maru has gained among the natives of Alaska the 
name of "Terror." 

(2) She changed her rig and painted her hull white to simulate a 
revenue cutter. 

(3) Her crew, as is well known, is composed of desperate characters. 

(4) She makes an American port the base of her lawless operations. 

(5) She is a lawless rover of the sea and goes out to maraud and 

Erey. She is far from engaging honestly in lawful business. She 
as been "caught in the act." Her crew have been given all 
the advantages that American citizens would have been accorded. 
They have been tried in the United States court, and an unprejudiced 
jury has found them guilty. If this vessel can not be held for her 
unlawful acts in territorial waters, no vessel can be so held. No man 
can read the evidence at that trial without being convinced that the 
officers, the men, the vessel — all were guilty. If they think them- 
selves denied justice in the court where tried, higher courts are open 
for appeal. 

In 1907, as before stated, one of these captured schooners, the 
Sailcai, is reported as raiding one of our rookeries, getting away with 
62 skins; and in 1908, another of the fleet raided Bering Island, 
securing 65 seal and 11 sea-otter skins. The crew of this vessel 
plundered the native village, destroying what they could not take 
away. The Commander Islands are, in fact, the scene of frequent 
violence and bloodshed from the lawless incursions of Japanese 
sealing vessels. Our Government is now confronted with like con- 
ditions of rapine and vandalism, unless we proceed without favor 
to mete out deserved punishment to those convicted of unlawful acts. 
Hovering just outside the 3-mile limit, these craft are killing seals 
practically all the time within our territorial waters. They are 
shifty and untiring; the moment one of the cutters passes by, they 
seize the opportunity to come close to land, stampede the seals, and 
launch their work of carnage. If discovered and arrested, they throw 
overboard their sealskins, thereby destroying the evidence of their 
nefarious work, and claim they were unwittingly carried across the 
line by the tides and currents. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 695 

By the laws of their own country, they can not kill seals nearer 
than 30 miles from shore on the Japanese side; yet through the 
laxity of our methods of caring for our property, they, to all intents 
and purposes, do their sealing within our 3-mile limit. 

To interfere with the punishment of these men, and wdth the pro- 
ceedings for condemning this lawless and predatory craft, would be 
a practical abandonment of preventive measures; w^e might almost 
as well withdraw our patrol, call in our guards, and weakly admit 
our inability to keep and protect our interests. 

Every consideration of justice, every rule of efficient administration, 
every instinct of national independence and conservation advise the 
enforcement of the court's judgment as to these men, and that the 
proceedings against the vessel shall go on unimpeded. 



March 24, 1909. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent Seal Fisheries oj Alaslca, 

St. Paul Island, AlasTca. 
Sir: Transmitted herewith is a copy of a letter addressed to" Mr. 
Waldemar Jochelson, leader of the ethnological department ofi^the 
Russian Impeiial Geographical Society, authoiizing him to visit the 
island of St. Paul, for the purpose of making certain ethnological 
observations and taking cinematographic pictures of the seals. You 
are requested to render him sucli assistance in furtherance of these 
objects as may be consistent with the regulations governing the con- 
duct of the sealing industry. 

Respectfully, Wm. R. Wheeler, -£I 

Assistant Secretary. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

March 24, 1909. 
Mr. Waldemar Jochelson, 

Russian Imperial Geographical Society, 

Unalaslca, Alaska. 
Sir: Replying to your letter of February 1, permission is hereby 
given you to la,nd on St. Paul Island of the Pribilof Group in July 
next, and to make ethnological observations, subject to the general 
regulations governing the island, a,nd to take pictures of the seals, 
subject to the regulations prohibiting the taking of pictures of the 
operations of sealing. The agent in charge has been instructed'^ to 
render you all the assistance consistent with the duties confided to 
him. 

Respectfully, Wm, R. Wheeler, 

Assistant Secretarij. 



696 seal islands op alaska, 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Division of Alaskan Fisheries, 
St. Paul Island, AlasTca, June 9, 1909. 
Hon. G. M. Bowers, 

Commissioner, Bureau oj Fislieries, 

Wasliington, D. C. 
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of a letter, dated 
March 24 last, from Assistant Secretary Wheeler, inclosing a copy of 
a letter addressed to Mr. Waldemar Jochelson, leader of the ethno- 
logical de])artnient of the Russian Imperial Geographical Society, 
authorizing him to visit the Pribilof Islands for the purpose of making 
certain investigations of seals. 

In reply I have to state that I have been informed that Mr. Jochel- 
son already has arrived in Unalaska, but will not visit the Pribilof s 
this year, as he intends making a journey to Attn. 
Respectfully, 

W. I. Lembkey, 
Agent in Charge of Seal Fislieries. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, Marcli 27, 1909. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Seal Islands, 

St. Paul Island, Pribilof Group, Alaslca. 
Sir: 1. Assistant agents ordered to proceed to islands. — Assistant 
Agents James Judge and Ezra W. Clark, who are now in Washington, 
D. C, will be instructed to proceed to the seal islands, Alaska, in 
time to reach there before the beginning of the coming sealing season 
and to report to you for instructions. 

2. Assignment of assistants. — You will make such assignment of 
the assistant agents for the season's work as in your judgment will 
best subserve the interests of the service and the welfare of the native 
inhabitants, and will notify the department of your action in this 
regard. 

3. Agents to report to Washington. — At the close of the sealing 
season, or as soon thereafter as feasible, Assistant Agent H. D. 
Chichester and yourself will return to Washington and report for 
duty at the department. 

4. Copies of contract inclosed. — Inclosed herewith are copies of 
the contract between the United States and the North American 
Commercial Co., and it will be your duty and that of your assistants 
to see that its provisions are enforced and the rights of the Government 
and those of the lessee duly protected. 

5. Decision in event of difference. — Should a difference of opinion 
arise at any time between yourself and the representatives of the 
company in respect to a matter of administration on the islands 
your decision must govern, but in all cases you should request the 
superintendent of the company to furnish a written statement of 
his views on the question involved. This statement should be trans- 
mitted to the department, with an expression of your own views, at 
the earliest practicable moment. 



i 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 697 

6. Quota. — If the condition of the herd will permit, the lessee may 
be allowed to take during the season of 1909 as many as 12,000 male 
seals of the proper age on the island of St. Paul and as many as 3,000 
on the island of St. George, but not more than the number specified 
in either case ; provided, however, that in case the numljer of male 
seals hauling on St. George Island is so greatly in excess of the num- 
ber usually hauling there as to convince the Government agent in 
charge on St. George that there has been a material contemporaneous 
diminution in the number of male seals hauling on St. Paul Island, said 
agent in charge mav, in his discretion, authorize the taking of a total 
of not to exceed 4,000 seals on St. George Island. This taking is, of 
course, to be subject to all the other requirements and hmitations 
of these regulations. The numbers .to which the quotas of the two 
islands are thus limited shall be inclusive of any skins accepted by 
the company from food drives made prior to the present sealing 
season. No seals shall be taken this season that have reached the 
age of 4 years (i. e., seals that have attained their fifth summer), 
nor shall any seals be taken that are under 2 years of age. 

7. Reservation of young males. — In order to remove all doubt as to 
the reservation of a sufficient number of male seals for the perpetu- 
ation of the herd, you are instructed to release from among the best 
seals appearing in the first drives of the season notiewer than 1,000 
3-year-old males and not fewer than 1,000 2-year-old males. Of the 
3-year-olds and 2-year-olds to be reserved, 800 of each shall be 
released on the island of St. Paul and 200 of each on the island of 
St. George. The seals thus released are to be marked in such manner 
as will make them readily recognizable throughout the season, and 
under no circumstances are they to be taken by the lessee. 

8. Sizes of IcillaUe seals. — No seals shall be killed having skins 
weighing less than 5 pounds nor more than 8h pounds. Skins weighing 
less than 5 pounds or more than 8^ pounds shall be held at the islands 
subject to such instructions as may be furnished you hereafter by the 
department. 

9. Killing season. — The killing season should begin as soon after the 
1st of June as the rookeries are in condition for driving. Seals shall 
not be kified by the lessee later than July 31. The killing of pups for 
food for the natives or for any other purpose is not to be permitted, 

10. Seals for food. — The number of seals to be killed by the natives 
for food for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 1909, shall not exceed 
1,700 on the island of St. Paul and 500 on the island of St. George, 
subject to the same Hmitations and restrictions as aj^ply to the killing 
of seals by the company for its quota, except that the maximum 
weight for food skins shall not exceed 7 pounds. Care should be taken 
that no branded seals be killed in the drives for food. 

11. Driving. — The representatives of the company on the islands 
should be required to give notice on the day preceding that on which 
they desire to make a drive of seals, stating the name of the rookery 
selected. The time, place, and manner of conducting all drives shall 
be subject to your approval. A representative of the Government 
should be present on the kilhng ground in each instance to super- 
intend the kilhng. If at any time the methods employed in driving 
or killing appear in your judgment to be faulty or detrimental to the 
seal herd, you should see that such methods are immediately corrected, 
indicating to the representative of the company what changes are to 
be made. 



698 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

12. Killing grounds. — As heretofore, you shouIH establish on each of 
the islands killing grounds that can be reached by the shortest possible 
drive; provided, however, that such killing grounds must be at places 
sufficiently distant from the rookeries to prevent annoyance from the 
decaying carcasses. 

13. Acceptance of skins. — In an opinion dated March 8, 1902, it was 
held by the Solicitor of the Treasury that the lessee has no right to 
reject any of the skins taken from the seals which it has selected for 
killing. You will therefore see that all such skins, regardless of con- 
dition, are accepted. 

14. Counting skins. — ^All the sealskins should be carefully counted 
into the salt houses in the presence of the department agent and of 
the representative of the company, and a receipt, in duplicate, in the 
following form should be prepared and signed by said agent and by 
the representative of the company: 

St. — ■ Island, 

, 190^. 

We certify that there have been placed in salt in the salt house in our presence 

sealskins. 



Agent, United States Department of Commerce and Labor. 



Agent, North American Commercial Co. 

15. Receipts for sealskins salted. — The original of the above recei]3t 
should be retained by the department agent and the duplicate be 
given to the representative of the North American Commercial Co. 
At the close of the season, when the sealskins are again counted and 
shipped on board the company's steamer, the usual annual receipts 
should be signed by the caj)tain of the steamer and the representative 
of the department. 

16. Trading in skins. — The North American Commercial Co. has the 
exclusive privilege under its contract of taking sealskins on the islands 
of St. Paul and St. George, and you should see that the company is 
protected in this right. Care should be taken to prevent the disposal 
of skins by the natives to any other company or to any person. All 
trading in sealskins by the natives is strictly prohibited, nor shall the 
natives be permitted to do any trading in fox skins. 

17. Measures to prevent sliipment of skins hy natives. — To avoid 
the possibility of sealskins or fox skins being surrejititiously shipped 
from the islands, you are directed to continue the practice of exam- 
ining all goods to be shipped by the natives, including baggage and 
personal elfects, and v/here barrels, casks, boxes, or other receptacles 
are used, they should be closed under your supervision, after an exami- 
nation of the contents, before being placed in the warehouse. Any 
skins found concealed in packages to be shipped by the natives 
should be seized and held, subject to instructions from the department. 

18. Census of seal herd. — You are expected to make a thorough 
examination into the condition of the seal herd during the coming 
season, and to make a careful count of the number of breeding seals, 
male and female, on the islands, and also a computation as accurate as 

Eossible of the number of seals not breeding, including idle bulls, 
alf bulls, bachelors, and virgin females. A careful enumeration 
should also be made of the pups found dead at the close of the season 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 699 

and such information as can be had regarding the cause of death 
reported; provided, however, that in, case the presence of ])elagic 
schooners near the islands at any time during the summer should 
make it unwise to so disturb the rookeries Ijy counting as to drive off 
the breeding seals into the wtiter, yourself and the assistant agent 
in charge on St. George should use your discretion as to what further 
counts "should be made, or whether counting should be discontinued 
altogether for the remaindei- of the season. 

19. SeaJsJcins to he weighed. — You are instructed to have the skins 
of the seals taken by the lessee during the coming season carefully 
weighed, and to keep a record of the weights for the information of 
the department. You should also weigh the skins of seals that are 
killed to supply food for the natives, and record the weights. The 
natives may be required to assist as far as practicable in the work of 
weighing. 

20. Care of the natives. — The care and welfare of the natives should 
receive your close attention, and you are directed to see that the 
lessee performs all of the obhgations of its contract toward such 
natives. You should ascertain the prices charged at the company's 
stores, compare them w^ith the prices at San Francisco, and report 
any instances where the natives are compelled to pay unfair prices. 
You should also inspect tlie articles supplied as to quality and quan- 
tity, and if they are in any maimer deficient you should report the 
fact to the department. 

21. Compensation to natives for talcing sTcins. — In view of the 
increase of the prices charged the natives on the seal islands for 
necessaries of life by the lessee, the latter has been informed that the 
compensation to be paid by the comj^any for killing, salting, curing, 
bundling, and loading the sealskins on the company's steamers will 
be 75 cents for each sldn instead of 50 cents a ^-kiii, as heretofore. 
The increase of 25 cents })er skin is designed to meet the increased 
cost of necessaries of life on the islands. It is the purpose of the 
department to require tliat the ]}rices of labor in the work of sealing 
by the natives shall be a.djusted to meet, as far as may be, the 
increased cost of articles required for their subsistence. You are 
therefore directed to notify the department of any further increase 
in the prices of goods sold by the com})aiiy to the nati^■es. The 
money thus earned is to constitute a community fund for distribu- 
tion among the natives according to their respective classes. At the 
close of the seahng season, after a conference with the native chiefs, 
you will make such division of the fund among the natives, accord- 
ing to their classification, as is deemed fair and just and .submit a 
report of such division, showing the amount a])i)ortioned to each 
native participating in the fund. This report should be acconq^anied 
by an indorsement of approval from the native chiefs and a certificate 
from the comi)any's agent that such funds have been credited to 
sucli natives on tlie books of the company. 

22. Payment of natives earnings. — Ihe amounts that are earned 
from the company by tlie natives for labor other than sealing and 
foxing are to be paid to them in cash, and you will instruct the com- 
pany's representatives accordingly. Ihe funds earned from seahng 
and foxing, however, are to be disbursed on orders, as Iieretofore. 
The payment to the natives of money froni the appropriation for 
their inaintenance, upon tlie orders of the Government agent, is 



700 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

strictly prohibited. Articles that do not properly come within the 
term "necessaries" should not be exposed for sale in the company's 
stores nor sold to the natives for the money they earn by labor. 

23. Support of natives. — Congress has appropriated the sum of 
$10,500 "to enable the Secretary of Commerce and Labor to furnish 
food, fuel, clothing, and other necessaries of life to the native inhab- 
itants on the islands of St. Paul and St. George, Alaska." during tlie 
fiscal year ending June 30, 1910, and the greatest care and economy 
should be exercised in the expenditure of tliis appropriation. Articles 
of strict necessity only should bo issued. No expensive dress goods, 
boots, or other articles are to be provided. Each of the natives 
should be restricted to one pair of dress shoes per year and each of 
the women to one good dress. Ginghams, calicoes, muslins, and simi- 
lar inexpensive dress goods may be issued in reasonable quantities. 

The supply of fuel for the use of the natives is paid for from this 
appro]:)riation, and the cost of such fuel sliould not be overlooked in 
determining how muclr of the appropriation is available for other 
purposes. In the distribution of supplies, no distinction is to be made 
between persons without means and those having small savings from 
previous years. 

You will continue the plan adopted under previous instructions, of 
issuing orders upon the company for such supplies as are required by 
the native inhabitants. At the end of the season, as heretofore, you 
will submit to the department the stubs of the orders given, payable 
from the appropriation, for use in verifying the accounts of the com- 
pany. 

24. Coal supply. — The North American Commercial Co. has agreed 
to furnish during the coming season for use on the islands 285 long 
tons of coal at $20 per ton, including delivery on the beach — 185 tons 
to be delivered on St. Paid Island, and 100 tons on St. George Island. 
Coal, with the 80 tons additional that the company is required to fm*- 
nish under the terms of its contract, ^^all make available for all purposes 
a supply of 365 tons, and in its distribution* the widows and orphans 
and aged and infirm inliabitants of the islands of St. Paul and St. 
George are to be included. 

Of the 285 tons purchased from the companj^, you may make the 
following distribution : 

St. Paul Island: Tons. 

For the Government house 15 

For use of the natives 170 

St. George Island: 

For the Government house 15 

For use of the natives 85 

Total 285 

Of the 80 tons furnished by the company without charge under its 
contract, 50 tons may be distributed to the natives of St. Paul and 30 
tons to the natives of St. George. 

25. Dwellings for natives. — The agreement of the company in its 
contract to furnish the native inhabitants of the islands a sufficient 
number of comfortable awellings and to keep such awellings in proper 
repair should be strictly enforcea. 

26. Schools for the natives. — You will require the schools for the 
native children to be maintained from September 1 to May 1, and to 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 701 

be 0}3en five days in each week, the school hours to be from 9 o'clock 
a. m. to 3 o'clock p. m., wdth an hour recess at noon, and 15 minutes' 
recess in the forenoon. 

It will be your duty to see that the teachers appointed by the com- 
pany are competent to teach the Englisli )an<;uage, and that they 
faithfully perform this duty. None but the English language shall 
be taught in the schools. 

If parents of the children on the islands desire to send them to the 
Jessie Lee Home at Unalaska, the department has no objection, pro- 
vided no expenditm"e of public money is involved in their transporta- 
tion to Unalaska. or their mamtenance and schooling while there. 
This course will also be permitted, under the same conditions, in the 
case of orphan children for whom pro\'ision is now made by the com- 
pany under its contract. 

27. Widows, orphans, aged, and infirm. — The company is required 
by its contract to provide the necessaries of life for the widows and 
orphans and aged and infirm inhabitants of the islands who are 
unable to provide for themselves, and you will see that this obliga- 
tion is fully enforced. Widows and orphans having small sums of 
money to their credit should not be compelled to spend them and 
become wholly dependent before they are allowed to draw supplies 
under this provision m the company's contract. Such sums, as well 
as similar accounts held by other natives, ma}' be drav.n upon from 
time to time, however, with the consent and under the direction of 
the Government agent, for such reasonable ai tides as vv ill contribute 
to the comfort of the persons possessing the funds. 

28. Natives to render service. — In consideration of the support 
gratuitously afforded the natives by the Government, you are directed 
to utilize their services, when not required by the company, in repair- 
ing roads, guarding the rookeries, and performing such other duties 
as may seem desirable. This instruction is not to be regarded, how- 
ever, as relieving the company from its obligation to employ the 
natives, at a fair and just compensation, for all such work as they 
are fitted to perform. 

29. Election of native chiefs. — No interference should be permitted 
in the selection of their cliiefs by the native inhabitants of the islands. 
If it should transpire, however, that persons manifestly unsuitable 
for the position are chosen, it will be your duty to interpose in the 
interest of good government and require the selection of proper per- 
sons, but such action should be taken only in extreme cases. 

30. Sale of intoxicants prohibited. — The company agrees in its con- 
tract that it vv^ill not permit any of its agents to keep, sell, give, or 
dispose of any distilled spirits or spirituous liquors or opium on 
either of the islands or the waters adjacent thereto to any of the 
native inhabitants, such person not being a physician and furnishing 
the same for use as a medicine. This obligation is to be rigidly 
enforced . 

31. Manufacture of intoxicants prohibited. — The brewing or dis- 
tilling of intoxicating beverages on the islands is prohibited. In the 
enforcement of this provision you are authorized to discontinue the 
sale from the company's stores of sugar, or other articles entering 
into the manufacture of intoxicants, to any person who violates this 
order, or who is found to be intoxicated. Should intoxication become 



702 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

SO general among the people as to interfere with good government 
and jeopardize the peace, you are authorized to discontinue alto- 
gether the sale of sugar and of other articles entering into the manu- 
facture of intoxicants for such length of time as may appear wise. 

32. Removal for cause. — Should natives or other persons become 
so unruly or immoral in conduct as to endiinger the peace and good 
government of the people, they should be removed from the islands, 
and the Revenue Cutter Service will be instructed to render such 
assistance as may be necessary for that purpose. 

33. Landing on the islands restricted. — No persons other than Gov- 
ernment officers, representatives, and employees of the North Ameri- 
can Commercial Co., and duly accredited representatives of the Rus- 
sian Church, shall be allowed to land on the islands except by written 
authorit}' from the department. The permission granted represent- 
atives of the Russian Church to visit the islands may be suspended, 
however, when its exercise is attempted by an improper person. 
Visitors to the islands should not be permitted to mspect the rook- 
eries, except under your supervision. 

34. Killing of sea lions to he limited. — The preservation of the sea- 
lion rookeries on the islands is highly important. The killing of 
these animals should be limited to such numbers as are absolutely 
necessary in providing for the construction of bidarras or skin boats. 
Sea-lion pups should not be killed for any purpose. 

35. Information regarding affairs on the islands. — No information 
regarding the seals, or any other matter pertaining to the seal is- 
lands, is to be given out by you or by any of the assistant agents. 
All applications for such information should be referred to the 
department. 

36. Conclusion. — The maintenance of guards on isolated rookeries, 
to prevent illegal landings and raids, should be continued. 

Should questions arise involving matters not covered by these 
instructions, it will be your duty to report the facts to the depart- 
ment and to await instructions, except in cases requiring immediate 
decision, when you will take such action as sound judgment dictates. 
The instructions embodied in this letter are to remain in force 
until they are superseded by later ones, and in the event of your 
failure to receive revised instructions for a subsequent season the 
directions herein given are to be followed for such season so far as 
they are applicable. 

Three additional copies of this letter are inclosed herewith, and 
you are directed to furnish one of these copies to each of the assist- 
ant agents for their information and guidance. 
Respectfully, 

Geo. M. Bowers, 

Commissioner. 
Approved. 

Ormsby McITarg, 

Acting Secretary. 



seal islands of alaska. 703 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Division of Alaskan Fisheries, 
St. Paul Island, Alaska, June 9, 1909. 
Hon. G. M. Bowers, 

Commissioner, Bureau of Fisheries, 

^YasMngton, D. C. 
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 
the 27th of March last, containing instructions for the management 
of the Alaskan fur-seal fisheries for the season of 1909. 

From inquiries addressed to the respective assistant agents I have 
ascertained that each already has been furnished with copies of the 
instructions in question. 

Respectfully, W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, March 29, 1909. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Seal Islands, 

St. Paul Island, Prihil of Islands, Alaska. 
Sir: Tlie bureau desires to have on file, and in the most convenient 
form for reference, all published or otherwise available data regard- 
ing every matter essential or helpful to a thorough knowledge of the 
seal islands. It is understood, of course, that the records of your 
office here in Washington and at the islands contain a vast amount 
of data on various subjects pertaining to the islands. Doubtless 
many of these records are in excellent shape and can not be greatly 
improved upon. You are instructed to take up witli the assistant 
agents the question of office records, with a view to their improve- 
ment in every way practicable. Among tlie matters whicli should 
receive special consideration are the following: 

1. The form in which records should be kept to render them most 
serviceable and convenient for reference. The card catalogue system 
is becoming more generally used, and it is believed that you will 
find that system admirably adapted to many of the subjects in which 
you will wish to keep records. 

2. The scope of subjects in which it is desirable that records be 
kept. Without entering into i)articulars. it may be said that any fact 
or observation relating in any way to fur seals, blue foxes, or any of 
the animals and plants of the islands, sealing, pelagic sealing, or in 
any way to the seal islands, which will contribute to our knowledge 
of those islands and the problems connected with them, is of im- 
portance and worth recording. 

3. Completeness of present records. An effort should be made 
not only to assemble all available records on each particular subject 
but to complete the records by filling in the gaps whenever possible. 
It is probable that, on some subjects, no records have been systemat- 
ically kept; the keeping of such records should now begin. 

Among the subjects for wliich carefully pre]->are(l and complete 
card catalogue or other records are desired are the following: 



704 SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

1. Lsgislation. A complete record of all legislation pertaining in 
any way to the islands. This should be a subject catalogue and 
given in as much detail as possible. 

2. Leases. These cards should show fully all leases, contracts, 
concessions, agreements or privileges given or entered into regarding 
the islands. 

3. Russian control. Go into this historically and by subjects. 

4. Literature. Card catalogue of every book, paper, article, 
report or other printed matter that has been published relating in 
any way to the islands, fur seals, blue foxes, walruses, or any of the 
animals and ])lants found there, together with a brief statement of 
the contents of the publication. 

5. Card catalogue of all Govei'nment agents who have ever been 
on the islands, showing: (a) Na.me; (&) place from which appointed; 
(c) date of appointment; (d) official title; (<?) salary; (/) service on 
islands; (g) reports made, stating whether published; (h) termination 
of service; (i) any other matters of interest or value. 

6. Card catalogue of company agents, doctors, teachers, and of 
ail others who have visited or landed upon the islands in any capacity, 
after same general plan. 

7. Card catalogue of natives, giving essential data, as to sex, age, 
etc. 

8. Card catalogue of rookeries, hauhng grounds, etc., giving as 
full and accurate history of each as possible. 

9. Seals killed each year from beginning, going into fullest detail. 

10. Card catalogue of all species of animals and plants known 
from the islands. Each of these cards will supply a basis for addi- 
tional observations on each species, new observations and facts 
being recorded on additional cards as required, so that all the cards 
under any one species will constitute a complete record of what is 
known about that species on the islands; and this record will be 
augmented by the record of new observations as made from time to 
time. 

11. Card catalogue of all maps, charts, diagrams, photographs, 
drawings, or other illustrations relating to the islands. 

12. Fur-seal commissions, etc., both American and British. 

13. Appropriations, regular; special. These cards should also show 
expenditure? under each appropriation, the specific purpose, and on 
whose voucher. Go into as much detail as seems desirable. 

14. Receipts from leases, taxes, etc. 

15. Value of skins . 

16. Utilization of native animals and plants; cultivation. Card 
for each species used in any way, as for food, clothing, utensils, or for 
any other purpose, going into tletail as to part utilized, time, manner, 
purpose, and extent, etc. This would include such matters as seal 
meat as food for man or foxes, other parts of seal for any purpose, 
birds and birds' eggs, the plant "poochka" (0<jeloplureum gmelini) as 
food, sea-lion hides in boat construction, etc. 

17. Industries engaged in by the natives, as basket making, mat 
making, boat building, etc. 

18. Pelagic sealing data, as complete as possible. This is of vital 
importance. 

19. Meteorology. All temperature, wind, rain, snow, fog, storm, and 
other meteorological data should be assembled and properly carded; 
and these records can be augmented by current observations. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 705 

20. Schools. All available statistics relatino; to school education 
should be compiled and properly classified. The bureau very much 
desires a full investigation and study of the general question of public 
education on the islands, particularly as to methods and results, and 
requests a detailed report thereon, together with suggestions and 
recommendations looking toward the improvement of the schools. 

21. Branding — liistory, methods, results, etc. 

22. Health conditions. This is a matter of importance and should 
be made a subject for special investigation and study by Assistant 
Agent Chichester, to whom detailed instructions will be furnished 
under separate cover. 

The bureau desires that these various matters be taken up promptly 
and carried through as rapidly as possible consistent with your other 
duties. Much of this work can be done on the islands, especially 
during the winter when there will be little else to interrupt. Such 
portions as can best be done in Washington will be done by the agents 
who return here next fall. 

After conferring with the assistant agents you will be able to assign 
the different subjects to those best qualified to handle them. 

All cards and other records should be in duplicate, one set to be 
kept at the islands, the other for the Washington office. 
Respectfully, 

Geo. M. Bowers, 

Commissioner. 
Approved. 

Ormsby McHarg, 

Acting Secretary. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Division of Alaskan Fisheries, 

Si. Paul Island, Alaslca, June 10, 1909. 
Hon. G. M. Bowers, 

Commissioner, Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, D. C 
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 
March 29 last regarding the collection into files of all data relating to 
the seal islands for convenient reference, and to say that I shall give 
the matter my attention. 

Respectfully, W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries. 



March 30, 1909. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Seal Islands, St. Paul Island, Alaslca. 
Sir: Authority is hereby given for the travel of Assistant Agents 
James Judge and Ezra W. Clark from Wasliington, D. C, to the 
Pribilof Islands in the spring of 1909, and of yourself and Assistant 
Agent H. D. Chichester from the Pribilof Islands to Washington, 
D. C, in the fall of 1909, such travel to be by the most direct and 
usually traveled routes. If excess baggage is necessary for the 

2403— H. Doc. 93, 62-1 45 



706 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

travel authorized, charges therefor may be included in amounts not 
to exceed $30 for each agent for the trip going out. On the return 
trip 100 pounds of excess baggage will be allowed, if actually neces- 
sary, and not to exceed 250 pounds may be transported as freight 
direct from the Pacific coast, through the Quartermaster's Depart- 
ment. 

The actual necessary expenses of yourself and the assistant agents 
for board and lodging on the Pacific coast, not to exceed $5 per 
diem durmg such reasonable time as may be necessary for the trans- 
portation of official business pending your departure for Alaska, will 
be allow^ed. Your arrival on the Pacific coast should be so timed as 
to relieve the department of any charges for detention there for a 
longer period than required for the transaction of official business. 
This injunction applies as well to the stay on the Pacific coast of 
yourself and the assistant agents upon your return from Alaska 
en route to the department. 

Kespectfully, Ormsby McHarg, 

Acting Secretary. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Division of Alaskan Fisheries, 
St. Paul Island, Alaska, June 9, 1909. 
Hon. G. M. Bowers, 

Commissioner, Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of department's 
letter of the 30th of March last, containing the usual authority for 
myself and the assistant agents to travel to and from the seal 
islands on official business. 

Respectfully, W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, March 31, 1909. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Seal Islands, St. Paul Island, Alaska. 
Sir: There is probably no other locality in America where questions 
of health and sanitation can be studied under such favorable conditions 
as at the seal islands. These islands are ahnost completely isolated 
from the rest of the world. The population is quite definitely fixed; 
there is practically no immigration, no emigration, and little visiting 
with other communities. The islands constitute a compact physical 
and biological unit, a compact health or sanitary unit. The conditions 
are so isolated and so bunched as to render their control and study 
comparatively easy. This is true not only as regards the native ani- 
mals and plants of the islands, but it is true also of the people who have 
long been resident on the islands. The conditions for scientific study 
of many problems relating to the health and well-being of the various 
species of plants and animals (including man) found on the islands are 
therefore peculiarly favorable. 



SEAL ISLANDS OP ALASKA. 707 

As Mr. Chichester has been studying medicine for several years, 
many of these problems will doubtless appeal to him as questions in 
which he would be especially interested and which would afford him a 
fine opportunity for doing some excellent and valuable original work. 
His knowledge of the nature of disease, of bacteriology, hygiene, and 
sanitation will enable him readily to appreciate the exceptional oppor- 
tunity and to formulate the details of the methods to be employed. 

The bureau therefore desires Mr. Chichester to take up the whole 
question of health on the seal islands and submits the following sug- 
gestions as to the scope and nature of the investigations which it 
wishes to have made: 

HEALTH CONDITIONS ON THE SEAL ISLANDS. 

Natives. — It is desired that a careful study be made of all the un- 
portant conditions or factors bearing on the health of the natives. 
Many of the questions should be considered historically. 

1. Housing: Character of houses as related to health; changes 
since first occupation, whether for the better or not; if present con- 
ditions are not what they should be, suggest improvements. Every 
house should be inspected v\ath reference to sanitary conditions, in- 
cluding ventilation, light, heating, cleanliness, drainage, and general 
adaptability. 

2. Clothing: In the past and now; whether suited to the climate, 
healthful, sanitary, adapted to the vocations of the people, etc. 

3. Food: In the past and now; whether properly or adequately 
nutritious, and healthful; proper proportions of different kinds; 
properly prepared; etc. 

4. Diseases: (a) Those brought to islands by first colonists; 
which of these have disappeared and which have persisted; work out 
as fuUy as possible the history of each, (h) Diseases brought to the 
islands since the first colonization; when, whence, and by whom 
brought, and history of each since introduction, (c) Diseases in- 
duced by local conditions, i. e., originating on the islands or whose 
history can not be traced, if there be any such, (d) Diseases to which 
natives are peculiarly subject; the relative importance of the various 
diseases as shown by number of deaths from each and by frequency 
and duration, (e) Historv^ of therapeutics or methods of treatment of 
each disease by the resident physicians, together with consideration 
of results. If possible, compile mortality tables for all who have died 
on the islands since first occupation, giving name, sex, age, date of 
death, and cause. This bears upon (d). (/) Relation of climate and 
of habits and occupations of natives to disease. This should be care- 
fully investigated, (g) A health card should be prepared for each 
person on the islands. This will supply the basis for thorough and 
continuous study of these questions. 

5. Parasites: A special study should be made of the intestinal 
and other parasites affecting the natives, and ample study material 
should be preserved. 

6. Use of intoxicants : The strong desire for intoxicants possessed 
by the natives is well known, and the necessity for protecting them 
against this desire is recognized. 

The whole question should receive most thorough study and 
thoughtful consideration — the origin of the taste for intoxicants; 



708 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

whether this taste is growing stronger; whether the regulations now 
in force conduce to temperance among the natives, and if not, how 
they may be made more effective in that regard. A total of 265 
gallons of various kinds of intoxicants has been requisitioned for the 
islands for the next fiscal year. 

This would supply more than 3 gallons of intoxicants per year to 
every male over 16 years old on the islands; and if the instructions 
not to supply intoxicants of any kind to the natives be strictly com- 
plied with, as they should, the 265 gallons will supply 26.5 gallons 
annually to each white man on the islands. 

You are instructed to give this matter very careful consideration 
and to make such recommendations as will, in your opinion, be to 
the best interests of the natives and the service. 

Seals, foxes, etc. — There are many problems connected with the 
proper care and well-being of the animals of the islands, their rela- 
tion to each other and to the natives, which should receive attention. 

Among the subjects concerning which investigations are desired 
are the following: 

1. Seals: (a) A thorough study of the uncinaria, the source and 
manner of infection; prevalence; conditions under which it thrives; 
other hosts, if any; effect on the seals; how this parasite may be 
exterminated or reduced or its injurious effects minimized. Is the 
uncinaria equally common on both islands and on all rookeries ? 
If not, what are the conditions favorable to its development and how 
can those conditions be converted into unfavorable ones? It ought 
to be possible to exterminate this parasite, and it is hoped that every- 
thing possible may be done to bring about that result. 

Give attention to such other parasites as the seals may have — their 
character, life histories, effects, and possiblity of reducing or exter- 
minating. 

2. Foxes: Similar study should be made of the parasites and dis- 
eases of the foxes. 

3. Sea lions, etc: Similar study should be made of the parasites 
and diseases of the sea lion, lemming, shrew, etc. 

4. Birds: Most species of birds have intestinal and dermal para- 
sites. Some of them are injurious, others probably not. These 
should be collected and studied as opportunity affords. 

It is desired that an effort be made to collect well-preserved and 
fully authenticated series of all the species of parasites affecting the 
animals named above and any other animals occurring on the island. 
An ample series of specimens showing as many stages as possible 
should be preserved. Care should be taken to use preservatives of 
the strength and character which will render the specimens most use- 
ful for histological purposes. 

It is realized that this list of subjects or lines of inquiry is a rather 
formidable one, but it clearly shows how rich the field is and how 
great the opportunities are for making investigations, all of which are 
important and many of which are essential to a proper conduct of the 
service. 

While it is intended that Mr. Chichester will be directly responsible 
to 3^ou and the bureau for the proper carrying out of these instruc- 
tions, it is desired that he be giA^en every assistance and facility for the 
proper conduct of the various investigations. Valuable assistance 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 709 

can be given him by yourself and the other agents in connection with 
most or the hnes of inquiry, particuharly those pertaining to seals, 
foxes, etc. 

All of the questions pertaining to the health and well-being of the 
natives will, it is believed, appeal to the resident physicians, who will 
doubtless be glad to cooperate with you in their investigation; indeed, 
it is not unlikely that the resident physicians may be anxious to take 
up certain of these investigations as their own particular problems. 
Such cooperation will certainly lead to results not only of interest and 
value to the medical profession, but of material benefit to the natives 
and the fur-seal service. 

Respectfully, Geo. M. Bowers, 

Commissioner. 
Approved. 

Ormsby McHarg, 

Acting Secretary. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Division of Alaskan Fisheries, 
St. Paul Island, Alaslca, June 9, 1909. 
Hon. G. M. Bowers, 

Commissioner, Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington , D. C. 
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge tlie receipt of your letter of 
March 31 last, relating to the compilation of various vital statistics 
and allied data of the native populations of St. Paul and St. George 
Islands. 

In reply, I have to state that already I have conferred briefly with 
Mr. Chichester (to whom the duty was assigned) on the subject, and 
that he will devote so much of his time during the current summer as 
he may be able to spare from current duties to the collection and 
compilation of the data mentioned. I will cooperate with Mr. 
Chichester, who is stationed on St. George, in so far as I am able in 
compiling these statistics for St. Paul. 

Respectfully, W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
Washington, May 11, 1909. 
Mr. James Judge, 

Care of North American Commercial Co., 

Mills Building, San Francisco, Cal. 
Sir: Inclosed please find copy of my letter of January 26, 1909, 
prepared by you and addressed to the North American Commer- 
cial Co. 

In the letter of instructions to Chief Agent Lembkey, prepared by 
you, dated March 27, 1909, and signed by me and approved by the 
acting secretary, occur these paragraphs : 

24. Coal supply. — The North American Commercial Company has agreed to furnish 
during the coming season for use on the islands 285 long tons of coal at $20 per ton, 
including delivery on the beach, 185 tons to be delivered on St. Paul Island and 



710 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

100 tons on St. George Island. This coal, with the 80 tons additional that the com- 
pany is required to furnish under the terms of its contract, will make available for 
all purposes a supply of 365 tons, and in its distribution the widows and orphans and 
aged and infirm inhabitants of the islands of St. Paul and St. George are to be 
included. 

Of the 285 tons purchased from the company, you may make the following 
distribution : 

St. Paul Island: Tons. 

For the Government house 15 

For the use of the natives 170 

St. George Island: 

For the Government house 15 

For the use of the natives 85 

Total 285 

Of the 80 tons furnished by the company without charge under its contract, 50 tons 
may be distributed to the natives of St. Paul and 30 tons to the natives of St. George. 

By the first letter it is intended that 200 tons of coal should be 
put on St. Paul Island for the natives. In this letter of instructions 
it is 170 tons. This office is unable to learn whether the latter is a 
clerical error or is meant to supersede the former. I have written 
to the North American Commercial Co., asking them to confer with 
you regarding tliis matter and to deliver only the 170 tons unless you 
are able to state to them that tliis is due to a clerical error and that 
the original designation of 200 tons will be required and should be 
delivered. This office is not able to decide this question and refers 
the matter to you for your decision. 

Respectfully, Geo. M. Bowers, 

CoTYvmissioner. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, May 29, 1909. 

[Memorandum to the commissioner.] 

Your attention is called to the accompanying letter from Mr. 
James Judge, in which he states that the instructions of March 27 
calling for 170 tons of coal for the seal islands was an error, and that 
he has made the necessary correction with the North American 
Commercial Co. 

B. W. E. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Division of Alaskan Fisheries, 

San Francisco, Cat., May 22, 1909. 
Hon. Geo. M. Boavers, 

Commissioner oj Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 
Sir: Repl3dng to your letter of the 11th instant, I have the honor 
to state that the amount of coal specified in your letter to the North 
American Commercial Co., January 26, 1909, viz, 200 tons, is tJie 
amount that will be required for the use of the natives on St. Paul 
Island during the coming fiscal year, and that the statement in the 
letter of instruction March 27, 1909, calling for 170 tons for this 
purpose, is a clerical error and was not intended to supersede the 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 711 

former arrangement. I have therefore instructed the company to 
deUver 315 tons of contract coal on the island, 285 tons to be paid 
for from the apj)ropriation "Supplies for native inliabitants of 
Alaska, 1909." and 30 tons from the contingent fund, 1910. 

Authority to make the latter purchase was obtained from the Secre- 
tary about April 1, 1909. Prior to my leaving the bureau, i. e., 
April 5 last, I prepared a letter addressed to the North American 
Commercial Co. for the purpose of effecting this purchase, and am 
under the impression that it went out, but if so the company never 
received it. 

I regret exceedingly the annoyance caused you through my error 
in preparing the instructions. 

Very respectfully,, James Judge, 

Assistant Agent Seal Islands.. 



May 22, 1909. 

Dear Dr. Evermann: Have just written the commissioner offi- 
cially in relation to coal for St. Paul Island and regret the annoyance 
caused you, all through my error in preparing the instructions. It 
was very stupid of me to have made such a mistake. I was unable 
while in Chicago to make arrangements for procuring the necessary 
paraphernalia for the taking of moving pictures on the island. I was 
informed that the machines are never sold, but are let out under 
experienced operators who receive a salary of $15 per day. The nega- 
tives used cost SI per foot, and the positive 15 cents per foot. 

We sail at 1 p. m. to-day. Mr. and Mrs. Clark have promised to call 
at 11 and lunch with us. Mr. C, as j^ou doubtless know, could not 
get away at present, but will sail from Seattle late in June for Nome 
and come to the islands from there on a cutter. Am sorry he is not 
going with us, because as long as he is going I should have preferred 
that he mtness the branding of bachelors which has been inaugurated 
since his time, and which is higlil}' important. 

With best wishes, I remain, sincerely, yours, 



Dr. B. W. Evermann, 

Washington, D. 0. 



James Judge. 



May 15, 1909. 



Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent Fur-Seal Islands, 

Care of North American Commercial Co., 

Mills Building. San Francisco, Cal. 
Sir: There is inclosed herewith for your information a copy of a 
letter sent to Mr. George A. Clark. 

Respectfully, Geo. M. Bowers, 

Commissioner. 



712 seal islands op alaska, 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Division of Alaskan Fisheries, 

St. Paul Island, Alaska, June 9, 1909. 
Hon. G. M. Bowers, 

Commissioner, Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, D. C. 

Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 
the 15th ultimo, inclosing, for my information, a copy of a letter 
addressed to Mr. G. A. Clark, authorizing that gentleman to investi- 
gate and enumerate the Pribilof fur-seal herd during the ensuing 
season. 

In reply, I have to state that I shall cooperate fully with Mr. Clark, 
and furnish him with every facility at my command useful in the 
prosecution of his investigation. 

I can not withliold, however, an expression of my opinion that any 
unnecessary enumeration of the seal herd at a time when the island 
is surrounded by the Japanese sealing fleet is liighly detrimental in 
effect. Enumeration of seals means disturbance of seals — driving 
them off into the water. The condition of having the most seals in 
the water is that especially desired by the sealers, who, in fact, seek 
to promote this very condition by approaching land in a body and 
frightening seals therefrom by a fusillade of shotguns. It is unneces- 
sary for me to point out that any policy adopted on land which would 
aid the killing of breeding seals in the water is equivalent in result 
to the killing of such animals on land. 

For years it has been the practice of the agents to enumerate 
harems and bulls of all classes on the 15th of July, approximately, 
and on August 1 to count such number of live pups as will allow 
the determination of an average harem. These counts are justifiable 
on the ground of strict necessity. Counts other than these are in- 
teresting in determining the rate of influx, variation, and kindred 
minor matters, but have no especial effect in insuring accuracy for the 
final counts. 

While I shall aid Mr. Clark in every way possible, as before stated, 
should he desire my opinion on the scope of liis investigation, I shall 
advance views similar to those expressed here. 
Respectfully, 

W. I. Lembket, 
Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Division of Alaskan Fisheries, 

St. Paul Island, Alaska, June 14, 1909. 

Sir: I have the honor to report that Assistant Agent Clark and 
Mrs. Clark landed on St. George Island from the revenue cutter 
Manning on the 4th instant. Assistant Agent Judge and Mrs. Judge 
landed on St. Paul Island from the Homer on the 8th instant. 

During the ensuing summer Assistant Agents Clark and Chichester 
will be stationed on St. George Island and Assistant Agent Judge 
and myself on St. Paul. At the close of the season Assistant Agent 
Chichester and myself will report in person at Washington. 

A forecast of the number of seals to be taken during the coming 
season or of the number of breeding seals to be present can not be 



i 



SEAL ISLANDS OP ALASKA. 713 

made at this time. vSuch counts as have been made ah-eady, however, 
when contrasted witli enumerations made on similar dates last season, 
indicate strongly that there will be a moderate increase in breeding 
bulls as the result of the saving of bachelor seals made for the first 
time in 1904 and continued annually thereafter. 

No Japanese schooners have appeared in the sea up to this date, 
nor have any been reported by the cutters which cruised through the 
North Pacific on their way to the islands. Reports indicate that the 
Japanese sealing fleet this season will number 39 vessels, an increase 
of 1 vessel over the fleet of 1908. 

It has been reported to me also that the Victoria Sealing Co. (Ltd.), 
will not send out an>^ of its schooners this year on its own account, 
but has leased to individuals about 5 of its schooners, which will be 
operated as pelagic sealing schooners by the persons to whom they 
are leased. In addition several Canadian schooners owned and 
operated by individuals will engage in sealing. 

Two revenue cutters already are on patrol about the islands; a 
third has gone to Attn Island to inspect that locality ; while the fourth 
is expected to arrive in the sea from San Francisco on June 20. 

In this connection it may be interesting to state that the Victoria 
SeaHng Co. (Ltd.), the joint stock corporation which owns all but a 
few of the Canadian sealing schooners, alsb owns or controls the 
majority of the stock of the Vancouver Island shore whale fishery, 
and is devoting to the latter industry all of its resources. If has 
abandoned practically all active participation in pelagic sealing. 

Bachelor seals have not hauled on the islands in numbers sufficient 
to justify beginning the work of marking seals for a breeding reserve. 
It is anticipated, however, that the quota to be marked ^vill have 
been secured by June 25. 

Respectfully, W. I. Lembket, 

Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries. 

Hon. G. M. Bowers, 

Commissioner, Bureau of Fisheries. 



July 9, 1909. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent, Alaslca Fur-Seal Agent, 

St. Paul Island, Alaslca, 
Sir: The bureau acknowledges with thanks the receipt of your 
various letters of June 9, 10, and 14. I am glad to know that Messrs. 
Judge and Clark reached the islands in safety and that conditions on 
the islands are encouraging. It is also noted that you have received 
the various instructions sent you and that you will carry them out 
to the best of your abihty. 

Respectfully, Geo. M. Bowers, Commissioner. 



July 20, 1909. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Seal Islands, 

St. Paul Island, Alaslca. 
Sir: It is hkely that during the course of the present summer 
Hon. Frank H. Hitchcock, member of the advisory board of the fur- 



714 SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

seal service, will have an opportunity to visit the Pribilof Islands^ 
and in that event I have to request that you facilitate as far as possi- 
ble his investigations and accord him every courtesy during his stay 
on the islands. 

Respectfully, Charles Nagel, Secretary. 



Exhibit 3. 



Island of St. Paul, 
Bering Sea, Alaska, August I4, 1909. 
This is to certify that 11,022 fur-seal skins, the entire quota of this 
island for 1909, have this day been shipped on board the North Amer- 
ican Commercial Co.'s steamer Homer, consigned to the North 
American Commercial Co., San Francisco, Cal. 

W. I. Lembkey, 
Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries. 

Shippers load and count. All on board to be discharged. 

A. Donaldson, 
Master, Steamer '' Homer." 



Island of St. George, 
Bering Sea, Alaska, August, 1909. 

This is to certify that 3,314 fur-seal skins have this day been shipped 
on board the North American Commercial Co.'s steamer Homer, 
Donaldson, master, consigned to the North American Commercial Co., 
San Francisco, Cal. 

Ezra W. Clark, 

Assistant Treasury Agent, 

Department of Commerce and Labor. 

vShippers load and count. All on board to be discharged. 

A. Donaldson, Master. 

Exhibit 2. 

Island of St. Paul, 
Bering Sea, Alaska, August I4, 1909. 
This is to certify that 32 fur-seal skins of the quota of 1908 have 
this day been shipped on board the North American Commercial 
Co.'s steamer Homer, consigned to the North American Commercial 
Co., San Francisco, Cal. 

W. I. Lembkey, 
Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries. 

Shippers load and count. All on board to be discharged. 

A. Donaldson, 
Master, Steamer " Homer." 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 715 

vSt. Paul Island, Alaska, August 17, 1909. 

Dr. Barton W. Evermann, 

Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 
Dear Dr. Evermann: I am in receipt of your letter of June 24 
last, and wish to thank you very mucn for the interest taken by 
you in my fox paper and also for your kindness in forwarding me 
25 copies of same, together with 12 copies of Mr. Bailey's paper on 
The Otter as a Fur Bearer. 

Fox life on St. Paul is looking better than it has for several years 
past. I have buried a quantity of seal meat for fox food and will 
endeavor during the coming winter to accomplish soniething toward 
placing the St. Paul foxes on a basis similar to that which has worked 
so well on St. George Island. 

Very respectfully, James Judge, 

Assistant Agent Seal Islands. 



[Telegram.] 

San Francisco, Cal., August 30, 1909. 
Commissioner Fisheries, 

Washington, D. G.: 
Arrived to-night. Agent Chichester; 14,336 sealskins shipped, 
total quota 1909; also 32 skins, quota 1908; arrive Washington about 
September 10; address Jefferson Hotel. 

W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent Seal Fisheries. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
Washington, August 31, 1909. 
The honorable the Secretary of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C. 

Sir: I have the honor to advise you that this bureau is in receipt 
of a letter dated August 15, 1909, from Mr. George A. Clark, who, as 
special assistant, was detailed this year to make a count of the fur 
seals on the rookeries of the Pribilof Islands. Mr. Clark took a 
similar census in 1897, and the results of this season's work afford a 
valuable comparative basis for ascertaining the status and prospects 
of the fur-seal herd. In view of the very serious conditions disclosed 
by this investigation, it is deemed advisable to acquaint the depart- 
ment at once with the contents of this letter, so that any action that 
seems expedient may be taken without waiting for the final report. 

The following quotations comprise the substance of Mr. Clark's 
letter: 

The essential features of the situation are : 

1. That the herd is reduced to about one-third what it was in 1896-97—50,000 
breeding females, a like number of pups, and sufBcient animals of other classes to 
bring the entire herd up to approximately 140,000. 

The individual rookeries show exceptional conditions. Notable is the case of the 
Northeast Point rookeries. From a total of 1,143 harems in 1897, these have fallen 
in 1909 to 232 harems— about one-fifth. This has been due to the concentration in 
the season of 1908 of the Japanese pelagic fleet off these rookeries. 

2. There is a vigorous and adequate supply of male life for breeding purposes. For 
the total of active harem bulls of 1,387, there are 513 idle and young bulls ready for 



716 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

harem duty. A reservation of 2,000 3 and 4 year old bachelors for this season guaran- 
tee? a sufficiency, if not an overstocking of the breeding grounds with males 3 to 5 
years hence. 

3. The quota of killable seals is short 675, or thereabouts, of the quota of 15,000. It 
would have been much shorter still if the same grade of skins were taken as in 1896-97 . 
With a herd approaching one-third of its former size a quota three-fourths as great — 
the quota of 1897 was 20,000— could not reasonably have been expected. The 
smaller seals taken to make up the number secured are, however, well out of the way 
of the Japanese sealers . 

4. The Japanese sealing is terribly destructive, being at such close range. Every 
seal leaving the islands to feed must run the gauntlet of the boats just off the 3-mile 
limit both going out and returning, and the reports of guns on a still day are incessant. 
The natural result of this shooting must be felt in the loss of many animals in excess 
of those actually secured. 

The count of pups on certain St. Paul rookeries showed on August 3 fully 6^ per cent 
of the pups dead or dying of starvation. This was the result of sealing in July. A 
like mortality will result from the sealing in August, bringing the full loss to some- 
thing like 12 per cent for the season. 

It is respectfully suggested that this matter be brought to the 
attention of the Department of State with a view to the renewal of 
efforts for an international agreement, particularly with Japan, for 
the suppression of pelagic sealing. The shrinkage of two-thirds in 
the size of the fur-seal herd in 12 years; the reduction of four-fifths 
in the size of some of the rookeries as a direct result of the operations 
of the Japanese sealers last year; and the loss in 1909 of about 6,000 
young seals by starvation because of the killing of their mothers by 
Japanese hunters, would appear to warrant the most active and 
determined measures on the part of our Government to ameliorate 
conditions on the seal islands. 

Very respectfully, H. M. Smith, 

Acting Commissioner. 



St. Paul Island, Alaska, September 3, 1909. 
Hon. George M. Bowers, 

Commissioner, Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, D. C. 

Sir: I have the honor to report that in pursuance of my duties 
as special warden in charge of the Pribilof Reservation, I sailed to 
Walrus Island yesterday, having as a boat's crew six natives and as 
guests Messrs. Proctor and Drennin, of the North American Com- 
mercial Co. 

We sailed from Village Cove at 9 a. m. around Reef Point. When 
abreast Rocky Point the wind died down and we pulled from there 
to Walrus Island. There was some swell and the tide was against 
us, so that we did not arrive until 3.30 p. m. While securing our 
boat two reports from a shotgun were heard. We carried two 
Krags and a small quantity of ammunition. While filling the maga- 
zines of our rifles a boat with three men, who proved to be Japanese, 
rounded the south end of the island, within a few yards of the bluffs, 
apparantly headed for the landing. We shouted and gesticulated 
for them to come in, but instead of accepting the invitation, they 
put about and attempted to escape. A shot across their bow caused 
them to surrender and come in. On their way in they threw a dead 
seal overboard. On arrival at the landing they were given seats on 
a shelf of rock and kept under guard. Their boat contained the 
usual sealing outfit, including two shotguns, both loaded, an oilskin 



J 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 717 

garment in the bottom, and the inner side of the boat was smeared, 
with fresh blood. Our 'examination was scarcelj- completed when 
another boat with three men, who proved to be Japanese, was dis- 
covered rounding the north end of the island, within a few yards 
of shore, and apparently headed for the landing. We concealed, 
until they were close up, and signaled them to come in. They 
put about and we gave them a shot wade. This not having the de- 
sired effect, another shot was fired close in, when they at once stood 
up and hoisted their hats on the end of their oars. Following our 
signals they pulled around to the landing and were given seats along- 
side their countrymen, two of our party with one rifle standing 
guard some distance off. This boat carried the usual sealing outfit, 
including two shotguns, both loaded. It also carried a seal gasping 
in the agonies of death. The inside of the boat was smeared with 
fresh blood. 

Within a few minutes a third boat with three men appeared off 
the south end of the island, in a line with, but somewhat farther out 
than, our first boat was when brought to. Upon perceiving us they 
turned quickly, and regardless of several shots dropped in their 
vicinity succeeded in getting around the point of the island and 
temporarily out of our range. We started for the high land where 
they would have been within easy range, when our attention was 
attracted by a fourth boat rounding the north end of the island, 
and apparantly headed for the landing. We therefore abandoned 
the pursuit of the third and captured the fourth boat without firing 
a shot. This boat carried the usual sealing gear, including two 
shotguns, both loaded. Further investigation showed two more 
boats about one-half mile east of Walrus Island, and the schooner 
on a fine with and 2 or 3 miles beyond them. We took possession 
of the guns and ammunition in the third boat captured to prevent 
as far as possible the destruction of seals by its occupants, and per- 
mitted the boat to depart, because I considered two boats and six 
prisoners about as much as we could conveniently handle with our 
limited force and means, and with night approaching. 

As we had eaten nothing since breakfast, a fire was built, tea 
made, and lunch hastily partaken of. While we were eating the 
Japs requested permission to enter their boats and procure food 
for themselves. One man being given permission, entered the boats 
and passed out the grub boxes, and then began washing off the seal, 
blood from the garment in the bottom of the boat. He was stopped 
and ordered ashore, but not before considerable of the blood had 
been removed from the garment. 

On our return two natives and one Jap went into each of the 
captured boats, and the remaining four Japs and the remainder of 
our party with all guns and ammunition took passage in the Govern- 
ment boat. At 4.30 we cleared the landing and hoisted, sail for 
Northeast Point, where we arrived at 6.30 and w^ere met by the 
guard. I telephoned the village and instructed the guards at the 
different rookeries to build fires on high places and fire cannon in 
hopes of attracting the attention of the revenue cutters on patrol. 

About 7 p. m. the Bear' came around West Point bound for the vil-. 
lage. Mr. Allis and Dr. Mills intercepted her 3 miles out, and she at 
once communicated with the Manning by wireless, and then came to 
East Landing. We arrived at 9.30 p. rn. and found Capt. Bertholf 



718 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

ashore. His steward acted as interpreter and we learned that our 
prisoners belonged to the Japanese sealing schooner Eiun Maru, from 
Sindie, that she carried eight boats and was homeward bound, but 
remained for another day's sealing, because the weather was so fine. 
Prior to tliis we obtained no information from them, as they feigned 
not to understand when questioned. I gave Capt. Bertholf a resume 
of the evidence and urged speed in capturing the schooner while she 
was practically becalmed off Walrus Island. On our way home we 
had had very little wind at any time, and when off Polovina we took 
in sail and manned all the oars. Prior to that only the Japs had been 
pulling. 

Shortly after 10 p. m. the Bear got under way. There is no wind 
to-day, the sea is smooth, weather bright, and sky clear, and there is 
no reason that the schooner will not soon be, if indeed she has not 
already been, apprehended. 
Very respectfully, 

James Jxjdge, 
Assistant Agent, Bureau of Fisheries, 

In Charge St. Paul Island. 



St. Paul Island, Alaska, September 4, 1909. 
Hon. George M. Bowers, 

Commissioner, Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 
Sir : I have the honor to confirm my telegram of even date to wit : 

St. Paul Island, Alaska, 

September 4, 1909. 
Hon. Geo. M. Bowers, 

Commissioner, Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C: 
Report that on 2d instant, with small sailboat, I captured two boats belonging to the 
Japanese sealing schooner Eiun Maru, each containing three Japanese, in immediate 
vicinity of Walrus Island, with a freshly killed seal in either boat. 

(Signed) James Judge, 

Assistant Agent in Charge St. Paul Island. 

Very respectfully, 

James Judge, 

Assistant Agent, Bureau of Fisheries, 

In Charge St. Paul Island. 



[Telegram.] 



United States Revenue Cutter "Bear," 

September 4, 
Hon. Geo. M. Bowers, 

Commissioner, Bureau Fisheries, Washington, D. C: 
Report that on the 2d instant, with small sailboat, I captured two 
boats belonging to Japanese schooner Eiun Maru No. 2, containing 
three Japanese, in immediate vicinity of Walrus Island, with freshly 
killed fur seal in its boats. 

James Judge, 
Assistant Agent in Charge. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 719 

St. Paul Island, Alaska, Septemher 11, 1909. 

Hon. Geoege M. Bowers, 

Commissioner, Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, D. C. 

Sir: I have the honor to report that the Japanese sealing schooner, 
Eiun Maru, five of whose boats were observed and three caj)tured 
while sealing in territoiial waters the 2d instant, as indicated in my 
report of the 3d, eluded the pursuit made by the revenue cutters on 
patrol, and is now at large. The escape of said vessel is, in my opin- 
ion, without legitimate excuse. At about 7.45 p. m. of the 2d instant, 
the Bear, on her return from a surveying expedition, was intercepted 
some distance off West Landing by Mr. Allis and Dr. Mills in the 
gasoline launch Avith, in effect, the information that our laws had 
been violated by a Japanese schooner in the vicinity of Walrus Island; 
that I had taken six prisoners and was on m)^ way to the village with 
them, and that I had requested that the cutters be notified as early 
as possible, so that they could overhaul and seize the schooner while 
she was practically becalmed in that locality. Capt. Bertholf inquired 
why I had not mentione/d the schooner's name, and when informed I 
had been unable to get any information from the prisoners, said he 
would anchor and await my arrival. Accordingly, the vessel anchored 
at East Landing, and the captain, accompanied by his Japanese stew- 
ard, who was to act as interpreter, came ashore and walked to the 
company's house, where he arrived at 8.45, and was informed that 
the Northeast Point watchmen had reported that the schooner to 
which the prisoners belonged was in close proximity to Walrus Island 
and that the Manning had caught a schooner, but that it was "the 
wrong one," as the latter vessel had been sealing for several days 
from 10 to 12 miles off Northeast Point. He also learned, if not 
previously aware of the fact, that these two schooners were the only 
ones in the vicinity of St. Paul Island. 

I arrived at 9.30, and a few minutes later an examination of the 
prisoners began. This proved a slow process, as the Japs debated 
everything among themselves before answering. After considerable 
difficulty, we learned the name of their schooner, her home port, and 
the number of boats she carried, but were unable to learn the name 
of the captain, the number of sealskins she had on board, or get 
answers to other questions asked. Capt. Bertholf then became dis- 
gusted, and selecting one of the prisoners for further examination 
took him aboard. 

At 10.30 p. m. the Bear sailed in the direction of Walrus Island. It 
was then very dark, and nearly three hours of valuable time had been 
consumed in acquiring mformation of little practical value and no 
utility for the work in hand. Instead of anchoring and waiting at 
the village, Capt. Bertholf should, upon receipt of the information 
conveyed him by Messrs. Allis and Mills, have gone under full steam 
to Walrus Island, as every one naturally expected him to do. Had he 
done this, one hour of good steaming would have revealed the schooner 
to the man in the crow's nest. Or, if he entertained doubts of the 
authenticity of the report he had received or considered it insufficient 
to act upon, he could have shaped his course to Walrus Island so as 
to have intercepted me on the way there vvith either the vessel or 
the launch he bad on board. 



720 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

The course pursued by the Manning, while daylight or dusk 
remained, was equally futile and barren of results. This vessel was 
cruising somewhere off Northeast Point when Messrs. Allis and Mills 
overhauled the Bear. Upon being notified by the Bear's wireless, 
the Manning soon ran down the Chiyokuni Maru and remained close 
to her, according to the watchmen, until 10.30, when she sailed to the 
northeastward. Upon arriving at the company's house, Capt. 
Bertholf learned definitely, as herein indicated, that the schooner in 
custody of the Manning was innocent and that the guilty schooner 
was in the vicinity of Walrus Island. Why with this information he 
did not at once cause the Manning to release the schooner she had in 
custody and proceed elsewhere is as difficult to understand as his own 
failure to move, even then, until he had interviewed the prisoners and 
learned the name of the schooner he was to go in search of. In 
justice to the officers of the Manning it must be understood that these 
gentlemen v,ere acting under telegraphic orders of the senior captain 
m charge of the Bear. 

Now, as regards the guilty schooner, Eiun Maru, the evening and 
night of the 2d instant. When we left Walrus Island she was between 
2 and 3 miles offshore. I am positive about tliis, because she was 
not half the distance out that I was from Northeast Point. Her 
captain probably received word of what had happened from the boat 
that escaped us, or the one we dismissed, at about 5.30. The last seen 
of her was by the watchmen at Northeast Point at 8.30. 

On leaving Walrus Island we sailed and pulled until 7 o'clock, 
when the wind died out, and after that oars only were used. Condi- 
tions aboard the schooner were identical with those encountered by 
us, and it is therefore evident that the vessel was severely handicapped 
in effecting her escape. Her salvation consisted in being towed off- 
shore, under cover of darkness, by the six small boats she still pos- 
sessed. This process is necessarily slow, and when it is considered 
that there was no wind or fog that night or the next day it seems 
remarkable that she escaped, even with the start she was so foohshly 
permitted to have, with two cutters in pursuit, each of which was 
fully manned and equipped with wireless, and therefore acting in 
concert. 

At 1 a. m. of the 4th instant Lieut. Gray came ashore with word 
that the Bear was in communication with the Victoria and would 
take any message I might have for the authorities at Washington. 
Availing myself of his kindness and this privilege, I forw^arded to you 
my telegram of that date. Mr. Gray and I arranged for certain signals 
that were to be used between the shore and ship, in case the lookout 
I had provided for Bogoslov at daybreak should see a sail in any 
direction. On arising at 6.30 a. m. of the 4th instant I was surprised 
to see the Bear at anchor on the east side. Immediately after break- 
fast I went aboard and was disappointed to learn from the captain 
that the Manning was cruising on the 60-mile zone and that, owing 
to the westerly breeze that had sprung up, the search for the Eiun 
Maru had been abandoned. 

On the 4th instant my prisoners were put on board the Bear, and 
on the 6th that vessel sailed for Unalaska, for the prehminary hear- 
ing before the United States commissioner. Chief Merculieff took 
passage to file charges against the prisoners and Mr. Proctor and 
Nekita Hopoff accompanied him as witnesses. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 721 

The sealing schooner Euin Maru has wihfully and mahciously vio- 
lated the laws of the United States, and I would therefore suggest 
that the proper officials in the Treasury Department and the Depart- 
ment of Justice be instructed to seize and detain her, should she at 
any time in the future enter any port of the United States for any 
purpose. 

Very respectfully, James Judge, 

Assistant Agent, Bureau of Fisheries, 

In Charge St. Paul Island. 



St. Paul Island, Alaska, September 18, 1909. 

Hon. George M. Bowers, 

Commissioner, Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 
Sir : I have the honor to inclose, for your information, certain self- 
explanatory correspondence with the United States commissioner at 
Unalaska and to request that my action in the premises be approved. 
Very respectfully, 

James Judge, 
Assistant Agent, Bureau of Fisheries, 

In Charge St. Paul Island, 



United States v. Zaushite Matsumoto, et al. 

District of Alaska, Third Division, ss. 

Sir : I, J. L. Brown, United States commissioner, do hereby request 
that you send to Unalaska, Alaska, by the first cutter coming to 
Unalaska from the island, all boats, guns, ammunition, and equip- 
ments that were captured with the Japanese on the 2d of September, 
1909, that they may be placed in the keeping of the United States 
deputy marshal, to be turned over to the United States district clerk, 
for confiscation or whatever action he may wish to take in the matter. 
Respectfully, 
[seal.] J. L. Brown, 

United States Commissioner. 
Special Agent James Judge, 

St. Paul Island, Alaslca. 



St. Paul Island, Alaska, September 18, 1909. 
J. L. Brown, Esq., 

United States Commissioner, UnalasJca. 
Sir: Replying to your request for the boats and sealing parapher- 
nalia of certain Japanese arrested for violation of the laws for the 
protection of fur seals on the 2d instant, I have to inform you that said 
property belongs to the schooner whence these Japanese came, and 
IS liable to confiscation only as part and parcel thereof, and not until 
the vessel herself is libeled. In the meantime the fur-seal agents are 
the proper custodians. 

Respectfully, (Signed) James Judge, 

Assistant Agent, Bureau of Fisheries, 

In Charge St. Paul Island. 
2403— H. Doc. 93, 62-1 46 



722 SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

St. Paul Island, Alaska, September 18, 1909. 

Hon. Geoege M. Bowers, 

Commissioner, Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, D. C. 
Sir: I have the honor to inform you that the six Japanese arrested 
for violation of the laws for the protection of fur seals, in the vicinity 
of Walrus Island, the 2d instant, were tried by the United States 
commissioner at Unalaska and sentenced to three months in jail and 
to pay a fine of $200 each. 

Respectfully, James Judge, 

Assistant Agent, Bureau of Fisheries, 

In Charge St. Paul Island. 



[Memorandum to Mr. Lembkey.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, September 10, 1909. 
Please let me have, within the next few (la3^s if practicable, a state- 
ment regarding the Alaska fur-seal service, similar to the one con- 
tained in the report of the Secretary for 1908. This is required for 
inclusion in the annual report of this bureau for 1909. 

Geo. M. Bowers, 

Commissioner. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
Washington, September 20, 1909. 
The Commissioner: 

I have the honor to submit the following summarized report of the 
conduct of affairs on the Pribilof (fur-seal) Islands reservation dur- 
ing the season ended July 31, 1909: 

Fur-seal sJcins shipped. — There were shipped from the Pribilof Islands 
ontheS-S.-ffomer at the close of the season ended July 31, 1909, 14,368 
fur-seal skins. Of these 32 were shipped from St. Paul Island, 
chargeable to the quota of the precedmg season (1908), under in- 
structions contaiued in your letter of March 11, 1909. The remain- 
der, 14,336, represents the quota of 1909 for both islands, of which 
11,022 were taken on St. Paul and 3,314 on St. George. The quota 
of 15,000 skins for both islands was not obtained for the reason that 
the requisite number of bachelor seals did not appear in the drives 
during the legal sealing season. 

SHns talcen contrary to regulations. — On St. Paul, during the lessee's 
sealing season, one skin was taken by the lessee, which was found to 
be under the limit of weight of 5 pounds prescribed by the depart- 
ment. As the skins are shipped from the islands in "bundles" con- 
taining two skins each, and as this one undersized skin was required 
to complete a bundle, it was delivered to the lessee for shipment 
along mth the eligible skins by my direction. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



723 



On St. George four large skins exceeding the limit of 8+ pounds 
were taken by the lessee and are retained on that island, subject to 
further instructions. 

Statistics of the Jcillings. — The statistics of seals driven for killing by 
the lessee during the drives made during its season of 1909 show 
that 69 per cent were killed and 31 per cent released as being either 
too large, too small, or marked as breeders. The great scarcity of 
veiy small seals in the drives— even in those dnves made late in the 
season when the yearlings are supposed to appear in numbers — was 
apparent on St. Paul. On St. George 63 per cent of seals driven 
were killed and 37 per cent released during the lessee's season. 

Count of hreeding hulls. — During the period between July 13-16, 
1909, both inclusive, a count was made of the number of breeding 
bulls on both islands. That for St. Paul demonstrated the presence 
of 1,071 bulls \\dth harems, 140 idle bulls, 116 quitters or young 
7-year-olds, 13 water bulls, and 83 bulls found on the bachelors' 
hauling grounds. The count for St. George made at the same time 
disclosed 267 bulls with harems, 32 idle bulls, 23 quitters, and 15 
bulls on the hauling grounds. For comparative purposes the counts 
before given are contrasted with similar counts made at a correspond- 
ing date in 1908: 

St. Paul, counts of harems, etc. 



Year. 


Harems. 


Idle. 


Quitters. 


Water 
bulls. 


Hauling 

grounds 

bulls. 


1909 


1,071 
1,002 


140 
90 


110 
45 


13 
68 


83 


1908 








Difference 


1 9 


1 50 


1 71 


255 

















> Increase. * Decrease. 

St. George, counts of harems, etc. 



Year. 


Harems. 


Idle. 


Quitters. 


Hauling 
grounds 
bulls. 


1909.. . . 


267 
241 


32 
34 


23 
27 


15 


1908 












126 


2 2 


24 









1 Increase. 



> Decrease. 



It may be seen from the foregoing tables that an increase has 
occurred among those bulls actually stationed on the breeding 
grounds, i. e., harem mastere and idle bulls, of 83 individuals. Tliis 
is the result of the application of the regulations exempting certain 
young males from slaughter to allow them to mature as breeders. 
As this increase in bulls occurs in the face of a diminishing herd of 
breeding cows, it is believed that further reservations of young 
males, at least for several years to come, are unnecessary. 



724 



SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



Counts of pups. — On both islands in 1909 the following counts of 
pups were made: 



Date. 


Rookery. 


Live 
pups. 


Dead 
pups. 


Total. 


Per cent 
dead. 


1909. 
Aug. 2 


St. Paul: 


1,669 
246 
693 

1,397 
309 


60 
4 
22 
55 
10 


1,729 
250 
715 

1,452 
319 


3 


Amphitheater 


1 


4 




3 




Tolstoi Cliffs 


3 






3 




St. George: 

North 






4,314 
3,679 


151 

105 


4,465 

3,784 


3 

2 










7,993 


256 


8,249 


3 



In 1908 pups were counted on St. Paul only on Ketovi and Amphi- 
theater rookeries. A comparison of the counts made in 1908 and 
1909, therefore, can be made only as regards these two rookeries. 
Such comparison follows : 



Year. 


Rookery. 


Live 
pups. 


Dead 
pups. 


Total. 


1908 


Ketovi and Amphitheater 


1,877 
1,915 


83 
64 


1,906 


1909 


do 


1,979 




DifEerence 








1 19 













I Increase. 



A comparison of the counts on North rookery on St. George for 
the years 1908 and 1909 follows: 



Year. 


Rookery. 


Live 
pups. 


Dead 
pups. 


Total. 


1908 


North 


3,969 
3,679 


154 
105 


4 123 


1909 


.do 


3 784 




Difference 










«339 











1 Decrease. 

It can be seen from the foregoing tables that on Ketovi and Amphi- 
theater, St. Paul, an increase of 19 pups has occurred, as disclosed by 
the counts, while on North, St. George, a decrease of 339, or 8 per cent, 
is demonstrated. 

While the limited count of pups on St. Paul does not show a 
decrease, extended counts of pups over the whole island easily might 
have disclosed a different result. The disturbance of the rookeries, 
however, which this extended counting would have occasioned in no 
sense would have been justified. We therefore must be content with 
the conclusion, to be drawn from such data as we have on hand, that 
approximately a 10 per cent reduction in breeding females has oc- 
curred since 1908. The whole herd of seals on the Pribilofs now 
numbers less than 140,000,^ and of these less than 50,000 - are breeding 
females. 



I InterUneation: 133,000. 



2 Interhneation: 45,000. 



SEAL ISLANDS OP AJ.ASKA. 725 

Average Jiarem. — The average harem on St. Paul is ascertained to 
be 42.1 cows; that on St. George, 34.7. These results are obtained 
by dividing the total number of pups found on rookeries on which 
pups were counted by the number of harems ascertained by previous 
count to be present on the same rookeries at the height of the season. 
^^ Branding ^^ or marTcing of bachelors. — The quota of bachelors to be 
marked and released for breeding purposes was obtained at St. Paul 
during the period between June 24 and 28, 1909, and approximately 
during that period on St. George. Two thousand bacnelors were 
marked, that number being composed of 2 and 3 year olds. Eight 
hundred of each class were obtained on St. Paul and 200 of each on 
St. George. 

I shall submit a detailed report at as early a date as practicable. 
Respectfully, 

W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent Seal Fisheries. 
Forwarded. 

Barton W. Evermann, 
In Charge of Scientific Inquiry, 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
Washington, October 8, 1909, 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Fur-Seal Agent. 
Mr. H. D. Chichester, 

Assistant Fur-Seal Agent. 
Sirs: Now that the fur-seal service has been transferred to the 
Bureau of Fisheries, your attention is called to Department Circular 
No. 179, a copy of which is hereto attached, governing leaves of 
absence. You will observe these regulations ; also all those pertaining 
to office hours, temporary brief absence from office, and in all matters 
of office routine. 

Geo. M. Bowers, 

Commissioner. 



regulations governing leaves of absence, effective JANUARY 

1, 1909. 

[Department circular No. 179. Supersedes department circulars Nos. 45, June 30, 1904, and 148 of March 

30, 1907.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Secretary, 

, Washington, December 1, 1908, 
To whom it may concern: 

The following regulations to govern leaves of absence of clerks and 
other employees of the Department of Commerce and Labor in 
Washington, D. C, are hereby promulgated, and all prior rules and 
regulations on this subject are revoked: 



726 SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

In section 7 of the legislative, executive, and judicial appropriation 
act, approved March 15, 1898, it is provided that — 

* * * The head of any department may grant thirty days' annual leave with pay 
in any one year to each clerk or employee: And provided further, That where some 
member of the immediate family of a clerk or employee is afflicted with a contagious 
disease and requires the care and attendance of such employee, or where his or her 
presence in the department would jeopardize the health of fellow-clerks, and in 
exceptional and meritorious cases, where a clerk or employee is personally ill and 
where to limit the annual leave in any one calendar year would work peculiar hard- 
ship, it may be extended, in the discretion of the Secretary, with pay, not exceeding 
thirty days in any one case in any one calendar year. 

This section shall not be construed to mean that so long as a clerk or employee is 
borne upon the rolls of the department in excess of the time herein provided for or 
granted that he or she shall be entitled to pay during the period of such excessive 
absence, but that the pay shall stop upon the expiration of the granted leave. 

The deficiency appropriation act, approved July 7, 1898, provides 
that — 

* * * nothing contained in section seven of the act making appropriations for 
legislative, executive, and judicial expenses of the Government for the fiscal year 
eighteen hundred and ninety-nine, approved March fifteenth, eighteen hundred and 
ninety-eight, shall be construed to prevent the head of any Executive Department 
from granting thirty days' annual leave with pay in any one year to a clerk or employee, 
notwithstanding such clerk or employee may have had during such year not exceeding 
thirty days' leave with pay on account of sickness as provided in said section seven. 

The legislative, executive, and judicial act, approved February 24, 
1899, provides that — 

, * * * the thirty days' annual leave of absence with pay in any one year to clerks 
and employees in the several Executive Departments authorized by existing law shall 
be- exclusive of Sundays and legal holidays. 

The act providing for the organization of the Militia of the District 
of Columbia (25 Stat. L., 779) provides: 

That all officers and employees of the United States and of the District of Columbia 
who are members of the National Guard shall be entitled to leave of absence from their 
respective duties, without loss of pay or time, on all days of any parade or encampment 
ordered or authorized under the provisions of this act.^ 

The leave of absence authorized by the foregoing provisions of law 
will be granted to clerks and other employees of the Department of 
Commerce and Labor upon appUcation made out in the form pre- 
scribed by the department and approved by the head of the bureau 
or office in which the applicant serves, subject to the following 
conditions : 

1. Except in the case of leave without pay (application for which 
must be submitted to the Secretary with a statement of the reasons), 
aU leave will be regarded as granted under the general authority 
contained in the foregoing paragraph, when the application meets the 
requirements of these regulations and is approved by the head of the 
proper bureau or office. 

2. Applications for annual leave must be made in advance, and all 
partial-day absences on annual leave wifi be charged in periods of 15 
minutes and multiples thereof. 

3. Applications for sick leave must be submitted within five days 
after return to duty, and if the leave applied for exceeds three days 
the appfication must be supported by a certificate of the attending 
physician, who must be a duly authorized practitioner of medicine. 

I By the act of July 1, 1902 (32 Stat. L., 615), this provision is construed to cover all days of service which 
the National Guard, or any portion thereof, may be ordered to perform by the commanding general. 



..— iji 



S5AL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 727 

4. Sick leave may be approved in periods of one-half day and 
multiples thereof, and an employee detained by illness or exposure to 
contagion must promptly notify the office in which be or she is 
employed. 

5. Periods of enforced absence from office by reason of exposure 
to a contagious disease against which the local authorities quarantine 
may be approved in lieu of sick leave. 

6. Leave Avithout pay will be charged in periods of one-half day 
and multiples thereof, and in any case in which the period charged 
exceeds the period of actual absence subsequent absences on leave 
without pay may be credited to the excess. Any absence in excess 
of the leave authorized by law will be charged to leave without pay, 
and the facts in each such case must be immediately reported to the 
department. 

7. Apphcations for mihtary leave must be supported by the cer- 
tificate of a competent officer of the District National Guard. 

8. Sundays and legal holidays (whether for the whole or part of a 
day) at the beginning or end of any kind of leave, or within a period 
of annual leave, will not be counted; but those which occur within a 
period of sick leave, or leave without pay, will be counted. 

9. Persons transferred from another department, or from one 
bureau or office to another within the department, ■will be charged 
with the leave taken before such transfer. No person wall be allowed 
leave, during the year in which he enters the service, in excess of the 
rate of two and one-half days for each month of service. A person 
leaving the service will not be allowed more than accrued leave, but 
the department will consider a recommendation for the waiver of this 
provision when the person concerned has been in the service for three 
years or more, or when there are especially meritorious reasons why 
an exception should be made. A proportionate deduction from the 
annual allowance of leave will be macle in the case of a person on 
furlough without pay for longer than 30 days, unless the absence is 
due to personal ifiness and all sick leave is exhausted, in which latter 
case no deduction will be made unless the absence without pay 
exceeds 90 days; in either case the whole period of absence mthout 
pay will be considered in determining the amount to be deducted. 
Temporary ''job" employees appointed upon certification of the 
Civil Service Commission, or authorized by the commission in the 
absence of eligibles, may be granted annual and sick leave after three 
months' continuous service, at the rate of two and one-half days per 
month, beginning with the fourth month. 

10. Monthly reports of absences of all employees serving in, or by 
direct detail from, the District of Columbia will be made to the Secre- 
tary on the form provided for that purpose. 

11. These regulations shall be applied as far as practicable to the 
service without the District of Columbia. 

12. These regulations shall be effective on and after January 1, 
1909. 

Oscar S. Straus, Secretary. 



728 SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

St. Paul Island, Alasica, October 9, 1909. 

Dr. B. W. EVERMANN, 

Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 

Sir: Some time ago Dr. Fox, surgeon of the Bear, requested a 
starving pup in order that he might end its existence with an anaes- 
thetic and make an examination for ectoparasites. I furnished the 
pup and he appUed sufficient chloroform to have killed a man, but 
without apparent deleterious effect upon the animal. No ectopara- 
sites were discovered. Dr. Fox then turned the pup over to the 
boatswain, Mr. Thurber, who undertook to feed and rear it. In 
pouring condensed milk forcibly down its throat Mr. Thurber dis- 
covered that the animal experienced difficulty in swallowing and 
attributed this to the fact that the tongue was held firmly by the 
lesions underneath. He then cut away about an inch of those 
lesions, which gave the tongue considerable play and assisted materi- 
ally in aiding the animal to swallow. He rigged a tank aboard and 
taught the pup to eat by dragging pieces of fish through the water 
with a string. Later on the pup ate from his hand. The pup, which 
if left on the rookery would have died in a few days, was kept alive 
aboard the Bear for three weeks. Upon its decease Dr. Fox made a 
post-mortem, and while he could not decide the cause of death he 
was inclined to attribute it to the effects of worms found in the 
stomach, intestines, and liver, concerning which I have written Mr. 
Chichester at some length. 

Mr. Thurber has a natural aptitude for handling animals and was 
anxious to make another effort, and Capt. Bertholf was equally 
anxious he should do so. Remembering our conversation along this 
line, and in view of the success achieved in teaching a pup to feed, 
I decided to let him have two strong, vigorous pups, animals that 
were born early in the season, and whose systems were about ready 
for a fish diet. 

Recently the Bear was ordered to Nome, but yesterday the Maii^ 
Thing came in, having the dear's tank on board, with a request for the 
pups for delivery aboard the vessel, at Unalaska, the 15th. Accord- 
mgly two pups were secured, a male and a female, weighing to-day 
38 and 34 pounds, respectively, and sent aboard. 

Under the arrangement entered into the pups are to remain the 
property of the Bureau of Fisheries, and Mr. Thurber, if successful, 
IS to receive a reasonable compensation for his labor. In this con- 
nection I wish to state that the glory of the achievement is of more 
importance to Mr. Thurber than any compensation he may receive. 
The Bear goes to San Diego, and Capt. Bertholf assured me the pups 
could remain aboard until it became convenient for the bureau to 
remove them. I sincerely trust that these pups, or at least one of 
them, will live in captivity. 

Very respectfully, James Judge, 

Assistant Agent, Bureau of Fisheries. 



seal islands of alaska. 729 

United States Revenue-Cutter Service, 

Steamer ''Bear/' 
Sausalito, Col., November 20, 1909. 
Mr. George M. Bowers, 

Commissioner of Fisheries, WasTiington, D. C. 

Dear Sir: At the request of Mr. Judge, special agent at St. Paul 
Island, Bering Sea, I am writing to inform you of a circumstance that 
may be of interest. During this past summer while the Bear was on 
the seal patrol Mr. Judge permitted our surgeon to take on board a 
half-starved seal pup, which had lost its mother, for the purpose of 
examining it for fleas, the surgeon being interested in collecting and 
studying these insects. The seal was chloroformed and of course it 
was expected to die, but although enough of the drug to kill one or 
two men was administered, the pup lived through it. Thereupon 
Mr. Judson Thurber, the boatswam of the Bear, asked permission to 
try and raise the pup. He succeeded in getting the pup to eat fish 
of its own accord and the animal seemed to thrive. It grew fat and 
was as lively as any pup on the beach and was with us for three weeks, 
when suddenly one day it was seized with convulsions and died in a 
few hours. The fact of having induced the pup to eat was interesting, 
and Mr. Judge suggested that Mr. Thurber try and raise a seal that 
would be in good condition when delivered. Mr. Judge accordingly 
turned over to Mr. Thurber two seal pups, one a male and the other 
a female, and both in excellent condition. This was on October 9, 
and both pups are now in excellent condition and eat regularly and 
even greedily. As I understand, all former attempts to induce seal 
pups to eat in captivity have failed. I give below the history of this 
exj>eriment : 

October 9, delivered to Manning. 

October 14, delivered by Manning to the Bear (seals did not eat 
between these dates). 

October 19, female began to eat sohd fish. 

October 23, male chloroformed and "string" under tongue cut. 

October 28, male induced to swallow a little dried salmon. 

November 2, male began to eat at wiU and on that day took with 
evident reUsh nine small herring at Seattle. 

It appears that the seal pup has its tongue so formed that it can 
move it very little wliile nursing its mother, and under such conditions 
it is evident it swallows sohd food with great difficult3^ 

In the case of the half-starved puj), Mr. Thurber raa his finger down 
the throat and tore away the "string" that held the tongue, and the 
animal soon began to eat fish. In the case of the two seals now on 
board, it appears the female was able to break this "string" herself, 
and a few days after she began to eat. The male was unable to do 
this, or did not do it, and so on October 23 he was chloroformed and the 
doctor cut the hgament holding the tongue with a pair of scissors. 
Immediately began running his tongue out and to nose around the 
fish in his box, but he did not eat, possibly because we had no food 
suitable, for most of the time the vessel was at sea and Mr. Thurber 
had nothing but dried salmon to give to the pups. As soon as we 
arrived at Seattle a quantity of small fish was obtained and both 
animals ate greedily. 

It will appear from the above that the female was the easier to 
raise and she was without food for 10 days only. Consequently, she 



730 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

has remained in good condition ever since coming on board. The 
male, however, was without food after leaving St. Paul Island 19 days, 
and even then the amount he ate was very small. He was practically 
without food from October 9 until November 2, when he began to eat 
small herring. During that time he grew thin rapidly and was a piti- 
ful sight beside his fat and sleek-looking mate. Since he began to eat 
regularly he has fattened daily, until now both animals are in excellent 
condition. 

The pups have been kept in a box 6 feet long by 3 feet wide by 3 
feet deep. In this box are small pieces of rock for them to lie on when 
there is no water in the box. At first the box was filled with sea 
water two or three times a day. Now the box is kept filled during 
the day and emptied at night. They manifest no desire to leave the 
water during the day, and frequently sleep on the surface. In the 
morning when the box is filled they manifest every indication of 
delight. They are very tame, and when not in the water will allow 
anyone to pet them and rub the head and back, unless a quick 
motion is made. In the latter case they will snap, but even when 
they snap at the hand they will not bite hard if the hand is allowed 
to remain quiet. 

When they came on board Mr. Thurber began his task by holding 
the animal and forcing open the mouth and pouring down evaporated 
cream mixed with bits of fish. They resented this, but small quanti- 
ties went into the stomach. Later Mr. Thurber would tie bits of 
fish on a string and tease the animal until it would. snap at the fish, 
and then he would manage to poke the fish down the throat and 
cut the string. In this way the female was taught the taste for fish, 
and she soon learned to eat by herself, possibly because she could use 
the tongue freely in swallowing. During all the time the tongue 
of the male remained uncut, he would cry the greater part of the 
day and night, but although dried salmon was forced into his mouth, 
and there was plenty lying around the bottom of the box, he would 
not voluntarily take the same down, and what little was forced down 
the throat he had the greatest difficulty in swallowing. 

The whole experiment has been very interesting to me, because of 
the wonderful patience shown by Mr. Thurber. He is a lover of 
animals and takes infinite pains. He has spent hours a day trying 
to tease the male into opening its mouth so that he might force 
down pieces of fish. If it is true that this is the first successful 
attempt to raise a seal pup in captivity, then Mr. Thurber deserves 
something for his pains. Mr. Judge suggested that there might be 
some fund available from which Mr. Thurber could be remunerated 
for his pains and the expense to which he has been put. At present 
it costs him about SI a day to purchase sufficient fish to satisfy 
these greedy little fellows. He has not done this because of the hope 
of a reward, but mainly because it has been a pleasure to him. At 
the same time it has taken an amount of patience and perseverence 
that few men possess. Of course there are public parks and aqua- 
riums that would be glad to have these animals, and very likely would 
be glad to pay for them, but it occurred to Mr. Judge and myself that 
you should be notified, in order that you might make some disposition 
of the pups if so disposed, and I am writing on behalf of Mr. Thurber. 
It was understood by Mr. Judge and myself that if the department 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 731 

did not wish to, or was unable to reward Mr. Thurber, he would be 
at liberty to dispose of the animals in any way he desired. 

The important thing according to Mr. Judge was to establish the 
fact that the pups could be raised, even if it required all one man's 
time to do it. 

I am inclosing herewith a small Kodak of Mr. Thurber with his pups/ 
showing how tame they are. 

Very truly, E. P. Bertholf. 



Record of the fur seal pups "Bismark" and " J/a?me." 
1909. 

Oct. 8. St. Paul Island. Received one male fur seal. 

9. St. Paul Island. Received one female fiur seal. 

9-15. Fed on evaporated cream. 

16. Fish and milk mixed. 

17. Do. 

18. Do. 

19. Do. 

20. Do. 

21. Female ate one-half pound of fish. 

22. Do. 

23. Do. 

24. Do. 

24. Male chloroformed and tongue cut. 

25. Male and female ate fish and milk. 

26. Do. 

27. Do. 

28. Do. 

29. Male ate one-half pound of fish. 

30. Eating alone; water twice a day. 

31. Do. 

Nov. 1. Water twice a day; no fish. Fish. 

2. Male ate nine smelt and female ate four $2. 00 

3. Eating alone; water all day. 

4. Do 3. 00 

5. Eating all they can get; water all day. 

6. Do. 

7. Do. 

8. Do. 

9. Do. 

10. Fish all gone. 

11. One salmon 90 

12. Eating well 1. 75 

13. Eating all the fish they can get 75 

14. In quarantine 1. 00 

15. Eating all the fish they can get 1. 00 

16. Do 1. 00 

17. Do 50 

18. Do 50 

19. Do 60 

20. Do 1. 00 

21. Do 50 

22. Do 50 

23. Do 1. 00 

24. Do 50 

25. Do 50 

26. Do 50 

27. Sick; bad fish. 

28. All well 1. 00 

29. Eating all the fish they can get 1. 00 

30. Do 75 

Dec. 1. Do 2.00 

2. Do 1.00 

_ 3. Do 

1 Illustration not furnished . 



732 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

1909. Fisli- 

Dec. 4. Eating all the fish they can get 

5. Do 

6. Do $0.50 

7. Do 30 

8. Do 50 

9. Do 25 

10. Do 25 

11. Do 75 

12. Do 25 

13. Do 50 

14. Do 25 

15. Do 25 

16. Do 50 

17. Do 1.00 

18. Do 50 

19. Do 50 

20. Do 50 

21. Do 1.00 

22. Do 75 

23. Do 75 

24. Do 75 

25. Do 75 

26. Do 1.00 

27. Do 75 

28. Do 75 

29. Do 75 

30. Do 1. 00 

31. Do 1. 00 

1910. 

Jan. 1. Do 1.00 

2. Do 1. 00 

3. Do 75 

4. Do 1. 00 

5. Do 75 

6. Do 1.00 

7. Do 75 

8. Do , - 1- 00 

9. Do 

10. Do 1. 00 

11. Do 3. 00 

50.55 
1909. 
Oct. 8 to Oct. 31. 14 cans cream, at 20 cents 2. 80 

53.35 
(No vouchers were taken for the above amounts.) 
Dec. 31. 8 barrels, at |1.60; voucher 1 12. 80 

1910. 

Jan. 1. 1 pair gloves (returned to Fish Commission); voucher 2 1. 75 

1. 1 suit overalls (returned to Fish Commission); voucher 3 1. 90 

15. Fish on diner for pups; voucher 4 1. 00 

16. Fish at Baltimore for pups; no voucher 1. 00 

13. Telegram, Kansas City to Chicago for fish; no voucher 1. 00 

14. Telegram, Chicago to Pittsburg for fish ; no voucher 1. 00 

73. 80 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 733 

October 23, 1909. 
Mr. Walter I. Lembkey, 

Agent Seal Fisheries of AlasTca, 

Department of Commerce and Labor. 

My Dear ^Ir. Lembkey: Will you please furnish me at your 
early convenience— say by Wednesday at the latest — with a statement 
containing approximately 800 or 900 words regarding conditions on 
the fur-seal islands. The Secretary wishes me to give the widest 
pubhcity to the termination of the contract and to the department's 
mtention to advertise for proposals next spring. The Associated 
Press has promised to send a story all over the country and wishes to 
add enough readable matter to make it interesting. 

I suggest that your statement describe all that it consistently can 
of the contract and its terms, and also contain data regarding the life 
of the natives on the islands — their church, school, mode of sub- 
sistence, liquor privileges to the church, etc. Of course, incidents of 
the past season will be welcome. I want to give a good story to the 
Associated Press, and you need have no hesitancy in setting forth the 
facts, for it is the Secretary's desire that they be given publicity 
within reason. 

Very truly, yours, T. L. Weed, 

Chief Cleric. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
Washington, November 17, 1909. 
Hon. Charles Nagel, 

Secretary of Cominerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C. 

Sir: The most important problem now before the Bureau of 
Fisheries is connected with the administration of the fur-seal islands 
in Alaska and the renewal of the lease for the killing of seals thereon. 

For at least 15 years the precarious condition of the fur-seal herd 
has been incessantly brought to the notice of the Government by 
many persons competent to discuss the matter, and every authority 
has forcefully pointed out the absohite necessity of the Government 
immediately concluding some arrangement by which the slaughter of 
fur seals when absent from the rookeries in search of food should be 
prevented. The net outcome of the work and recommendations and 
pleas of a long procession of special commissioners and experts and 
agents has been (1) the passage of a law by which American fishermen 
are prohibited from engaging in pelagic sealing, wliile fishermen of all 
other nationalities are permitted to do so; and (2) the steady and 
rapid decimation of the seal herd, owing chiefly to the fitting out of a 
large fleet of Japanese sealing vessels that operate in close proximity 
to the rookeries. Diplomacy appears to have been unable or unwill- 
ing to do anything whatever in mitigation of the unfortunate state of 
affairs, which have steadily gone from bad to worse. 

The fur-seal service has come under the jurisdiction of the Bureau 
of Fisheries at a time when the condition of the seal herd is worse 
than ever before, when the outlook for the next season is most dis- 
couraging, and when the contract for the lease of the seal islands 
must, under the law, be renewed for a period of 20 years. The exist- 



734 SEAL. ISLANDS OF AIASKA. 

ing circumstances greatly diminish the value of the franchise and 
may result in large financial losses to the Government and are fur- 
thermore a most serious menace to the perpetuity of the seal herd. I 
therefore find myself confronted by a very grave emergency and de- 
sire to lay before you certain facts that may be of use to you in con- 
sidering the responsibilities and duties of the department in this 
matter. 

As bearing particularly on the present conditions, I wish to refer 
to the detailed report, recently received, from Mr. Geo. A. Clark, 
who was sent to the Pribilof Islands last summer to make a study of 
the fur-seal herd. As Mr. Clark was the m.ember of the fur-seal 
commission of 1896-97 to whom was assigned the detailed study of 
the rookeries in those years, his investigations made this season are 
particularly important because the same methods were employed, 
the same scope was covered, and the personal equation was elimi- 
nated. 

Mr. Clark's full report bears out the opinion formed from a con- 
sideration of his preliminary report to which your attention was 
called in a communication from this bureau dated August 31. The 
report shows that the fur-seal herd has suffered a heavy decline during 
the past 13 seasons, as is evidenced by the fact that in 1896-97 there 
were respectively 5,009 and 4,418 breeding families (harems) and 
157,000 and 130,000 breeding females, while in 1909 there were only 
1,387 harems and 50,000 breeding females, and the further fact that 
whereas the hauling grounds in 1896-97 yielded respectively 30,000 
and 20,000 skins, in 1909 thc}^ yielded only 14,000, many of wiiich 
would have been rejected in earlier years because below the standard. 

The report further shows that the cause of this decline has been the 
continued operation of pelagic sealing, involving the abstraction of 
the females in excess of the natural increment of young breeders, the 
injurious effects of pelagic sealing being greatly heightened in recent 
years by the advent of the Japanese fleet, using firearms and operat- 
ing throughout the breeding season in close proximity to the rook- 
eries. If pelagic sealing could have been stopped in 1897 it is shown 
that the herd to-day would contain about 300,000 breeding cows 
(as against 50,000, the actual number for the season of 1909), and 
the product of the hauling grounds would have risen to 50,000, 
yielding a Government revenue of $500,000, as against 14,000 and a 
revenue of $143,000 for the present year. Without the drain of 
pelagic sealing the herd could continue to increase almost indefinitely. 

The lease of the North American Commercial Co. expires next 
spring and the department must soon take action in the matter of 
re-leasing the islands, but so long as pelagic sealing continues no com- 
pany can bid intelligently for the privilege of securing seals on the 
islands. It is therefore most essential to the interests of this Gov- 
ernment that some arrangement or agreement now be concluded 
with the other Governments concerned — particularly Japan — by 
which pelagic sealing will be stopped, to the end that the department 
may lease the islands on terms advantageous to the Government and 
favorable to the conservation of the herd. 

The Alaskan fur seals constitute the most valuable fishery resource 
that any Government in the world ever possessed. It is nothing 
short of a national disgrace that the herd of four or five milhon seals 
which came into our possession when Alaska was acquired from 



i 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 735 

Russia, and has been under our charge ever since, should have been 
allowed to dwindle until to-day it numbers less than one-thirtieth 
its former size. It would seem that only the grossest indifference to 
the. interests of the Government or incompetence verging on the 
criminal could have permitted tliis most valuable source of wealth 
to our people and of revenue to our Government to be dissipated 
and neglected in the way it has. 

This chapter in our history is a most serious indictment of our 
business capacity. What it has meant may be partially understood 
when it is stated that our failure to maintain the seal herd has during 
the past 13 years resulted in a net loss of revenue of not less 
than $1,600,000; has permitted nearly 300,000 fur seals, having a 
market value of over -15,700,000, to be appropriated by aliens, and 
has encouraged those nefarious pelagic operations by wliicli additional 
fur seals, having a value of at least 15,000,000, have been killed at sea 
but not recovered; while tlii'ough the slaughter of breeding females 
their pups — on the islands, unborn, or prospective — with a potential 
value of fully $20,000,000, have been sacrificed and wasted. 

Knowdng as the Bureau of Fisheries does — and as no other foreign 
bureau or department can — the individual opinions and influence of 
the various Japanese fishery officials to whose judgment the Govern- 
ment is accustomed to defer in fisher}^ matters, I venture to express 
the belief that the bureau is in position to aid materially in bringing 
about a suspension of pelagic sealing on the part of Japanese fisher- 
men and in thns eliminating the most potent factor in the decline of 
the seal herd. In fact, having in view the intimate personal relations 
that have long existed between the leading Japanese fishery officials 
and members of the staff of tlie bureau, and being aware of the 
attitude of the former toward pelagic seahng as expressed in a number 
of private communications, I believe that I could almost guarantee 
that the bureau, if given authority to deal directly and confidentially 
with the fishery department of Japan, would s])eedily be able to bring 
about the agreement on which the future of our fur-seal herd abso- 
lutely depends. 

As indicating the attitude of Japanese scholars close to the Govern- 
ment in fisher}^ matters, I may quote the following extract from a 
personal letter recently received from the head professor of zoology 
in the Imperial University of Tokyo: 

I can assure you the Japanese Government and people never meant and will never 
mean to encourage, directly or indirectly, the piratical deeds of the sealers. There 
cen be no doubt whatever that the prohibition of the killing of seals in open sea is 
necessary for the preservation of the herds. How can it be done effectually and at 
the same time satisfactorily to all parties concerned? I should think that in order 
to open a way to the solution of that question an exchange of views in a sincere and 
open-hearted manner will be quite indispensable. I have no doubt the Japanese 
Government would gladly join in the conference. 

Very respectfully, 

Geo. M. Bowers, 

Commissioner. 



736 seal islands of alaska. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
Washington, December 3, 1909. 
Mr. James Judge, 

Assistant Agent Seal Fisheries, 

St. Paul Island, AlasTca. 
Sir : I notice that several reports which you have made on matters 
of an official nature, notably that relating to the pups furnished 
Mr. Thurber, of the Bear, have been addressed to other persons than 
the head of this bureau. I desire that hereafter you conform to the 
practice observed by all other emplo^^ees of this bureau, and address 
all reports relating to official business directly to ' ' The Commissioner, 
Bureau of Fisheries." 

Respectfully, Geo. M. Bowers, 

Com/missioner. 



St. Paul Island, Alaska, 

June 12, 1910. 
The Commissioner, 

Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 
December 3, 1909, relative to reports of mine on matters of an official 
nature, particularly that concerning the fur-seal pups furnished 
Mr. Thurber, of the Bear, as having been made to persons other than 
the head of the bureau. 

The communications referred to were written in haste, and I 
regret that, through oversight or inadvertence, they were irregular, 
and not in accordance with the general practice of employees of the 
bureau. 

I beg to assure you it will not occur again, and that in the future 
all communications and reports relating to official business will be 
addressed directly to "The Commissioner, Bureau of Fisheries." 
Respectfully, 

James Judge, 
Assistant Agent Seal Fisheries. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, December 16, 1909. 
The Commissioner: 

The Washington Star of December 10 last announced that the 
Campfire Club of New York had inaugurated a campaign to save the 
fur-seal herd through legislation designed to prevent the re-leasing 
of the sealing right, the cessation of all killing on the islands for 10 
years except for natives' food, and to secure the opening of negotia- 
tions with Great Britain to revise the regulations of the Paris tribunal. 
As the result of this movement, on December 7, three resolutions 
were introduced by Senator Dixon of Montana, one of which embodies 
the provisions before mentioned, the other two calling for the publica- 
tion of fur-seal correspondence and reports since 1904. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 737 

As the object of this movement is at variance with the program of 
this bureau and of the recommenchitions of the advisory fur-seal 
board, notably in the plan to prevent killing and the renewal of the 
seal-island lease, the advisability is suggested of having ^lessrs. 
Townsend, Lucas, and Stanley-Brown use their influence with such 
members of the Campfire Club as they may be acquainted with, with 
the object of correctly informing the club as to the exact present 
status of the seal cjuestion and of securing its cooperation to effect 
the adoption of the measures advocated by this bureau. 

The attached letter is prepared having in view the object stated. 

Barton W. Evermann. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
Washington, December 15, 1909. 
The Commissioner: 

There is handed you herewith for your consideration a draft of 
lease of the seal islands. This has been prepared by Mr. Lembkey 
and myself in comphance with your request. We have endeavored 
to make the form of the lease agree with the recommendations 
recently made by the advisory board, fur-seal service, in conference 
with the fur-seal board. For your convenience a number of refer- 
ences and citations have been indicated. It is believed that an 
examination of this tentative draft will enable the Secretary to arrive 
at the exact form desired. 

Respectfully, Barton W. Evermann, 

Assistant in CJiarge Scientific Inquiry. 



[Memorandum in re changes to be made in contemplated lease of seal islands.] 

The present situation on the seal islands is anomalous in that, while 
the lessee legally enjoys only the right to take such sealskins thereon, 
through force of circumstances it virtually controls the islands. 

The situation at present may be stated briefly as follows : 

present status of lessee. 

A. Is granted the right to take fur-seal skins for 20 years from 1890. 

B. In consideration of which it is obligated as follows: 

(1) Pays S10.22i to the Government for each sealsldn taken. 

(2) Pays 75 cents to the natives for each sealskin taken. 

(3) Provides necessaries af life to widows, orphans, aged, and 

infirm. 

(4) Provides a school and school-teacher on each island. 

(5) Provides a physician and drugs for each island. 

(6) Furnishes 75 tons of coal per annum to natives. 

(7) Furnishes salt and barrels for natives ad lib. 

(8) Furnishes sufficient quantity of salt salmon for natives. 

(9) Furnishes dwellings for natives and places of worship. 

In addition to these the lessee maintains a store on either island, 
from which every article necessary for the subsistence of the native 

2403— H. Doc. 93, 62-1 i7 



738 SEAL ISLANDS OP ALASKA. 

inhabitants must be obtained. These stores are an outgrov/th of 
conditions on the islands, are not mentioned at all in the lease, and 
the Government has no legal su]3ervision over them. Only such 
articles as the lessee desires are ex])osed for sale in these stores, and 
the requisitions for sup])lies from San Francisco are prei)ared by the 
lessee's agents, who in ordering suj^plies consult only the interest of 
the lessee and not those of the natives or the Government. The prices 
of articles sold are fixed by the lessee without consultation with 
representatives of the Government, and the latter can only protest 
should they believe the prices unfair. The matter of fixing the prices 
of the articles to be sold in the stores is wholly in the hands of the 
lessee's agents, as invoices are not submitted to the Government's 
representatives, and the latter have no voice in the f[uestion of fixing 
the prices of supplies, except to protest, as above stated, or to arbi- 
trarily refuse to allow the natives to purchase articles the prices of 
which may be considered unfair. 

This control of the entire food supply of the islands, as well as those 
of clothing and other necessaries, gives a status to the lessee's agents 
'which am.ounts to a virtual control of the islands. When the further 
fact is considered that medical attendance, schools, and the entire 
maintenance of some 35 or 40 widows and orphans are furnished also 
by the lessee, it can be seen without argument that control of the 
islands by the Government, though nominally actual, Adrtualty is 
subsidiary to that exercised by the lessee. 

In marked contrast are the functions exercised by the Government 
representatives on the islands, which may be stated briefly as follows: 

PRESENT STATUS OF GOVERNMENT OFFICERS. 

A. Act as inspectors of sealing operations, etc., of lessee. 

B. Maintain law and order on the islands. 

C. Supervise expenditures of natives' earnings and appropriation by 

Congress for natives' support. 

D. Make necessary enumerations of seal herd. 

From the above it can be readily seen that the Government's repre- 
sentatives occupy a minor position on the islands. This is not their 
fault, but the fault of the "system." In former years it seems to have 
been the ])olicy not only of Congress, but of the departments to dele- 
gate to the lessee almost every important function in connection with 
the islands. Its representatives were consulted regarding the con- 
dition of the seal herd, rather than the Government agents; its wishes 
were ascertained before any new policy was inaugurated. In fact, 
questions regarding the efficiency of Government employees on the 
islands have been referred by the department to the lessee's superin- 
tendent and his iudgment accej^ted as to whether the Government 
agent should be dismissed from the service or retained. 

This situation can be remedied, and should be, through the medium 
of the renewal of the contract for the right of taking sealskins from 
the islands. The following brief suggestions will serve to indicate 
the changes that should be made to place the control of the reserva- 
tion in the hands of tlie Government : 

1. All sealskins should be taken under the supervision and direc- 
tion of the Government's representatives, who should have charge of 
the native workmen and immediately direct all the operations inci- 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 739 

dent to the taking of sealskins. The selection and initiation of drives 
and the class of animals to be killed should be left to the Govern- 
ment's representatives alone. The lessee should have the right to 
keep a representative on the ground, whose office, however, should be 
that of an inspector and not that of a superintendent. 

2. The lessee should be allowed only the right to purchase such 
sealskins as shall liave been taken under the direction of the Govern- 
ment's representatives and should pay a fixed cash price therefor. 
Such cash price should be predicated upon the cash value of the 
obligations performed by the present lessee, all considered, and con- 
verted into a cash ec^uivalent. 

3. The lessee should be allowed to keep one representative on 
either island to safeguard its interests, but such representatives shall 
have no direction of the sealing or the management of the seal herd 
or the natives. 

On the other liand, the Government should assume the following 
functions through its representatives: 

1. Should have direct charge of all the operations of killing seals, 
without division of authorit}^ with the lessee's agents. 

2. The Government sliould assume all support of natives, their 
control and maintenance, relieving the lessee of the following obli- 
gations, which should be converted into cash payments, as stated 
before: Medical attendance, maintenance of schools, support of wid- 
ows and orphans, furnishing and maintenance of dwellings. 

The physicians for the islands should be detailed from the Marine- 
Hospital Service. School-teachers should be detailed from the Bureau 
of Education. iVll to be under the direct supervision of the agent 
in charge of the islands. 

3. The supplying of necessary food and clothing should be done 
by the Government, in the same manner as on all Indian or Govern- 
ment reservations. The supplies should be purchased by Government 
representatives and transported in vessels owned or leased by the 
Government. 

Should this be deemed practical (although there is no question 
concerning its practicability) , the question of supplying food, clothing, 
etc., through stores maintained by the lessee, should be safeguarded 
and regulated by appropriate provisions inserted in the new lease. 

4. The Government should purchase from the present lessee all 
the native dwellings and all its storehouses and paraphernalia now 
on the islands, the price of which to be fixed l)y appraisement. 

The lease should be renewed. It is foolish to abolish killing on 
land while seals are being killed in the water. Cessation of killing 
on land means encouragement to pelagic sealing. Should pelagic 
or sea killing be abolished, it might be well to have a closed season on 
land as well, to allow the herd to recuperate. 

Even should commercial killing be stopped, a certain number of 
seals each year will have to be killed to furnish fresh meat for the 
natives. Such seals so killed will have marketable skins. These 
skins must be disposed of or allowed to rot. They can be disposed of 
to the best advantage by turning them over to a designated person 
or corporation, allowing the latter to place them on the market as 
may seem best. So that, under any condition, a lessee or pefson or 
corporation designated to receive such skins as come from the islands 
is essential. 



740 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Furthermore, the present hiw is mandatory in rec|uiring the Secre- 
tary to lease the sealing right in 20-year periods (U. S. Rev. Stats., 
sec. 1963). 



DRAFT OP LEASE OF SEAL ISLANDS PROPOSED BY THE BUREAU OF 

FISHERIES, 

1. This indenture, made the day of , 1910, 

by and between Charles Nagel, Secretary of the Depart- 
ment of Commerce and Labor, of the United States, in 
pursuance of chapter 3 of title 23, Revised Statutes of 
United States, and 

2. Witnesseth, that the said Secretary of the Depart- 
ment of Commerce and Labor in consideration of the 
agreements hereinafter stated hereby leases to the said 
[lessee] for a term of 20 years from the 1st day of May, 

Law reads," the 1910, the exclusive right of taking fur-seal skins on the 

tS^^"sfais°' ^^^''^^'^^^ °^ ^^- ^^^"^ and St. George, in the District of Alaska, 
(sec. 1963, R. s.). and to send a vessel or vessels to said islands for such 
skins. 

3. The said [lessee] in consideration of the rights 
secured to it under this lease above stated, on its part 
covenants and agrees to do the things following, that is 
to say: 

4.^ To pay to the Treasurer of the United States each 

r See sees 1963 J^^^ during the said term of 20 years, as annual rental, 

1962, R. s.' u.s! the sum of [not less than S50,000,^ see 1963, R. S.], 

u.^'. ,"^10."^°"^^^ which sum may be reduced each year in the proportion 

that the annual catch of fur-seal skins bears to the 

maximum legal quota of 100,000. 

Sec. 1969, R. s. 5. And, in addition thereto, agrees to pay the revenue 

tax or duty of $2 laid upon each fur-seal skin taken and 

shipped from said islands. 

6. And, also, to pay said Treasurer, the further sum 

of [present lease $7.62^] for each and every fur seal 

Old lease, taken and accepted by said [lessee] on said islands. And 

^pped." *°*^the said [lessee] also agrees to accept all fur-seal skins 

taken on said islands except such as are, in the opinion 

of the chief representative of the Secretary of Commerce 

and Labor, unmerchantable. (Insert clause requiring 

deposit of $50,000 in U. S. bonds.) 

This paragraph 7. The Said [Icsscc] further agrees to pay annually to the 

pa^ent*i™°iieu Secretary of Commerce and I^abor the sum of $ per 

of all obiigatinsa capita for cach and every native inhabitant domiciled 
native^.* "^""^ OH said islands, in trust for said native inhabitants, to 
be expended under the direction of the Secretary of 
Commerce and Labor, in providing for said native 
inhabitants salt salmon, salt, barrels, dwellings, and 
repairs thereto, schoolhouses and repairs thereto, school- 
teachers, physicians, and necessary and proper medicines 

» This paragraph to be considered by Department of Justice. 
« Make it $60,000 (suggestion). 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 741 

and medical supplies, and for their comfort, maintenance, 
and education in general. Such pajanents are to be made 
upon the num])er of native inliabitants shown b}^ the 
census taken on June 30 of the preceding year, and are to 
be in lieu of all obligations imposed by existing law upon 
the Secretary of Commerce and Labor to secure the com- 
fort, maintenance, education, and protection of the said 
native inhabitants through the lease of the right to take 
fur-seal skins. 

8. The said lessee also agrees to pay to the Secretary 
of Commerce and Labor on August 1, of each year of 

its lease, the sum of SI for each and every fur-seal skin oid payment 
accepted by it during ths year preceding that date, which ^^ °®°*^- 

Eayment shall be used by the Secretary of Commerce and 
labor in the employment of native workmen necessary obtains^le^foy- 
in the business of capturing, driving, killing, and skinning ^on oAeaiere ^' 
of fur seals and the saltmg, bundling, and delivering of commerce and 
the skins of such fur seals on board the vessel of the 
[lessee]. The [lessee] also agrees to provide such tools, 
paraphernalia, and equipment as may be necessary to 
msure the proper conduct of the business of taking, 
curing, and loading fur-seal skins. The said [lessee] also 
agrees that the selection of rookeries from which seals are 
to be driven, the driving of seals, the selection of seals 
to be killed, and the employment, compensation, super- 
vision, and actual direction of the workmen engaged in 
driving and killing seals shall be left to such representa- 
tive or representatives of the Secretary of Commerce and 
Labor as he may designate. 

9. And the said [lessee] also agrees to transport to said „™^?„t''^^?P™ 

. i . , ^,. . " . /• • 1 1 recognizes store 

islands each year a suincient quantity or suitable pro- and provides for 
visions, merchandise, coal, and otiier necessaries for yse^^°^^™^^' 
of said native inhabitants of said islands, which articles 
shall have been purchased by representatives of the Sec- 
retary of Commerce and Labor, and which shall be de- 
livered by said [lessee] upon the beaches of said islands 
upon payment of reasonable charge for the transporta- 
tion of such merchandise. 

10. And the said [lessee] also agrees to deliver to said 
native inhabitants of said islands all schoolhouses and 
houses used for native dwellings now upon said islands, 
which houses hereafter shall be and remain the property 
of tlie said native inliabitants. 

11. The annual rental, together wdth all other payments 
to tlie United States, provided for in tliis lease, shall be 
made and paid on or before the 1st day of April of each 
and every year during the existence of this lease, begin- 
ning with the 1st day of April, 1911. 

12. The said [lessee] further agrees to employ ths na- 
tive inhabitants of said islands to perform such labor 
upon the islands as they are fitted to perform, and to pay 
therefor a fair and just compensation, such as may be 
fixed by the Secretary of Commerce and Labor; and also 
agrees to contribute, as far as in its power, all rea- 



742 SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

sonable efforts to secure the comfort, health, education^ 
and promote the morals and civilization of said native 
inhabitants. 

13. The said [lessee] also agrees faithfully to obey and 
abide by all rules and regulations that the Secretary of 
Commerce and Labor has heretofore or may hereafter 
establish or make in pursuance of law concerning the 
taking of seals on said islands, and concerning the com- 
fort, morals, and other interests of said inhabitants, and 
all matters pertaining to said islands and the taking 
of seals within tlie possession of the United States. It 
also agrees to obey and abide by any restrictions or limi- 
tations upon the right to kill seals that the Secretary of 
Commerce and Labor shall judge necessary, under the 
law, for the preservation of the seal fisheries of the United 
States; and it agrees that it will not kill, or permit to be 
killed, so far as it can prevent, in any year a greater 
number of seals than is authorized by the Secretary of 
Commerce and Labor. 

14. The said [lessee] further agrees tJiat it will not per- 
mit any of its agents to keep, sell, give, or dispose of any 
distilled spirits or spirituous liquors or opium on either 
of said islands or the waters adjacent thereto to any of 
the native inhabitants of said islands, sucli persons not 
being a physician and furnisliing tlie same for use as a 
medicine. 

15. The Secretary of Commerce and Labor reserves the 
right to terminate this lease and all rights of the said 
[lessee] under the same at any time on full and satisfac- 
tory proof that the said [lessee] has violated any of the 
provisions and agreements of this lease, or in any of the 
laws of the United States, or any regulation respecting 
tlie taking of fur seals or concerning the islands of St. 
George and St. Paul or the inhabitants thereof. 

In witness whereof, the parties hereto have set their 
hands and seals the day and year above written. 

Secretary of Commerce and Labor. 



Lessee, 
(Seal, if corporation.) 



Oct. 13, 1909. 

[Memorandum in re leasing islands in Alaska for raising foxes.] 

In 1879 tlie following act was passed: 

That authority be, and is hereby, given to the Secretary of the Treasury to lease, 
at his discretion, for a period not exceeding five years such unoccupied and unpro- 
ductive property of the United States under his control, for the leasing of which there 
is no authority under existing law, and such leases shall be reported annually to 
Congress. (Act Mar. 3, 1879, 20 Stat., 383.) 

Under this authority various licenses to occupy islands in Alaska 
were granted by the Treasury Department under the popular but 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 743 

technically erroneous belief that tlie District of Alaska was under 
the jurisdiction of the Treasury -Department and therefore under 
the control of the Secretary of the Treasury. 

On May 14, 1898 (30 Stat., 409), in the act extending the home- 
stead laws to Alaska, Congress incorporated the following provision: 

Provided, That the Annette, Pribilof Islands, and the islands leased or occupied 
for the propagation of foxes be exempted from the operation of this act. 

On April 24, 1900, the Solicitor of the Treasury advised the Secre- 
tary of that department that the latter had no authority to lease any 
of the islands in Alaskan waters for the propagation of foxes, other 
than those unoccupied portions of the Pribilof Islands and such of 
the other Alaskan islands as had theretofore been leased, on the 
ground that other islands were not under his control. 

The Solicitor held that tJie act of May 14, 1898 (before quoted) 
gave legislative acquiescence to a practice previously unauthorized 
by law, and that, under the autliority of the latter act, the Secretary 
of the Treasury is justified in continuing leases of sucli islands as 
were occupied for fox propagation at tlie date of the act. 

The act of February 14, 1903, creating the Department of Commerce 
and Labor transferred to the Secretary of Commerce and Labor 
certain duties theretofore devolved by law upon the Secretary of the 
Treasury. 

Executive order of February 2, 1904, transferretl to the Secretary 
of Commerce and Labor authority to lease such Alaskan islands ais 
the Secretarv of the Treasurv was empowered to lease bv the proviso 
in the act of May 14, 1898. " (Opinion Atty. Gen., June 24, 1905.) 

The following Alaskan islands were licensed by the Secretary of 
the Treasury prior to May 14, 1898: Long Island, Pearl Island, 
North Semedi Island, South Semedi Island, Little Naked Island, 
Little Konushi Island, Ukomak Island, Simeonof Island. 

The following iUaskan islands had been leased by tlie Secretary of 
tlie Treasurv, but the leases or licenses were not in force on May 
14, 1898: Elizabeth Island, Marm.at Island, Ugak Island, Middleton 
Island, Carlson Island. 

The following islands were occupied without license prior to May 
14, 1898: Fairmount Island, Pond Island, Goose Island, Seal Island. 

After May 14, 1898, the Secretary of the Treasury licensed the use 
of several islands not licensed before that date, although some of 
which were occupied prior to that date. The islands so leased 
follow: Andrinoca Island, Goose Island, Peak Island, Demonof 
Island, Pond Island, Smiths Island. 

Since coming under control of the Department of Commerce and 
Labor, the only islands for the use of which money has been received 
are: Little Konushi Island, Simeonof Island. 

The former was paid for by John Sidney Webb, for the use of 
Lemjold Reumann, and the latter by Jose]:>]i Hutchinson, for the use 
of Otto W. Carlson. There is nothing on the records to show that 
either of these islands is under license at the present time. 

The present condition is tliis: The Department of Commerce and 
Labor has the power to grant licenses to occupy those islands only 
which were leased or occupied for fox propagation prior to or at the 
date of the act of May 14, 1898. Undoubtedly, some are now being 
used for this purpose. Since 1900, however, no attempt has been 
made to collect any money therefor or to prevent the use or any islands 



744 SEAL ISLANDS OP ALASKA. 

for fox-raisino; purposes. The De]3artnients of Treasury and Com- 
merce and Labor both have regarded these payments as having been 
made "not so much for the use as for the exclusiveness of the use." 

W. I. L. 



COMPARISON OF PROPOSED LEASE OF SEAL ISLANDS WITH PRESENT 

LEASE. 

Paragi'aph 1. Section 19G2, Revised Statutes, requires the Secretary 
of the Treasury to make this lease. The act of February 14, 1903 (32 
Stat., 825), however, transfers to "the Department of Commerce and 
Labor" the "jurisdiction, supervision, and control now possessed and 
exercised by the De])artment of the Treasuiy over the fur-seal * * * 
fisheries of Alaska." 

Paragraph 2. The old Jease gives the lessee the "exclusive right to 
engageinthebusinessof taking fur seals * * *." The draft in hand 
proposes to give the lessee the exclusive right "of taking fur-seal 
skins." The intention of the change is to remove the supervision of 
the business of driving and killing seals from the lessee and place it in 
the hands of the Secretary's representative — where it should be, as the 
herd belongs to the Government, and tlie right to enjoy the usufruct 
only is leased. 

As section 1963, Revised Statutes, requires the Secretary to lease 
the "right of taking fur seals," it ina^f be questioned whether, in grant- 
ing a new lease, the permission only to take "fur-seal skins" is in 
accordance with existing lav/, and vrh^thor it might not lay the Secre- 
tary open to a restraining injunction. 

Paragraph 3 is similar to that in old lease. 

Pai-agraph 4. The law (sec. 1963, R. S.) requires the lessee to pay 
an annual rental of "not less than $50,000" to be secured by a 
deposit of United States bonds "to that amount." The United 
States Supreme Court, however, in United States v. N. A. C. Co., 
in 171 United States, 110 (?),held that the rental could be reduced 
proportionately to a reduction of the catch, as provided for in section 
1962, Revised wStatutes. Under the provisions of this decision, the 
annual rental of the present lessee is being reduced. It is thought 
that this reduction feature should be incorporated in the new lease, 
as it is a matter of existing law. 

Paragra])h 5. Similar to paragraph in old lease. Required by sec- 
tion 1969, Revised Statutes. 

Paragraph 6. This represents a bonus or extra ]3ayment by the 
lessee in addition to such obligations as are required to be assumed by 
the proposals. It is not required by existing law. The old lease 
stipulated that this bonus of S7.625 should be paid upon each fur-seal 
skin "taken and shipped," while the draft in hand requires the pay- 
ment to be made on each skin taken and accepted. The question as to 
whether they are acceptable or otherwise is to be left to the Govern- 
ment agent. This seeks to fix the responsibility for the payment of 
the bonus upon the acceptance of the skins on the islands and not upon 
the shipment of the skins, which latter does not occur until after all the 
skins have been "accepted." 

As the statutes quoted, howcA^er, lay the tax of $2 upon skins 
"taken and shipped," and is silent as to when the rental falls due, this 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 745 

feature of having the bonus become due upon the acceptance of the 
skins on the islands should be considered, with a view of determining 
whether all responsibility of the lessee for money payments should not 
occur at the same time. 

Paragraph 7. The old lease required the lessee to do the following 
things : 

To furnish 80 tons of coal annually. 

To furnish a suthcient number of comfortable dwellings for the 
natives and to keep such dwellings in proper repair. 

To furnish suitable schoolhouses and keep them in repair. 

To establish and maintain a school on either island during eight 
months of each 3^ear, the same to be taught by competent teachers, 
to be paid hy the lessee. 

To furnish and maintain a suitable house for religious worship. 

To provide competent physicians and medical supplies. 

To provide necessaries of life for all widows, orphans, aged, and 
infirm inhabitants. 

To provide a sufficient quantity of dried salmon and salt and 
sufficient number of barrels for preserving meat. 

In lieu of this, the draft in hand seeks to reduce these obligations to 
a cash basis and to require the lessee to pay annually to the Secretaiy, 
in trust, an amount of money equal to the value of such obligations, 
wliich sum shall be disbursed by the Secretary's agents for the objects 
detailed above. To arrive at the annual value of these duties, an 
estimate was made of the lessee's expenditure for one year for the 
objects stated, and it was found that it amounted to about S48 for 
each native inhabitant. 

The object of the change from direct performance by the lessee to 
a cash payment is that of relieving the natives of all supervision and 
control by company employees. As it is at present — by controlling 
the natives' dwellings and schools, the entire supply of necessaries and 
what luxuries there may be, and the taking of seals as well — the lessee 
is the paramount factor on the islands. The natives resent the neces- 
sity for being dependent upon the lessee and chafe under the domi- 
nation over them of the lessee's employees, some of whom, especially 
those of small salaries, are disposed to be arrogant. An arrangement 
is sought, in short, whereby the natives in all matters will deal 
directly with the Government's representatives, and the lessee, in 
turn, will deal with the Government and not the natives. 

Paragraph 8. This paragraph, wMch is a new one, provides that 
the dri\dng and killing of seals and the emplo3rment of the natives 
shall be in the hands of the Government's representatives and that 
the lessee ^\ill pay SI a skin for the natives' labor. The payment by 
the present lessee for natives' labor is 75 cents a skin, fixed by the 
Secretary in the annual instructions to the agents, and the driving 
and killing of the seals is under the direction of the lessee's agents. 

Paragraph 9 contains matter not mentioned in the old lease. No 
supervision of prices of articles to be sold by the lessee in the stores 
heretofore has been had. 

The retail prices on the islands should be a fixed rate above whole- 
sale prices, and power should be given the Government agents to 
inspect the invoices and ascertain the fairness of the retail or selling 
prices. 



746 SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Paragraph 10 provides for the transfer to the natives of their 
dwelhngs, which now belong to the lessee. Either the Government 
or the natives should own these houses without interference from the 
lessee. 

The remaining paragraphs in the draft are the same as in the 
present lease, with the exception that there is omitted in the draft 
the paragraph of the old lease fixmg the quota for the first year. 



The Fur-Seal Fisheries of Alaska in 1909. 

By Walter I. Lembkey, Agent in Charge. 
INTRODUCTION, 

After the purchase of Alaska by the United. States in 1867, the 
Pribilof Islands, which were a part of the purchase and of immense 
value as one of the breeding grounds of the northern fur seal, were set 
aside as a Government reservation and placed under the administra- 
tion of the Treasury Department. In 1870, under authority from 
Congress, the Secretary of the Treasury leased for twenty years to 
the highest bidder, which was the Alaska Commercial Co., the sole 
right to take sealskins on these islands. During this period the 
income to the Government was $6,010,565, representing 1,840,364 
sealskins taken by the lessee. In 1890 the contract with the Alaska 
Commercial Co. having expired, the sealing privilege was again 
leased for twenty years, the highest bidder in this case being the 
North American Commercial Co. The number of skins taken during 
this period was 339,180, for which the Government has received 
$3,752,415. In 1903, with the creation of the Department of Com- 
merce and Labor, the administration of the seal islands was trans- 
ferred from the Secretary of the Treasury to the Secretary of Com- 
merce and Labor, who, on December 28, 1908, placed their general 
management under the direct control of the Commissioner of Fisheries. 

Under the terms of the contract, which expired May 1, 1910, the 
lessee paid $10.22^ for each sealskin taken, the Government deter- 
mining the number and classes of seals that should be killed each 
year and supervising the killing through its agents stationed on the 
islands. The company employed the natives to kill the seals, pay- 
ing them a stated amount per skin, and in addition furnished them, 
annually, dried salmon, salt and barrels for preservation of the meat 
supply, 80 tons of coal, comfortable dwellings, schoolhouses, teachers, 
physicians, and medicines; it furnished also all the necessaries of life 
to the widows, orphans, and aged and infirm inhabitants. To sup- 
plement the natives' earnings, the United States Government appro- 
priated $19,500 each year for their fuel, clothing, and food. 

The lessee purchased also, under yearly contract, skins of the 
arctic foxes, which are found chiefly on the island of St. George. 
The trapping of these animals and the selection for killing are under 
direct charge of the Government agents. The entire revenue from 
the foxes ($5 for each blue pelt and $1 for each white) is appUed to 
the support of the natives. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



747 



STATISTICS OF SEALS KILLED. 



ST. PAUL ISLAND. 



During the lessee's sealing season of 1909, wliich began June 28 
and ended July 31 following, a total of 9,508 sealskins was secured 
on St. Paul Island. For this there w^ere 35 drives, one of which was 
made for the additional purpose of securing bachelors for the breeding 
reservation. For the whole season, the general average of skins 
obtained in each drive was 271. 

Durmg the fall of 1908 and spring of 1909, 7 drives were made on 
St. Paul Island by the agents to furnish food for the natives. From 
these, 1,506 skins were secured. This number, together with 32 
which had been retained from the previous season and were ordered 
to be delivered to the lessee by the letter of the Commissioner of 
Fisheries dated March 11, 1909, and with 7 skins taken from seals 
killed by the watchmen at Zapadni for food, made a total of 11,053 
skins on hand on St. Paul Island on July 31, 1909. 



Statement of fur seals killed on St. Paul Island, Alaska, during the year ended July 31, 1909. 





Rookery. 


Seals killed for 
natives' food. 


Sea 


s killed by lessees for 
skins. 


Aggregate. 


Date. 


•i 
a 

3 


ii 

a 
3 


s 

'2 

00 


6 
1 

ft 

B 
ft 

< 


Rejected. 


3 


.a 


■d 

1 

S 
S 







3 
O 


o 

5 


1 

s 




1908. 
Aug. 1 


Too large and too small re- 
tained from previous sea- 
son (delivery as part of 
quota of 1908 authorized 
by letter of Commissioner 
of Fisiieries, Mar. 11, 1909). 

Gorbatch 

Reef and Ketovi 










30 




2 




32 


""isi" 

105 
158 
716 
169 

93 

77 
100 
175 
454 
200 
502 
175 

76 
613 
273 
288 
127 

33 
207 
250 
113 
275 
717 

34 
581 

43 
326 
472 


32 
2 
2 

"2" 

.... 

1 

t 

"3 
6 
1 
4 

6 
1 

2 

1 

"i" 
1 
1 
1 

"7' 

"5 
3 


32 


8 


183 
107 

158 
718 
169 

93 

78 


181 
105 
158 
716 
169 

93 

77 


2 
2 




183 


Oct. 20 














107 


29 


Tolstoi and Middle Hill 

Nortlieast Point 














158 


Nov. 3 


2 














718 


18 


Reef 

Sea Lion Rock 














169 


1909. 
Mav 29 
















93 


June 7 


do 

Tolstoi 


1 














78 


2S 


100 
175 
454 
200 
502 
175 

76 
613 
273 
288 
127 

33 
207 
250 
113 
275 
717 

34 
581 

43 
326 
472 






1 


.... 


101 
179 
455 
200 
505 
181 

77 
617 
279 
289 
129 

34 
207 
251 
114 
276 
718 

34 
588 

43 
331 
475 


101 


29 


Reef 








1 
1 




179 


July 2 


Northeast Point 










455 


5 


Zapadni 












200 


6 


Reef and Gorbatch 








.... 








505 


6 


Tolstoi 










2 


181 




Halfwav Point 








77 


8 


Northeast Point 












617 


10 


Zapadni 










4 


279 


11 


Reef and Gorbatch 












289 


11 


Tolstoi 












1 


129 


13 


Halfway Point 








34 


14 


Northeast Point 












207 


15 


Reef and Gorbatch 
















251 


15 


Tolstoi and Lukanin i 










1 


114 


16 


Zapadni 














276 


19 


Northeast Point 












718 


19 


Halfwav Point 












34 


20 


Reef and Gorbatch 














2 


588 


20 


Tolstoi 








43 


21 


Zapadni 














4 
1 


331 


23 


Northeast Point 








2 :::: 


475 



' Fifty-one of these skins were from Lukanin. 



748 



SEAL ISLANDS OP ALASKA. 



Statement of fur seals hilled on St. Paul Island, Alaska, during the year ended July 31, 

1909 —Continued. 





Rookery. 


Seals killed for 
natives' food. 


Seals killed by lessees 
skins. 


for 


Aggregate. 




i 
1 


>> 

f 


4^ 
g 
73 


a 

^ 

p- 
S 

o 


Rejected. 


"5 
o 


•6 
t 

e 

.1 
M 


5? 
i-i 




la 




p 


1 


6 

1 
o 




s 


1909. 
July 23 

24 


Halfway Point 








32 

680 

242 

185 

16 

452 

579 

654 

110 

329 

19 

40 

60 










32 

685 

245 

187 

16 

453 

585 

660 

110 

330 

19 

41 

62 


32 

680 
242 
185 

16 
452 
579 
654 
110 
329 

19 
• 40 

60 

7 


"5' 

3 

2 

"i" 

6 

6 

..„ 

'i' 

2 


32 


Reef and Goibatch 











4 
2 
1 






685 


25 


Zapadni 








245 


27 


Northeast Point 








187 


27 


Halfway Point 








16 


28 


Reef and Gorbatch 










1 
6 
4 






453 


30 


Zapadni 












585 


31 


Reef and Gorbatch 












660 


31 


Ketovi and Lukanin 








110 


31 


Northeast Point 










1 






330 


31 


Halfway Point 












19 


31 


Zapadni 










1 
2 






41 


31 


Gorbatch 












62 




Watchmen's skins from 
Zapadni 


7 


7 








7 




Total 




















1,513 


1,506 


7 


9,432 


33 


51 


3 


21 


9,540 


10,938 


115 


11,053 









ST. GEORGE ISLAND. 



On St. George Island during the lessee's killing season of 1909, 
which covered the period from June 19 to July 31 of that year, 2,792 
seals were killed. This number represents 14 drives, with an average 
of 199 skins obtained in each drive. 

During the fall of 1908 and spring of 1909 (the so-called "food- 
killing" season), 521 seals were killed for natives' food by watchmen 
and in drives made by the Government agents, and these skins also 
were delivered to the lessee. There were delivered to the lessee, 
under the authority previously quoted, 5 sealskins retained by the 
Government agents from the preceding season, because they exceeded 
the weight allowed by the regulations. 

There were on hand, therefore, on St. George Island on July 31, 
1909, 3,318 sealskins, gathered from the sources enumerated. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



749 



Statement of fur seals killed on St. George Island, Alaska, during the year ended July 

31, 1909. 



Date. 



Rookery. 



Seals killed for na- 
tives' food. 



Large 
young 
seals. 



Skins 
accepted 

by 
lessees. 



Seals 
killed by 

lessees 
for skins, 
accepted, 

prime. 



Aggregate. 



Skins 
accepted. 



Total 
number 
of seals 
kUled. 



1908. 

Aug. 7 

7 

Oct. 19 

21 

23 

24 

30 

31 

Nov. 2 

3 

7 

13 

17 

23 

1909. 
June 5 
5 
12 
15 
19 
22 
24 
26 
29 
2 
6 
8 
10 
14 
16 
19 
21 
23 
27 
31 
31 



July 



Overweight skins retained from previous 
season (delivery as part of quota of 1908 
authorized by letter of Commissioner of 
Fisheries, dated Mar. 11, 1909) 



North (food drive) 

Zapadni (watchman) 

Staraya Artel 

North 

East 

Zapadni (watchman) 

Staraya Artel 

Zapadni (watchman) 

East 

North 

Zapadni (watclmian) 

North and Staraya Artel. 

do 

Staraya Artel 



Zapadni (watchman) 

Staraya Artel 

Zapadni (watchman) 

North 

Zapadni ( watchman) 

North (food drive) 

East (watchman) 

Zapadni (watchman) 

Zapadni 

East, North, and Staraya Artel. 

do 

Zapadni 

East, North, and Staraya Artel. 

do 

Zapadni 

East, North, and Staraya Artel. 

Zapadni 

East, North, and Staraya Artel. 

do 

do 

Zapadni 



Total 1. 



521 



521 



32 
312 
350 

42 
201 
242 

31 
446 

42 
404 
260 
368 

62 



2 

26 

2 

26 

2 

18 

1 

2 

32 

312 

350 

42 

201 

242 

31 

446 

42 

404 

260 

368 

62 



2 

26 

2 

26 

2 

18 

1 

2 

32 

312 

350 

42 

201 

242 

31 

446 

42 

404 

260 

368 

62 



2,797 



3,318 



3,318 



1 Four skins of this year's catch exceeding the limit of 8i pounds in weight are retained in salt, subject 
to future disposition. The number available for shipment the ciu-rent year is therefore 3,314. 

TOTAL SEALSKINS SHIPPED. 

From St. Paul Island, on August 14, 1909, on the steamer Homer, 
there were sliipped 11,054 ^ sealskins, 32 of which were chargeable to 
the quota of 1908 and 11,022 to that of 1909. From St. George 
Island there were shipped on the same vessel 3,314 sealskins, all 
chargeable to the quota of 1909, with the exception of 5 skins credited 
to 1908 under the authority already quoted. 

The total shipment of skins in 1909 from both islands, as detailed 
in the foregoing, was 14,368, of wliich 14,331 are credited to the 
quota of 1909, and 37 to the quota of the previous year, 1908. 



1 To the season's catch of 11,0.53 on St. Paul Island, one skin from a subsequent food drive was added 
to make an even number, as required for shipment. 



150 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



OBSERVANCE OF REGULATIONS. 

On St. Paul Island the lessee took only 1 skin which failed to weig 
at least 5 pounds, and none were taken weighing over 8^ pounds, the 
limits prescribed by the department. It is doubtful, furthermore, 
whether the 1 skin was not the result of an accident in clubbing or was 
not taken from a seal that had died from overheating during a drive. 
As the good faith of the lessee was undeniably demonstrated in every 
particular this 1 skin was permitted to be included in the shipment. 

On St. George Island 4 skins exceeding 8^ pounds in weight were 
taken, and these are now retained in salt on that island awaiting 
instructions. 

WEIGHTS OP SKINS. 

In addition to being weighed on the islands the lessee's take of 
skins in 1909, when shipped to London, was classified by the factor, 
and the weights of the various classes ascertained there. As weighed 
on the islands there is a variation among the skins in respect to their 
degree of moisture. The scales, moreover, register only to the quar- 
ter pound; and the recording of the weights in the midst of the noise 
in the salt house incident to salting and weighing at the same time, 
with the subsequent necessary transcription and classification from 
notebooks, are further factors operating against perfect accuracy in 
the weights. Deficiencies in the following table are explained by 
these conditions. As weighed in London, on the other hand, the 
skins contain some of the salt that was used to cure them. Notwith- 
standing the impracticability of close comparison, however, it will be 
interesting to observe how the island weights in general correspond 
to the London weights taken by a disinterested person. 

Island weights of skins, 1909 catch. 



Weight. 


Number of skins. 


Weight. 


Number of siiins. 


St. Paul 
Island. 


St. George 
Island. 


Total. 


St. Paul 
Island. 


St. George 
Island. 


Total. 


Pounds. 
4 

4i 
4i 
4f 
5 

5i 
5i 

6i 
6i 
61 
7 




1 


1 

1 

14 

14 

873 

477 
1,410 

885 
2,390 

984 
1,857 

807 
1,643 


Pounds. 
7i 
7i 
7| 
8 

8J 
8i 
8f 
9 
9J 
9^ 
10 
10* 
14.1 


595 
779 
359 
424 
195 
389 
9 
7 


15 
95 

4 
57 

1 
11 


610 

874 

363 

481 

196 

400 

9 

10 

1 

1 

2 

2 

1 


1 

2 
13 
493 
438 
903 
859 

1,373 
946 

1,376 
774 

1,045 


12 

1 

380 

39 
507 

26 
1,017 

38 
481 

33 
598 


3 
1 
1 
1 

1 




1 
1 

1 





Note.— On St. Paul Island no skins weighing more than 8h pounds and only 1 weighing less than 5 pounds 
were taken during the lessee's killing season. On St. George Island 4 skins weighing more than 8.^ pounds 
were taken during the lessee's killing season, and are held by the Government agents on the island pending 
orders for disposition. With these exceptions, under and over weight skins appearing in the table were 
taken in drives for the natives' food or are hold-overs from the' previous season. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



751 



London weights of skins, 1909 catch. 
ILondou, Nov. 10, 1909. Subject to recount. North American Commercial Co., 1909 catch, 14,308.) 



Number of 
skins. 


Weight. 


Per cent. 


Classification. 




Lbs. 


oz. 






1 
23 


13 
9 








Middling. 


o.'ie' 


Middlings and smalls. 


290 


8 


3 


2.04 1 Smalls. 


1,224 


7 


1 


8. 61 Large pups. 


4,097 


6 


8 


28. 83 


Middling pups. 


5. 248 


5 


13 


36.93 


Small pups. 


1,096 


5 


6 


7.71 


Ex. small pups. 


11 


5 


1 


.08 


Ex. ex. small pups. 


84.30 


3 


9 







Middlings and smalls, low. 


65 


7 


5 




Smalls, low. 


189 


6 


7 


6.62 


Large pups, low. 


401 


5 


14 


Middling pups, low. 


253 


5 


7 




Small pups, low. 


30 


5 







Ex. small pups, low. 


1 


10 







Middlings and smalls, cut. 


28 


7 


10 




Smalls, cut. 


93 


6 


8 


4.78 


Large pups, cut. 


244 


5 


13 


Middling pups, cut. 


251 


5 


6 




Small pups, cut. 


64 


5 







Ex. small pups, cut. 


9 


7 


10 




Smalls, rubbed. 


50 


7 







Large pups, rubbed. 


186 


6 


6 


3.97 


Middling pups, rubbed. 


254 


5 


12 




Small pups, rubbed. 


65 


5 


7 




Ex. small pups, rubbed. 


38 






.27 


Faultj'. 

Smalls. 
Large pups. 
Middling pups. 
Small pups. 
Ex. small pups. 




.14,214 


5 
15 






47 






58 






11 










136 



Note. — The statement furnished from London omits some weights, but, as will be observed, 136 of these 
are included in the classification. 

REJECTIONS PROM DRIVES. 

On St. Paul 13,656 animals appeared in the drives diirino; the 
lessee's sealing season, of which 9,508, or 69 per cent, were killed. 
There were released from the killing fields 1,110 small and 1,185 large 
seals, in addition to 1,915 marked or branded seals, composed of 1,315 
2-year-olds and 600 3-year-olds. The individual killings varied in 
the percentages of seals killed from 81 to 39 per cent. 

On St. George, during the same season, 4,484 animals appeared in 
the drives, of which 2,863, or 63 per cent, were killed. There were 
released 555 large and 306 small seals in addition to the dismissal of 
760 marked seals tlie ages of which were not segregated. 

In 1909, killing on St. Paul was 4 per cent closer, and on St. George 
17 per cent closer, than it was in 1908. 



752 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



Statement of seals killed and seals dismissed from drives during lessee's sealing season on 

St. Paul Island, 1909. 



Date. 



Rookery. 



Killed. 



Dismissed. 



Small. 



Large. 



Branded. 



Two Three 
years. ! years. 



Total 
driven. 



Per 

cent 

killed. 



1909. 
June 28 
29 
July 2 
5 
6 
6 
7 
8 
10 
11 
11 
13 
14 
15 
15 
16 
19 
19 
20 
20 
21 
23 
23 
24 
25 
27 
27 
28 
30 
31 
31 
31 
31 
31 
31 



Tolstoi 

Reef 

Northeast Point 

Zapadni 

Reef and Gorbatch. . 

Tolitoi 

Halfway Point 

Northeast Point 

Zapadni 

Reef and Gorbatch. . 

Tolstoi 

Halfway Point 

Northeast Point 

Reef and Gorbatch.. 
Tolstoi and Lukanin 

Zapadni 

Northeast Point 

Halfway Point 

Reef and Gorbatch. . 

Tolstoi 

Zapadni 

Northeast Point 

Halfway Point 

Reef and Gorbatch. . 

Zapadni 

Nortlieast Point 

Halfway Point 

Reef and Gorbatch. . 

Zapadni 

Reef and Gorbatch. . 

Northeast Point 

Halfway Point 

Zapadni 

Gorbatch 

Ketovi and Lukanin 

Total 



101 
179 
455 
200 
505 
181 

77 
617 
279 
289 
129 

34 
207 
251 
114 
276 
718 

34 
588 

43 
331 
475 

32 
685 
245 
187 

16 
453 
585 
660 
330 

19 

41 

62 
110 



49 
25 
23 

4 
64 
74 
12 
85 
190 

1 
80 

4 
38 
53 



73 
117 
71 
33 
81 
31 
35 
47 
23 
12 

4 
20 
14 

8 

5 

14 
27 

8 
35 

1 
21 
48 
15 
81 
11 
58 
17 
26 
38 
81 
75 

7 
14 



92 
159 
33 
36 

5 

2 
43 
14 
17 

7 

3 
22 
39 
12 
40 
100 

6 
96 

7 
41 
90 

5 
94 
27 
71 

5 
56 
46 
70 
42 

3 
14 



34 



18 



1,110 



1,185 



1,315 



27 



184 
448 
795 
286 
649 
268 
123 
806 
368 
353 
163 

62 
314 
386 
152 
452 
1,066 

49 
826 

55 
452 
712 

56 
941 
310 
355 

38 
584 
737 
863 
520 

33 

80 



170 



54 
39 
57 
69 
77 
67 
62 
75 
76 
81 
79 
54 
65 
65 
75 
61 
67 
6» 
71 
78 
73 
66 
57 
72 
79 
52 
42 
77 
79 
76 
63 
57 
51 



600 



13,656 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 753 

Classification of large seals dismissed during lessee's sealing season on St. Paul Island, 1909. 



Date. 


Rookeries. 


Four 
years. 


Five 
years. 


Six 
years. 


Seven 
years. 


Adult. 


Cows. 


1909. 
June 28 


Tolstoi 


8 

20 

16 

1 

25 

3 

5 

14 

2 

3 

2 

5 

8 

3 


22 
41 
21 

7 

16 

6 

14 

11 

8 

3 

2 

7 

3 

3 

2 


22 
39 
22 
12 
25 
19 
12 
13 
10 
5 


21 
17 
12 
13 
15 
3 
4 
9 
3 
1 






29 


Reef 






July 2 


Nortlieast Point 






^ 5 


Zapadni 






6 


Reef and Gorbatch 






6 


Tolstoi 






7 


Halfway Point 






8 


Northeast Point 






10 


Zapadni 






11 


Reef and Gorbatch 






11 


Tolstoi 






13 


Halfway Point 


7 
3 
2 
3 
10 
2 
4 
6 


1 






14 


Northeast Point 






15 


Reef and Gorbatch 








15 


Tolstoi and Lukanin 








16 


Zapadni 


1 
12 


3 
4 
4 

18 
1 
2 

10 
3 

13 






19 


Northeast Point 


9 






19 


Halfway Point 






20 




5 


6 






20 


Tolstoi 






21 


Zapadni 


3 

12 
1 

16 
8 
6 


8 
15 
6 
16 
3 
9 
3 
4 
16 
18 
14 
4 
27 
6 


8 
11 

5 
32 






23 


Northeast Point 






23 


Halfway Point 






24 


Reef and Gorbatch 


4 




25 


Zapadni 

Northeast Point 


1 


27 


29 
7 
7 
7 

23 
6 
2 

22 
2 


4 
7 
3 
8 
23 
10 
1 
5 
5 


10 




27 


Halfway Point 




28 


Reef and Gorbatch 


? 

9 
3 


10 


14 


30 


Zapadni 


10 


31 


Reef and Gorbatch 


8 

1 


4 


31 


Ketovi and Ivukanin 




31 


Halfway Point 




31 


Northeast Point 


13 

1 


8 


18 


31 


Zapadni 


3 




Total 








214 


330 


377 


223 


41 


50 









Statement of seals killed and seals dismissed from drives during lessee's sealing season on 

St. George Island, 1909. 



Date. 


Rookeries. 


Killed. 




Dismissed 




Total 
driven. 


Percent- 


Large. 


Small. 


Branded. 


age 
killed. 


1909. 
June 5 


Staraya Artel 

North and Staraya Artel 

do 

East 

Zapadni 

East, North, and Staraya Artel, 
.do 


26 

26 

18 
1 

32 
312 
350 

42 
201 
242 

31 
446 

42 
404 
260 
368 

62 


35 
50 

74 
70 
38 
36 
27 
13 
21 
7 
1 

15 
21 
49 
20 
57 
21 






61 

76 

92 

71 

70 

443 

498 

61 

287 

360 

48 

646 

63 

597 

439 

582 

90 


42.6 


15 






34.0 


22 






19.5 


24 






1.4 


29 






45>7 


July 2 
6 


28 
66 

2 
28 
41 

4 
39 


67 
55 
4 
37 
70 
12 
146 


70.4 
70.2 


8 


Zapadni 


68.8 


10 
14 


East, North, and Staraya Artel. 
do 


70.0 
67.2 


16 


Zapadni 


64.5 


19 
21 


East, North, and Staraya Artel. 
Zapadni 


69.0 
66.6 


23 

27 


East, North, and Staraya Artel. 
do 


33 

45 
20 


111 
114 
137 

7 


67.6 
69.2 


31 


do 


63.2 


31 


Zapadni . . 


68.8 




Total* . 








i 


306 


760 




63.0 






1 







• This total includes 71 seals taken during the lessee's season by the natives for food, leaving the total 
killed by the lessee 2,792, or 62.3 per cent of the total driven. 



2403— H. Doc. 93, 62-1- 



-48 



754 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



Classification of seals dismissed from drives during lessee's sealing season on St. George 

Island, 1909. 





Rookeries. 


Large. 




Date. 


Four 
years. 


Five 
years. 


Six 
years. 


Young 
bulls. 


Cows. 


1909. 




20 

14 

13 

22 

8 

13 

18 

9 

1 

5 

5 


5 

14 

14 

17 

7 

4 

3 

4 

5 

5 

2 


2 
15 

18 
15 
9 
4 
10 
7 
5 
5 


8 

7 

29 

16 

14 

17 

5 

7 

2 

6 




15 






22 


do . . 




24 


East 




26 






29 






July 2 

6 


East North, and Staraya Artel 




do . 




g 


Zapadni 




10 


East North, and Staraya Artel 




14 


do . . . 




16 






1 




19 




13 
2 

22 
7 

30 
2 


2 

6 
16 

7 
18 

7 






21 




3 
9 
6 
9 
2 


10 
2 




23 






27 


.do 




31 


do 




21 


31 


Zapadni 


10 


2 




Total 






204 


136 


119 


134 


23 









RESERVATION OF BACHELORS FOR BREEDING. 

The quota of 2 and 3 year old bachelors to be marked and reserved 
for j breeding purposes consisted of 1,000 of each of the foregoing 
classes in the proportion of 800 of each for St. Paul and 200 of each 
for St. George Islands. These seals are driven and marked before 
the lessee is allowed to kill for skins. 

On St. Paul seals did not appear in sufficient numbers to justify 
the marking of these animals until June 24. Thereafter drives were 
made as often as conditions justified, and the breeding-reserve quota 
finally was obtained on June 28. A list of the drives made on St. 
Paul, with the number marked from each, follows : 

Breeding reserve of bachelors, St. Paul Island, 1909. 



Date. 


Rookeries. 


Two 
years. 


Three 
years. 


1909. 
June 24 


Reef 


358 
333 

109 


348 


27 


Northeast Point . 


318 


28 




114 


28 


Tolstoi 


20 




Total 








800 


800 









On St. George the marking of the 400 young males was completed 
early in the season, the last of the quota being secured on or about 
June 26. The exact dates upon which the seals were marked and 
the number secured in each drive are not at hand. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 755 

QUESTION OF CLOSE KILLING. 

After the Alaska Commercial Co. had closed its 20-year lease of the 
sealing privilege in 1889 there were intimations that to secure its 
quota in the last year the lessee was forced to drain the herd of 
every Idllable bachelor and to resort to unlawful practices to get 
100,000 skins. The lease of the North American Commercial Co. 
closed practically in 1909, when its last quota of skins was taken 
from the islands. To anticipate any questions that may be raised 
concerning the conduct of sealing during the last year of this as of 
the former lessee in 1889, it is desirable to discuss the matter here 
with a view of showing whether, in securing its quota of 1909, the 
last lessee either violated any law or regulation or did any injury to 
the herd. 

It must be held in mind at the outset that no seals were killed 
on the islands in 1909 at any time except in the immediate presence 
of one or more Government agents who scrutinized the killing closely 
and were ready to take active measures to secure enforcement of 
the law should any violation of it be attempted. Among the laws 
to be observed are prohibitions against the killing of any female seals 
or of male seals under 1 year of age. In addition, the regulations 
prescribe a total quota of 15,000, prohibit the killing of male seals 
with skins under 5 pounds or over 8^ pounds in weight, and of seals 
that have been marked and released for breedmg purposes. All of 
these regulations were faithfulh' enforced by the Government agents, 
who were actually present at each killing, and on the score of com- 
pliance "svith existing law the lessee may be said to be blameless. 

There remains, however, the other question, whether, even while 
observing the law, the lessee killed closer than the safety of the 
herd would permit; or, in other words, whether the regulations are 
SO loose as to allow such close killing in 1909 as would endanger the 
future increase of the seals. It may be well to consider this briefly. 

It has been stated already that killing on St. Paul Island in 1909 
averaged 69 per cent of all seals driven and on St. George Island 63 
per cent. This killing was 4 per cent closer on St. Paul and 17 per 
cent closer on St. George than in 1908, which is to say a killing of 
about 66 per cent of all seals driven on the two islands. One-third, 
or 33 per cent, of all animals driven were released. With one animal 
released out of every three driven it is submitted that Idlhng in 1909 
was not close enough to endanger in any way the safety or future 
increase of the seal herd. 

Another point of consideration is the number of animals released 
from the killing fields m 1909 as contrasted with the number neces- 
sary to be released to prevent decrease in the number of breeding 
bulls present in 1909. In that year 1,399 breeding bulls were engaged 
actively mth harems. The average life of the breeding bull is five 
years after he begins full rookery service at eight years. As the herd 
would thus renew itself in five years, a yearly dmiinution of one-fifth 
occurs and is necessary to be provided for. As the herd includes 
practically 1,400 breeding bulls, it would be necessary to insure that 
at least one-fifth of this number be provided five years hence, or 280 
animals. 

During the season of 1909 there occurred 5,831 rejections of seals 
from the drives. Of these 1,740 were too large to be killed there- 



756 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

after and 4,091 too small to be killed or included in the breeding 
reserve. In addition to these there were a number of killables not 
driven at all, as on August 4 we discovered hauled among the cows 
on Tolstoi a drive of approximately 600 bachelors, the existence of 
which theretofore was unknown to the lessee. As the killing season 
closed on July 31, these animals could not be killed this season. 

Wlien we consider that only 280 bulls are required to mature 
each year to maintain the herd of breeding bulls at its present num- 
bers and that at least 5,000 young males are believed to have survived 
the season, it can not be believed that the killing in 1909 was too 
close. 

We must now discuss the question whether killing in 1909 was 
as close as in 1889. In the latter 3^ear no record of the number of 
the seals released from the killing fields was made. It is therefore 
not possible to ascertain the percentage of seals killed in 1889, nor 
to compare critically the killing of that year with that of 190.9, for 
which we have exact data. 

The main point of difference, however, between the methods 
practiced in the two years lies in the fact that regulations were in 
force in 1909 specially designed to prevent too close killing which 
were not in existence in 1889 and which in fact were not thought of 
in that year. Before am^ killing by the lessee was allowed in 1909, 
2,000 young Idllable males were reserved for breeding by the agents 
and marked so that thereafter they would be readily discernible 
by the clubbers. This reservation of 2,000 represents 13 per cent of 
the quota allowed the lessee. So that, before the lessee took a single 
skin in 1909, the herd was safeguarded by a reservation of males 
equal to 13 per cent of the quota. Under such regulations as these 
it is impossible at the present time for killing to be too close, even if, 
after reserving these killables, the lessee "swept the hauling grounds" 
to secure its quota. It could not sweep them so clean as to eliminate 
this 13 per cent breeding reserve unless the marked seals themselves 
were killed, and there is plenty of evidence to show that these marked 
seals were carefully guarded when they appeared in the drives. 

Such killing as was done in 1909 was conducted strictly in accord- 
ance with law and regulations. The Government prescribed a 
quota of 15,000 for the lessee and virtually said: ''After we have 
secured our breeding reserve, you are allowed to kill every seal on 
the hauling grounds that may be taken under existing law and regu- 
lations until you get your quota. We will see that you do not kill 
our breeding reserve; the law prohibits you killing females or seals 
under 1 year of age, and if you take skins weighing less than 5 or 
more than 8-| pounds we will not allow you to ship them, but will 
deduct them from the quota you would otherwise be allowed to 
ship." This was the exact situation in 1909, and in the killing no 
law or regulation was disregarded. During the lessee's killing season 
only 1 skin on St. Paul Island and 4 on St. George Island were taken 
contrary to regulations out of a total of over 12,000, and these seals 
were killed not designedly, but through accident. 

From the foregoing it can be summed up: First, that every law 
and regulation safeguarding killing in 1909 was faithfully enforced; 
second, that one seal out of every three driven by the lessee in that 
year was released; and, third, that before any lalling by the lessee 
was allowed a breeding reservation equal to 13 per cent of the quota 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 757 

was created and carefully guarded from slaughter. This, m my 
opmion, is sufficient evidence to convince even the skeptical that 
any charge of irregularity concerning the killing in 1909 can not be 
substantiated. 

It is foolish to curtail the killing of bachelors on land while the 
islands are surrounded by a large fleet of pelagic schooners, hardly 
3 miles offshore, ready to Idll every seal that leaves the rookeries 
to go to sea. After providing an ample breeding reserve, it is good 
policy to kill every seal that may be killed with due regard to the 
safety of the herd. Restriction of killing on land should be discussed 
only after sea killing is stopped. 

Personally I am in favor of killing on land even closer than 66 per 
cent, and of continuing such close killing until either the seals are 
reduced to a small number or the question of pelagic sealing is settled 
favorably. 

MAINTENANCE OF QUOTA. 

ANNUAL CATCHES SINCE 1903. 

Since 1904 the annual quota of skins has been maintained at 
approximately 15,000. From this the natural assumption would be 
that the breeding herd of females has not diminished during this 
period, as otherwise the stock of bachelors would have decreased 
coincidently. 

It is generally accepted that the sexes of seals are born in equal 
numbers. If the herd of bachelors has remained stable without 
diminution during these years, we must accept the conclusion that 
the number of breeding females which produce these bachelors also 
have remained at a state of equilibrium, notwithstanding the heavy 
killing of females in the open sea by pelagic sealers. 

Since 1903 the annual catches of bachelors on the islands have 
been as follows, the figures given representing the annual shipments 
of skins from the islands by the lessee: 

1903 19, 292 

1904 13,128 

1905 14, 368 

1906 14, 476 

1907 14, 964 

1908 " 14, 996 

1909 14, 331 

From an examination of these figures it appears that the lessee 
took over 19,000 skins in 1903; that its catch dropped to 13,000 in 
1904, and that annually thereafter it killed practically 15,000 seals 
until 1909. 

If these figures were susceptible of no other explanation than that 
the number of bachelors had not diminished, this conclusion would 
have to be accepted without argument. If, however, other facts 
have relevancy in a consideration of the cause of tliis stability of 
the catch, they should be examined before the conclusion is accepted 
that no decrease in the ])reeding herd has occurred during this period. 



758 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



ANALYSIS OF CONDITIONS. 



Previous to 1904 no restriction upon the size of bachelors to be 
killed was enforced. The annual quotas allowed were so ample as 
to carry permission to kill every available bachelor appearing in 
the drives. In its operations the lessee killed every 4-year-old, 
every 3-year-old, and every 2-year-old driven up that had not a 
defective skin. Its rejections of seals from the killing fields were 
confined to those seals only with bad skins, to those young wigs too 
large for the market, or to such few yearlings as appeared in the last 
drives of the season. All other male seals were killed. In 1903 
the rejections of small seals numbered only 1,185 on St. Paul, 
and at least one-fourth of these were dismissed from the two food 
drives made by the Government agents during the period between 
August 1 and 10. With so small a proportion of rejections in 1903 
and the large catch of that year, we must conclude that the lessee 
killed almost every available seal that appeared. Furthermore 
it anticipated its next year's catch by killing all of the 2-year-olds 
that hauled up and that could be driven. Such as escaped were 
killable the following year as 3-year-olds. The lessee, in plain 
terms, was ''hving from hand to mouth," killing all it could get and 
saving none; depending for its next year's catch solely upon the 
increment of 2-year-olds and such larger seals as had accidentally 
escaped clubbing the year previous. Such practice could be termed 
too close killing. 

In 1904, on the other hand, occurred for the first time the enforce- 
ment of the regulations designed to prevent too close killing, by the 
exemption of 4-year-olds from slaughter, the establishment of a 
minimum weight of 5 J pounds on sealskins to be taken, and a reser- 
vation of 2,000 young males for breeding purposes. These regula- 
tions of 1904 changed completely the conditions surrounding the 
killing of seals on the islands. It reduced the catch in one year from 
19,000 to 13,000, created through dismissals a reserve of 7,500 young 
males to maintain the quota for succeeding years, and provided 
means for insuring recruits to the rapidly decreasing stock of breed- 
ing bulls. The change amounted to a transition from the condition 
of practical nonregulation of killing to one of careful regulation. 

Since the quota was reduced in one year (1903-4) from 19,000 to 
13,000, not by natural conditions, but by the enforcement of arbi- 
trary restrictions upon the catch, it might well follow that the catches 
of other years as well were influenced by other agencies than the 
natural state of the herd. For this purpose a brief resume of the 
conditions attending the several years' killings will be made: 

1903. — The lessee shipped over 19,000 sldns, and on St. Paul Islan 
only 1,185 small seals were released from the killing field. ^ 

1904. — After the enforcement of the regulations requiring the 
exemption of 4-year-olds from Idlhng, the establishment of a 5J- 
pound minimum weight, and the reservation of young males for breed- 
ers, the number of skins shipped as quota was reduced to 13,128. 
On the other hand, the rejection of small seals amounted to 10,181. 
These 10,181 rejections created a reserve of surplus bachelors which, 
as 3-year-olds, would aid the catch of 1905, and emphatically relieved 
the situation as regards close killing. 

1 Records of rejections on St. George for 1903 are incomplete. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 759 

In view of this large number of rejections it is not proper to say 
that the lessee could not have secured its quota in this year. The 
reason why 15,000 were not taken instead of only 13,000 is due to 
the fact that such great caution was enjoined upon the lessee in secur- 
ing the enforcement of the new regulations that seals which were 
properly killable were allowed to escape. 

1905. — In tliis year 14,368 skins were shipped. The St. Paul quota 
of 13,000 was secured, with 59 per cent killed of the whole number 
driven, while the St. George Island quota, 2,000, was not obtained. 
As the percentage of killed on this latter island was, however, only 
26, it must be concluded that enough eligible seals escaped fi*om the 
kilUng fields to have filled the quota. 

In 1905 the reserve of bachelors was further maintained by over 
10,000 rejections of small seals made during the lessee's seaUng 
season. As the quota of 1905 was aided by the large number of 
rejections in the preceding year, so the 1906 quota must be con- 
sidered as aided by a similar number of rejections in 1905. 

1906. — For this year a quota of 14,476 was shipped, of which 12,536 
were secured from St. Paul Island toward its quota of 13,000, while 
1,940 were shipped from St. George Island toward its quota of 2,000. 
The percentage killed on St. Paul was 59, while on St. George it was 
51, an increase on the latter island over the preceding year of 25 
per cent. In this year occurred, in addition, an important change 
m the regulations, namely, that the minimum weight of skins to be 
taken was reduced from 5h to 5 pounds. This had the effect of 
allowing the killing of several thousand young seals which heretofore 
would have been released and included in the reserve of young males 
from which a portion of the next year's catch would be obtained. 
With this material aid, however, the quota on St. Paul was not 
secured. . 

We find here a decided decrease in the bachelor herd. To secure 
the quota on St. George Island killing had to be 25 per cent closer 
than the year previous, even when aided by the reduction in the 
limit of weight and the savings of bachelors from previous years. 
In spite of the reduction in weight the quota could not be obtained 
on St. Paul Island. Had the number of bachelors in existence 
remained the same in 1906 as in 1905 the reduction of the minimum 
weight and the consequent inclusion among the Idllables of several 
thousands of young males of a size hitherto exempt would have 
made it possible to secure the quota before the expiration of the 
sealing season. But it is a fact that it was not possible to secure the 
St. Paul quota even by sealing until the last day and with the mini- 
mum weight lowered to 5 pounds. This certainly shows that fewer 
bachelors were on St. Paul in 1906 than formerly. 

The rejections from the sealing fields in 1906, of course, were 
affected by this lowering of the weight, and were 7,217, as against 
over 10,000 in 1905, a loss of over 3,000. This, however, was still 
large enough to save a number of bachelors for the next year's quota. 

1907. — Practically the entire quota of 15,000 was obtained and was 
secured before the end of this season, the condition which should 
have occurred in 1906 had not a scarcity of bachelors been encoun- 
tered then. St. Paul's quota of 12,400 was obtained by July 28, 
while St. George's 2,600 was obtained by July 24. The lessee^killed 
more closely, however, as shown by the percentages of killed— 68 



760 SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

for St. Paul and 44 for St. George. The rejections from the kilHng 
fields, also, were less numerous by 2,500 than in 1906. This shows at 
least that the seals had not increased. It is not out of the way, 
however, to infer that no decrease in the bachelor herd had occurred 
since 1906. 

1908. — The entire quota of 15,000, practically, was obtained this 
year, but onh after sealing on St. Paul until tlie end of the season. 
The St. George quota, however, was obtained by July 25. The per- 
centage of killing on St. Paul was 5 less than the year before, while 
that of St. George was 2 greater. The number of small rejections 
in this 3^ear was 6,092, or in round numbers 1,300 more than the 
precedmg year. There is everything in the killing statistics of this 
year to show that the bachelor herd did not diminish in the interval 
between 1907 and 1908. 

1909. — A decided decrease is apparent in the record of this season. 
Not onhr was the quota not secured, but the rejections from the killing 
field were less than at an}' time since 1903. 

The number of skins secured and shipped was 14,368, of which 37 
were charged to the preceding year. The percentage of killed was 
69 on St. Paul, an increase of 4 per cent, while on St. George it was 
63, or 17 per cent more than 1908. The number of small rejections 
was only 1,416 in addition to 2,675 rejections of marked bachelors, 
or 4,091 in all as against 6,092 the year before. 

As, outside of the breeding reserve, only 1,416 rejections of small 
seals were made in 1909, we may safely consider the bachelor reserve 
to have been almost eliminated. 

SUMMARY AND INTERPRETATION OF CONDITIONS. 

After tliis more or less detailed analysis of the killings during the 
years since 1903 we may summarize the main points as .follows: 

1. The quotas for 1904 and 1905 were not obtained because of 
stringent enforcement of regulations designed to prevent close killing. 

2. These regulations were partially relieved of their severity in 
1906, Vv^hen the minimum weight was reduced to 5 pounds. Never- 
theless, in this year the quota was not secured because of scarcity 
of seals. 

3. In 1907 and 1908 the quotas were secured without special diffi- 
culty, although the rejections from drives were lessened from the 
number in 1906. 

4. In 1909 not only was the quota not secured, but the rejections 
were less than at any time since 1903, and the percentage of killing 
was higher. 

We may reasonably infer that in 1904 a quota of 15,000 was less 
than the herd would have afforded had the same methods of close 
killmg been continued as were followed in 1903 and previously. 
From the statistics we might gather that the catch of 1904 under 
the same conditions would have been nearl ■ what it was in 1903. 
Yet we can not say that 19,000 seals, or anything near that number, 
could have been secured in 1909. In other words, the herd has 
gradually decreased since 1903 from a point where it allowed a catch 
of over 19,000 to a point, in 1909, where it could not afford 16,500, 
if we count the bacheloi's marked for breeding as a portion of the 
yield of the herd. We have marked decreases in 1906 and again in 
1909, with a probable equilibrium between those years. But the 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 761 

trend of the baclielor herd has been toward gradual decrease, and 
this can be better understood when an observation is extended over 
a period of years. 

The question presents itself: How, if a gradual decrease occurred, 
was the quota maintained at approximatelv the same number? 
The answer is that the quota of 15,000, when first fixed, was smaller 
than the yield of the herd; that the quotas of the years following 
were aided in large part from the rejections from previous years, 
and that not until 1909 did the herd diminish to a point where it 
could not >'ield 15,000 skins annualh'. It was really not until 1909 
that the rejections became practically nil, and even with that the 
quota could not be filled. 

It is with considerable hesitancy that I advance this conclusion 
that the decrease in the herd of breeding seals has been less rapid 
than would otherwise appear. During the period following 1903 
whole rookers- areas gradually have been denuded of breeding seals, 
the rookeries themselves have shrunk, and massed areas of breeding 
seals have become smaller. Evers" other indication would point to 
the supposed fact that the breeding herd had diminished more 
rapidly than the catches of bachelors would indicate. As it stands, 
however, a material decrease in the herd is apparent in the inability 
of the lessee this last season to secure a quota of skins which could 
have been taken without undue effort in 1903. 

EFFECT OF SAVING 2-YEAR-OLDS. 

'\'Mien, in 1904, the catch of skins was reduced by regulation from 
19,000 to 13,000, a large number of small bachelors was released. 
As stated heretofore, this catch of 13,000 did not represent by any 
means all the skins the lessee could have taken had the same methods 
of close Idlling as })racticed in preceding years been permitted. Had 
the lessee been allowed in 1904 to sweep the hauling grounds of every 
bachelor appearing there, as in 1903, the catch for 1904 would nearly 
have equaled that of the ])receding year. 

As this decrease in the catch in 1904 had its cause solely in the 
enforcement of certain arbitrarih* restrictive measures, it had no con- 
nection with the number of breeding females in the herd. Its effect 
was to create a reserve of yoimg animals numbering probably 7,500. 

The result of the creation of this reserve was to place the herd in a 
condition which represented more nearly what might be termed its 
normal status, and, secondly, it insured a certain stability of the next 
year's catch of skins independently of that year's increment of young 
killables. 

The normal status of the bachelor herd is reached when the greater 
portion of the take of skins consists of 3-year-olds. The reason for 
this lies in the fact that a 3-year-old has a prime skin that brings the 
highest price in the market. As the 3-year-old skin is more valuable 
than that of a 2-year-old, it follows that proper management should 
maintain such conditions as would result in the catch being secured 
mainl}^ for the prime or 3-year-old skins, rather than from the less 
valuable 2-year-olds. This can be done only by the maintenance of a 
reserve of 2-year-olds which, being protected from slaughter at that 
age, would furnish the proper number of 3-year-old skins the following 
season. 



762 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

The immunizing from killing of this large number of 2-year-olds in 

1904 resulted in bringing nearly that number of prime 3-year-olds 
back to the islands in 1905. The effect was to permit the catch of 

1905 to be composed of 50 per cent of prime 3-year-old skins, whereas 
previously only a thousand or so of 3-year-olds were included. That 
the value of the company's catch was enhanced by these methods of 
selection is shown by the fact that the average selling price of their 
skins in 1904 and 1905 was $37, while in 1903 it was only about S29.50. 

When the lessee, as in 1903, swept the hauling grounds of every 
bachelor appearing there, necessarily many small seals were killed 
whose skins would bring much less than those of the prime 3-year-olds. 
This, of course, was waste. Although deprived of some of these 
small seals in 1904 by the operation of the regulations, the lessee 
received back in 1905 such a number of prime 3-year-olds that the 
loss of one year was more than equaled by the gain of the next, 
with the added advantage of having to kill fewer animals to secure 
the same profit. 

Wlien such a reserve of young bachelors is created, thereby insuring 
in a degree the permanency of the next year's catch, this reservation 
would have the effect of obscuring, to a degree at least, any decrease 
in the breeding herd that would cause fewer young males to appear 
upon the killing field. 

When, for example, as in 1903, the lessee depended for its catch 
mainly upon the influx of 2-year-olds that theretofore had been too 
small to kill, its catch had close relation to the number of breeding 
cows that, two seasons previously, had brought forth the 2-year-olds 
it expected to kill. It could look nowhere else for its catch. If the 
births two years previously were more numerous the catch would be 
larger; if less numerous the catch would be smaller. Under these 
conditions the catch of any year would be quickly responsive to a 
lessening or enlarging of the number of births two years previously. 

With the creation, however, of a reserve of bachelors, the lessee 
would be able to expect a portion of its catch from this reserve 
instead of from the increment from the breeding herd alone. As it 
would be justified in counting upon a considerable number of 3-year- 
old skins from the reserve, a correspondingly smaller number of 2-year- 
olds from the increment of young seals would be needed to complete 
its quota. 

This indicates that the maintenance of a bachelor reserve would 
obscure to a degree the effect on bachelors of a reduction of the 
breeding herd. Without this reserve the shrinkage would be quickly 
felt; with it, however, the loss in new seals would be met by the 
bachelor reserve and the catch maintained. This is one of the 
reasons why the land catches on the Pribilof Islands have been main- 
tained at a relatively stable figure since 1904, and the reduction in 
the number of young seals, resulting from a depletion of the breeding 
cows, not immediately indicated by a simultaneous reduction of the 
bachelor catch. 

REDUCTION OP BACHELOR RESERVE. 

It must not be overlooked that the bachelor reserve represented 
by the number of small rejections from the killing field has been 
almost eliminated. Beginning in 1904 with over 10,000 rejections 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



763 



of these males, the reserve has fallen steadilj'' to 4,000 rejections in 
1909, including those among the marked bachelors. Its steady 
diminution during this period apparently indicates that to maintain 
the quota at a stable figure this reserve had to be drawn upon more 
heavily every succeeding year; or conversely, the rejections each 
year became fewer in order to secure the quota. It certainly is true 
that a steady but gradual reduction occurred in the number of 
bachelors rejected, and had such reduction not been made the quota 
would have suffered. 

The reduction of this reserve will make it a matter of difficulty to 
secure a quota in 1910 approaching in size that of 1909. With 
fewer of the older animals to draw upon, dependence will be had 
mainly upon the young or 2-year-olds. With the chance that there 
will be fewer of these than in 1909, it would appear problematical 
whether enough can be found to equal or approach the catch of 1909. 



RATIO OF BACHELORS TO WHOLE HERD. 

In 1897 the investigation made by the commission of which 
Dr. David Starr Jordan was chief disclosed a ratio of bachelors to the 
whole herd of 1 to 20. That ratio was used by him in his criticisms 
of the accuracy of H. W. Elliott's censuses based on acreage measure- 
ments in 1874 and 1890. Subsequently, as stated in Mr. E. W. 
Sims's report ^ on the seal islands, in 1906, the relation of bachelors 
to the whole herd in 1904 and 1905, according to the censuses made 
by the agent in charge of seal fisheries for those years, was found to 
be, respectively, 1 to 16 and 1 to 14. 

In 1909, by such methods of computation as are available, the 
whole herd of seals numbers approximately 133,000, while the catch 
of bachelors was 14,331. Added to the latter, to form an idea of the 
total bachelor yield of the herd, should be 2,000 bachelors marked 
and released, making a total possible catch of bachelors for 1909 of 
16,331. When we contrast this yield of bachelors for 1909 with the 
number of the whole herd in that year, we have a relation of bachelors 
to the whole herd of 1 to 9. The following table will show the 
various ratios for the years mentioned : 

Ratio of bachelors in certain years. 



Year. 


Bachelors 
killed. 


Whole 
herd. 


Bachelors 
released. 


Ratio of 

catch to 

whole herd. 


1897 


20,766 
13, 128 
14,368 
14,331 


402,850 
243, 103 
223, 009 
133,000 




1 to 20. 


1904 

1905 

1909 


2,054 
2,174 
2,000 


1 to 16. 
1 to 14. 
1 to9. 



This would show that the ratio which the catch of bachelors bears 
to the whole herd has changed from 1 to 20 in 1S97 to 1 to 9 in 1909. 

The percentage of bachelors dismissed from the killing field in 1897 
was 41 per cent; in 1904, 44 j)er cent; in 1905, 40 per cent; and in 
1909, 32 per cent. This shows that killing in 1909 was 9 per cent 

I Report on the Alaskan Fur-Seal Fisheries, by Edwin W. Sims, Department of Commerce and Labor, 
Aug. 31, 1900. 



764 SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

closer than in 1897, and would account partially for the difference in 
the ratio, but not altogether, in my mind. Had killing in 1909 been 
no closer than in 1897 (59 per cent), the whole number killed would 
have been 10,603, which, added to the number marked and released, 
would have made a ratio of 1 to 11 in 1909. 

This demonstrates that there was in 1909 a larger proportion of 
bachelors present to the whole herd than was shown to be present in 
1897. In fact, the proportion seems to have increased gradually 
since 1897. Why this is so is difficult to explain. With a gradually 
diminishing herd, the number of bachelors proportionately has 
increased so that the annual catches of skins do not show the same 
rate of diminution as the herd in general. 

It may be possible that the death rate among young pups has been 
lessened. It has been estimated heretofore that 50 per cent of pups 
die in their first migration, or rather that only 50 per cent reappear as 
yearlings the year after their birth. This was supposed to be due to 
their inability as pups to provide food for themselves and to escape 
from their natural enemies. It was due also to a heavy death rate 
among these pups on shore from disease. It is altogether probable 
that the death rate from disease on shore that affected pups in 1897 
has since been reduced greatly through the abandonment by seals of 
areas that were supposed to be infected. This would allow a greater 
number of pups to return as yearlings than heretofore and would 
increase the number of bachelors in proportion to the whole herd. It 
would also insure the return of a greater number of yearling females, 
and would assist in maintaining the breeding herd despite pelagic 
killing of cows. It is possible also that the allowance of a 50 per cent 
mortality in pups was too high even ih 1897, but I am inclined to 
believe rather that the death rate has changed since then and that 
more pups survive now than formerly. 

The proportion which the pelagic catch bears to the whole herd has 
changed also. In 1897 the pelagic catch, 24,321, bore the same rela- 
tion to the whole herd, 402,850, as 1 to 16. In 1908 it M^as as 1 to 8 
(18,151 : 146,636). From this it would seem that the pelagic sealers 
are killing twice as many seals in proportion as they did 11 years 
ago. This is another singular fact in connection with the subject, 
showing that conditions at the present time differ entirely from previ- 
ous years. 

It may be that by the methods of estimation used, the number in 
the whole herd in recent years has been placed too low, or rather, 
that there are more seals in the herd than are given in the estimates or 
censuses. It is either in this possibility or the one already men- 
tioned — that the mortality among pups is less than hitherto — that 
the cause of this change of relation of bachelor catch to the whole 
herd must be sought. 

NUMERICAL STATUS OF THE SEAL HERD. 

COUNTS OF HAREMS AND BULLS. 

The usual counts of harems were made on the two islands during 
the period of July 13-16. These counts were made by the agents 
and a special representative of the Bureau of Fisheries, Mr. G. A. 
Clark, and were made carefully. The count for St. Paul Island 
follows : 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 
Count of harems on St. Paul Island, 1909. 



765 



Date. 


Rookery. 


Harems. 


Idle 
bulls. 


Quitters. 


Water 
bulls. 


Bulls on 
liauling 
grounds. 


1909. 
July 12 


Lagoon 


12 

229 
"l9 

2a 

42 

9 

118 
11 

184 
25 
87 
51 
7 
41 
11 
62 

147 
61 


3 
33 


1 

142 

1 

1 

15 






12 


Northeast Point 






12 


Little Polavina 






12 


Polavina Cliffs 






12 


Polavina 


i 

2(1 
2 

1.3 
4 

14 
9 
3 
3 
1 
9 

20 






15 


Gorbatch Cliffs 






15 


Gorbalch 


6 




20 


15 


A rdiguen 






15 


Reef 

Tolstoi Cliffs 


22 

"l 

5 

3 




32 


15 






15 


Tolstoi 




7 


15 


Ketovi 







15 


Amphitheater 




15 


Lulcanin 


1 
1 
4 
13 


4 




16 


Zapadni Reef 




16 


Lit lie Zapadni 




9 


16 


Zapadni 


3 


15 


16 








Total 












1,132 


140 


116 


13 


83 









Includes water bulls. 



Contrasting the total number of harems and bulls found on St. 
Paul Island in 1909 with the number found in 1908, exclusive of Sea 
Lion Rock, the following changes are to be noted: 

Comparison of harems, St. Paul Island, 1908 and 1909 . 



Year. 


Harems. 


Idle. 


Quitters, ^ater 


Hauling- 
ground 
bulls. 


1909 


1.071 
1,062 


140 
90 


116 ! 13 
45 68 


83 


1908 








Difference 


+9 


+50 


+ 71 -55 









On St. Paul Island, therefore, while there occurred an increase of 
only 9 harems between 1908 and 1909, the total number of adult bulls 
present on the rookeries (harem masters, idle, and quitters) was 
increased by 130 individuals. 

On St. George Island, in 1909, harems were counted on July 14-16 
by the agents, and later these counts were verified by one of the 
agents and Mr. G. A. Clark. A detailed hst of the buUs found on 
St. George Island, as disclosed by the counts mentioned, follows: 

Count of harems on St. George Island, 1909. 



Date. 


Rookery. 


Harems. 


Idle 
bulls. 


Quitters. 


Hauling- 
ground 
bulls. 


1909. 
July 14 
14 


Little East 


5 

25 
42 
42 
44 
109 








East Reef 




6 
5 

7 




14 


East Cliffs 







14 


Staraya Artel 


10 
9 
13 




16 


Zapadni 


15 


15 


North 


5 






Total 






207 


32 


23 


15 









766 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



A comparison between the totals of 1908 and 1909 shows the fol- 
lowing changes as having occurred on St. George: 

Comparison of harems, St. George Island, 1908 and 1909. 



Year. 


Harems. 


Idle. 


Quitters. 


Hauling- 
ground 
bulls. 


1909 


267 
241 


32 
34 


23 
27 


IS 


1908 - - 


(') 










+20 


-2 


-4 









> No data. 

It may be noted from the above table that an increase of 26 harems 
occurred on St. George Island, or 10 per cent. The idle bulls and 
quitters show a slight decrease. 

For the two islands, therefore, the counts made in 1909 show a net 
increase of 35 harems, 48 idle bulls, and 67 quitters, or a total of 150 
full-grown bulls. 

It may be noted that the water bulls on St. Paul Island decreased 
55 between 1908 and 1909. These are the immature 5 and 6 year 
olds hanging about the water fronts of rookeries. They are not 
breeding bulls because they are not stationed in positions where they 
may serve cows, although in the fall they will haul up on the rookeries 
and annoy the cows after the adult breeding bulls have relaxed their 
vigilant harem control. 

The decrease in this class of animals may have been caused by the 
possible fact that, at the particular time these counts were made, 
weather conditions or some other cause may have operated to bring 
fewer of these animals on shore than normally. 

It is more probable, however, that this decrease has its cause 
further back than the present summer and is due to more tangible 
reasons. It can be sought in the large number of young seals released 
from the killing fields in 1904 and following years. 

In that year (1904), according to the statistics of rejections, 8,019 
small seals were released uninjured from the drives brought to the 
killing fields, in addition to 2,162 young seals marked and released 
for breeding purposes. This made a grand total of 10,181 young 
seals released in this one year (1904). In 1905, 10,288 rejections of 
the same character were made. 

Take, for example, the 2-year-olds of 1904, of which there were 
approximately 8,000 rejections. These seals would be 3-year-olds 
in 1905, 4-year-olds in 1906, 5-year-olds in 1907, and 6-year-olds in 
1908. The 2-year-olds of 1905 would be 5-year-olds in 1908, one 
year behind those of 1904. 

Theoretically, therefore, in 1907 and 1908 we would have a large 
number of young males which would be either 5 or 6 year olds. At 
this age they would be true water bulls — not old enough to fight their 
way upon the rookeries to serve cows, but old enough to be obsessed 
by the breeding instinct and to loiter about the water fronts of rook- 
eries flirting with cows coming and going to feed. For this reason, 
in 1907 and 1908 we should have had more of this class of young males 
than hitherto. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 767 

A reference to the annual reports of 1907 and 1908 will show that 
this increase occurred. In 1907, 100 water bulls were noted on the 
rookery fronts of St. Paul Island, where, before, the number was so 
small as to fail to suggest the advisability of enumeration. In 1908 
only 68 water bulls w^ere noted, and from this it is to be inferred that 
some of the water bulls of 1907 graduated into the idle bull or 7-year- 
old class of 1908. This is further borne out by the increase of 29 idle 
bulls in 1908. In 1909 these young bulls should have progressed into 
active harem masters and increased the number of harems. This is 
also borne out by the fact that in 1909 on St. Paul Island an increase 
of nine occurred in the number of harems, the first increase in the 
number of harems that has occurred on St. Paul for years. 

But why should the supply of 5 and 6 year old males be less in 
1908 than in 1909 ? Because the practice of releasing 10,000 annu- 
ally from the killing fields was continued only through the years 1904 
and 1905. In 1906 only about 7,000 were released, and in 1907 only 
about 4,000, This lessening of the number of rejections in previous 
years must find its echo in the lessening number of young bulls 
apparent several years thereafter. 

PURPOSE OF BREEDING RESERVATION. 

Since 1904 an annual reservation has been made of 1,000 3-year- 
old males, together with 1,000 2-year-old males designed to insure a 
supply of 3-year-olds the season following. The purpose of this 
reservation is to supply young males in sufficient numbers to meet 
the heavy death rate which has been demonstrated by experience 
to occur among adult rookeiy bulls. The heavy mortality among 
this class of fur seals has been apjiarent in the steady decrease in the 
number of bulls present on rookeries during observations extending 
over 10 years. To check this decrease, by providing a sufficient 
increment of young bulls, was the object of the plan of reserving 
young male seals bv marking them in such manner as to prevent their 
being killed by clubbers on the sealing fields. 

During the six years from 1904 to 1909, both inclusive, 12,000 young 
males have been so reserved. Of these, 6,000 were 2-year-olds and 
6,000 3-year-olds at the time of reservation. As those seals reserved 
in 1904 and 1905 now would be coming upon the rookeries as breed- 
ers, it is both interesting and desirable that we should form an idea 
of the number of these young bulls we should expect to appear upon 
the rookeries. 

Any attempt to compute the number of reserved 2-year-olds w^hich 
might survive as breeders would be futile, the mark put upon them 
not being permanent and protecting them only for the first year. 
These 2-year-olds were reserved solely for the purpose of insuring a 
supply of 3-year-olds the next year and to prevent too close killing. 
It was understood at the time the plan w^as inaugurated that the 
2-year-olds would be liable to be killed the following year. Their 
exemption from slaughter as 2-year-olds, however, would insure their 
presence the next year as 3-year-olds, and these latter w^ere depended 
upon to form the actual breeding reserve. For this reason, therefore, 
in attempting to compute the probable increase, only the reservation 
of 3-year-olds should be considered and not that of the 2-year-olds, 
the reservation of which acts merely as a "feeder" to that of the 
3-year-olds. 



768 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



The 3-year-olds, on the other hand, become 4-year-olds the next 
year, the killing of which is prohibited by regulation. Thereafter 
they are too large to be killed by the clubbers. Few of them, in fact, 
appear later upon the field, but instead frequent the rookery fronts 
worrying the cows. This class of young males, therefore, we may 
safely attempt to follow through succeeding years and to estimate 
what number might be expected to appear from year to year there- 
after. 

INCREASE OP BULLS THROUGH RESERVATIONS. 

During the six years mentioned 6,000 3-year-olds were reserved for 
breeding, 1,000 each year. To follow their progress through the 
years following, allowance should be made for a 10 per cent mortality 
from natural causes. What mortality they sull'er from pelagic seal- 
ing, although severe, need not be dealt with here, as our object merely 
is to decide how many of these bachelors under normal conditions 
might be expected to mature as bulls. 

A table constructed on this basis follows: 

Increment of hulls from breeding reservations. 



Age. 


1904 


1905 


1906 


1907 


1908 


1909 


3-year-olds 

4-year-ol(is 


; 1,000 


1,000 
900 


1,000 
900 
810 


1,000 
900 
810 
729 


1,000 

900 1 
810 1 
729 i 
647 


1,000 
900 




810 






729 








647 


Adult bulls ' 








583 















From this table we can see that, theoretically, we should have in 
1909, from the reservations of 3-year-olds made in 1904 and 1905, an 
increment of 583 adult, or 8-year-old bulls, and 647 7-year-olds, or 
quitters. This does not mean, of course, that the number of bulls 
present in 1908 would be increased by the number of new bulls noted 
above. A number of the 1908 bulls would have died by the follo^ving 
year. It means that tliis number of young bulls would be available 
to offset the mortality among adult bulls occurring during the interval 
between the seasons of 1908 and 1909. Any increase in bulls noted 
in the latter year would represent the excess of incoming young bulls 
over the loss by death of old bulls. 

It will now be interesting to note to what degree this theoretical 
computation agrees with the facts as demonstrated by the actual 
counts made during the last season. The table shows that 583 new 
full-grovvm bulls should be present in 1909. The count of harems 
made in 1909 shows that the number of harems in 1908 has been 
maintained and that we have in 1909 an increase of 35 harems on the 
two islands, and of 48 full-grown adult bulls that were without 
cows, a net increase in adult bulls of 83, in addition to an increase of 
67 in the 7-year-old quitter class. 

This actual increase in the number of bulls shows that the theoret- 
ical computation is correct in so far as to indicate a comfortable 
increase in bulls in 1909. The number of these new bulls that did 
actually take station on the rookeries is undeterminable, and to that 
extent we can not verify the table. We do know that a number of 
young bulls had harems in 1909 for the first time, and that these 



\ 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 769 

incoming young bulls were sufficient not only to fill the gaps created 
by the death of old bulls but to increase the actual number apparent 
on the rookeries by 83 harem masters and idle. When we consider 
further the increase of 67 quitters, or 7-year-olds, a total increase of 
150 breeding males, we may feel that we have received, in a modified 
degree at least, the benefit of the reservations which the theoretical 
computation indicates sliould have been felt. 

Of course, not a few individuals of the reservations of 1904 and 
1905 were killed by pelagic sealers. Those of 1904 now living had 
to elude the efforts to capture them in the sea made during a period 
of six years. The cumulative eft'ect of six years' sea hunting upon 
a given class of animals, such as these young males released in 1904, 
must be severe enough to deplete the original number materially. 
No one will claim that of the original 1,000 3-year-olds released in 
1904 all came through to adult estate with a loss attributable only 
to natural mortality. Quite a large percentage died from pelagic 
sealing, but enough escaped the vicissitudes of seal hfe not only to 
fill all the places made vacant by the deaths of old bulls, but to 
reenforce that class to the point of actual expansion. 

Notwithstanding the assured success of tliis experiment of reserving 
young males, it may be claimed that the result should have been more 
pronounced, or, in other words, that more bulls should have appeared 
than actually did. Theoretically more should have appeared, but 
our theories are based upon the knowledge of only a few facts con- 
nected with seal life after the seals leave the land. What the actual 
mortality is among these animals from their natural enemies and 
pelagic sealing can not be ascertained, but undoubtedly it is large. 
From the experiment we have learned simply that a reservation of 
2,000 bachelors will not deliver the entire number on the rookeries 
as bulls five years hence, and that, if we want more bulls than actually 
appeared, we must have a larger reservation. 

SIZE OF RESERVATION TO EFFECT INCREASE IN BULLS. 

In 1904 there were approximately 2,300 adult bulls on the rook- 
eries, and in that year the first reservation of 1,000 3-year-olds was 
made. No account is taken of the 1,000 2-year-olds made at the 
same time, for the reason already given that these latter are always 
liable to be killed the succeeding year on land and were reserved for 
the purpose merely of insuring a supply of 3-year-olds for the next 
year's reservation. 

These 1,000 3-year-olds represented nearly 50 per cent of the 
number of active breeding bulls present in 1904. When the years 
necessary for their full growth had passed, it is found that the incre- 
ment of the survivors of this 50 per cent reservation was sufficient 
only to form a slight excess over the number of bulls present the 
preceding year. In other words, it is found that a reservation equal 
to 50 per cent of the adult bulls present was hardly more than enough 
to meet the drains from the usual mortality among rookerj^ bulls. 

From these facts, hardl}^ sufficient though they be, we might deduce 
the tentative principle to be observed in future, should further effort 
be made by reservation of 3-year-oJds to meet and check a steady 

2403— H. Doc. 93, 62-1 49 



770 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



decrease in rookery bulls, namei}^, that such reservation must equal 
at least 50 per cent of the adult bulls in existence at the time the 
reservation is first made. 



CHANGE IN HAREMS BY ROOKERIES. 

We have seen from the foregoing that an increase of 9 harems 
occurred on vSt. Paul Island and of 26 on St. George Island. This 
increase represents a percentage of only eight-tenths of 1 per cent 
on St. Paul and of over 10 per cent on St. George. The counts dis^ 
close an increase upon all the rookeries on St. George excepting one, 
and that one, Little East, is the same as in 1908, while on St. Paul 
only 1 of the 4 large rookeries (Gorbatch) shows any increase what- 
ever. With this single exception, such increase on St. Paul as did 
occur took place on the smaller rookeries. 

A count of the bulls on all rookeries in 1908 and 1909, with a state- 
ment of the changes occurring during the interval, follows: 

Count of bulls on all rookeries, 1908 and 1909. 



Rookeries. 


Harem. 


Increase 
(+)or 


1908 


1909 


decrease 


St. Paul: 


8 

200 
42 
6 
44 
88 
20 
13 

237 
16 
24 
36 

148 

64 

10 

3 

103 

5 
20 
41 
41 
40 
94 


11 

184 
51 
7 
41 
87 
25 
12 

229 
19 
23 
42 

147 

62 

11 

2 

118 

5 
25 
42 
42 
44 
109 


+ 3 


Reef 


-16 




+ 9 




+ 1 




- 3 


Tolstoi 


- 1 


Tolstoi Cliffs 


+ 5 




- 1 




- 8 




+ 3 


Polavina Cliffs 


- 1 




+ 6 




- 1 




- 2 




+ 1 


Gorbatch Cliffs 


- 1 




+15 


St. George: 

Little East 




East Reef 


+ 5 


East Clifls 


+ 1 




+ 1 




+ 4 


North 


+ 15 







This fact, that the rookeries on St. George Island show increase in 
bolls in a marked degree, is strongl}^ corroborative of the tentative 
conclusion advanced by me in 1908, that the continued disturbance 
of seals in the water afiout St. Paul Island by the pelagic sealers has 
had the effect of driving off seals to the other island, where they suffer 
but little annoyance from the sealers. In 1908 the change in the 
habits of the bachelors in hauling on the Reef, where they were least 
disturbed, in preference to Northeast Point, where two-thirds of the 
fleet gathered, was plainly noticeable. This year the fleet gathered 
mainly off Southwest Point, and as a result no large drives were made 
from the Reef, as was the case in the two years preceding, while as 
many bachelors were found at Northeast Point as at any other rookery. 
This situation in 1909 is more a return to normal than a change, 



I 



I 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



771 



but indicates that seals can be influenced in hauling by conditions 
extraneous to their normal environment. 

The cause of the fact that the increase in bulls on St. Paul occurred 
only on smaller rookeries excepting one, might he in the fact that on 
the smaller rookeries the young bulls had a better opportunity of 
lodgment close to the cows than on the larger ones, where the average 
h;u-em was smaller. 

COUNTS OF PUPS AND AVERAGE HAREM. 

Counts of pups were made last summer on several rookeries with 
the object of determining whether or not the breeding females have 
diminished, as well as the size of the average harem, by means of 
which estimates of the whole number of breeding cows on the two 
islands might be made. 

St. Paul Island. — Counts of pups were made upon certain rookeries 
on St. Paul in 1909 and are detailed in the follomng table: 

Counts of pups on rookeries of St. Paul Island, 1909. 



Date. 



Rookeries. 



Live 
pups. 



Dead 
pups. 



Total. 



1909. 
Aug. 2 
2 
4 
4 
4 



Ketovi 

Amphitheater 

Lagoon 

Tolstoi Clifls.. 
Zapadni Reef. 

Total... 



1,669 
246 
693 

1,397 
309 



4,314 



1,729 
250 
715 

1,452 
319 



4,465 



It was originally my purpose to count the pups on only Ketovi 
and Amphitheater, omitting all other rookeries, to avoid driving into 
the water any greater number of breeding cows than necessary. 
Counts of other rookeries were made, however, at the request of 
Mr. G. A. Clark, special representative of the Bureau of Fisheries, 
for comparison of their present condition with their status in 1897, 
when the pups thereon were counted by the fur-seal commission. 

The rookeries on which pups were counted on St. Paul in 1909 con- 
tained 106 harems at the height of the breeding season. As 4,465 
live and dead pups were found on the same area, and as each pup 
represents a breeding cow, each harem on this space would have on 
an average 42.1 cows. 

This represents, as has been stated, an average harem based on the 
entire count of pups made. The average harems on the individual 
rookeries vary greatly. The average harem on Zapadni Reef is 29, 
while that on Lagoon is 59.5. Tolstoi Cliffs, on which 1,452 pups 
were found, had an average harem of 58. 



m 



SEAL. ISLANDS OF AL,ASKA. 



For convenience, the average harem on each rookery on which pups 
were counted is given below: 

Average harems on rookeries on St. Paul Island. 



Rookeries. 



Live and 
dead 
pups. 



Hareins. 



Average 
harem. 



Ketovi and Amphitheater 

Lagoon 

Tolstoi Cliffs 

Zapadni Reef 

Total 



1,979 
715 

1,452 
319 



34.1 
59.5 
58.0 
29.0 



4,465 



106 



42.1 



On St. Paul in 1908 the pups on Ketovi and Amphitheater only 
were counted. For this reason, comparison between the counts in 
1908 and 1909 can be made only for these rookeries. Such compari- 
son shows : 

Comparison of counts of pups, St- Paul, 1908 and 1909. 









Dead 
pups. 




Year. 


Rookeries. 


Live 
pups. 


Total. 


1908 


Ketovi and Amphitheater 


1,877 
1,915 


83 
64 


1,960 


1909 


. .do 


1,979 
















19 













The difference between the number of pups embraced in these two 
counts is 19, representing an increase in 1909. This indicates that 
practically no change has occurred in the numbers of cows on this 
rookery between the years 1908 and 1909. 

St. George Island. — A count of pups was made in 1909 on North 
rookery on St. George as has been done for several years. 

Counts of pups on St. George Island, 1908 and 1909. 



Yeaf. 


Rookeries. 


Live 
pups. 


Dead 
pups. 


Total. 


1909 


North 


3,679 
3,969 


105 
154 


3,784 


1908 


.. .do 


4,123 






Decrease . . 












339 













The count for 1909 shows that a decrease has occurred in the number 
of pups on that rookery since 1908 amounting to 339, or 8 per cent. 

Using the same methods as were employed in determining the aver- 
age harem on St. Paul Island, it is found that the average harem on 
North rookery, St. George Island, in 1909 was 34.7 (109 harems, 
3,784 cows). 

Had the pups on other rookeries on St. George Island been counted, 
a different average harem would have been obtained. While North 
and Staraya Artel rookeries have remained practically stable in 
numbers for several years, the area covered by the breeding seals on 
Zapadni, St. George Island, is less this year than formerly, in addition to 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



773 



which only 1,100 cows were counted there at the height of the season of 
1909, whereas over 1,500 were counted there on the same date in 1906. 
This shows that a decrease in breeding cows occurred there during that 
period. So also those counts of cows on East rookery have shown a 
steady diminution. If, therefore, the estimate of the average harem 
on St. George had been based upon counts of North and Zapadni or 
North, Zapadni, and East, it is certain that a diiferent result would 
have been obtained. 

For the last three years, however, it has been the practice to 
count only Ketovi rookery on St. Paul and North rookery on St. 
George to obtain an average harem to be used for purposes of esti- 
mation. Should we discard this method in 1909 there would be no 
opportunity to make a comparison between this and preceding years. 
For comparison, therefore, the pup count of Ketovi on St. Paul and of 
North on St. George will be used to determine the average harems of 
both islands to compute the number of breeding cows. The average 
harems on those rookeries, as already stated, are Ketovi, 34.1 ; North, 
34.7. 

It can thus be seen that the average harems on these two rookeries 
which have been accepted heretofore as typical of all differ but slightly 
in the size. 



NUMBER OF BREEDING COWS. 



It was found that there were 1,071 harems on St. Paul and 267 
on St. George. Applying the average harems above mentioned to 
the w^hole number of harems on the two islands, we have the following 
as an estimated census of breeding cows : 

Estimated number of breeding cows, 1909. 



Island. 


Average 
harem. 


Total 
harems. 


Whole 
number 
of breed- 
ing cows. 


St. Paul 


34.1 
34.7 


1,071 
267 


36, 521 


St. George \ 


9,265 




Total 




1,338 


45,786 







Contrast with 1908. — Using the rookery of Ketovi as typical of 
conditions on the whole of St. Paul Island, we may contrast the 
estimate of cows given above with that made bv the same method 
in 1908., 

In that year Ketovi contained 48 harems and 1,960 pups, affording 
an average harem of 40.8. As 1,062 harems were found on the 
entire island, the application of the average harem of 40.8 would 
produce a total of 43,329 breeding cows. On St. George, the typical 
rookery. North, had 94 harems and 4,123 pups, giving an average 
harem of 43.8. As there were 241 harems on the entire island, an 
estimate of the entire number of breeding cows on that island 
based upon the average harem obtained as above, w^ould give 10,555. 
For the two islands, therefore, in 1908, by the methods of estimation 
outlined above, there was in 1908 a total of 53,884 breeding cows. 



774 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Since 45,786 cows were estimated to be present in 1909 and 53,884 
in 1908, it would appear that a decrease of 8,098 cows, or 15 per cent, 
has occurred during the year. 

DIFFERENT BASES OF ESTIMATION. 

This estimate of breeding cows, as has been stated, is based upon 
the size of an average harem obtained by counting the pups on only 
one rookery on each island. It may be granted that nad another 
rookery on either island been selected as typical an entirely different 
result would have been obtained. This may be seen readily by a 
scrutiny of the average harems on the various rookeries on St. Paul 
on which pups were counted in 1909. As it is, the Ketovi rook- 
ery average harem of 34.1 represents a fair mean between the highest 
and the lowest averages obtained by counting other rookeries, and 
might fairl}" be taken as typical of the entire island when considering 
the size of the average harem. The fact that the average harem 
may be made to vary greatly by the selection of other rookeries is 
cited, however, to show that the estimate made is open to criticism 
on the ground of uncertainty as to its accuracy. If, instead of con- 
structing an estimate based upon an average harem and contrasting 
that estimate with one made m the same manner the previous year, 
we were to take the percentage of decrease shown by an actual 
count of pups on certain rookeries, it is believed that a more accurate 
idea would be obtained as to the changes occurring in the breeding 
cows. 

In observing the decrease in seal life it has appeared that certain 
rookeries, or rather portions of rookeries, either show a smaller rate 
of decrease than others, or in some instances do not show any decrease 
at all, while others do. We may take it from this that certain locali- 
ties are focal points in the breeding areas, attracting the breeding 
seals more than others. Around these central points the animals 
gather instinctivel}'", while those that can not obtain lodgment thereon 
spread to one side or the other. So, also, when the rookery space 
occupied retracts by depletion of the herd the spaces on either side 
of these focal points are first deserted and the herd converges upon 
the places which seem most desirable as breeding grounds. 

Owing to the decrease in the herd during the last few years, oppor- 
tunity has been offered to ascertain the points more desired by 
breeding seals. On these places the diminution has been less appar- 
ent than at others, or the diminution between particular years has 
amounted to nothing at all. We have seen that Ketovi rookery 
for several years has shown scarcely any loss, while portions of other 
rookeries have been virtually eliminated or reduced to skeletons of 
their former aspect. Lukanin rookery, for instance, immediately 
adjacent to Ketovi, has had four-fifths of its breeding area denuded, 
and such breeding seals as are left gather only on the hill at the 
southern extremity. Portions of Gorbatch rookery are deserted, 
leaving such seals as are there at the central portion, approximatel;^, 
and the extreme west end. Polavina rookeries have retracted until 
practically all seals are at Polavina Point. Northeast Point rookery 
has retracted from the ends toward the center. Zapadni rookery 
has receded toward its central massed areas, leaving the bowlder 
beach line of Zapadni Reef almost bare of seal life. Ketovi rookery 



SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 775 

itself has abandoned that portion which abuts Black Bluffs, but after 
rounding Ketovi Point tlie breeding seals there seemed to have 
maintained their numbers with little or no decrease. 

Likewise, on St. George Island, North rookery seems to be a 
favored spot that attracts breeding seals to the exclusion of other 
rookeries. It has shown little decrease, or rather a more gradual 
decrease, than East rookery and its outlying areas and Zapadni 
rookery, which seem to have suffered such loss in breeding seals 
has occurred on St. George in recent years. 

It can be seen, then, that the loss among breeding seals is greater 
in some areas than otliers, and that the least decrease has occurred 
on Ketovi and North rookeries, the ones chosen as typical. Since 
this is the case it would seem proper that the loss m seal life should 
be sought where it really occurs and not upon those rookeries that 
are shown to have remamed stable in numbers or on which the rate of 
decrease is slower than upon others. Consequently, judgment as to 
the condition of the rookeries m general should be based not upon 
conditions on one rookery alone and upon that rookery in particular 
which shows least change. The data upon which it is to be formed 
should be gathered from other localities as well upon which changes 
have occurred. Only in this wa}^, in my belief, can a correct idea 
be formed as to changes in the number of seals present. It would, 
of course, mvolve extended counting and this means unwonted dis- 
turbance of the breeding cows. For this reason it should not be 
done every year. But at intervals of five years, for example, an 
extended count of pups should be made on each island and from the 
data thus obtained should be made an esthnate of the number of 
breeding cows in the herd 

Disturbance of the rookeries in itself means no harm, provided it 
is not constant. No harm to the cows follows directly from the act 
of their being disturbed and driven oft' their breeding ground. Harm 
does come, however, when such driving occurs in connection witli tlie 
presence of over 100 small boats filled with men armed with s]iot- 
guns, waiting as close to shore as they may come, ready to shoot the 
seals that are driven off the rookeries. Wliile sucli a raenace is 

E resent; ordinary prudence dictates that the seals on shore should not 
e disturbed unless it is desired to augment the pelagic catch from 
the breeding cows that represent the very life of the herd. 

In the interval between these suggested five-year counts no serious 
effort need be made to count the seals. Inspection of tlie area occu- 
pied would disclose in a general way whether any radical change in 
the numbers liad occurred, and this could be done wdthout disturbance. 
The Government coidd well afford to sacrifice some of its minute data 
regarding seal life to the greater consideration of saving the lives of 
many breeding cows each year by refraining from driving tliem 
within reach of the pelagic fleet. 

CONCLUSIOlf AS REGARDS BREEDING COWS. 

It may be accepted as a fact that a decrease in breeding cows has 
occurred since 1908. The retraction of the breeding seals from the 
places formerly occupied and the actual count of pups on North 
rookery demonstrate this. The fact that Ketovi rookery on St. Paul 
does not show a decrease from 1908 must indicate either that the 



776 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

numbers on this particular rookery have beeii maintained through 
accessions of cows from other less attractive rookeries, or that pelagic 
sealing had less efltect upon the cows fre(|uen ting, this rookery than 
upon others. 

From sucli datii as we liave on hand at present, which have already 
been detailed, it will be safe to conclude that the decrease in breed- 
ing cows varies between 10 and 15 per cent. It may be safe, further- 
more, to estimate that the whole number of breeding cows how 
embraced in tlie herd is in the neigliborhood of 45,000, varjnng sev- 
eral thousand oh one side or the other because of the necessary 
amount of conjecture used in making the estimate. 

NONRETURN OF COWS AFTER DISTURBANCE, 

Upon the occasion of the counting of pups on Lagoon rookery last 
summer coimt was made of the coWs on tliat rookery before they were 
disturbed and driven off by the approach of the pup counters. Oh 
that date (August 4) 320 cows were present. Daily, for a week there- 
after, this rookery was revisited and the cows recounted, the object 
being to ascertain whether after being driven off into the Water the 
cows returned to the rookery in anything like the number preseh't 
before the disturbance. 

The series of counts made justifies the conclusion that aft^i- having 
been so disturbed the cows do not return in the same numbers a's 
before the clearing off of the rookery. A list of the counts of co\^s 
follows : 

August 4 320 

August 5 204 

August 6 190 

August 7 164 

August 8 193 

August 9 163 

August 10 148 

August 11 152 

This shows that on the day after this rookery was first disturbed 116 
cows had failed to return and in all probability had gone to sea. At 
no time thereafter were there as many cows found on the rookery 
as when they were first driven off. We must conclude from this 
that driving off of cows from a rookery increases the number at sea 
which may be killed by pelagic sealers and that, under present con- 
ditions, disturbance of the rookeries in the manner indicated has the 
effect virtually of increasing the pelagic catch. 

CENSUS OF SEAL HERD, 

In making a census of seals in the whole herd only the adult sta- 
tioned bulls are actually counted, together with a small number of 
pups. By means of the latter an average harem is established, to be 
used in estimating the number of pups and breeding cows. This, 
however, lias already been explained. All other seals in the herd 
can be enumerated only by estimation based upon such facts con- 
cerning their numbers as we may be able to gather. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 777 

ESTIMATE OF HALF BULLS. 

Records ke])t. of the dismissal of large seals from the killing o;roimds 
sl\ow that 1 ,770 large young males were turned away on both islands. 
Observations made heretofore by me, based upon the percentage of 
return of 3-year-old males, suggest strongly that not more than 50 
per cent of the half bulls appeared upon the hauling grounds, the 
other half hanging about the rookeries worrying the cows. This indi- 
cates that the number of half bulls appearing in the drives should be 
doubled in endeavoring to arrive at the whole number. If we double 
those seen in the drives in 1P09 we would have 3,550 as an estimate of 
the young males in the herd too young to hold positions on the breed- 
ing rookeries, but too old to be killed for skins. 

ESTIMATE OP YOUNG SEALS. ' 

In 1907 the census of seals gave the number of new-born pups as 
50,825. Of these one half were males and the other half females. 
These pups of 1907 would be 2-year-olds in 1909. 

By the usual process of estimation the 25,000 male pups in 1907 
would return to the islands in 1 909 to the number of 10, 1 65. Approxi- 
mately S,000 of tliese were killed by the lessee in 1909, leaving 2,165 
surviving at the close of the season. 

The female 2-vear-olds bv this process would number 10,165 in 
1909. 

The yearlings in 1909 would number approximately 12,000, divided 
equally between the sexes. 

Of the 3-year-old bachelors, 1,000 were reserved for breeding in 
1909. In addition to these some few escaped driving. A fair esti- 
mate of the number of tliis class would be 1,200. 

STATISTICS OF SEAL LIFE IN 1909. 

From the foregoing we may construct the following census of 
seal life at the close of the sealing season of 1909: 

Bulls, active with harems 1, 132 

Bulls, idle and quitters 256 

Half bulls 3,550 

3-year-old bachelors 1, 200 

2-year-old bachelors 2, 165 

Yearling bachelors 12, 000 

Male pups 22, 882 

Breeding cows 45, 765 

2-year-old cows 10, 165 

Yearling cows 12, 000 

Female pups 22, 882 

Total 133, 997 

This total is an approximation, based upon such limited knowledge 
of the numbers of the seal herd as we possess. There are certain 
classes of seals which it is highly impracticable to count accurately, 
as, for instance, the entire body of the new-born pups. There are 
other classes impossible to coimt, as the yearlings, half bulls, and 
adult cows, some of which are always in the water. These facts all 
result in forcing the enumerator of the seal herd to resort to estima- 
tion in arrivins: at their numbers. 



778 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



The result of experience has been to show that pre"STous censuses 
made in the manner adopted in 1909 have been inexact in sliowing 
fewer seals than actually were in existence. This probably will be 
the ca.^e wdtii the census of 1909. It is altogether probable that the 
estimates of the bachelors made by me in 1909 are too low, due to 
the allowance of a higlier death rate than actuall}^ occurs among 
them. 

DEAD PUPS. 

In October, 1908, and again in 1909, counts were made of dead 
pups on the various rookeries on St. Paul Island. These counts were 
made in some instances by myself or assistant agents and in others 
by intelhgent natives detailed by me. The count follows: 

Dead pups, St. Paul Island. 





1908 


1909 


» 


Dead. 


Starving. 


Lagoon 


4 

152 

287 

36 

17 

77 

1 

245 

24 

701 

4 

183 

309 

45 


15 
104 
440 

77 

10 
117 

10 
319 

33 
881 

17 
270 




Tolstoi Clifls 


6 


Tolstoi 


14 


Ketovi 


2 








8 


Gorbatch Clifls 


1 


Gorbatch 


12 


Ardiguen . . 


2 


Reef. . 


24 






Little Zapadni 


6 


Zapadni 


426 


18 


Polavina 


131 ! 7 




52 
36 
722 
126 


2 


Little Polavina . . 


4 
854 




Northeast Point . . 


17 


Sea Lion Rock. . 


6 








Total 


3,003 


3,786 


125 







In 1908, with approximately 50,000 births, 3,000 dead pups were 
found in October of that year on St. Paul alone. What the death 
rate was on St. George is impossible to determine, as foxes eat the 
dead pups' bodies immediately after death. Furthermore, the 
bodies of such pups as die early in the season have by October 
almost entirely disintegrated, and can not be seen when counting is 
done late in the faU. In 1909, wdth a diminished herd of cows, more 
dead pups were counted than in 1908. We must beheve that 
mortality among pups w^as greater in 1909 than in 1908, caused, 
undoubtedly, by increased pelagic sealing, and tliat such mortality 
while the pups are on land is in the neighborhood of 10 per cent. 

On August 12 the dead pups on Tolstoi sand flat were counted, 
with a view of finding uncinariated pups. All seals on the flat 
were driven off. We found thereon 271 dead pups. Of these, 151 of 
the freshly dead plainly were starved. Of the remainder, the most 
were so rotten that not only could no dissection be made, but it was 
impossible to tell in any way the cause of death. Of those freshly 
dead, seven autopsies were made. Three of these plainly indicated 
starvation, the autopsies being made merely to verify that fact. 
Two dead pups w^ere found with an abundance of subcutaneous fat 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



779 



and with stomachs full of milk. The flesh was anemic and pale. 
Areas of inflammation were found in the small intestines of each. 
These areas were dissected, but no worms were found there. In the 
appendix of one of these pups, however, and in the small intestine 
several inches from the appendix, a number of worms from one-half 
to 1 incli in length and of the thickness of a thin hair was found. 
These were preserved, together with the entire small intestine, for 
further study. Portions of the intestines of all pups dissected were 
preserved. One pup was found which, although emaciated in 
appearance, was found to have a small layer of subcutaneous fat. 
The feces in this case were dark but not tarry in the large intestine. 
Another dead pup was found with, pale excrescent kidneys of very 
iiTegular form. Mr. Chichester believed the evidence in tliis case 
to point to fatty degeneration. The bowels and other organs of tliis 
animal were normal. 

All specimens of intestines and worms found upon this occasion 
were forwarded to the Bureau of Fisheries, but as yet no microscopic 
examination of them has been made. 

As the result of the examination of the Tolstoi sand flat, it was 
found that over half the dead pups plainly had died of starvation; 
that of the remainder, which included all the wholly rotten pups, 
only a few were found whose death could be ascribed to uncinaria. 
Whatever may have been the death rate from uncinaria in previous 
years, it is certain that its effect at the present time is almost 
nothing. 

EFFECT OF PELAGIC CATCH UPON LAND CATCH. 

The effect of the pelagic catch is supposed to be felt directly by 
the breeding herd. Pelagic catches are supposed to consist mainly 
of breeding females. If the pelagic catch is heavy, fewer females 
are supposed to appear on the islands; if hght, more females will be 
present. If more females appear, the births will be increased and more 
bachelors be present two years later as 2-year-olds. As the lessee's 
catch, except for the years 1904-1908, has been composed mainly of 
2-year-olds, it would be supposed that the effect of a heavy sea 
catch would be felt two 3''ears later in a decreased catch of bachelors 
on land. 

An examination of the land and pelagic catches for a series of years, 
however, fails to show such a close connection between the land and 
sea catches as would be supposed. The following table contains the 
pelagic and land catches from 1900 to date: 

Pelagic and land catches of seals, 1900 to 1909, inclitsive. 



Year. 


Pelagic 
catch. 


Land 
catch. 


Year. 


Pelagic 
catch. 


Land 
catch. 


1900 


35,191 
24,050 
22,812 
27,000 
29,006 


22,470 
22,672 
22,380 
19,292 
13,128 


1905 


25,320 
21,236 
16,036 
18,151 


14,368 


1901 


1906 


14,476 


1902 


1907 


14,964 


1903 


190S 


14,996 


1904 


1909 


14,336 













It can be seen from this table that a heavy pelagic catch (35,191) 
occurred in 1900, yet the land catch of 1902 was within a hundred 
of what it was in 1900. We find a heavy pelagic catch in 1903 



780 SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

(27,000), yet the land catch of 1905 seems not to have decreased to 
any appreciable extent when we consider the restrictions upon land 
killing m that year and the number of bachelors released for breeding. 
The pelagic catch of 1904 increased to 29,000, and we have found _a 
decrease in the number of bachelors present in 1906, although this 
might have been merely a coincidence. We find in 1905 still a large 
pelagic catch (25,320), but we have already stated that the number 
of bachelors present in 1907 was greater than the preceding year. 
In 1907, on the other hand, we had a small pelagic catch (16,000), 
but, notwithstanding this, the number of bachelors in 1909 was 
smaller than ever before, when, according to theory, there should 
have been more bachelors present than formerly. 

The effect of pelagic sealing is cumulative and twofold ; it diminishes 
not only the number of 2-year-old seals appearing two years there- 
after, but also the number of seals in general appearing during the 
year itself. Those females killed in the spring off the northwest coast 
of course do not reach the rookeries, thereby decreasing the number 
of breeding seals in that year. This means a decreased number 
of pups born and of 2-year-old seals appearing two years later, but 
the effect is felt also in the year in which the pelagic catch is made. 

For this reason it is hard to attribute a decrease in bachelor or 
other seals occurring in any year specifically to the pelagic killing 
of any former year. Should the pelagic catches be greater, the herd 
will decrease; if they become less, the herd will remain stationary or 
will increase, but it is not possible, in the hght of present knowledge, 
to trace a reduction in bachelors exactly to the pelagic catch of any 
one year, although the effect must be felt sooner or later. 

FOXES. 

ST. GEORGE ISLAND.' 

In point of numbers the fox catch this year was extremely unsatis- 
factory, being smaller than at any time since 1904-5. There can 
be little doubt, however, that this falling oft" was due not to any 
diminution of the herd but to the peculiar conditions of the weather. 
There was practically no snow on the ground up to February 1, 
while during the latter part of November, the whole of December, 
and the greater part of January, the entire trapping season, in short, 
rain fell constantly, the beaches were open, and vast congregations 
of sea quail, sometimes acres in extent, covered the sea in close 
proximity to the land. Numbers of these birds seemed to be suffering 
from some distemper, which rendered them helpless, and they were 
cast ashore, attracting the foxes to the beach instead of to the traps 
for food. It was only by constant trapping that the catch was saved 
from utter failure. 

Trapping was begun November 19, at 4 o'clock in the afternoon, 
and by 8 o'clock that night 234 foxes had been captured in the three 
traps, the largest catch handled in one night since the present method 
of trapping was established. Only one more large catch, of 74, was 
secured, however, the remainder of the total being secured in small 
lots. Early in February the foxes began to change color and lose 

1 The report on the foxes of St. George Island was prepared by Mr. II. D. Chichester, assistant agent in 
charge of that island during the season of 1908-9. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 781 

their fur in spots, and on February 12 so marked had these changes 
become that trapping was discontinued. 

During the seaHng season of 1908 all the carcasses of seals killed 
and not consumed by the natives were salted down for fox food, 
the company providing the necessary salt for the purpose. The 
company also furnished, as required by contract, 12 tons of salted 
fish. In addition to this there was a large amount of salt fish on 
hand from previous years. This, however, was not used, nor indeed 
was all that was supplied this season. 

The feeding of salt cod was begun October 5 and continued until 
November 17, when seal meat was added. During the month of 
October but little of the food put out was eaten. The foxes for some 
unknown reason do not take kindly to salted cod. This was remedied 
somewhat, however, by soaking a number of seal carcasses in each 
batch of cod, which treatment seemed to give a piquancy to the cod 
and render it more acceptable to the foxes. From December 28 to 
Januaiy 21, however, but a small fraction of the seal meat fed was 
eaten, and there were but very few days during the entire winter 
that the quantity of food put out was not in excess of that consumed. 

The supply of seal meat at the village became exhausted April 9, 
1909, but the feeding of cod continued daily until May 1, at which time 
the birds arrived in such numbers as to render further feeding unneces- 
sary. The total amount of food known to have been consumed by 
the foxes is as follows: 

Pounds. 

Salt cod 4, 146 

1,030 salt seal carcasses 25, 750 

Offal of 400 seals 4, 500 

Total 34, 396 

The total catch for the season was 779 blue and 10 white foxes. 
From these were selected for breeding purposes 198 blue males and 
223 blue females, leaving 230 blue males, 137 blue females, 4 white 
males, and 6 white females to be killed. The foxes selected for 
breeding were, without exception, the finest lot that have thus far 
come under my notice. No male weighing less than 10 pounds was 
saved, and no female of less than 7h pounds. Most of the males 
weighed 1 1 pounds or over, and by far the larger number of females 
tipped the scales at 8 pounds or over. No lame, blind, old, or 
decidedly off-color foxes were preserved. In fact, so rigid was this 
selection that the end of the season found the number saved for 
breeders considerably less than usual. This, however, seems to be of 
small moment, as the number of foxes that did not pass through 
the traps at all is this year unusually large. A dozen foxes have 
been counted about the village, half of which were not branded, and 
this seems to be about the ratio of branded to unbranded met with 
at various points about the island. 

But two dead foxes were found during the entire year. Autopsy 
failed to show cause of death. About a dozen mang}'^ foxes were 
observed. All of those that were caught were destroyed, and the rest 
unquestionably perished during the severe weather that prevailed in 
March and April. A fox denuded of its fur would have little chance 
to survive the terrible blizzards and cold of these months. 



782 SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Of the 367 blue and 10 white skins taken this year the company- 
accepted 357 blue and 10 white. Eight blue were rejected, and 2 
mangy skins that were absolutely worthless were destroyed. In 
payment for the skins accepted ($5 for each blue and $1 for each 
white) the sum of $1,795 has been credited on the company's books 
in favor of the native inhabitants of the islands and is available for 
their support. 

ST. PAUL ISLAND. 

While a slight increase in the number of foxes on St. Paul was 
noted, there were not enough present to justify trapping, although 
the natives were anxious to get some skins and spend the cash for 
firearms. The increase in foxes on this island since the epidemic 
of 1903 has been very slow. The fox herd here probably never will 
reach its former size unless such foxes as are on the island can be 
trained to gather at certain localities where they may be fed. Here- 
tofore, although attempts have been made, some more or less elab- 
orate, it was not possible to induce foxes on St. Paul to eat food 
thrown out for them. This being the case, they could not be gathered 
into herds or bodies, without which systematic feeding or trapping 
could not be accomplished. Last year, however, for some unex- 
plained reason, a number of foxes gathered about the village and 
readily ate salt salmon freshened in pure water and thrown out to 
them. 

On February 19 it was noted that whereas a lone fox had been 
acting as scavenger about the vUlage during the winter, on that date 
five were seen. Thereafter more than one fox could be seen con- 
stantly. In March, owing to the presence of drift ice and zero weather 
it was believed to be good policy to offer food to these foxes, and ac- 
cordingly some salt salmon having been obtained, about March 25 
(the exact date was not noted) some of it was freshened and thrown 
out. This disappeared, but rather slowly. On March 29 a second 
feeding was thrown out, consisting of six salmon. This was eaten. 
Previous to this date the quantity of food consumed each night had 
not been noted, but thereafter attention was paid to it. Salmon, sea- 
lion meat, and hog oft'al were supjjlied in var3dng quantities until May 
17, and were each time all or partially consumed. At the latter date 
feeding was discontinued, as birds were in abundance and the 
weather mild. Foxes increased in numbers about the village after 
feeding was begun. As many as 15 were seen at one time on the flat 
v^here the food was distributed. This is the first time these animals 
could be induced to congregate about the village and accept food. 
Perhaps the fact that the salmon was soaked in pure water instead 
of in sea water, as in previous attempts, made a difference. 

Further attempts v/ill be made this winter to congregate the foxes 
by feeding. During the sealing season some seal carcasses were 
buried to be used for fox food in winter. 

ADMINISTRATION OF LAWS. 
PELAGIC SEALING. 

The subject of pelagic sealing has been treated at such length by 
investigators in the past that it is needless here to reiterate state- 
ments showing its deadly eft'ect upon the seal herd. The laws of the 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 783 

United States in the matter have been piibhshed in Bureau of Fish- 
eries Document 732. 

Sealing fleet and catch.— The, pelagic fleet about the seal islands in 
1909 was composed of 23 Japanese and 5 Canadian schooners. Of 
these, 20 Japanese were boarded by our Revenue-Cutter Service on 
patrol and 3 additional by H. M. S. Algerine, assigned to the patrol by 
the British Government. The catch of the Japanese up to August 17, 
as reported to the boardmg officers, was 6,610. It is believed that 
their total catch for the season will approximate 10,000 and be equal 
at least to that of 1908. 

None of the five Canadian schooners which were granted licenses 
for sealing in 1909 were boarded by the patrol vessels after August 1, 
and it is believed that their operations were conducted far off the 
Pribilof Islands. Those that were boarded were in the neighborhood 
of the Semidis on June 23, when their masters stated their intention 
to visit the Commander Islands and later to seal in Bering Sea. As 
stated before, none were afterwards seen sealing by the patrol, 
although the Thomas F. Bayard put into Unalaska Harbor on August 
17, and her master stated his intention to seal thereafter about 200 
miles north and east of the Pribilofs. 

Authentic reports of the pelagic catch of 1909 are meager. No 
report from Japanese officials showing the 1909 catch of vessels flying 
that flag has been received. The United States consul at Victoria, in 
a telegram of November 10 last, informed the State Department that 
the official figures of the Canadian catch for 1909, complete, are as 
follows: British Columbia, coast, 1,493; outside area, 623; Bering 
Sea, 1,439; Indian catch, 187; total, 3,742. 

To this must be added a coast catch by Indians on the coast of the 
United States of 411, so far as now known. 

Seizures of sealing vessels. — On July 9 the revenue cutter Perry 
seized the Japanese schooner Tenyu Alaru, having captured one of 
her boats within the 3-mile limit, in which boat was the body of a 
fur seal recently shot. The schooner was taken to Unalaska and 
after a preliminary hearing before the United States commissioner 
at that place the master and crew, 17 men in all, were bound over to 
the grand jurj^ at Valdez for trial at the October session of the United 
States district court. They were transported to Valdez on the 
cutter Perry and given over to the United States marshal at that 
place on September 4 to await the action of the grand jury. The 
schooner was held at Unalaska. 

On September 2, at Walrus Island, about 7 miles from Northeast 
Point, two Japanese rowboats from the schooner Eun Maru, contain- 
ing six Japanese seamen, one fur seal, and complete sealing outfits, 
were seized b}^ Assistant Agent Judge and natives for sealing within 
the 3-mile limit. These six Japanese were delivered to the revenue 
cutter Bear, which took them to Unalaska. They were tried there 
before the United States commissioner and each sentenced to three 
months in jail and a fine of S200 and costs. A failure to pay the 
fuie and costs will extend the jail sentence to more than six months. 
The prisoners, after sentence, were sent, on September 30, on the 
revenue cutter Rush, to Valdez, where their sentences will be served. 

At the time of the capture the facts were at once reported to the 
captain commanding the cutter Bear, with a request that search be 
made for the schooner to which the boats belonged, and the appre- 



784 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

hension of her, if found. Although both the cutters Bear and 
Manning afterwards made such search, nothing thereafter was seen 
of the schooner, which clearly was liable to seizure. 

Numerous instances were reported by the native guards stationed 
on the rookeries of the approacn of small sealing boats close to shore, 
during the temporary absence of the patrolling cutters. On several 
occasions, during thick fog, the noise of the sealers' gunfire could be 
heard at the village plainly and almost incessantly for several days 
at a period. Because of the fog it v, as not possible to determine 
how close to shore the sealers were, but it is believed that they were 
within the 3-mile limit. On another occasion, while island boats 
manned by natives were fishing o.T vSt. Paul, they were surrounded 
in the fog by boats of the sealing fleet, the occupants of which were 
engaged in shooting at seals. The natives on tins occasion had some 
dilllculty in avoiding being shot by chance buckshot, which were 
flying in all directions about them. 

Locality of operation. — The sealing fleet, as heretofore, centered at 
St. Paul Island, to the virtual exclusion of St. George Island. Unlike 
last year, however, the main body of the fleet operated to the south- 
westward of the island, whereas in 190S the main body of the fleet 
hung o:;T Northeast Point, with only a smaller portion oiT Southwest 
Point. Several schooners remained at anchor for some weeks 
between St. Paul and St. George Islands. 

While the usual practice was for small boats to leave their vessels 
in the morning and to cruise all day in more or less haphazard fashion, 
it was noted that the crews of several adopted a much more systematic 
course. Their method was to ascertain the location of the 3-niile 
limit by bearings and to distribute themselves along this line_ \yith 
regular intervals between their boats. Maintaining these positions 
as nearly as possible, they waited for the seals to pass them while 
going to and from the islands. They carefully avoided entering the 
3-miTe limit, but they were equally careful to lie as close to it as per- 
missible, depending upon the transit of the seals through their line 
for victims rather than upon their own efforts to move about in 
search of the seals. As seals constantly are going back and forth to 
and from the rookeries, it is obvious that all will be obliged to pass 
over the line representing the 3-mile limit. Notable among the 
schooners observing this method was the Toyai Maru 2, the crew of 
which in 1006 landed upon Northeast Point rookery and killed about 
200 female seals. Tliis schooner employs white hunters and uses the 
Japanese only for boat pullers. As the result of usin^ only white 
hunters, this one vessel alone secured over 1,000 sealskins last summer. 

Revenue-cutter patrol. — The patrol furnished by the revenue cutters 
was never before so thorough and efi'ective as last summer. Rarely, 
if ever, w^as either island left without protection. One vessel was sta- 
tioned constantly at St. George and at least one and usually two 
about St. Paul. The two cutters at St. Paul divided the coast line 
between them and each made daily cruises over its territory. In 
addition, one made its station at Northeast Point, while the other 
made its base at the village, thus covering both extremes of the 
island. Under these conditions it was difficult for poachers to come 
inside the 3-mile limit except in thick fog, when their movements 
could not be observed, and when, in fact, it is my judgment, they did 
enter on several occasions. 



I 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 785 

The cutters also regularly conveyed mail to and from the islands, 
and such island passengers as had occasion to go. I visited St. 
George Island on business twice during the summer, through the 
courtesy of the captains of the Manning and Rush, respectively. 

Shore guard unnecessary. — The effective patrol maintained this 
summer demonstrates the lack of necessity of having a shore guard 
of marines in addition to that native guard already maintained by 
the agents. The undesirability of such guard could be demonstrated 
as readily. 

The proposition to station sailors ashore to act as guards to prevent 
violations of our laws carries with it the proposition to abandon the 
effective patrol by the cutters heretofore maintained and to relieve 
these cutters of the necessity of constant cruising or, in fact, of 
anchoring at the islands except occasionally. Dependence would 
be had thereafter for enforcement of our laws mainly upon the shore 
guard and not upon the patrol about the islands by the cutters 
themselves. 

To anyone familiar with the situation it is apparent that the pro- 
tection of the seal islands embraces two elements — namely, first, the 
protection of the rookeries themselves from actual invasion, and, 
second, the maintenance of the integrity of our 3-mile limit. With 
only a shore guard stationed upon land, it is obvious that the 3-mile 
limit w^ould be without protection, as the shore guard would not be 
upon the water, nor could it, on the treacherous shores of the seal 
islands, find landings when it desired to put off and apprehend 
marauders. 

The shore-guard proposition, therefore, w^ould amount virtually to 
an abandonment of the protection of our 3-mile limit and w^ould 
place the situation in about the same status as it was in 1906, when 
poachers could operate without interference within the limit and 
approach our shores at will. This situation would make a poacher 
of every sealer in the Japanese fleet; it would invite raids upon the 
rookeries themselves, and, however unsuccessful the latter might be, 
would provide such a source of friction between the two Governments 
as would constitute an ever-present menace to the stability of the 
good feeling now existing between them. 

It would be better policy, in my opinion, to continue the expense 
and trouble of the maintenance of the present effective patrol than 
to leave the islands without protection, except on land, where sum- 
mary punishment for raids could be administered. To prevent 
crime is better than to punish it after its commission. The present 
patrol now prevents invasion of our territory. To abandon this 
patrol and to substitute only a shore guard in its place is to remove 
this element of prevention and to invite violations of our laws in the 
hope that we might afterwards apprehend and punish the offenders. 

The present shore guard of natives uses great caution in moving 
about the rookeries to avoid disturbing the timid badielor seals, 
from which the take of skins is secured. A shore guard of marines 
on the rookeries, unacquainted with the habits of the seals, and 
unable to distinguish bachelors from breeding cows, would create 
and maintain such confusion on the rookeries as w^ould seriously 
interfere with the securing of the normal j^ield of skins. 

2403— H. Doc. 93, 62-1 50 



786 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



Furthermore, the presence of such a guard in the villages creates 
difficulties of an administrative nature which should be avoided. 
On the other hand, to station such a guard at or near the rookeries 
would occasion a constant disturbance of seal life which would be 
equally objectionable. I recommend that a shore guard on the 
islands be not permitted. 



AFFAIRS OF THE NATIVES. 



Census oj inhabitants. — A census of the islands for the year ended 
June 30, 1909, showed a total native population of 280. The individ- 
uals and groups composing this total may be classified as follows: 

, Native inhabitants of the Pribilof Islands, year ending June 30, 1909. 



Class. 


Number. 


Class. 


Number. 


St. Paul. 


St. George. 


St. Paul. 


St. George. 




41 

100 

93 

5 

16 


22 
43 
44 


Deaths 


5 
16 


5 




Net increase 






Net decrease 


1 




Total population 


193 


87 


Births 


4 











Schools. — As required by its lease, the North American Commercial 
Co. maintained on each island a school for children of the natives. 
The school year covered the period from September 1 to May 1, with 
five days of attendance each week, usual holida3"s excepted. On 
St. Paul Island the enrollment was 43; on St. George 21. Only the 
Knglish language was taught, with the usual common-school ele- 
mentary subjects. Except during the early part of the year, when 
an epidemic of mumps prevailed, the pupils were regular in attendance 
and made good progress. 

Puhlic health. — The general health on the islands during the year 
was good. An epidemic of mumps went through both islands during 
the fall of 1908, affecting nearly all the inhabitants, but without com- 
plications or serious effect. During the winter infants on both islands 
were attacked by impetigo contagioso, while the St. Paul population, 
including all the whites, were annoyed by scabies, or itch. This 
unpleasant disorder, the eradication of which requires rather heroic 
measures, still affects some of the St. Paul natives, who can not be 
prevailed upon to take the necessary arduous steps to stamp out 
the pest. 

Earnings. — The natives on St. Paul realized during the sealing 
season ended July 31, 1909, $8,386.50 from the taking of 11,054 
fur-seal skins, at 75 cents each, and 48 sea-lion skins, at $2 each. 
The St. George natives, during the same period, earned $2,485.50 
from the taking of 3,314 fur-seal skins, at $2 each, and $1,795 from 
357 blue-fox skins, at $5 each, and 10 white-fox skins, at $1 each. 
These sums, in conjunction with the appropriation of $19,500, make 
a total of $32,167 available for natives' support during the fiscal 
year ending June 30, 1910. 



I 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 787 

The amount was allotted between the two islands as follows: 

285 tons coal for both islands, at $20 per ton $5, 700 

St. Paul Island, 41 families 18,467 

St. George Island, 19 families 8, 000 

Total 32, 167 

In the above allotment was included an allowance of $650 for 
the purchase of potatoes and onions for the population of St. Paul. 
A similar allowance was not made for St. George, as the potatoes and 
onions necessary for that island were paid for from a small balance 
of funds unexpended from the previous year. 

In making the above allotment, the Government appropriation was 
apportioned as follows: 

Coal for both islands $5, 700. 00 

St. Paul Island, natives' support 10, 080. 50 

St. George Island, natives' support 3, 719. 50 

Total 19, 500. 00 

This arrangement, after payment of fixed charges, such as coal, 
potatoes, and onions, etc., represents a yearly per capita allotment 
for the 193 individuals on St. Paul of S91.81 and for the 87 inhabitants 
on St. George of $91.95. 

I have to report that the lessee faithfully performed all the obli- 
gations of its contract, paying especial attention to those portions 
thereof having reference to the care and welfare of the natives. 



Part II. Communications Relative to Revenue-Cutter Patrol. 

Treasury Department, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, February 3, 1909. 

The honorable Secretary of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C. 
Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith for your information 
copy of a report dated September 29, 1908, from Senior Capt. F. M. 
Munger, United States Revenue-Cutter Service, commanding the 
Bering Sea Fleet during the season of 1908, and extracts of reports 
from officers under his command, as to the efficiency of the present 
system of guarding the seal islands, and submitting recommendations 
in relation thereto. 

Respectfully, J. B. Reynolds, 

Acting Secretary. 

Unalaska, Alaska, 

September 29, 1908. 

The honorable the Secretary of the Treasury, 

Washington, D. G. 

Sir : I have the honor to submit the following relating to the more 
effective protection of the seal rookeries on the Pribilof Islands. 

The danger of raids is great, and the increasing number and activity 
of the Japanese sealers make the danger more serious each year. 



788 SEAL ISLANDS OP ALASKA. 

That danger and the known inefficient guard of natives has been a 
source of great anxiety this season. 

To properly lay the matter before the department I requested the 
commanding officers of the patrol fleet to outline their veiws as to 
the efficiency of the guard of natives maintained near the rookeries, 
and what, in their opinion, was the best means of securing these rook- 
eries from danger. 

Their reports are herewith inclosed and I concur in their opinions 
and woulcl recommend that a guard of commissioned and enlisted 
force be stationed on the islands next year; and that a wireless sta- 
tion be installed on shore. If this be done I believe the work would 
be more efficient; the danger of raids eliminated. 
Respectfully, 

F. M. Hunger, 
Senior Captain, United States Revenue- Cutter Service, 

Commanding Bering Sea Fleet. 



[Extracts from the cruise reports by Capt. E. P. Bertholf, United States Revenue-Cutter Service, com- 
manding U. S. S. Bear, relating to the guard on St. Paul Island, and to the necessity of having a 
stronger guard there to protect the rookeries from raids.] 

July 30, 1908. 

To my mind, the incident of the reported raid, on the night of the 
21st, illustrates the ease with which a raid can be made on St. Paul, 
due to the inadequate guard at the rookeries, and I deem it my duty 
to bring the matter to your notice. There is a telephone communi- 
cation between Northeast Point and the village and between Zapadni 
and the village and a small guard of natives is maintained at each of 
these points — the guard at Northeast Point consisting of four natives. 
These four men could not prevent the landing of three or four boats, 
especially if thick weather permitted the boats to get close to the 
shore before they were discovered. If the telephone is working, a 
message to the village will bring assistance, of course, but, as this 
assistance must travel 12 miles to get to Northeast Point, it would 
give the raiders at least two hours in which to work their will on the 
seals and depart. If the telephone is not worldng, it means that a 
messenger must run to the village to give the alarm, and this means 
still further delay. On the night of the 21st instant, one of the four 
natives on guard at Northeast Point thought he saw several strange 
men who had landed, and the telephone being out of order, he ran 
to the village to give the alarm. He left Northeast Point at 10 p. m. 
and, being frightened, he covered the 12 miles to the village in an 
hour and a quarter. Special Agent Lembkey started for Northeast 
Point with reenforcements as soon as possible, but did not reach 
there until 3.45 a. m. Also, as soon as the mesrcrger reached the 
village, Special Agent Judge proceeded to notify the Bear, but, the 
weather being foggy, the Bear was obhged to proceed with caution 
and could not reach Northeast Point before 4 a. m. 

Now, had there really been a raid at 10 p. m. of the 21st. the raiders 
would have been practically undisturbed 1 etwecn 10 p. m. and 3.45 
a. m. Thus, they would have had five and three-quarters hours in 
which to slaughter seals, skin them, and depart. 

In addition, when there happens to be only one vessel at the island, 
as was the case on the night of the 21st, she, of course, can be at but 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 78^ 

one place. If she anchors at Northeast Point, then the Zapadni or 
Tolstoi rookery is open to raids, at foggy times, and I understand 
that at the Tolstoi rookery there is no guard. If the vessel anchors 
at Village Cove, or in the vicinity, in order to protect the southern 
rookery, then the rookeries at Northeast Point are open to raid. 
The situation is still further complicated by the fact that, although 
the vessel can be communicated with by a boat at Village Cove if 
darkness or foggy weather prevents signals, she can not be communi- 
cated with if anchored at Northeast Point, for there they have neither 
boats nor signals. Of course, the reported raid on the night of the 
21st was a myth, but the foregoing is cited to show how very little 
there is to prevent a raid if several boats from the sealing fleet are so 
minded. 

In referring to a guard on the island, I mean officers and men 
landed from the fleet for this purpose. I understand that the reason that 
the native guard at present maintained at the rookeries is so small 
is because, up to the end of July, the services of as many men as can 
be obtained are needed for the almost daily drives and killings. 
Landing a sufficient number of officers and men from the fleet will 
overcome this condition, and undoubtedly the knowledge of a regular 
service guard on the island would have a greater effect on the sealing 
fleet than would a native guard. All of which is respectfully sub- 
mitted for your consideration. 

September 4, 1908. 

Referring to that portion of my report of July 30, wherein is shown 
the advisability of having a vessel always in the immediate neigh- 
borhood of Northeast Point of St. Paul Island, I desire to respectfully 
add the following: 

Notwithstanding the vigilance and activity of the several vessels 
on patrol, my observation leads me to believe that the seal islands, 
ana St. Paul in particular, are not, and can not be properly protected 
against maraudmg on the part of the sealing fleet without maintain- 
ing a guard on shore at Northeast Pomt. The necessity for main- 
taining a guard at Northeast Point is well understood by the repre- 
sentatives on the island, and the special agent in charge does main- 
tain a guard of 4 natives at Northeast Point from the beginning of the 
season, and, for a portion of the season, a guard of 1 or 2 men at 
Zapadni Point, But these 4 men at Northeast Point and the 2 men 
at Zapadni are more in the nature of watchmen than guards. They 
patrol the shore line in the vicinity of the rookeries and hauling 
grounds at night and during fog and give notice to the village by 
phone of any encroachment by the boats from the sealmg fleet. 
These 4 natives, however, can not be expected to be, and never have 
been, able to ward off any attempted raid on the rookeries without 
assistance. Unless a raid is attempted while the force from the 
village are killing at Northeast Point, the guard of 4 men can get 
assistance only by telephoning to the village. The village being 12 
miles distant and the road being poor, it requires some time for 
assistance to get to Northeast Point, and during this period a 
marauding party could very well work its will and get away. In 
addition, it must be borne in mind that the skins taken at Northeast 
Point during the killing season are stored m the salt house there 
until the company's steamer comes up in August, and consequently 



790 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

this salt house, containmg thousands of sealskins ready for trans- 
portation, is protected by 4 natives only, who can get no assistance 
within two hours at least. The result of a raid by several boats 
under cover of fog or night can readily be predicted. The fact that 
no raids have been made this season is no reason to suppose none 
will be made in the following seasons. 

Naturally a raid would not be made except under cover of fog or 
darkness. At such times there is no way in which the 4 native 

fuards could get assistance from a cutter anchored at Northeast 
'oint for the reason that there is no boat on the shore there. There- 
fore, if the cutter were anchored on one side of the point, and several 
boats landed on the other side of the point under cover of fog or 
night, for a purpose of making a raid on the salt house or the rook- 
eries, there would be no way of notifymg the cutter that assistance 
was needed, and assistance would have to come by way of the village, 
which is, as I have said, 12 miles away with a poor road. The 4 
natives are armed, of course, and, in addition, there is a 1-pound 
field piece at Hutchinson Hill at Northeast Point. This gun, how- 
ever, is a mile distant from the watch house, where the guard spends 
its time when not patrolling. Sometimes the breechblock and box 
of ammunition are kept at the gun and sometimes at the watch house. 
This gun, although a mile distant from the watch house, is but a 
quarter of a mile from the beach. To keep the ammunition at the 
gun means that both gun and ammunition would be captured by a 
landing force in a few mmutes unless a guard was at the gun. If the 
guard remained at the gun they would be a mile away from the tele- 
phone, ^hile, if they remained at the watch house, they would be a 
mile away from the gun. The presence of this gun and under these 
circumstances seems to fulfill no useful purpose. 

Two years ago a raid was made at Northeast Point, which, although 
it was finally repulsed and several of the raiders killed, was not 
altogether unsuccessful, since a number of sealsldns were taken off 
to the schooners. Furthermore, this raid was not repulsed b}^ the 
native guard. It so happened that the force from the village had 
been lulling the day before and had not all returned to the village. 
Even with tliis assistance being accidently present, the raiders were 
able to make way with some skins, and it is easy to conjecture what 
would have happened had only the 4 natives been at the point 
when the raid was made. 

Wliat is needed at Northeast Point is, of course, a guard. During 
the killing season on the island more than four men can not be 
spared from the natives, and, in my judgment, a force of not less 
than 20 men, \vith an officer and warrant officer, should be landed 
for guard duty at Northeast Point on St. Paul Island during the 
pelagic sealing season. The rookeries on St. Paul Island, from 
Polovina around to Zapadni, are still within easy reach of the vil- 
lage and can be protected from the village. If, however, any signs 
of danger were seen at Zapadni, a small portion of the 20 men could 
be sent there for guard duty. I learn there is an objection to such 
a guard, but it is not insurmountable. During the Idlling season on 
the island, which is practically the months of June and July, it is 
necessarj^ that the hauling grounds be as undisturbed as possible, as 
it is from these grounds the seals are driven to the killing ground. 
Wlien the seals are disturbed those on the hauling ground are apt 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 791 

to take to the water, and under such circumstances it is difficult to 
obtain the quota of skins allowed for the season. The objection to 
the seamen guard is that, being unfamiliar with the habits of the 
seal, this guard, in patrolling, would disturb the seal and thus keep 
the hauling ground depleted. This objection can be easily reme- 
died by maintaining, in addition to the 20 men from tlie cutters, the 
4 natives now used as a guard and patrol, and causing a native to 
always accompany the seamen patrol to show how to pass the rook- 
eries and hauling ground \vithout disturbing the seals. It appears 
also that the boats from the sealing fleet sometimes come close to the 
shore under the cover of fog and, by continuous firing, endeavor to 
disturb the seal so that, many extra seals have taken to the water, 
the boats can then retreat outside the 3-mile limit and capture pass- 
ing seals at their leisure. If the guard on the shore fires at these 
boats they but add to the disturbances of the seals and help to pro- 
duce the result aimed at by the boats. The present native guard 
does sometime fire at the boats, and should the seamen guard also 
fire at the boats their firing would disturb the seals no more than at 
present. 

In addition to these 20 men being able to repulse any raid without 
waiting for assistance, it is undoubtedly a fact that the known pres^ 
ence of a military guard on tlie islands would act as a strong deter- 
rent against raids on the part of the pelagic sealing fleet. 

With a guard on the island as outlined, and one vessel always in 
the immediate vicinity of Northeast Point, and another always in th6 
immediate vicinity of Reef Point, there would be small chance of the 
pelagic sealing fleet doing damage inside the 3-mile limit. 
Respectfully, 

E. P. Bertholf, 
Captain, United States Revenue- Cutter Service, Commanding. 



Steamer "Perry," 

TJnalaska, Alaska, September 25, 1908. 

Sir: I would respectfully submit to you the following suggestions 
for the better protecting of the seal rookeries on St. Paul Island 
against raiding parties from the sealing schooners hunting in Bering 
Sea, for, notwithstanding the activity of the cutters, it is not, in my 
opinion, impossible to make a successful raid on the rookeries and the 
salt houses under cover of fog or darkness or in the prevailing foggy 
weather. 

The resident officials protect the rookeries by a native guard consist- 
ing of from one to four persons. From personal observations on shore 
at Northeast Point, at St. Paul Island, I feel satisfied that the native 
guard can not be depended upon to drive oft' raiders as they (the 
guards) are in many instances ooys, easily irightened off, and inferior 
to the Japanese sealers in intelligence. In my opinion it is a very 
easy matter for a boatload of Japanese sealers to outwit the native 
guard and slip in for a successful raid. A telephone line runs to the 
rookeries so that assistance may be obtained from the village in case 
of a raid, but it can not be depended upon; the line is not only out 
of order at times, but it would be a simple matter for a party to sUp 
ashore where no guards are posted and cut the wire. In case it 



792 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

becomes necessary to obtain help from the village by messenger, ifc 
would take a person at least two hours to reach St. Paul from North- 
east Point, and at least another two hours would be consumed before 
the necessary help could be gathered, teams hitched up, and the 
point of attack reached; four hours would give a couple of boats' 
crews from the sealers ample time to clean out the salt house and raid 
the rookery before the natives from the village could arrive on the 
scene. I have counted 37 sealing boats, each containing 3 to 4 men, 
barely outside of the 3-mile lunit off Northeast Point; the 4 native 
guards at that point would be of absolutely no use if this force decided 
to raid under cover of darkness, in foggy weather, or during the 
absence of the patrol vessels. 

To prevent such possible raids, I would suggest that a guard con- 
sisting of one commissioned officer, one warrant officer, and an ade- 
quate number of men be placed on St. Paul Island. The force should 
be so divided that the strongest part is at Northeast Point, because 
it is off this point that the Japanese sealers are most active. The 
force should have two whaleboats, one on each side of the point, so 
that they may launch from the beach in case they observe sealers 
coming within the 3-mile limit during the absence of the patrol ves- 
sels, or if they hear shots close by during foggy weather. During 
thick weather an armed patrol should walk the shore line in the 
vicinity of the rookeries, using the life-savmg method of beach patrol. 
This guard should be on the island from June 15 to August 31, the 
time that the Japanese sealers spend in the Bering Sea. As the 
sealers are not ver}^ active around St. George Island, one officer and 
a few men would form a sufficient force for the protection of the 
rookeries on that island. 

To properly quarter this force a house should be put up for them 
and furnished with cots, stove, and cooking utensils. I would recom- 
mend a house that can be purchased in sections ready to put together, 
The building now used by the native guard is not fit for a human 
being-to live in; tents would not give the necessary protection against 
wet weather prevailing in Bering Sea. 
Respectfully, 

F. J. Haake, 
Captain, United States Revenue-Cutter Service, Commanding. 



Unalaska, Alaska, 

September 22, 1908. 
Senior Capt. F. M. Munger, 

United States Revenue- Cutter Service, 

Commanding Bering Sea Patrol Fleet, 

Unalaslca, Alaslca. 
Sir: From observations made as to the value of the present system 
of guarding the seal islands from raids on the rookeries or salt houses, 
especially at Northeast Point, St. Paul Island, I find it to be entirely 
feasible to raid at Northeast Point during foggy weather or at night, 
even with a vessel at only one side of the point. With a vessel, how- 
ever, at the point, the raid would have to be confined to the salt house, 
as a raid on the rookeries would disturb the seal to such an extent 
as to give warning to the vessel by their bellowing. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 793 

The natives are not reliable as to time or distance, are very super- 
stitious, and without a white man to lead, would not make any serious 
defense. The guard of four men now maintained are not enough to 
repel an attack, and in order to have enough men for the drives and 
killings no more can be spared. 

The Northeast Point salt house is about 11 miles from the village, 
where reenforcements would have to be obtained from by telephone 
(if working) or by a messenger, who could easily be intercepted; and 
a relief party would take about three hours to reach the Point, leav- 
ing ample time for the raiders with their small boat to empty the salt 
house. The guards have no means by wliich they could communi- 
cate with a vessel at anchor. 

I would recommend that a force of 1 commissioned officer, 1 war- 
rant officer, 1 cook, and 16 men be stationed at Northeast Point until 
September 10, when the salt house has been emptied and the sealers 
have nearl}' all left. 

That a regular patrol be maintained by two guards going out to- 
gether, one carrying a watchman's clock, the other Coston signals, to 
be followed every hour by another patrol, until these patrols are out, 
one man remainino; on guard at the salt house and one outside the 
quarters, thus having eight men on watch at the time. These men 
to be relieved every four hours. 

The patrols are only to be carried on during fogg}^ weather and at 
night. During the first two weeks natives to go out with the patrol 
to show them the way about the rookeries, so as not to disturb the 
seals. During clear weather a lookout of two men to be kept on 
Hutchinsons Hill. A password should be given and changed daily. 

A flagstaif should be erected on Hutchinsons Hill, from where 
international code signals could be made by day, and night signals 
with lanterns. A boat should be kept at each side of Northeast Point. 

The natives could be employed to guard the rookeries near the 
village. 

On St. George Island a guard is not necessary, but a vessel should 
be stationed there, and whenever the weather permits, should anchor 
off the Zapadni rookeries on the south side of the island, as that is 
the only rookery liable to be raided. The usual native guard should 
be stationed on shore. 

A wireless station should be erected on each island, if possible. 

St. Paul Island should never be left without a vessel near North- 
east Point, or in conmiunicating distance. 

The fact that a properly organized guard would be stationed on 
the islands, if advertised through newspaper articles on this coast, 
would discourao;e any raids on the rookeries. 
Respectfully, 

D. F. A. DE Otte, 
Captain, United States Revenue- Cutter Service, Commanding. 



794 seal islands of alaska. 

United States Revenue-Cutter "McCulloch," 

At Sea, Bering Sea, 

August 7, 1908. 
Senior Capt. F. M. Munger, 

United States Revenue- Cutter Service, 

Commanding Bering Sea Patrol Fleet, Unalasica, Alaska . 

Sir: I have the honor to submit herewith, for your consideration 
and action, certain views relative to the duty on which this vessel is 
now engaged, the adoption of which, in my opinion, would make the 
protection of the seal rookeries on the islands of St. Paul and St. 
George not only more effective, but also eliminate the necessity of 
keeping so many vessels constantly cruising around these islands as 
is now the case. 

The real protection of the seal rookeries rests on the vessels of the 
fleet, which cruises for several months each 3^ear around the islands. 

The cost of maintaining the patrol is great, the coal consumption 
alone amounting to thousands of dollars. 

Under the present sj'stem were it not for the presence of the vessels 
of the service, raids would doubtlessly be frequent, and despite the 
activity of the ships and the vigilance of the personnel it would not, 
in my opinion, be impossible to make a successful raid on the rookeries. 

Means of communication between the authorities on shore and the 
vessels of the patrol is limited, and while attempts at landing, as well 
as sealing in territorial waters, have thus far been successfully frus- 
trated, conditions might easily arise when it would be impossible to 
see or know of a raid until the same had become a fact. 

The rookery at Northeast Point is the most important one on St. 
Paul Island, and in the past has only been defended by four natives, 
a very insufficient force in case of actual danger of a landing. Should 
a raid occur at any time at this point it would be necessary to bring 
aid from the village, 10 miles distant, which would take about two 
hours. Should the telephone connecting the village and Northeast 
Point be out of order, as is sometimes the case, one of the guard must 
first walk or run to the village before help can be obtained. In this 
case a long time would ensue before a sufficient guard could be mus- 
tered to repel the raiders. 

In 1894, when stationed on St. George Island, in command of a 
detail of seamen for the purpose of protecting the island from raids, 
a close observation of the natives convinced me that it was doubtful 
whether they could be fully depended upon in case of emergency. 
A more recent observation and contact with them has not caused me 
to change my mind in this respect. 

For several years it was the custom to keep on each of the seal 
islands a detail of seamen, under the charge of an officer of the Reve- 
nue-Cutter Service, and it is worthy of note that during that time 
not a single attempt at raiding was recorded. 

It is a well-known fact that a small force of regulars is more efficient 
in case of a riot, etc., than a larger number of militia. The same 
applies, in my opinion, to these islands, and were it known to the 
Japanese sealers that a force of sailors, properly officered, guarded 
the rookeries, the danger from raids would cease. 

I respectfully submit the following recommendations for your 
consideration : 



SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 795 

1. That a small wireless station, in charge of a Revenue-Cutter 
Service operator, be erected on the islands of St. Paul and St. George. 

2. That a detail of 20 men, under the charge of a commissioned 
officer, properly equipped and provisioned, be stationed on the 
island of St. Paul from June 1 to September 1, inclusive. That a 
detail of 10 men, under the charge of a commissioned officer, properly 
equipped and provisioned, be stationed on the island of St. George 
from June 1 to September 1, inclusive. 

3. That the detail on each island be camped at some advantageous 
point outside the village, and not be permitted to have any intercourse 
with the natives. 

4. That a system of patrols similar to that used in the Life-Saving 
Service be maintained for the protection of the rookeries. 

5. That the officer in command be held strictly accountable for the 
conduct of his men while on the islands, and, with the exception of 
protecting rookeries and preventing raids, the internal regulations 
governing the islands be made applicable to the landing force. 

With the adoption of such a system full protection could be 
given the islands. 

Respectfully, 

Geo. M. Daniels, 
Captain, United States Revenue- Cutter Service, Commanding. 



[Memorandum re recommendations of revenue-cutter officers to install wireless stations and to place a 
guard of enlisted men on the islands of St. Paul and St. George for protecting the seal rookeries from raids; 
also reports of said officers disparaging the efficiency of the native guard.] 

Senior Capt. Hunger, who commanded the Bering Sea Fleet last 
season, recommends, under date of September 29, 1908, "that a guard 
of commissioned and enlisted force be stationed on the islands next 
year, and that a wireless station be installed on shore. ' ' The first- 
named recommendation is indorsed by Capts. Bertholf of the Bear, 
Haake of the Perry, De Otte of the Bush, and Daniels of the McCulloch; 
the latter two only recommend the wireless station. 

The placing of \\'ireless apparatus on shore would doubtless alTord 
protection and be of decided advantage, provided the revenue 
cutters on patrol were equipped with such apparatus. The McCul- 
loch was the only cutter in Bering Sea last summer cquipj)ed with 
wireless. 

The revenue officers mentioned are all apj^rehensive of raids, and 
skeptical as to the worth of the native guard in emergencies, or in the 
absence of white men. The skepticism is not shared by the agents 
of this department stationed on the islands. All of said agents, one 
of whom has had military experience, have confidence in the ability 
of the natives to perform efficient guard duty. 

The natives are good marksmen, fond of firearms, and possess 
many of the attributes of good soldiers. As to what these natives are 
capable of doing in an emergency and in the absence of white men tO' 
direct them, see the report of IVfr. Solicitor Sims, of the Department 
of Commerce and Labor, August 31, 1906, pages 15 and 16. Of 
course mistakes will be made, as was the case July 21 last, related by 
Capt. Bertholf, when one of the guards at Northeast Point took fright 
and ran to the village with a false report of a raid. The guard, con- 
sisting of four men, of whom three had gone out to patrol the rookeries,. 



796 SEAL ISLANDS OF .\LASKA. 

had left this boy to clean up the guardhouse, with instructions to follow 
them later. When he left the house he heard the Japanese shooting 
seals in the water, but could not see his associates on account of 
the fog, and as the telephone was out of order he became panic- 
stricken and ran home. His conduct had no effect upon the remain- 
der of the guard, who, when they learned of it, were much chagrined 
and chided him severely. This isolated case proves nothing to the 
detriment of the natives as guards. It may be noted, however, that 
this foolish chase was not entirely barren of results. Upon the arrival 
of the false report at the village, the Bear, then lying at anchor at the 
cove, was notified and immediately got under way for the point. In 
the meantime a relief party under Mr. Lembkey had started overland 
and arrived there some time before the Bear; but while this party 
could see the Japanese shooting in territorial waters, they were help- 
less until the cutter's arrival. Then Capt. Bertholf promptly seized 
two of the schooners and caused the others to hasten outside the 
3 -mile limit. 

And these were the only seizures made during the summer. 

The cutter officers lay some stress on the fact that the guard at 
Northeast Point consisted last summer of four men only, and that at 
Zapadni of two. 

These officers are probably not aware of a fact, complimentary to 
them, that the efficient service rendered by the cutters last summer 
was responsible for the few men put on duty at the watch houses. In 
1907 the regular guard at Northeast Point was never less than six. 
There was also a guard at Polovina of four men, and the Zapadni 
guard numbered four. 

The watch houses were connected by telephone, and had Northeast 
Point been attacked the men at Polovina would have gone to the 
assistance of the point, and meantime reinforcements would have 
started from the village. The Polovina guard would have arrived at 
the point within an hour after being notified and those from the 
village within two or two and one-half hours. 

The patrol fleet in both 1907 and 1908 consisted of four vessels, 
but in 1907 they steamed continuously and their whereabouts were 
often unknown to those on shore, but in 1 908 they were more often 
at anchor and therefore available when needed. 

The native guard are recruited from the seahng gang, and if the 
number taken for this purpose is large, the work of sealing drags. 
Taking advantage of the cutters' presence last summer, guard service 
was not kept at Polovina; also the number of guards at Northeast 
Point and Zapadni was reduced, so that the largest possible force 
could be left for seafing purposes. 

The placing of an armed force on the islands, as advocated by the 
revenue-cutter captains, for the purpose of protecting the rookeries 
and salt houses from raids would not lessen the necessity for a fleet of 
cutters in the sea, or permit of that fleet being reiluced in numbers 
below its present status. So long as the Japanese are pursuing pelagic 
sealing the violations of our laws will occur in territorial waters rather 
than on the beaches of the islands. Any guard on shore is powerless 
to prevent the destruction of seals in the water within the 3-mile Hmit 
by marauders sharp enough to keep out of rifle range. 

It is true that if the guard hears firing in the fog they may launch 
a boat and go off, as suggested by Capt. Haake, but that could better 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 797 

be done from ji ship, as the surf in that case would not liavo to be 
taken into consideration. 

On the other hand, except for actually repelling invaders, a con- 
tingency considered remote if the cutters remain near, the probabili- 
ties are that a guard such as i^roposed would unwittingly work dis- 
aster to seals on shore. Patrolling the rookeries in such manner as to 
observe the seals and shore line without frightening these animals 
into the water is ciuite difficult and involves a knowledge of the 
topography, the haunts of the seals, their natural change of position 
from time to time, climatic conditions and changes as they affect seal 
life, etc., all of which is of lifelong knowledge to the native guards, 
but requiring long experience and application in others. The most 
effective service the enlisted men can render is to stay on board their 
ships, and the best service the ships can render is to so arrange their 
movements as to be generally near the islands and within easy com- 
munication of the shore. In foggy weather a good plan would be 
for the cutters to send out several small boats at such times as the 
firing should indicate that the Japanese were sealing inshore. 

Those small boats should steal up on the trespassers and take them 
in the act of illegal sealing, a thing difficult to accomplish when the 
vessel proceeds under steam, thus giving warning by the noise of her 
machineiy. The small boats might be sent alongshore where they 
could feel their way by soundings. 

It has been suggested that the natives are poor judges of distance, 
etc. Granting this to be so, it must be conceded that })eople from 
elevated points on shore can observe better the operations of the 
pelagic fleet than is possible from the deck of a patrolling vessel. 
The International Code is available for signaling at both the village 
and Northeast Point; but in the absence of white men to handle this 
code at the point, it would be an easy matter to formulate a simple 
code for the use of the natives, or, conditions favoring, boats might 
be used to convey information to the cutters. In fact this subject 
was discussed last year, but definite action was not taken. 

The statement relative to the absence of a guard at Tolstoi rookery 
is true. It is equally true that this rookery, wdiich is only about 1 
mile from the village, is under the eye of the Zapadni guards. 

Capt. Bertholf's statement that the fieldpiece on Hutchinson Hill 
fulfills no useful pvu'pose is erroneous. It was placed there with the 
purpose of firing upon hostile vessels coming close enough to receive 
its shot; and, further, to hold such vessels until they may be prop- 
erly seized. That this gun would quickly fall into the hands of a 
landing party is doubtful, but if it did it would be unavailable to the 
invadersj as the breechblock is hidflen in one place and the ammuni- 
tion in another. It may be stated that the Japanese who have 
landed hitherto on the islands from the sealing schooners have not 
impressed the natives as being an extraordinary class of people. 

Capt. Bertholf's statement that only four men could be spaced for 
guard duty at Northeast Point was of course made without full infor- 
mation or knowledge of the procedure on the islands as late as H)07. 

The proposition to place a guard of 20 men at Northeast Point is 
not approved, because the men of such guard would lack the requi- 
site knowledge of seal life and would therefore surely drive the seals 
into the water. Any scheme of sending natives along with these 
white men as guides, as has been suggested, must be treated as 



798 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

impracticable, as it is not the custom of white sailors to take sugges- 
tions from natives. Their contempt for the efficiency of the natives 
is well known. 

That the presence of a military guard would act as a deterrent 
against raids may be questioned. Raids have frequently been made 
on the Commander Islands, where a military guard is stationed. 
The proper deterrent is a commissioned vessel that will pursue, 
overtake, and arrest marauders desperate enough to risk their lives 
in raiding. 

Capt. Daniels sa;^s: "For several years it was the custom to keep 
on each of the seal islands a detail of seamen, under the charge of an 
officer of the Revenue-Cutter Service, and it is worthy of note that 
during that time not a single attempt at raiding was recorded," 
This is true, but he might have added that no raiding was attempted 
for 10 years after the custom alluded to ceased. 

Respectfully submitted. 

James Judge, 
Assistant Agent Seal Islands. 



March 3, 1909. 

Sir: Replying to the department's letter of February 3, inclosing 
copy of a report dated September 29, 1908, from Senior Capt. F. M. 
Hunger, United States Revenue-Cutter Service, commanding the 
Bering Sea Patrol Fleet during the sea'feon of 1908, together with 
extracts from reports of officers under his command relative to the 
present system of guarding the seal islands, and recommending the 
substitution of a guard of sailors, and that wireless stations be 
erected on the seal islands, I have the honor to say that it is the 
opinion of the agents of the seal fisheries, in which view this depart- 
ment concurs, that the proper patrolling of the rookeries requires an 
acquaintance with the topography of the land, the climatic condi- 
tions as they affect seal life, the general characteristics of the seals, 
their haunts and natural changes of position from day to day, etc. 
Such knowledge is possessed by the natives of the islands through 
long familiarity with the local conditions and could only be acquired 
by the proposed white guard through long experience. It is believed 
that the absence of such knowledge might lead to the stampeding of 
the seals and consequent serious loss to the herd. 

In view of these facts it is not deemed advisable to adopt at the 
present time the suggestions of Capt. Hunger and the other officers of 
the Revenue-Cutter Service. The establishment of wireless stations 
on the seal islands will receive careful consideration. 

I have the honor to be, sir, 

Your obedient servant, Charles Earl, 

Acting Secretary, 

Hon. George B. Cortelyou, 

Secretary of the Treasury, Washington, D. C. 



seal islands of alaska. 799 

Treasury Department, 
Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, May 1, 1909. 
Capt. W. V. E. Jacobs, 

United States Revenue- Cutter Service, 

Commanding Bering Sea Fleet, Seattle, Wash. 
Sir: You are informed that the President has designated the 
revenue cutters Bear, Manning, Perry, and Rush to cruise as far as 
may be practicable the present season, in the north Pacific Ocean 
and Bering Sea, inchiding the waters of Alaska, within the domain 
of the United States, for the enforcement of the act of Congress, 
approved December 29, 1897, and the Regulations of the Paris 
Tribunal of Arbitration decreed the 15th day of August, 1893, for 
the preservation of the fur seals. 

2. Under the provisions of the act of Congress above referred to, 
it is unlawful for any citizens or vessel of the United States to engage 
in pelagic sealing at any time or in any manner in the waters of the 
Pacific Ocean north of the 35th degree of north latitude, and includ- 
ing the Bering Sea and the sea of Okhotsk. You are therefore 
directed to seize any vessel of the United States found navigating 
the waters as above indicated, in violation of the laAv, and send the 
same to the nearest or most accessible port of the United States, 
upon arrival there to be surrendered to the custody of competent 
authority having jurisdiction. 

3. Since, under the enactment by Congress above referred to and 
given in full in the Regulations, Fur-Seal Fisliing Season of 1902 
(which apply to the present season), vessels of the United States 
are prohibited absolutely from engaging in fur-seal fishing within 
the geographical limits prescribed, it follows that the Regulations of 
the Paris Tribunal of Arbitration (given in full herewith) are applica- 
ble only to British vessels, and that fur-seal fishing is prohibited to 
subjects of Great Britain at any time or in any manner within a 
zone of 60 geographic miles around Pribilof Islands, inclusive of terri- 
torial waters, and from May 1 to July 31 in that part of the Pacific 
Ocean, inclusive of Bering Sea, situated north of the 35th degree of 
north latitude and eastward of the 118th degree of longitude from 
Greenwich, until it strikes the water boundary described in article 1 
of the treaty of 1867 between the United States and Russia, and 
following that line up to Bering Straits. 

4. You will arrange w4th the senior British naval officer at Una- 
laska engaged in carrying out the provisions of the award, for the 
mutual delivery of vessels of the one country seized by officers of 
the other. 

5. The follo"\ving instructions in relation to the enforcement of the 
fur-seal regulations are issued for your guidance : 

(a) The terms of the award apply only to vessels of the United 
States and Great Britain. The first duty of the boarding officer is to 
satisfy himself by an inspection of her documents as to the vessel's 
nationanty. Vessels boarded beyond the legal jurisdiction of the 
United States and found to be of a nationality not included in the 
award are not to be searched or detained longer than is necessary to 
establish the fact. 

(6) Long chases are not advisable. After a vessel is brought 
within reach of yom* guns if she does not bring to, display the national 



800 SEAL ISLANDS OF 4LASKA. 

ensign and open fire. Fire one blank ana one solid shot as a warn- 
ing. If she still neglects to come to the wind, aim to liit, and use the 
force at your command to compel her to submit to being boarded and 
searched. 

(c) A mere cursory or perfunctory search of vessels boarded is 
strictly, forbidden. The search must be made by two commissioned 
officers, or one commissioned and one petty oflicer, and the necessary 
number of men, who are renuired to remain on board until every 
part of the vessel where a sealskin or a shotgun or rifle could be con- 
cealed has been searched. 

(d) Boarding officers are required to exercise courtesy and for- 
bearance and avoid all discussions. Offensive remarks or actions by 
members of the crew or others on board the vessel being searched are 
under no circumstances to be taken notice of. 

(e) Should a sealskin be found on board that bears satisfactory 
evidence of having been shot within the Bering Sea, or killed in any 
manner mthin the area of the award in the Pacific Ocean between 
April 30 and August 1, or within 60 miles of the Pribilof Islands, at 
any time, the vessel must be seized. 

(/) Any vessel of Great Britain found witliin the area of the award 
during the closed season engaged in fur-seal fisliing or fitted for fur- 
seal fisliing and not being provided with the special seaUng license, 
is ordered seized. When any licensed sealing vessel of Great Britain 
is found within the area of the award during the cl<jsed season having 
on board a seal-hunting outfit, she should be seized only if it be found 
that she was sealing or contemplating sealing within the area at that 
time. If the boarding officer finds evidence of the recent use of her 
boats and sealing outfit, or that they were in readiness for imme- 
diate use for taldng fur seals, the matter should be closely investigated 
and if the circumstances warrant she should be seized. 

(g) Only sailing vessels are permitted to engage in fur-seal fishing 
during the period of time and in the waters in wliich fur-seal fisliing 
is allowed. Any vessel propelled in whole or in part by steam or 
other motive power than sail, found so engaged, is ordered seized. 

Qi) If a vessel wliich appears to be a sealing vessel is found within 
the area during the period of time in wliich fur-seal fisliing is forbidden, 
you will ascertain whether she has been engaged in fur-seal fishing; 
whether she was carried there by stress of weatlier, by a mistake during 
foggy or thick weatlier, or is there in the ordinary course of navigation 
making the best of her way to any place. You must judge whether 
such vessel has been engaged in fur-seal fisliing from the presence of 
seal skins or bodies of seals on board, or salt, and from other circum- 
stances and indications. 

(i) If such vessel is found outside r f the area of the award and it is 
evident that she has been engaged in fur-seal fisliing within said area, 
and has thus committed an oiTense, you wiU seize her. A vessel may 
violate the law by her boats fur- seal fishing witliin said area while 
the vessel herself is outside of s id area. 

ij) Wlien you make a seizure you will at the time thereof draw up 
a declaration, in writing, stating the conditions on the seized vessel, 
the date and exact place ( f seizure, giving latitude and longitude and 
any additional data by wiiic'i exact location may be determiued and 
circumstances showing guilt. Arms or skins found (the cause of 
seizure) as well as all papers must be examined on board the seized 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 801 

vessel, and so marked as to be readily identified by the boarding 
officers when produced in court or elsewhere. This is important and 
must not be neglected. 

(k) The seized vessel will be taken or sent, as soon as practicable, 
with all persons on board thereof, in charge of a sufiicient force to 
insure delivery, together with witnesses and proofs, and the declara- 
tion of the officer making the seizure, if American, to the most con- 
venient port of California, Oregon, Wasliington, or Alaska, and 
defivered to the ofiicers of the United States court; and if British, 
to Unalaska and there delivered to the senior British naval officer 
present, or taken to the most convenient port in British Columbia 
and delivered to the proper authorities of Great Britain, or deliver 
her to the commanding officer of any British vessel autliorized to 
receive her. 

(Z) A signed and certified list of papers of the seized vessel will be 
delivered to the master thereof, and duplicate copy transmitted with 
the declarations. 

(m) Any British vessel boarded and found not to be subject to 
seizure will be furnished with a copy of the fur-seal regulations. 

[Paragraph (n) et seq. iUegible. Original not available for com- 
plete reproduction.] 

7. Prior to August 1 the efl'orts of the vessels should be directed 
toward preventing raids on the islands. After that date when the 
Canadians are allowed to begin sealing one of the vessels should share 
with the British cruiser on patrol the duty of maintaining the 60- 
mile zone. As the Japanese fleet, however, will probably be most 
active in August, the patrol of the zone should be subsidiary to the 
protection of the islands. 

8. The control of Bering Sea should be continued until every sealer 
has left the sea or until about October 15, and as the last cutter leaves 
the sea in the faU the commanding officer should make a special trip 
to the islands for the purpose of obtaining for the Government the 
latest information regarding the conditions thereon. 

Respectfully, 

Charles D. Norton, 

Assistant Secretary. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Wasliington, D. 0. 

I concur in the above instructions. 

Charles Naoel. 



Treasltiy Department, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, May 3, 1909. 
The honorable the Secretary of Commerce and Labor, 

Wasliington, D. C. 
Sir: It is the desire of this department to have the revenue cutter 
Bear, on her way north this season, make certain investigations of 
reported depredations along the coast of Alaska by pelagic sealing 
2403— H. Doc. 93, 62-1 51 



802 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

vessels. Upon the completion of this work the Bear would join the 
patrol fleet m Bering Sea about June 20. The Captain Commandant 
of the Revenue-Cutter Service has conferred with Maj. E. W. Clark, 
assistant agent of seal fisheries, in regard to this matter, and he sees 
no objection to it. 

It is requested to know whether such a course meets with your 
approval. 

Respectfully, C. D. Hilles, 

Acting Secretary. 



May 6, 1909. 
The Secretary of the Treasury, 

Washington, D. C. 

Sir: In reply to your letter of May 3, I have the honor to say that 
the proposed investigation, by the Bear, of reputed depredations by 
pelagic sealing vessels on the coast of Alaska, meets with the approval 
of this department. 

I have to further advise you that the Bureau of Fisheries desires to 
have made during the coming summer a census of the seal herd on the 
Pribilof Islands. To make this desire elective it is necessary to have 
special transportation for the bureau's agent, Mr. George A. Clark, 
and it is therefore respectfully requested that the Revenue-Cutter 
Service furnish transportation as follows : 

July 1, from Dutch Harbor to St. George. 

July 3, from St. George to St. Paul. 

July 17 or 18, from St. Paul to St. George. 

July 19 to 20, from St. George to St. Paul. 

August 11, from St. Paul to Dutch Harbor. 

It is also requested that wdiile the count of pups is in progress on 
St. Paul, from about August 5 to August 10, the patrol about the 
island be made as close and eiTective as possible to prevent the pelagic 
sealers taking advantage of possible disturbance of the rookeries. 
Respectfully, 

Ormsby McHarg, 

Acting Secretary. 



Treasury Department, 
Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, July 28, 1909. 

The honorable the Secretary of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C. 

Sir: I have the honor to state that the following telegram from 
Capt. W. V. E. Jacobs, United States Revenue-Cutter Service, com- 
manding the Bering Sea Patrol Fleet, dated Unalaska, Alaska, July 
13, has been received at this department: 

Perry arrived night 11th instant with seized Japanese schooner Tenyu Maru and 17 
men. Trial before commissioner here to-day resulted in master and crew being held 
for trial before next term court held Valdez. 

Respectfully, C. D. Hilles, 

Acting Secretary. 



SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 803 

[Copy.] 

United States Revenue-Cutter Service, 

Steamer ''Bear," 
St. Paul Island, July 31, 1909. 
The Commanding Officer, 

Bering Sea Patrol Fleet, 

UnalasJca, Alaska. 

Sir: In response to your letter of the 26th mstant, requesting such 
suggestions as I deemed would add to the efficiency and conduct of 
the Bering Sea Patrol Fleet, I have the honor to submit the following: 

My observations during the past two seasons have convinced me 
that the seal islands, and St. Paul in particular, can not be efficiently 
guarded against raiding and marauding on the part of the pelagic 
sealing fleet by means of the work of the vessels alone. There should 
be an armed guard placed at St. George and vSt. Paul during the seal- 
ing season, the guard to be detailed from the patrol fleet for the pur- 
pose. 

On St. George I would suggest 10 men with an officer and a war- 
rant officer, disposed as follows: One officer with six men to guard the 
rookeries at Zapadni and the other officer with the remaining four 
men to guard the rookeries in the vicinity of the village. This will 
enable a watch to be maintained at all times at these two important 
points. The six men at Zapadni will be sufficient to protect that sec- 
tion against raiding, while the four men at the village can get help 
from the village if necessary. 

On vSt. Paul I would suggest 20 men with 1 officer and 3 warrant 
officers, or 2 officers and 2 warrant officers, disposed as follows: One 
officer and 8 men at Northeast Point rookeries; 1 officer and 4 men 
at Polovina rookeries; 1 officer and 4 men at Zapadni rookeries; 1 
officer and 4 men at the village rookeries and Reef Point. 

This would allow for a constant watch at these four principal rook- 
ery sections of th« island. The four men at Polovina and Zapadni 
would be suHicient to ]:)rotect the comparatively small rookeries there. 
The eight men would be sufficient for the Northeast Point rookeries, 
while the four men at Reef Point could get help from the village in 
case of necessity. 

Of the two islands, St. George is the easier island to protect since 
it is the smaller and the shores being steep close to, a vessel can get 
from place to place within a reasonable time. At St. Paul there is 
foul ground at most of the projecting points, the almost constant fog 
makes it necessary for the vessels to proceed with caution, and in 
addition a vessel steams 36 miles in making the circuit of the island 
in clear weather. When it is foggy the distance around the island is 
much greater owing to the need of giving the shoal points a wider 
berth. 

From this it is easily seen that during the foggy weather, while a 
vessel is feeling her way around the island, unable to receive any word 
from shore, it would be a simple matter for a schooner's boats to raid 
some other point, unless there was an armed guard on shore. The 
necessity of a guard is well understood by the representatives on vSt. 
Paul and the special agent in charge does maintain a guard of four 
natives at Northeast Point from the beginning of the season, and for 
a portion of the season a guard of one or two men at Zapadni Point. 



804 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

But these four men at Northeast' Point are more in the nature of 
watchmen than guards. They patrol the shore hne in the vicinity 
of the rookeries and hauhng grounds during fog and give notice to 
the vihage by phone of any encroachment by the boats of the seahng 
fleet. These four natives, however, can not be expected to be, and 
never have been, able to ward off an attempted raid on the rookeries 
without assistance. Unless a raid be attempted while the force from 
the village are killing seals at Northeast Point, the watchmen can get 
assistance only by telephoning to the village. The village being 12 
miles distant and the road poor, it requires some time for assistance 
to get to Northeast Point, and, during this period, a marauding party 
could very well work its will and get away. In addition, it must be 
borne in mind that the skins taken at Northeast Point during the 
killing season are stored in the salt house there until the company's 
steamer comes up in August, and consequent!}^ this salt house, close 
to the beach, containing thousands of sealskins ready for transporta- 
tion, is protected by four natives who can get no assistance within 
two hours at the least. The result of a raid by several boats under 
cover of fog or night can readily be predicted. The fact that no raid 
has been made this seasen is no reason to suppose that none will be 
attempted in following seasons. 

Naturally a raid would not be made except under cover of fog or 
darkness. At such times there is no way in which the four native 
watchmen could get assistance from a cutter anchored at Northeast 
Point for the reason that there is no boat on the shore there. There- 
fore, if the cutter were anchored on the side of the point, and several 
boats landed on the other side of the point under cover of fog or 
darkness, for the purpose of making a raid on the salt house or the 
rookeries, there would be no way or notifying the cutter that assist- 
ance was needed and assistance would have to come by way of the 
village, which is, as I have said, 12 miles away with a bad road. 
The four natives are armed, of course, and in addition, there is a 1- 
pound fieldpiece at Hutchinson Hill at Northeast Point. This gun, 
however, is a mile distant from the watch house, where the watchmen 
spend their time when not patrolling. Sometimes the breechblock 
and box of ammunition are kept at the gun and sometimes at the 
watch house. This gun, although a mile distant from the watch 
house, is but a quarter of a mile from the beach. To keep the ammu- 
nition at the gun means that both gun and ammunition would be 
captured by a landing force in a few minutes unless the watchmen 
were at the gun. If the watchmen remained at the gun they would 
be a mile away from the telephone, while if they remained at the 
watch house they would be a mile away from the gun. 

Three years ago a raid was made at Northeast Point, which, although ^ 
finally repulsed and several of the raiders killed, was not altogether 
unsuccessful, since a quite number of sealskins were taken off to the 
schooner. Furthermore, this raid was not repulsed by the native 
watchmen. It so happened that the force from the village had been 
killing the day before and had not all returned to the village. Even 
with this assistance being accidentally present the raiders were able 
make way with some skins, and it is easy to conjecture what would 
have happened had only the four natives been at the point when the 
raid was made. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 805 

During the night of July 21, last season, news of a reported raid 
at Northeast Point reached the Bear, at anchor at Village Cove, St. 
Paul Island, and as the circumstances of that afl'air have a direct 
bearing upon vox recommendations, I quote below from my report to 
the commanding officer, Bering Sea Patrol Fleet, date July 30, 1908: 

To my mind the incident of the reported raid of the 21st (July, 1908) illustrates the 
ease with which a raid can be made on St. Paul, due to the inadequate guard at the 
rookeries, and I deem it my duty to bring the matter to your notice. There is tele- 
phone communication between Northeast Point and the village and between Zapadni 
and the village, and a small guard of natives is maintained at each of these points, the 
guard at Northeast Point consisting of four natives. These four natives could not pre- 
vent the landing of three or four boats, especially if thick weather permitted the boats 
to get close to the shore before they were discovered. If the telephone is working, a 
message to the village will bring assistance, of course, but as this assistance must travel 
12 miles to get to Northeast Point, it would give the raiders at least two hours in which 
to work their will on the seals and depart. If the telephone is not working, it means 
that a messenger must run to the village to give the alarm, and this means still further 
delay. On the night of the 21st instant one of the four natives on guard at Northeast 
Point thought he saw several strange men who had landed, and the telephone being 
out of order, he ran to the village to give the alarm. He left Northeast Point at 10 p. m, 
and, being frightened, he covered the 12 miles to the village in an hour and a quarter. 
Special Agent Lembkey started for Northeast Point with reinforcements as soon as 
possible, but did not reach there until 3.45 a. m. Also as soon as the messenger reached 
the village Special Agent Judge proceeded to notify the Bear, but, the weather being 
foggy, the Bear was obliged to proceed with caution and could not reach Northeast 
Point before 4 a. m. 

Now had there really been a raid at Northeast Point in this instance, the raiders 
would have been practically undisturbed from 10 p. m. until 3.45 a. m. They 
would thus have had five and three-quarter hours in which to slaughter seals or 
empty the salt house and depart. 

The situation is further complicated by the fact that although a 
vessel at anchor at Village Cove can be communicated with by signals 
in clear weather and b}^ boat during fog or darkness, a vessel at anchor 
at Northeast Point can get no word from the shore, for there they 
have neither signals nor boats. It is not necessary for a raiding party 
to use firearms in attacking the rookeries or the salt house, and in 
such case, in the dense fogs that prevail, a successful raid could be 
accomplished and a vessel anchored at Northeast Point be none the 
wiser, since, as I have pointed out, the native watchmen have no means 
of getting word to the vessel. 

Without a guard on shore, four vessels on patrol, or even six, can 
not insure immunity from raids, while with a guard on shore, three 
vessels on patrol would be ample, as that would give two vessels at 
the islands at all times. 

Aside from the physical efhciency of a guard, the known presence 
of an armed force at the rookeries would have considerable moral 
effect and undoubtedly act as a strong deterrent against raiding on 
the part of the sealing fleet. 
Respectfully, 

(Signed) E. P. Bertholf, 

Caytain, United States Revenue- Cutter Service, 

Commanding. 



806 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

[Copy.] 

REPORT OF SEALING OPERATIONS IN THE BERING SEA DURING THE 

SEASON OF 1909. 

Pelagic sealing in the Bering Sea has been conducted exclusively 
by Japanese and Canadian schooners. 

The Japanese schooners which follow the herd up off the British 
Columbian and Alaskan coasts entered the Bering Sea between 
June 20 and July 1. Those which came directly into the sea from 
Japan reached the vicinity of the Pribilof Islands during the latter 
part of June. 

From June 7 to June 17 six Japanese schooners visited Attu 
Island, namely: June 7, Chitose Maru; June 10, Chitose Maru No. 2; 
June 13, Domei Maru; June 13, Eiun Maru; June 14, Konei Maru; 
June 16, Cliihokuni Maru. 

During this time two other vessels appeared off the island, but 
seeing a revenue cutter in the harbor hauled off to the eastward. 
One Japanese schooner, whose name could not be learned, is reported 
to have put into the harbor at Attu on May 14. 

Five Canadian sealing schooners were granted licenses for sealing 
during this season, namely, the Jessie, Pescawha, Thomas F. Bayard, 
Vera, and Eva Marie. Of these, the Pescawha, Thomas F. Bayard, 
and Jessie were boarded in the neighborhood of the Semidi Islands 
on June 23. The masters of these vessels stated that it was their 
intention to visit the Commander Islands (Russian) and later, 
August 1, to seal in the Bering Sea. 

During the period between June 24 and September 2, the Japanese 
schooners vigorously conducted pelagic-sealing operations, and it was 
necessary for the patrol fleet to observe great diligence in order to 
maintain the integrity of territorial waters about the Pribilofs. 

On July 9 the revenue cutter Perry seized the Japanese schooner 
Tenyu Maru, having captured one of her boats within the 3-mile 
limit with the body of a recently shot seal in it. The schooner was 
brought to Unalaska, and after a preliminary hearing before the 
United States commissioner at that place the master and crew, a total 
of 17 men, were bound over to the grand jury at Valdez, Alaska, for 
trial at the October session of the United States district court. They 
were transported to Valdez on the revenue cutter Perry and given 
into the custody of the United States marshal on September 4, to 
await trial before a Federal grand jury. 

On June 27 the revenue cutter Rush sailed from Unalaska for Nome 
to take on board at the latter place and transport him to the Pribilof 
Islands, Mr. George A. Clark, a scientist and an agent of the Bureau 
of Fisheries. Owing to a delay in the arrival at Nome on July 8 of 
the Seattle steamer upon which Prof. Clark was a passenger, he was 
not taken on board of the Rush until that date. On July 11 Prof. 
Clark was landed at the village on St. Paul Island for the purpose of 
studying fur-seal life. He was afforded transportation between St. 
Paul and St. George Islands and return on July 15-16 and 18, on the 
revenue cutter Manning. On August 5 Prof. Clark was taken on 
board of the Manning and aft'orded an opportunity of cruising in the 
southwest quadrant of the 60-mile restricted zone around the Pribi- 
lofs, but no sealing vessels were seen in that part of the Bering Sea. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



807 



He was landed at Unalaska on August 9, his researches at the seal 
islands having been completed. 

During the months of August and September, in addition to main- 
taining; a patrol around the islands, the 60-mile restricted zone was 
patrolled for protection against incursions by the Canadian sealing 
schooners. In this work, the duties of the revenue cutters were sup- 
plemented by H. M. S. Algerine. In the notes submitted to me by 
the commanding officer of the Algerine, covering the cruises m^ide by 
that ship this season, I am informed that no Canadian vessels were 
sighted. The cruises extended into all parts of the 60-mile zone. 
Seven Japanese sealing schooners were boarded and sighted from the 
Algerine, and she left the Bering Sea on September 3. 

During the cruises of the ships of the revenue-cutter patrol fleet in 
this restricted area no Canadian vessels were seen, and it is thought 
that those of them that entered Bering Sea conducted sealing 
operations from 150 to 200 miles to the northward and eastward of 
the Pribilof Islands. The master of the Canadian sealing schooner 
Thomas F. Bayard put into this (Unalaska) harbor on August 17 and 
stated to the boarding officer at this port, when her firearms were 
sealed previous to her departure, at the request of her master, that it 
was his intention to seal about 200 miles north and east of the islands. 
Although all quadrants of the 60-mile zone have been patrolled, the 
result as to Canadians has been negative. 

Unofficial information was received that there were 21 Japanese 
schooners licensed for fur sealing in the Bering Sea this season. The 
ships of the patrol fleet boarded 20, and, in addition, the British 
cruiser boarded or spoke 3 others, showing that there were 23 in 
the sea. ' The following table shows the names of the vessels, the date 
when boarded, and the number of sealskins reported on board at the 
time when boarded: 

Boarded by Bering Sea Fleet. 



Name. 


Master. 


From. 


Date. 


Skins. 


Date. 


Skins. 






Tokyo 


July 21 
11 
11 
11 
26 
19 
11 

3 
26 

9 
11 
26 
31 

31 
11 
11 
11 
Aug. 6 
10 
26 


177 

92 

148 

39 

330 

225 

310 

6 

936 

39 

62 

155 

152 

272 
160 
47 
96 
86 
595 
20 




177 






Aug. 


10 
14 


252 


3. Eiun Maru No. 2. 


Satoma Neake Chi 


Rikuzen 

Kogoshima 

Hakodate 

do 


460 


5. Chihokuni Maru. 


Kohoshi 


Aug. 


20 


400 


6. Tore Maru 




225 


7. Nitto Maru. 


Tokameatsu 


Miyokocho 


Aug. 


10 


850 


8. Kofugi Maru 

9. Toyei Maru No. 2 




6 




Shimasato 

Tokyo 

do 




936 


10. TenyuMaru 


Nakanishi 


0) 


39 




62 




S. Mizukamj' 


do 


Aug. 


14 


800 


13. Chitose Maru 




Rikuzen 

Minato 

Lsibama 

Shirota 

Minato 

Sendai 

Tokyo 

do 


152 


No. 2. ' 
14. Tokai Maru 


I. Arawaka 


Aug. 


10 
10 


438 






355 


16. Too Maru . . 


K. Yashido 


47 


17. Boso Maru No. 2. 


O. Yamanaka 


Aug. 


17 
17 


202 


18. Hokushin Maru. 


Toyotaro Kinshita 


101 
595 


20. Hokuvo Maru... 






20 














6,146 



1 Seized. 



808 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Additional Japanese vessels boarded by H. M. S. "Algerine." 



Name. 


Date. 


Skins. 




Aug. 16 
16 
17 


44 


2. Kai wo Maru 


300 


3. Funakoshi Maru - - - - - - - - 


120 










464 



The total number of pelts reported is doubtless not entirely relia- 
ble, as the experience of the boarding officers demonstrates that when 
the same vessel has been boarded within a few days by officers from 
diflferent cutters the catch of seals reported has shown an irrecon- 
cilable discrepancy. This may be the result either of error on the 
part of the interpreter or an intent to mislead, but probably the for- 
mer. I consider the total of 6,610 skins, as shown in the table, as 
approximately correct upon the dates given, but it will be observed 
that a number of the sealers were not boarded later than the month 
of July, and in consequence their August catch is not known. A 
reasonable allowance for these eight vessels, together with the number 
during the last days of the sealing season, would make, I estimate, a 
total catch for the season of 10,000 fur seals. 

Owing to the fact that our right to board these sealing schooners 
is based upon that of determining their nationality, and that when 
this nationality is established as other than British the right of search 
can go no further, it has not been possible to obtain information by 
personal investigation as to the exact number of skins taken. 

At 11 o'clock on the night of August 25, a small boat belonging to 
the Japanese schooner ToJcai Maru, with four Japanese sealers, went 
alongside of the revenue cutter Rush, and the occupant sasked for 
shelter and refuge, stating that they had lost their schooner and were 
in danger of perishing. Two sealskins, the unsldnned body of a 
seal, and a sealing outfit were in the boat. They were taken on board 
of the Rush, and as that ship was then at anchor off Northeast Point, 
St. Paul Island, the commanding officer considered their presence 
there sufficiently suspicious for further investigation, and brought 
the men and their outfit to Unalaska, having failed to ffiid the ToJcai 
Maru. After inquiring into the facts of the case, it was learned that 
the seals could not have been killed within territorial waters, and I 
directed that the men be returned to their vessel or to some other 
Japanese vessel if the ToJcai Maru could not be found. All search 
failed to disclose the ToJcai Maru, and the hunters stated that it had 
been the master's intention to sail for Japan the day after they were 
lost, which was doubtless done. All efforts failed to find any other 
Japanese schooner in the vicinity of the islands or witliin the 60-mile 
zone. They were given quarters and subsistence on revenue cutters 
until they could be taken to Seattle and delivered over to the proper 
authoiities. 

Walrus Island is a reservation for the preservation of birds and such 
marine animals as sea lions and hair seals as may breed there. It 
has no fur-seal rookery on it and so far as it is known the fur seal 
do not haul on it. 

On September 2 Seal Agent James Judge, while on this island in 
pursuit of his duties relative to that reservation, seized two small 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 809 

Japanese boats with six men, one fur seal, and sealing outfits. At 
that time the revenvie cutter Bear was cruising on the north side of 
St. Paul, and the Manning, which had come up from St. George, 
communicated with the Bear and proceeded to carry out instructions 
to make a cruise in the northeast quadrant of the 60-mile zone. 
When Mr. Judge returned to St. Paul Island with his seizures and 
communicated \nt\\ the Bear, the Manning was recalled by wireless, 
and both cutters started to search for the Japanese schooner Eiun 
Maru, to which the men and boats belonged. It was then night, 
and though the search continued throughout the night and the next 
day, nothing was seen of the schooner. The six men w^ere brought 
to Unalaska on the Bear and were brought to trial before the United 
States commissioner at that place on September 8. I acted as 
prosecutor in the case, and the six Japanese were convicted. They 
were given a sentence of three months in jail and a fine of $200 and 
costs. A failure to pay the fine and costs would extend the jail 
sentence to more than six months. They were sent to Valdez on 
the revenue cutter Rush, leaving Unalaska on September 30, for 
delivery to the United States marshal. 

The data obtained from the seahng schooners by the boarding offi- 
cers indicate that the most profitable time for pelagic seahng for the 
Japanese is during the first three weeks of the month of August. 
This is what would be expected, as the female seals put to sea in 
greatest numbers during that time in order to procure food, and 
are taken by the hunters both when leaving the islands and in return- 
ing to them. Pelagic seahng operations have been conducted almost 
exclusively around St. Paul Island during this season, and for the 
most part at a distance of from 5 to 20 miles southwesterly from 
the island. The decrease in the number of seals taken on St. Paul 
Island this year and the increase in the number taken on St. George 
Island might be traced to the fact that the Japanese schooners con- 
fined their sealing to the vicinity of St. Paul, thus leaving the herds 
at St. George practically undisturbed. 

During several conferences with the commanding officer of H. M. S. 
Algerine, Commander Edwards, R. N., relative to pelagic sealing, I 
received the impression that he would recommend in his report of his 
cruise that the powers interested in fur-seal fishing agree by conven- 
tion to a closed area formed by a radius of 200 nautical miles about 
the Pribilof Islands, and the removal of other restrictions now in force 
as against British subjects. Upon being questioned by him relative to 
this agreement, I stated that, in my opinion, it would not meet the 
requirements of the case, if the object be to preserve and increase the 
seal herds, and that it would only somewhat prolong the period before 
the extinction of the animals. I suggested to him that a more satis- 
factory plan would be a prohibition of sealing operations within 200 
miles of all United States territory, leaving open to Canada her entire 
coast line for sealmg purposes, without restrictions. It was merely 
a tentative suggestion, to which he gave some heed, but I conclude 
that he will adhere to the 200-mile radius about the Pribilofs as the 
basis of his recommendations in the matter. 

It is considered necessary for the protection of the rookery at North- 
east Point, and also of the salt house located there, to have some 
native watchmen stationed there. The guard at that point should 
be provided with a set of International Code signal flags, with which 



810 SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

to communicate with the revenue cutter on duty in that vicinity. 
During the past season it has not been possible to estabhsh communi- 
cation by signal at Northeast Point between ship and shore, owing to 
the fact that the only set of signals on St. Paul Island is needed at the 
village, and is kept there, 12 miles distant from Northeast Point. 
This should be remedied before another season by providing another 
set of signals for use at this point. A ship on one side of Northeast 
Point can not be conversant with actual conditions on the other side, 
while the watchmen ashore can see both sides. They should be pro- 
vided with the means of acquainting the ships with these conditions 
for proper protection. 

A brief resume of the work of the Bering Sea Patrol Fleet for this 
season shows that a continuous patrol was kept around the Pribilof 
Islands from June 4 to October 10. Twenty Japanese and 3 Canadian 
sealing schooners were boarded, reporting a catch of 6,610 fur-seal 
skins. One Japanese sealing schooner, the Tenyu Maru, with 17 men, 
was seized, and the vessel held at Unalaska pending the trial of the 
men at Valdez for violation of the sealing laws. Six Japanese, seized 
on Walrus Island by Special Seal Agent Judge and a party of natives, 
were transported to Unalaska. They were brought to trial, at which 
the commanding officer of the fleet acted as prosecutor, were con- 
victed, and sentenced to a term of imprisonment. Transportation 
was afforded to Prof. George A. Clark, agent of the Bureau of Fish- 
eries, from Nome to the Pribilof Islands, and also between St. Paul 
and St. George Islands. Upon the completion of his work he was 
conveyed from St. Paul Island to Unalaska, whence he took a steamer 
for San Francisco, Cal. At various times during the season trans- 

Eortation was afforded to the agents of the Bureau of Fisheries 
etween the Pribilofs, and a number of natives were conveyed from 
the Pribilofs to Unalaska and return at the request of the seal agents. 
The Federal grand jury at Valdez took up the case of the 17 Japa- 
nese sealers of the schooner Tenyu Maru on October 4, and the same 
day indicted them for killing fur seals witliin the territorial waters of 
the United States. The trial was held on October 11, but I have not 
been informed as to the result. 
Respectfully, 

W. V. E. Jacobs, 
Captain, United States Revenue- Cutter Service, 

Commanding Bering Sea Patrol Fleet. 



December 28, 1909. 
The honorable the Secretary of the Treasury, 

Washington, D. C. 
Sir: In order to answer repeated requests for information as to the 
cost to the Government of the seal islands of Alaska during the period 
from 1890 to the present date, including the cost of administration 
and patrol, I have the honor to request that I be informed of the 
number of revenue cutters actually on patrol about these islands 
each year since the year 1890. 

Respectfully, Benj. S. Cable, 

Acting Secretary. 



SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



811 



Treasury Department, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, January/ 22, 1910. 
The honorable the Secretary of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C. 
Sir: In reply to your communication of the 28th ultimo asking to 
be advised as to the number of revenue cutters actually on patrol 
duty about the seal islands of Alaska each year since 1890, I have the 
honor to state that the records of this department show the following 
number of vessels of the Revenue-Cutter Service to have performed 
such service during the years stated: 



1890. 
1891. 
1892. 
1893. 
1894. 
1895. 
1896. 
1897. 
1898. 
1899. 



2 
3 
3 
2 
3 
5 
6 
4 

(') 
3 



1900. 
1901. 
1902. 
1903. 
]904. 
1905. 
19C6. 
1907. 
1908. 
1909. 



It should be borne in mind that all of these vessels were not exclu- 
sively engaged on patrol duty about the seal islands, as gome of them 
performed various other duties in Alaskan waters; and it is hardly 
practicable, therefore, to separate the work. 

Respectfully, CD. Norton, 

Acting Secretary. 



Part III. Communications Relative to Advisory Board, Fur- 

Seal Service. 

January 15, 1909. 
Dr. David Starr Jordan, 

Stanford University, California. 

Sir: For administrative purposes I have recently transferred the 
Fur-Seal Service to the Bureau of Fisheries of tliis department. 

It is my desire that this service be put upon the most rational 
basis possible and that it be administered with intelligence and the 
highest degree of efficiency. To this end the details of office admin- 
istration have been placed with a Fur-Seal Board in the Bureau of 
Fisheries, consisting of Dr. Barton W. Evermann, chairman, Mr. 
Walter I. Lembkey, Mr. M. C. Marsh, Mr. James Judge, and Mr. A. B. 
Alexander. 

Tliis board will, under the general direction of the Commissioner of 
Fish and Fisheries, have immediate charge of all matters of adminis- 
tration and office routine. Many of the problems with wliich it will 
have to deal are of great importance, and their proper handling is 
essential to the rehabilitation and preservation of the fur-seal herd 
and the blue foxes of the Pribilof Islands. 

The department wishes to avail itself as fully as may be of the 
expert knowledge possessed by the distinguished naturalists who 



• No vessels were sent to the Bering Sea in 1898, they being required for service in connection with the 
Spanish War. 



812 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

have represented the United States Government on fur-seal commis- 
sions in the past or wlio have, through official visits to the seal islands, 
become familiar with the conditions obtaining there. I have, there- 
fore, decided to appoint a board to be loiown as the advisory board, 
fur-seal service, to consist of Dr. David Starr Jordan, chairman. 
Dr. Leonard Stejneger, Dr. C. Hart Merriam, Hon. Edwin W. Sims, 
Mr. Frederick A. Lucas, and Mr. Charles H. Townsend. 

The members of this board, and the board as a whole whenever 
opportunity permits or necessity requires, will be consulted from 
time to time as important questions arise. It is not thought that 
frequent meetings of the entire board will be necessary, but I should 
like to call the members together if it should ever seem desirable to 
do so. 

Your well-laiown interest in the scientific and economic problems 
involved justifies the hope that you will be willing to accept mem- 
bership on this board, and I shall be pleased to hear from you regard- 
ing the matter. 

Upon receipt of information that you will be able to serve on such 
a board, a formal appointment will be sent you. 
Very respectfully, 

Oscar S. Straus, Secretary, 



February 6, 1909. 

Sir: In transmitting your formal appointment as chairman of the 
advisory board, fur-seal service, I wish to express my gratification 
at your willingness to place at the service of this department your 
knowledge and experience, for which it is regretted no compensation 
can be offered. With the advice and counsel of yourself and your 
colleagues, it is felt that the fur-seal service as at present organized 
will be conducted as satisfactorily as existing conditions perinit. 

Among the problems which must receive early attention are the 
renewal of the lease of the North American Commercial Co., which 
will expire April 30, 1910, and the subject of pelagic sealing, and 
your views on these questions are requested, as well as recommen- 
dations as to what investigations or studies, natural history or other- 
wise, should be imdertaken relative to the seals, foxes, and other 
animals of the Pribilof Islands. 

The fur-seal service is now definitely placed under the Bureau of 
Fisheries, and all correspondence relative thereto may be addressed 
to the commissioner. 

Very respectfully, Oscar S. Straus, 

Secretary. 

Dr. David Starr Jordan, 

Stanjord University, Cal. 



February 6, 1909. 

Sir: You are hereby appointed chairman of the advisory board, 

fur-seal service, as indicated in my letter of January 15. The other 

members of this board are: Dr. Leonhard Stejneger, United States 

National Museum, Washington, D. C; Dr. C. Hart Merriam, United 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 813 

States Biological Survey, Washington, D. C; Hon. Frank H. Hitch- 
cock, Union Trust Building, Washington, D. C; Mr. C. H. Town- 
send, Director New York Aquarium, Battery Park, New York City; 
Mr. F. A. Lucas, Brooklyn Institute Museum, Brooldyn, N. Y. ; Hon. 
Edwdn W. Sims, United States District Attorney's Office, Chicago, 
111. 

Very respectfully, Oscar S. Straus, 

Secretary. 
Dr. David Starr Jordan, 

Stanjord University , Cal. 

Note. — Similar letters of even date Avith the foregoing wT-re 
addressed to Dr. C. Hart Merriam, United States Biological Survey, 
Washington, D. C; Dr. Leonhard Stcjneger, United States National 
Museum, Washington, D. C; Plon. Frank H. Hitchcock, now^ Post- 
master General; Hon. Edwin W. Sims, United States District Attor- 
ney, Chicago, 111.; Mr. F. A. Lucas, Brooldyn Institute Museum, 
Brooklyn, N. Y.; Mr. C. H. Townsend, director New York Aquarium, 
New York. 



Stanford University, Cal., 

February IS, 1909. 
Hon. Oscar S. Straus, 

Secretary of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C. 
Dear Sir: Permit me to acknowledge your kind letter of Feb- 
ruary 6, together with the notice of my official appointment as chair- 
man of the advisory board of the fur-seal service. It will be a great 
pleasure to me to give the department and the Commissioner of 
Fisheries all possible aid in this matter. 

I may repeat here my hope that the Department of State will 
proceed as rapidly as possible toward the abolition of pelagic sealing, 
and my hope also that the Government will not under any circum- 
stances lease the products of the islands, at least in such form as has 
been in vogue for the past 40 years. I think that the Government 
should, under the direction of its own naturalists, take the skins that 
can be spared and sell these to the highest bidder. 
Very truly, yours, 

David Starr Jordan. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
Washington, November 2If., 1909. 
The honorable the Secretary of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C. 
Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith a copy of the recom- 
mendations of the advisoiy board, fur-seal service, made at its meet- 
ing at this bureau on the 23d instant. 

Respectfully, Geo. M. Bowers, 

Commissioner. 
(Inclosure.) 
(Also inclosed &id report W. I. Lembkey.^ — B.) 

> See Part I, Inslructlons to agents and agents' reports; letter dated September 20, 1909. 



814 seal islands of alaska. 

Recommendations — Advisory Board Fitr-Seal Service. 

Recommendations agreed on by the advisory board fur-seal service 
(Dr. David Starr Jordan, chairman. Dr. Leonhard Stejneger, Dr. 
Frederick A. Lucas, Mr. Edwin A. Sims, and Dr. Charles H. Town- 
send), in conference with the fur-seal board (Dr. Barton Warren 
Evermann, chairman, Mr. Walter I. Lembkey, and Mr. Millard C. 
Marsh), the Commissioner of Fisheries (Hon. Geo. M. Bowers), 
the Deputy Commissioner of Fisheries (Dr. Hugh M. Smith), assist- 
ant fur-seal agent, H. D. Chichester, and special scientific expert, 
Mr. George A. Clark, at a meeting held at the Bureau of Fisheries, 
November 23, 1909, all the above-mentioned persons being present, 
and the action on each recommendation being unanimous. 

recommendations. 

1. It is recommended that the agent in charge, fur-seal service, 
shall, under the direction of the Secretary of Commerce and Labor, 
have full power to limit or restrict the killing of fur seals and blue 
foxes on the Pribilof Islands to any extent necessary and that no spec- 
ified quota be indicated in the lease. 

2. It is recommended that, for the present, no fur-seal skin weighing 
more than 8^ pounds or less than 5 pounds shall be taken, and that 
not more than 95 per cent of the 3-year-old male seals be killecl in any 
one year. 

3. It is recommended that there be adopted a system of regidations 
similar to those in force on the Commander Islands, the Government 
to assume entire control in all essential matters pertaining to the fur 
seals, blue foxes, natives, and the islands in general, and the lessee to 
be restricted to the receiving, curing, and shipping of the skins taken. 

4. It is recommended that there shall be added to the personnel of 
the fur-seal service a chief naturalist, who shall have charge of all 
matters pertaining to the investigation, study, and management of 
the fur-seal herd, the blue foxes, and of all other life on the islands, 
and who shall give advice to the agent in charge regarding the number 
of seals and foxes to be killed each season. The chief naturalist 
should be a man of recognized standing and experience, and his salary 
should be not less than $3,000. 

It is also recommended that there be at least one assistant natural- 
ist, whose salary should be not less than $1,800. 

5. It is recommended that the agent in charge shall have control 
of all administrative matters, and in case of a difference of opinion 
between the chief naturalist and the agent in charge, the decision of 
the latter shall govern, pending an appeal to the Secretary of Com- 
merce and Labor. 

6. It is recommended that there be arranged a conference of 
scientific men and diplomats of Great Britain, Canada, Japan, Russia, 
and the United States, for consideration of the question of pelagic 
sealing, as well as of an international game law to protect whales, 
walrus, sea otter and other mammals of the sea, the agreement 
reached by these nations to be submitted to the other maritime 
nations for their concurrence. 

In addition to the above, the conference unanimously adopted 
the following resolution: 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 815 

Resolved, That we thoroughly approve of the sentiments set forth 
in the letter of the Commissioner of Fisheries, dated November 17, 
1909, addressed to the honorable the Secretary of Commerce and 
Labor, in Mdiich was urged the necessity of early action which will 
result in the stopping of pelagic sealing. 



Part IV. Special Reports — Report of George A. Clark. 

[Memorandum.] 

The thing of most importance to be done in connection with the 
care of the fur-seal herd during the coming season is to obtain a 
definite idea of its present condition as compared with its condition 
in 1896-97. To make this comparison would require a duplication, 
under as nearly identical conditions as possible, of the important 
enumerations and observations of the commission of 1896-97. This 
work should, if possible, be done under the direction of some mem- 
ber of the former commission thoroughly familiar with the meth- 
ods and results of that investigation. The work should be actively 
participated in by some member of the naturalist staff to have future 
charge of the herd, A connection would thus be established with 
the work of 1896-97, which would make it serve as a foundation on 
which the future work can rest. 

The main elements of the comparative investigation above sug- 
gested would be as follows: 

1. The census of the breeding herd: This would require a careful 
count of all the harems on all the rookeries between the 10th and 
20th of July, mth a count at the same time of the breeding females 
on certain rookery portions counted in 1895, 1896, and 1897, the 
latter count giving an average harem, which may be applied to the 
full harem count. 

2. A count of live pups: This should cover the areas on which 
the count of breeding females is made. It affords the necessary 
correction for absent cows and gives the final average size of harem 
to be used in computing the actual number of breeding females 
and pups. This count should be made August 1 to 10. 

This count of live pups for the seasons of 1896 and 1897 was recog- 
nized as giving a definite measure of the rate of declme between 
the two seasons. The duplication of these counts in 1909 would 
give a measure of the decline in the interval since 1897. 

3. A count of idle bulls, half bulls, and large and small seals 
released on the killing fields: This would give an estimate of the 
reserve of male life available for the breeding herd. 

4. A count or estimate of the virgin females: This, together with 
the estimate of young males rejected at the killings, would give an 
estimate of the numbers of young seals and thus complete the 
estimate for the entire herd. 

5. A count of the dead pups on all the breeding grounds between 
August 1 and 10: This would furnish a comparative estimate of the 
work of the parasitic worm uncinaria. Observations during the 
earlier work of the investigation on the work of this worm should 
also be made and specimens secured for further study. 



816 SEAL ISLANDS OF AI^ASKA. 

6. Photographs and maps: Photographs of certain typical breed- 
ing grounds should be duplicated, and the rookery margins should 
be observed and marked on the maps in the light of the monuments 
erected by the Coast and Geodetic Survey of 1897. 

7. Miscellaneous: In general, observations of every kind made in 
1896-97 and others which new conditions may suggest tending to 
throw light on the condition of the herd should be made. 

In carrying out the above proposed work of investigation the best 
person to undertake it is Mr. George A. Clark, secretary of the com- 
mission of 1S9G-97, who, together with Mr. Hacoun of the British 
commission, made most of the enumerations for the commission, his 
observations covering the entire season, beginning with the arrival 
of the first cows on June 5, and extending to October 22, practically the 
end of the stay of the seals at the islands. 

I would therefore strongly recommend that provision be made for 
sending Mr. Clark to the Pribilof Islands during the coming season 
with ample assistance and authority to carry out the work of investi- 
gation along lines identical with those of 1896-97, the services of a 
revenue cutter being made available to him for a week, covering July 
12 to 15, and for a second week covering August 5 to 10, to enable hini 
to get from one island to the other at the time of making the counts. 
He would wish to reacli the islands as early as July 8 to 10, and would 
be ready to leave by the 10th to the 15th of August. The revenue 
cutter taking him to the islands could, by remaining over a day or two 
on the going trip and reaching the islands a few days in advance of 
the time of leaving, accomplish the work needed. 



[Comment on memorandum of Dr. David Starr Jordan, re care of the fur-seal herd during the season 

of 1909.] 

Dr. Jordan asserts that — 

The thing of most importance to be done in connection with the care of the fur-seal 
herd the coming season is to obtain a definite idea of its present condition as compared 
with its condition in 1896-97. 

Dr. Jordan must be understood as dealing with the wants of the 
fur-seal herd from a biological standpoint only. With due respect 
to his great ability in biological work, it is submitted that the abolish- 
ment of pelagic sealing is, at the present time, the thing of primary 
importance in connection with the care of the fur-seal herd. 

Dr. Jordan specifically recommends — 

(1) * * * a careful count of all harems on all the rookeries between the 10th 
and 20th of July, with a count at the same time of the breeding females on certain 
rookery portions counted in 1895, 1896, and 1897. * * * 

To this there is no valid objection so far as the work on the islands 
is concerned. The counting of harems can be made in such manner 
that but few cows, bachelors, or half bulls will go into the water, 
and thereby become game for the Japanese hunter. With the 
greatest care in making the harem enumerations some cows on 
certain rookeries will go into the water, but as these are generally 
pregnant, or new mothers, necessity will compel them, with few 
exceptions, to return shortly to land, thus reducing the likelihood of 
their falling into the hands of the Japanese. Nevertheless, it is 
worthy of note in this connection that on one day, about this season, 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 817 

to wit, July 21. 190S, one boat crew of the pelagic hunters killed 11 
seals off Northeast Point (testimony of H. Webb, sealer on Kinsei 
Maru, Valdez, Alaska, October term, 1908). 

The count of breeding females upon the rookery portions counted 
in 1895, 1896, and 1897 can be accomplished without driving any of 
those cows into tlie water, the formation of those rookeries being 
such that the work can be done with impunity. 

(2) A count of live pups: This should cover the areas on which the count of breeding 
females is made. * * * This count should be made between August 1 and 10. 

Any count of Hve pups between August 1 and 10 is hkely to play 
into the hands of the pelagic sealers and work great injury to the herd. 
No count of pups worthy the name can be made without those mak- 
ing the count and their assistants, several men in all, spejiding a good 
part of each day for several days on the breeding grounds and either 
driving or frightening off nearly all mature seals on the rookeries 
counted. At that season nearly all females have given birth, and the 
period of heat has passed, and mother seals driven off do not return 
promptly, and as the Japanese are hovermg oft' the coast at about 3 
miles distant man}^ seals would fall a prey to the hunters which, were 
the date earlier, would escape. 

The pelagic sealers understand the benefit to be derived by them 
from a disturbance of the seals on their breeding grounds. It was 
their custom last summer when the cutters were absent from North- 
east Point to advance with boats m a cordon to Avitliin a safe dis- 
tance from shore and theji begm a fusillade with shotguns for the pur- 
pose of alarming the seals and causing them to go into the water. 
They then withdrew to outside the 3-mile limit and waited. Our 
diminished catch of bachelor seals at the point shows that their ruse 
was successful. Indeed, their fusillades have had the effect to change 
considerably, at least for the time being, the habitat of the seals on 
the Northeast Point rookeries, some of which have gone to St. George 
Island, where the catch has become proportionately greater than for- 
merly, and some to the Reef and other St. Paul rookeries, where Hke 
proportionate increase is observed. We know from the shortage of 
seals reserved for breedmg purposes that the bachelors suffer largely 
on their way to St. George or the Reef, and we must conclude that the 
cows suffer still more by reason of their predominant numbers, also 
from the fact that as they need return only to nurse their 3^oung they 
may defer coming back for several days, meanwhile subject to great 
slaughter. It is to be noted in this connection that abnormal condi- 
tions are found on North rookery of St. George and Kitovi of St. 
Paul. Actual counts of pups for two years past show both these 
rookeries practically at a standstill m numbers; but when we consider 
that the most withermg depletion of the whole herd is gomg on 
through the Japanese hunters, the conclusion is inevitable that the 
females as well as the males are migrating from Northeast Point to 
escape the attacks. 

These two rookeries were counted as a basis of an average harem; 
l)ut since their population is unstable it is CAddent that no correct 
basis is afforded. 

On a single day in the summer of 1907, 26 Japanese sealing schoon- 
ers carrymg not fewer than 150 small boats were observed cruising 
off the rookeries of St. Paul Island. This array of enemies to the seal 

2403— H. Doc. 93. 62-1 52 



818 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

life formed a line commanding practically every foot of the sea for 
several miles out from the island. What chance would there be for 
the escape of seals driven into such a network of greedy and alert 
enemies ? 

The redeeming feature of the proposed countmg of live pups lies in 
the fact that few rookeries would be counted and none of these large 
ones. 

(3) A count of idle bulls, half bulls, and large and small seals released on the killing 
fields. 

This is done every year, and so long as any seals are dismissed from 
the killing fields they can be counted and classified without hazard. 
Among the animals dismissed from the killing grounds are many of 
the bachelors that have been branded and reserved for breeding pur- 
poses, and, as before indicated, many of these meet their fate at the 
hands of the Japanese. 

(4) A count or estimate of the virgin females. 

It is not presumed that Dr. Jordan means an actual enumeration of 
all virgin seals. Estimating in the way adopted by the Jordan com- 
mission and practiced ever since can have no detrimental effect. 

C5) A count of dead pups on all breeding grounds beteween August 1 and 10. 

The objection urged against the counting of live pups would apply 
with greatly increased force to the counting of dead ones at that sea- 
son. In the former case only certain small rookeries would be dis- 
turbed, while in the latter nearly every seal on the islands would be 
driven into the water, all within a few days. This would accomplish 
in a wholesale manner the very thing which the Japanese effect on a 
smaller scale by coming near the rookeries and with their gunfire 
stampeding the seals into the water and then shooting them. 

Such counting would make those doing the work effective allies of 
the Japanese in their nefarious operations. 

It is further submitted that the object of the count of dead pups, viz, 
that it "would furnish a comparative estimate of the work of the 
parasitic worm uncinaria," would not be achieved. 

In former years pelagic sealing did not begin until August 1, and 
pups dying prior to August 15 could not, of course, be attributed to 
that agency. 

At the present time pelagic sealing begins in June, and pups dying 
as a result thereof before the middle of August might be confused 
easily with those dying of uncinaria. An examination of every dead 
pup found would be necessary to determine the cause of death, and 
that would be impracticable. 

(6) Photographs and maps: Photographs of certain typical breeding grounds should 
be duplicated and the rookery margins should be observed and marked on the maps 
in the light of the monuments erected by the Coast and Geodetic Survey of 1897. 

There is no objection to the taking of photographs or performing 
work upon maps. This can be done without disturbing the seals 
at all. 

(7) Miscellaneous: In general, observations of every kind made in 1896-97 and 
others which new conditions may suggest tending to throw light on the condition of 
the herd should be made. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 819 

The making of any observations which do not involve driving or 
frightening the seals off the rookeries during the period in which 
pelagic sealing is carried on would of course be readily sanctioned. 

While the intention of this memorandum is to obtain these counts 
for the purpose of making comparisons with similar counts made in 
1897, it is worthy of note that counts such as those desired were made 
annually from 1897 until 1906 on all the rookeries enumerated by the 
commission, and from 1900 including many other rookeries not 
counted by the commission. 

For the five years ended with 1905 about one-third of all pups 
born on St. Paul and all born on St. George were counted. This was 
largely in excess of the rookery space counted by the commission. 

It is here observed that in 1903-4 Mr. F. H, Hitchcock made an 
exliaustive examination (1) into the work of enumerating the seals, 
(2) the supply of virile male life for the work of propagation, and (3) 
of the biological conditions generally prevailing in the herd. For the 
purposes of his inquiry all the scientific men who in recent years had 
made investigations of the seal life were advised with and their opin- 
ions obtained. With all the facts before him he devised new regula- 
tions governing the work on the islands. These regulations are now 
in operation, save as modified in certain particulars owing to the 
incursion of Japanese pelagic sealers. 

In 1906, immediately after harems were counted, Japanese schooners 
became very numerous about the islands, and Mr. Solicitor Sims, then 
present, forbade all counting which necessitated the driving or fright- 
ening of seals from the rookeries. For the last two years harems have 
been counted on all rookeries of both islands, but pups on Kitovi 
only of St. Paul and North of St. George. 

The average harem found as a result of these counts of Eatovi and 
North rookeries was, as herein indicated, abnormal, and consequently 
the regular annual census of breeding seals has been omitted in recent 
years. 

Respectfully submitted. 



Assistant Agent Seal Islands. 
Dr. Barton W. Evermann, 

Chairman Fur-Seal Board. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, May 7, 1909. 
Mr. George A. Clark, 

Stanford University, Cal. 

Sir: You are hereby appointed a temporary assistant in the 
Bureau of Fisheries for a period not exceeding three months, beginning 
June 15, 1909, at a salary of $250 per month, payable from the appro- 
priation, "Statistics and methods of the fisheries." 

You are directed to go to the Pribilof Islands on or about June 15 
for the purpose of making a census of the seal herd in accordance with 
detailed instructions which will be sent you. 

Your expenses while engaged in the work will be refunded to you 
upon presentation of proper vouchers. The bureau will endeavor to 



820 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

arrange with the Revenue-Cutter Service for special transportation to 
and from tlie islands and for the necessary travel between points on 
the islands. 

Respectfully, Geo. M. Bowers, 

Commissioner. 
Approved. 

Charles Nagel, Secretary. 



[Telegram.] 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
Washington, May 13, 1909. 
George A. Clark, 

Stanford University, Gal.: 

Your appointment and orders to go to Alaska about June 15 mailed 
to-day. 

Bowers. 



Stanford University, Cal., May 19, 1909. 
Hon. George M. Bowers, 

Bureau of FisJienes, Department of Commerce, 

Washington , D. C. 

Sir: Your telegram of May 13 and letter dated May 7, informing 
me of my appointment as temporary assistant in the Bureau of Fish- 
eries and directing me to go to the Pribilof Islands on or about June 
15 for the purpose of making a census of the seal herd, detailed instruc- 
tions to follow, are duly received. I accept this appointment and 
shall give the work my best effort and attention. 
Respectfully, yours, 

George A. Clark. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
Washington, May 16, 1909. 
Mr. Geo. A. Clark, 

Stanford University, Cal. 

Sir: The recommendation of the advisory board, fur-seal service, 
that you be sent to the seal islands to make certain studies of the fur 
seals this season, has been approved and your formal appointment has 
been sent you. It is important that certain observations and investi- 
gations made by the fur-seal commission of 1896-97 be repeated in 
order that a comparative estimate be made of the condition of the 
herd at the present time as related to the conditions obtaining in 
1896-97. The main elements of the comparative investigation would 
include the following: A census of the breeding herd; a count of the 
live pups on certain areas; a count of idle bulls, half bulls, etc.; a 
count or estimate of the virgin females ; a count of dead pups, etc. 

Your intimate acquaintance with the problems involved, gained 
through active participation in all the work of 1896-97, will enable 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 821 

you to determine the scope and details of the observations to be made 
this year, and these are left to your judgment. You are authorized 
to confer with the chairman of the advisory board and to conduct the 
investigations in a manner which will result in the securing of the 
desired data, always bearing in mind, however, that no unnecessary 
disturbance of the rookeries must be permitted. Chief Agent Mr. 
Lembkey has been instructed to cooperate with you and to furnish 
you every facility to enable you to accomplish the end desired. 

Upon your return from the islands you will prepare a detailed 
report embodying the results of your observations and your recom- 
mendations based thereon. 

For your information there are inclosed herewith copies of three let- 
ters of instructions to Chief Agent Lembkey and his assistants, one 
pertaining to sanitary, health, and other scientific studies which it is 
desired to be made, one concerning the study and care of the birds, 
and one concerning the systematizing of the records of the islands. 
If time permits you to do so, I shall be glad if you will give consid- 
eration to these various matters and oiler any suggestions thereon 
that occur to you as a result of your observations. 

A copy of this letter is sent to Chief Agent Lembkey. 
Respectfully, 

Geo. M. Bowers, 

Commissioner. 



Stanford University, Cal., May 20, 1909. 
Hon. George M. Bowers, 

Commissioner of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 
Sir: I have gone over to-day the possibilities of transportation. 
The Pacific Coast Steamship Co. has a vessel leaving Seattle for Nome 
on June 26; the Alaska Steamship Co. one on June 21. The latter 
vessel is the one I should take. The companies will not, however, 
say that they will touch at Dutch Harbor, and as I do not know 
regarding the movements of the patrol cutters I do not know whether 
this is important or not. It seems to me that a cutter which could 
be detailed to get me at Dutch Harbor could pick up this vessel — the 
Victoria — at or above the Unimak Pass and bring me to the Pribilof 
Islands. The vessel's route passes near them. Or if such cutter is 
to be in the vicinity of the islands at the time it would not be much 
farther to pick me up at Nome, which port the Victoria reaches on 
June 29. I should like to get to the islands about the 5th and not 
later than the 8th of July. The North American Commercial Co. 
steamer Homer will return from the islands about the 15th of August, 
which would be satisfactory for the return trip. 
Very truly, yours, 

George A. Clark. 



Stanford University, Cal., May 21, 1909. 

Dr. B. W. EVERMANN, 

Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. 0. 
Dear Dr. Evermann : I ought to go up on the Alaska Steamship 
Co.'s steamer Victoria, which sails from Seattle on June 21. The 
agents here, however, will not give any hope that this vessel would 



822 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

touch at Dutch Harbor. In my correspondence eariier in the season 
they seemed to think it was very Ukely that the June steamers would 
let a passenger off there. With Dr. Jordan's leaving for the East 
and all, I could not possibly have got ready to go up on the Homer, 
which sails to-day. Furthermore, it would have been a sheer waste 
of time, as I can not think of a single important thing I could do 
until about July 5. In talking with Mr. Judge yesterday he told me 
that the cutters were accustomed last season to make frequent trips 
to Nome. The Victoria gets there on the 29th of June. It is farther 
to Nome than Dutch Harbor, but I hope it will be possible to arrange 
to have a cutter meet this vessel at that port and bring me to the 
Pribilofs. One of the vessels should have such instructions as will 
permit it to keep close about the islands in the period between July 
10 and 18 and again between the 5th and 10th of August. 

With Dr. Jordan's approval, I telegraphed the commissioner yester- 
day about the sailing. I have in this morning's mail received the 
detailed instructions. 

Very truly, yours, George A. Clark. 

[Telegram.] 

Palo Alto, Cal., May 21, 1909. 
Hon. George M. Bowers, 

Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C: 
Should sail Alaska, steamship Victoria, Seattle, June 21. Does 
not stop Unalaska. Suggest cutter be at Nome 29th, taking me to 
Pribilofs. Return company steamer August 15. 

Geo. a. Clark. 



[Telegram. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
Washington, May 22, 1909. 
George A. Clark, 

Stanford University, Cat.: 
Is no other vessel available for Unalaska or Dutch Harbor about 
time required? Inquire and wire. 

Bowers. 



Stanford University, Cal., May 22 [3], 1909. 
Hon. George M. Bowers, 

Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 

Sir: The detailed instructions have duly arrived. 

In answer to your telegram of yesterday I have wired to-day that 
I could reach Unalaska on July 10 by the mail boat Dora, leaving 
A'aldez or Seward about July 2. To get this boat I should have to 
leave Seattle on June 24. This trip is a long and tedious one unless 
there should be some object in visiting all these settlements along tht 
Alaskan Peninsula. The date of getting to Unalaska is so late as to 
leave no margin for delay there. If a cutter could meet the mail boat 
on the 10th and take me promptly to the islands, giving me two days 
at St. George and tlien landing me on St. Paul, this would suit my 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 823 

work very well. Dela}' at Unalaska would be serious. By the Nome 
route, where I should arrive June 29, there Avould be at least 10 days 
of leeway. Its feasibility would, however, depend on the movements 
of the cutters, and of this I can get no definite results here. Mr. Judge 
and Mr. Redpath told me that the cutters made frequent trips last 
season to Nome and both thought this plan not merely feasible, but 
the best in every way. 

Very trul}^, yours, George A. Clark. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisher[es, 

Washington, June 2, 1909. 
Mr. George A. Clark. 

Stanford University, Cal. 
Sir: Your letters of May 19, 21, and 22 have been received. The 
bureau has communicated with the Treasury Department in reference 
to your transportation, and you will find inclosed herewith a copy of 
the reply from the Secretary of the Treasury. The office assumes 
that the transportation requested will be furnished, and you are 
directed to proceed on that assumption. 

Respectfully, H. M. Smith. 

Acting ComTnissioner. 

Palo Alto, Cal., May 23. 



[Telegram.] 



Hon. Geo. M. Bowers. 

Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C: 
Mail boat Dora from Seward July 2, arriving Unalaska 10th, 
reached from Seattle June 24. Satisfactory if certain of cutter 
immediately for islands. Delay there serious. 

Geo. a. Clark. 



Leland Stanford Junior University, 

Stanford University, Cal., June 9, 1909, 
Hon. George M. Bowers, 

Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 
Dear Sir: Dr. Smith's letter of the 2d instant and the copy of the 
letter of the Treasury Department of May 27 to the effect that trans- 
portation will be furnished fi'om Nome, are at hand, and I will accord- 
ingly sail from Seattle on the Victoria, sailing June 21. I assume 
that the understanding with the Treasury Department is general 
enough to enable me to have the services of a cutter in getting between 
St. Paul Island and St. George about the IStli of July. After making 
the counts of certain rookeries on St. Paul, I shall wish to visit St. 
George for a day and return to St. Paul. Mail can reach me at 
Seattle, care of the Alaska Steamship Co., as late as the morning of 
June 21. 

Respectf ulh', yours, George A. Clark, 

Assistant. 



824 seal islands op alaska. 

Departmext of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
Washington, June 18, 1909. 
Mr. Geo. A. Clark, 

Assistant Alaslca Seal Agent, 

Care of Alaslca Steamslii'p Co., 

Seattle, Wash. 
Sir: The receipt is acknowledged of your letter of 9th instant, 
stating that you will sail from Seattle June 21 on the Alaska Steam- 
ship Co.'s steamer Victoria for Nome. 

The Revenue-Cutter Service will pick you up at that place and take 
you to the islands. Arrangements have also been made with the 
Revenue-Cutter Service to take you from St. George to St. Paul on 
or about July 3; to return you to St. George on July 17 or 18, and 
return you to St. Paul on July 19 or 20; to cruise about St. Paul 
Island, keeping in close toucli with the islands during the count of 
pups August 5 to 10, and to take you to Dutch Harbor on about 
August 11. 

The bureau has every reason to believe that the Revenue-Cutter 
Service will be able to render this service as desired. 
Respectfullv, 

H. M. Smith, 
Acting Commissioner. 



[Telegram.] 

Seattle, Wash., June 28, 1909. 
Hon. George Isl. Bowers, 

United States Fisheries Bureau, Washington, D. C: 
Victoria delayed; sails 9 to-morrow night. Have Treasury Depart- 
ment wire me here authority to requisition Capt. Jacobs, Unalaska, 
by wireless, for cutter to take me off Unimak Pass. 

George A. Clark. 



JuxE 29, 1909. 
Mr. George A. Clark, 

Care of Steamer "Victoria," Seattle, Wash.: 
Secretary Treasury requested to wire you authority to ask Jacobs 
to take you off at Unimak Pass. 

Bowers, Commissioner. 



Approaching Xome. July 8, 1909. 
Hon. George M. Bowers, 

Washington, D. C. 

Sir: I received the telegram from the Treasury Department and 
your own message, the latter after going on the boat at Seattle, and 
hence I have not been able to acknowledge it. 

We were unable to reach any of the cutters before getting into the 
Pass and then our reply was that the Rush was waiting at Nome. 
So I am expecting to get off promptly and will be in good time at 
St. Paul. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. ■ 825 

As we feared, the ice about this part of Bering Sea is very trouble- 
some this 3^ear. The Victoria has been virtually lost in it since 10 
yesterday. The cutters will doubtless handle it more easily. 
Respectfully, yours, 

George A. Clark, 

Assistant. 



The Rainier Grand Hotel, 

Seattle, June 28, 1909. 
Hon. George M. Bowers, 

Washington, D. G. 

Dear Sir: The situation with regard to the sailing of steamers for 
Alaska has proven very disappointing. They were all late in return- 
ing from their fii'st trips, but the Victoria, which got in on the 21st, 
was promised out by Thursda}'', 24th, till after the mail boat sailed, 
and then the date was advanced to Saturday, the 26th. The Senator, 
scheduled for the 26th (Pacific Coast Steamship Co.), was taken on" 
and her freight and passengers joined with those of the Victoria. 
Her date was then advanced to Sunday evening, the 27 th, and finally 
to the 29th, when she will probably get off. The fact is that busi- 
ness to Nome has fallen slack. 

Yesterday there was considerable news in the papers regarding 
the cutters — that the Thetis had been caught in the ice and carried 
into the Arctic with probability that she would not get back to Nome 
till the end of July; that the Bear was looldng after a wreck near 
Kadiak; that the Rush was taking certain stranded Russian scientists 
to Attu; that the Manning was left to guard the islands, in the 
vicinity of which two Japanese cruisers were expected ; that a Japanese 
A'essel had been caught sealing in Sitka Harbor, etc. 

In talldng the situation over with Capt. Tuttle, formerly of the 
Revenue-Cutter Service, he was strongly of the opinion that it wouhl 
be l)est to have one of the cutters meet the Victoria at or above Uni- 
mak Pass and take me off, thus avoiding the trip to Nome. The 
Victoria carries wireless \\ith a ran^e of 700 miles. He suo:2;ested 



'fe.-)^ 



tryinw to communicate with Capt. Jacobs through one of the vessels 
carrying wireless that might be m Unalaska as soon as we are within 
reach, asking that a cutter meet the Victoria. 

Capt. Tuttle thought that it would be best for me to telegraph for 
authority to ask for this vessel, which could be quoted in a message 
to Capt. Jacobs, in command of the patrol fleet. It was on his advice 
that I telegraphed you to-night. 

I realize that the arrangements already made may be entirely 
adequate to cover the matter, but they were made without knowl- 
edge of this delay, which I regret exceedingly. I am anxious now 
that it should not be necessaiy, if it can be avoided, lor a vessel to 
ojo all the way to Nome for me. Had the steamship company been 
Irank and direct in their information, I should have gone on the 
mail boat, which would in due time have brought me to Dutch Har- 
bor. As it is now, the Victoria^ should reach the Unimak Pass about 
July 5, and if I can get a cutter there I shall get to the islands in 
good time yet. 

Respectfully, yours, George A. Clark. 



826 seal islands of alaska, 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, August SI, 1909. 
The honorable the Secretary of Commerce and Labor, 

WasTiington, D. C. 

Sir: I have the honor to advise you that this bureau is in receipt 
of a letter dated August 15, 1909, from Mr. George A. Clark, who, as 
special assistant, was detailed this year to make a count of the fur 
seals on the rookeries of the Pribilof Islands. Mr. Clark took a 
similar census in 1897, and the results of this season's work afford a 
valuable comparative basis for ascertaining the status and prospects 
of the fur-seal herd. In view of the very serious conditions dis- 
closed by this investigation it is deemed advisable to acquaint the 
department at once with the contents of this letter, so that any action 
that seems expedient may be taken without waiting for the final 
report. 

The following quotations comprise the substance of Mr. Clark's 
letter : 

The essential features of the situation are: 

(1) That the herd is reduced to about one-third what it was in 
1896-97 — 50,000 breeding females, a like number of pups, and suffi- 
cient animals of other classes to bring the entire herd up to approxi- 
mately 140,000. 

The individual rookeries show exceptional conditions. Notable is 
the case of the Northeast Point rookeries. From a total of 1,143 
harems in 1897 these have fallen in 1909 to 232 harems — about one- 
fifth. This has been due to the concentration in the season of 1908 of 
the Japanese pelagic fleet ofl^ these rookeries. 

(2) There is a vigorous and adequate supply of male life for breeding 
purposes. For the total of active harem bulls of 1,387 there are 513 
idle and young bulls ready for harem duty. A reservation of 2,000 
three and four year old bachelors for this season guarantees a suffi- 
ciency, if not an overstocking of the breeding grounds mth males three 
to five years hence. 

(3) The quota of killable seals is short 675 or thereabouts of the 
quota of 15,000. It would have been much shorter still if the same 
grade of skins were taken as in 1896-97. With a herd approaching 
one-third its former size a quota three-fourths as great — the quota of 
1897 was 20,000 — could not reasonably have been expected. The 
smaller seals taken to make up the number secured are, however, well 
out of the way of the Japanese sealers. 

(4) The Japanese sealing is terribly destructive, being at such close 
range. Every seal leaving the islands to feed must run the gauntlet 
of the boats just off the 3-mile limit both going out and returning, 
and the reports of guns on a still day are incessant. The natural 
result of this shooting must be felt in the loss of many animals in 
excess of those actually secured. 

The count of pups on certain St. Paul rookeries showed on August 
3 fully 6^ per cent of the pups dead or dying of starvation. This was 
the result of sealing in July. A like mortality will result from the 
sealing in August, bringing the full loss to something like 12 per cent 
for the season. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 827 

It is respectfully suggested that this matter be brought to the atten- 
tion of the Department of State, with a view to the renewal of efforts 
for an international agreement, particularly with Japan, for the sup- 
pression of pelagic sealing. The shrinkage of two-thirds in the size 
of the fur-seal herd in 1 2 years ; the reduction of four-fifths in the size 
of some of the rookeries as a direct result of the operations of the 
Japanese sealers last year; and the loss in 1909 of about 6,000 young 
seals by starvation, because of the killing of their mothers by Japanese 
hunters, would appear to warrant the most active and determined 
measures on the part of our Government to ameliorate conditions on 
the seal islands. 

Very respectfully, H. M, Smith, 

Acting Commissioner. 



Dutch Harbor, 

August 15, 1909. 

Dear Dr. Evermann: I finished my work on the islands and after 
a cruise among the pelagic sealers I ain in Dutch Harbor waiting for 
the Homer and getting the hard work of my report done so that it 
may not be delayed by the many interruptions which I know will 
await my return. 

I am sending Commissioner Bowers a brief statement wdiich, with 
this, should come to Seattle by the cutter Tahoma about the 23d, 
and hence reach you about the time I get to San Francisco — 27th. 
It will be better than a telegraphic word which I had expected to 
send. The Tahoma has reached here from Japan via Attn on her 
trip about the globe. 

The situation at the islands is briefly that the herd is about one- 
third its size of 1896-97; the remnant is, however, in good condition, 
and there is an entirely adequate sup])ly of breeding males — 1,387 
harems and 50,000 cows, 500 idle and half bulls, 2,000 reserve of 
bachelors; the quota is short about 675; it was not reasonable to 
expect 15,000 — the quota of 1897 was only 20,000; the condition 
left over next season is very like that of 1889 and 1890, at the con- 
clusion of the A. C. Co, lease. Japanese sealing is much worse than 
Canadian; about 12 per cent of the pups of the season are dead from 
starvation or will die before the close of August. The incessant shoot- 
ing at any and all animals crossing the 3-mile limit gives the feeding 
females no show. I have been unable to do anything with uncinaria; 
the seals have shrunk away from all the places of chief infection in 
1896-97, and the sick pups from starvation in July overlapped and 
obscured sickness and death from any other cause to the extent 
that practically nothing could be done. The worm is probably not 
a factor of mortality now worth considering and will not be until 
the restoration of the herd to a condition where it will again occupy 
the infected regions. 

I feel that I have had a very successful season. The agents have 
been very helpful and considerate and everything has been satis- 
factory except that the condition of the herd and the scourge of 
pelagic sealing which afflicts it are depressing in the extreme. 
Cordially, 

G. A. Clark. 

I ought to be able to get in my full report by the middle of Sep- 
tember. . 



828 seal islands of alaska. 

Dutch Harbor, Alaska, 

August 15, 1909. 
Hon. George M. Bowers, 

Commissioner of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 

Sir: The new revenue cutter Tahoma, which has just arrived from 
Japan via Attu, will take mail to Seattle and I am hoping to send this 
letter by her. It will serve better than a telegraphic report on my 
arrival in San Francisco. 

I finished the work on the islands with the counting of live pups 
on August 5, and with a view to securing data regarding the palagic 
sealers I went for a cruise among them on the revenue cutter 
Manning and am now in Dutch Harbor awaiting the Homer. I shall 
be able to get the main work of my report done here and, making 
allowance for interruptions from my university work on my return, 
I ought still to be able to give you my full report by the middle of 
•September. 

The essential features of the situation are: 

(1) That the herd is reduced to about one-third what it was in 
1896-97 — 50,000 breeding females, a like number of pups and suf- 
ficient animals of other classes to bring the entire herd up to approxi- 
mately 140,000. 

The individual rookeries show exceptional conditions. Notable is 
the case of the Northeast Point rookeries. From a total of 1,143 
harems in 1897, these have fallen in 1909 to 232 harems — to about 
one-fifth. This has been due to the concentration in the season of 
1908 of the Japanese pelagic fleet off these rookeries. 

(2) There is a vigorous and adequate supply of male life for 
breeding purposes. For the total of active harem bulls of 1,387 
there are 513 idle and young bulls ready for harem duty. A reserva- 
tion of 2,000 3 and 4 year old bachelors for this season guarantees a 
sufficiency, if not an overstocking, of the breeding grounds with 
males three to five years hence. 

(3) The quota of killable seals is short 675 or thereabouts of the 
quota of 15,000. It would have been much shorter still if the same 
grade of skins were taken as in 1896-97. With a herd approaching 
one-third its former size a quota three-fourths as great — the quota 
of 1897 was 20,000— could not reasonably have been expected. 
The smaller seals taken to make up the number secured are, however, 
well out of the way of the Japanese sealers. 

(4) The Japanese sealing is terribly destructive, being at such 
close range. Every seal leaving the islands to feed must run the 
gauntlet of the boats just off the 3-mile limit, both going out and 
returning, and the reports of the guns on a still day are incessant. 
The natural result of this shooting must be felt in the loss of many 
animals in excess of those actually secured. 

The count of live pups on certain St. Paul rookeries showed on 
August 3 fully 6^ per cent of the pups dead or dying of starvation. 
This was the result of sealing in July. A like mortality will result 
from the sealing in August, bringing the full loss to something like 
12 per cent for the season. 

These and other matters will be elaborated in my report. 
I am, respectfully, yours, 

^'■] .ja,t George A, Olark, 

Assistant. 



seal islands of alaska. 829 

Leland Stanford Junior University, 

Stanford University, Gal., October 1, 1909. 

Dr. B. W. EVERMANN, 

Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 

Dear Dr. Evermann: I have mailed to the commissioner this 
afternoon my report for the summer. I am sending you a duphcate 
copy for your personal use. 

It has taken me longer to get this done than I expected because of 
interruptions due to absence from home for so long. The question 
of the equilibrium in the herd has also been troublesome. We con- 
sidered this as a theoretical possibility in 1896-97, and it was insisted 
on by the British commissioners in the conference of experts. From 
a careful consideration of the whole matter it seems to me to be a 
fact that the herd has been virtually stationary since 1907. 

I had a splendid summer, and I only hope that this report will be 
of assistance in securing some action on behalf of the fur-seal herd, 
wliich, equilibrium or no equilibrium, is to-day at the lowest point 
in its career and in great need of protection. 
Cordially, yours, 

George A. Clark. 



Leland Stanford Junior University, 

Stanford University, Cal., Odoher 1, 1909. 
Hon. George M. Bowers, 

Commissioner, Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 
Sir: I have mailed you this afternoon my report on the work of 
the past summer, which has taken me longer than I expected. I 
trust that it may be of service to the bureau. 
Respectfully, j^ours, 

George A. Clark, 

Assistant. 

(Original report examined by commissioner Oct. 8. Turned over 
to Mr. Lembkey Oct. 9.) 



report on condition of fur-seal herd, 1909. 

Hon. George M. Bowers, 

Commissioner of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 
Sir: I have the honor to submit herewith my detailed report on 
the condition of the fur-seal herd on the Pribilof Islands, resulting 
from the investigations of the past summer in accordance with your 
instructions of May 15, 1909, as follows: 

* * * It is important that certain observations and investigations made by the 
fur-seal commission of 1896-97 be repeated in order that a comparative estimate be 
made of the condition of the herd at the present time as related to the condition 
obtaininp; in 1896-97. The main elements of the comparative investigation would 
include the following: A census of the breeding herd; a count of live pups on certain 
areas: a count of idle bulls, half bulls, etc.; a count or estimate of the virgin females; 
a count of dead pups, etc. Your acquaintance with the problems involved, gained 
through your active participation in all the work of 1896^97, will enable you to deter- 
mine the scope and details of the observations to be made this year, and these are left 
to your judgment. You are authorized to confer with the chairman of the advisory 



830 ■ SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

board and to conduct the investigations in a manner which will result in the securing 
of the desired data, always bearing in mind, however, that no unnecessary disturb- 
ance of the rookeries must be permitted. * * * Upon your return from the 
islands you will prepare a detailed report embodying the results of your observations 
and your recommendations based thereon. 

ITINERARY. 

I left Palo Alto on June 16, expecting to sail from Seattle on the 
steamship Victoria, scheduled to leave that city for Nome on the 
21st. This vessel — the only one available — was delayed from day 
to day for various causes until the 29th of June. I arrived in Nome 
on the afternoon of the 8th of July and was at once transferred by 
the revenue cutter Rush, Capt. D. F. A. de Otte commanding, to 
St. Paul Island, arriving on the afternoon of July 11. I was engaged 
in the work of observation on this island and the island of St. George 
until August 5, when I cruised on the Manning for four days on the 
southwest quadrant of the GO-mUe zone, going with the vessel to 
Unalaska, at which place we arrived August 9. I returned direct to 
San Francisco on the steamship Homer, reaching that city on August 
30. 

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. 

I am indebted to the Government agents on both islands for cordial 
and helpful assistance in my work and for important statistics of 
rookery conditions in past seasons. I am also under obligations to 
the representatives of the North American Commercial Co. for hos- 
pitality on both islands and at Dutch Harbor. The officers of the 
revenue-cutter fleet cheerfully rendered all necessary transportation, 
and the commander of the fleet, Capt. W. V. E. Jacobs, stationed at 
Unalaska, supplied me with valuable data regarding the operations 
of the pelagic-sealing fleet. 

THE DIVISION OF THE WORK. 

The subject can best be treated under the following general heads: 

1. The breeding seals and young. 

2. The nonbreeding seals. 

3. The quota. 

4. Mortality among the seals. 

5. Pelagic sealing. 

6. The patrol. 

7. Rookery care and management. 

8. The general fur-seal question. 

9. Conclusions and recommendations. 

I have appended to this report certain statistical tables which 
throw light on the situation and have included the detailed notes on 
my work as prepared from day to day. 

THE BREEDING SEALS AND YOUNG. 

Having in mind the caution contained in my instructions against 
"unnecessary disturbance," and aware from the first of a great sen- 
sitiveness on the part of the representatives of the lessees and of the 
Government agents also on this point, my first visit to each of the 
rookeries was made in company with one of the agents in order to 



SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 831 

learn the present position of the hauhng grounds and any points 
necessary for me to know in order that my work might be carried on 
with a minimum of disturbance. The counting of harems and close 
inspection of the rookeries were made immediately following drives 
and when there were no bachelor seals to be disturbed. The counting 
of pups was done in weather unfavorable to the work of the sealers 
and hence with least likeliliood of harm to the cows driven off. It is 
believed that the work of the season interfered in no way with the 
taking of the quota by the lessees and in general wrought no appre- 
ciable harm to the breeding herd. 

THE ROOKERIES. 

The status of the breeding herd is shown by the condition of the 
breeding rookeries, and its continued decline is apparent in two ways — 
first, by shrinkage in the breeding areas themselves; and, second, by 
the results of actual counts of breeding families and individual seals. 
These two features may be brought out by a rapid survey of the 
several rookeries. 

ST. PAUL ROOKERIES. 

1. Gorhatch. — This rookery lies first^to the south of the village, on 
Reef Peninsula. Its hauling ground in 1896-97 was on the hill slope 
above Zoltoi sands. No seal life appeared on this hauling ground 
in 1909. The breeding seals began in 1897 at Rock 26 of the survey 
of that season, and a large harem, which was made the subject of 
special study by Mr. Lucas of the commission of 1896-97, was located 
at Rock 25. There were no seals at this point in 1909. Two isolated 
harems occupied a position at Rock 23, a long break following to 
Rock 19. For the two harems under this cliff portion of Gorbatch in 
1909 there were 14 in 1897. The rocky slope that extends from Rock 
19 to the angle of the cinder slope consisted of a single line of harems 
this season. There were 18 harems here instead of the 85 found in 
1896. There is a long break at the angle of the cinder slope, and 
through this the bachelors have established a new hauling ground. 
The cinder slope was practically free from idle bulls. A single line 
of harems scatter along its base. The rocky bench at the extreme 
end, conspicuous in 1896-97 because occupied by a single large harem 
of 150 cows, is vacant. 

The general appearance of this breeding ground in the season of 
1909 as compared with its condition 12 years ago is that of a skeleton 
or outline, the substance having gone. This general appearance was 
characteristic of the rookeries as a whole. 

For the entire rookery of Gorbatch there were, in 1897, 308 harems 
or breeding families. In 1909 the number was 120. 

2. Ardiguen.— This, little breeding ground lies in a cove at the end 
of Reef Peninsula, set off by natural barriers from Gorbatch and from 
Reef. It was made the subject of special study in 1896 because of 
the advantages for observation without disturbance afforded by its 
overhanging cliffs. Eight harems containing 133 cows were present 
in the "slide" portion of this rookery which are wanting in 1909. 
The line of harems throughout the rookery's length is thin and scat- 
tered. 



832 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

There were 470 cows in 33 harems here in 1897; 207 cows in 11 
harems in 1909. 

3. Reef. — The breeding ground holds close to the reef at the point. 
Each of its great masses are recognizable by a single or at most two 
or three moderate harems extending on the flat ground above the 
bowlder beach. The four princij^al breaks through which the 
bachelors hauled in 1896-97 have widened from a few yards each to 
hundreds of feet. Only two are used by bachelors this season. It 
Wi\s necessary in 1897 to count the massed portion of this rookery 
fr )m the back and to count the bowlder beach in a boat off shore. 
The reduction of this rookery will be appreciated by those familiar 
with the conditions in 1896-97 when it is said that the bowlder beach 
could be seen in all places from the rear, the massed portions on the 
flat having disappeared. At the northern end of the rookery, in the 
direction of East Landing, is an abandoned section similar to that at 
the beginning of Gorbatch, this disappearance of ends of breeding 
grounds being characteristic of the rookeries generally. 

Reef rookery had 454 harems in 1897; in 1909 it has 184. 

4. Sivutch. — This rookery is situated on a small islet half a mile off 
Reef rookery. It has a hauling ground on the end toward the main 
island, but no killings can be made here in the breeding season. The 
rookery above shows less evMence of decline than the others seen. 
It is more difficult this season than in 1897 to reach the high ground 
from which a complete survey of the rookery can be obtained. It 
is probable that this breeding ground draws from Reef on account 
of its favorable location, directly in the course of seals coming to the 
Reef. 

The count of harems gives 61 for 1909 as against 102 for 1897. 
As on Ardiguen there has evidently been a greater diminution in 
harems than in individual cows. 

5. Kitovi. — The striking evidence of shrinkage on this rooker}^ is 
in the absence of any seals to the south of Kitovi Point. In 1896 Dr. 
Stejneger and Mr. Lucas counted 14 harems and 243 cows on this 
section which has entirely disappeared. In the main portion of the 
rookery the harems are scattered along in a single line, with numer- 
ous breaks. The reduction in the space known as the "Amphithe- 
ater" is very conspicuous. It had 46 harems and 654 cows on July 
13, 1897; it had 8 harems and 113 cows on the corresponding date 
in 1909. 

For the entire rookery there are 55 harems in 1909, as against 179 
in 1897. 

6. Lukanin. — This rookery, in so far as it exists to-day, is located 
at the foot of Lukanin Hill. Even here it is confuied to the beach 
at the base and does not extend up on the slope. There are no harems 
this season under the cliff portion and on the lower slope toward the 
cove and sand beach. It was from these cliffs that many of our 
observations in 1896-97 were made on the abundant seal life below 
them. The bachelors have abandoned the usual hauling ground 
above the cove and are hauling in close at the angle of the hill and 
to a position near its top. There were very few of them this season, 
in marked contrast to the plentiful drives of small seals obtained here 
in 1896-97, which gave to Lukanin the designation of the "nursery." 

There were 139 harems on Lukanin in 1897; in 1909 there are 39 
only. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 833 

7. Polovina. — The main part of Polovina in 1896-97 was composed 
of a huge mass of seals on a gradual slope, with a short abrupt beach 
at the foot and a reef, bare at low tide and when no surf was running. 
This mass has shrunk to a narrow fringe, the harems for the most 
part being confined to the bowlder beach and a portion of the reef. 

There were 143 harems here in 1897; there are 42 in 1909. 

8. Polovina Cliff's. — This portion of Polovina lies along the foot of 
abrupt cliffs and resembles portions of Kitovi. The beach is set with 
rough lava rocks and harems are divided into groups by projecting 
ledges. As usual in such breeding grounds, the shrinkage is shown at 
the ends and by breaks at intervals. 

The 61 harems of 1897 are reduced to 23 in 1909. 

9. Little Polovina. — This small breeding ground is in a compact 
mass located on a gradual slope. The area has contracted, but does 
not show decline in so marked a degree as the main rookery. 

It has 19 harems this season as against 40 in 1897. 

10. Morjovi. — This rookery lies along the east side of Northeast 
Point. The first striking feature about it is the absence this season 
of a considerable group of seals at a point opposite Webster House. 
Dr. Stejneger and Mr. Lucas counted here 967 cows in 87 harems in 
1896. This entire body of seals is gone and the ground is vacant. 
So, also, is the south side of Sea Lion Neck, and there are only three 
harems on the north side. Twenty-five harems and 320 cows were 
counted on Sea Lion Neck in 1896. The neck has been abandoned by 
the sea lions and it is said that none have been here for the past nine 
years. The great mass of seals to the north of Walrus Bight is rer 
duced to 15 harems in 1909. 

For the whole of Morjovi there are 45 harems to-day, as against 233 
in 1897. 

11. Vostochni. — This is that portion of the breeding grounds of 
Northeast Point which lies to the west of the point, reaching in 1896-97 
to the vicinity of Cross Hill. It was the largest and, because of the 
great mass of seals under Hutchinson Hill, the most striking of all the 
rookeries in 1896-97. The sight from this hill is still impressive, but 
only a shadow of what it was. The mass this season numbered 51 
harems only and extended but very little into the broad flat at the 
foot of the hill. To the west of the hill the rookery occupies the beach 
at the foot of cliffs and, as is usual with this class of breeding areas, 
shows decline chiefly in a general thinning down and scattering. At 
the extreme southern end Dr. vStejneger and Mr. Lucas in 1896 
counted three patches. Two of these patches, containing 47 and 104 
harems, respectively, and an aggregate of 1,863 cows, have entirely 
disappeared, and the third patch of 73 harems is represented to-day 
only by a remnant of 11 harems. The cove in which the Japanese 
sealers killed the 200 cows in 1906 lies in the second of these patches 
and is devoid of seal life to-day. 

For Vostochni rookerv as a whole in 1897 there were 910 harems; 
in 1909 there are but 184. 

The two sea-lion rookeries on the point still remain, with about 
the same number of animals as in 1896-97. 

12. Zayadni. — The main portion of this rookery was a magnificent 
breeding ground in 1896-97, second only to Vostochni. It stretched 
from the cliffs at Zapadni Head to the sands of Southwest Bay, 

2403— H. Doc. 93, 62-1 53 



834 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

spreading back in great masses on the level areas and shallow ravines 
rising from the shore. To-da}^ the rookery is confined to the abrupt 
beach, with only a suggestion here and there of the former massed 
conditions, an occasional harem projecting on the flat ground. Tne 
ravines known by us in 1896 as "death traps," because of their 
crowded condition and the high mortality among the pups, are in 
1909 abandoned and their grass-grown condition indicates that they 
have not been occupied for several years. A supplemental count for 
the rookery front of Zapadni had to be made in 1897 from a boat 
offshore; in 1909 it can be counted readily from the rear. 

There were 458 harems here in 1897; this season the number is 147. 

13. Little Zapadni. — This rookery is separated from the main part 
of Zapadni by the sand beach of Southwest Bay. It occupies a 
crescent-shaped rocky slope. There is only one line of harems on 
the beach and the rookery has shrunk at both ends. 

Instead of 176 harems, as in 1897, Little Zapadni has now only 62. 

14. Zapadni Reef. — This breeding ground occupies a long bowlder 
beach extendmg out from the foot of Little Zapadni. It has shrunk 
to a little group of harems on the widened point of the reef near 
English Bay. 

Zapadni Reef had 3,041 cows in 114 harems in 1897; it has only 319 
cows in 11 harems in 1909. 

15. Tolstoi. — The mass of seals on the sand flat of Tolstoi, espe- 
cially on account of the fighting among the bulls, was a striking sight 
in 1896. The shrinkage of this rookery is most vividly put by saying 
that in the height of tne breeding season no seals whatever appeared 
on the sand flat. It was on this area, now vacant, that the heavy 
mortality among pups — -1,495 deaths — from the parasite uncinaria 
occurred in 1896. This season the seals have been confined to the 
bowlder beach until August 1 , when a heavy surf drove them up into 
the flat. 

There were 295 harems on this rookery in 1897; in 1909 the number 
is 87. 

16. Tolstoi Cliffs. — This breeding ground is shut off from the 
main rookery by a jutting ledge of rocks and it occupies a narrow 
beach throughout its length backed by abrupt cliffs. Like other 
similar breeding areas, it shows less evidence of decline in the number 
of individual cows than in the number of families. There are long 
breaks in the harem line, and one of these was occupied by the bache- 
lors as a hauling ground. 

In 1897 there were 1,286 cows here in 98 harems; in 1909 the number 
is reduced to 698 cows in 25 harems. 

17. Lagoon. — This breeding ground is located on a rocky spit oppo- 
site the landing at St. Paul village. It is similarly situated to 
Zapadni Reef, and like Zapadni Reef rookery has practically disap- 
peared. 

The 11,5 harems of July 12, 1897, are reduced in 1909 to 12 harems. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 835 

ST. GEORGE ROOKERIES. 

1. Little East. — Tliis small breeding ground has been practically 
abandoned. It was a compact little body of seals, miicli like Little 
Polovina of St. Paul. In August, 1896, 1,350 pups were counted here. 
On July 9, 1897, there were 46 harems on it, a later count on eTuly 15 
of that year giving 48. 

On July 15, 1909, this rookery had 4 harems and 71 cows. 

2. East. — The reef portion of this rookery has thinned out and 
broken, and is separated from the main body of seals by a broad, 
vacant space, half a mile in width. - The mass of seals at the foot of 
the tall cliffs at the southern end looks well. The decrease is not so 
noticeable here as on most of the rookeries of St. Paul. 

The count of harems for this season gives 65 as against 128 found 
here in 1897.^ 

3. Zapadni. — Zapadni rookery of St. George shows a decline simi- 
lar to that of the St. Paul rookeries. The beach portion of the 
rookery which extended in the direction of the watch house in 1897, 
and on which Mr. Lucas counted 39 harems and 431 cows, is entirely 
without seals in 1909. The remnant of the rookery lies on the first 
bench of the Mil slope. The beach portion to the south under the 
cliff has thinned do%vn and practically disappeared. 

For the 133 harems of 1897 there are 43 harems in 1909. 

4. Staraya Artel.— This breeding ground occupies the even slope of 
a hillside, wliich breaks off m an abrupt cliff. The harems are in a 
massed condition throughout. Of all the rookeries of the two 
islands this one shows least evidence of decline. 

There were 57 harems here in 1897, and there are 42 in 1909. 

5. North. — North rookery is very much like Kitovi on St. Paul, 
occupying the bowlder beach at the foot of cliffs and short bowlder 
stre\\Ti hill slopes without massed portions. It spreads along a mile 
of shore front. It shows lateral shrinkage at the western end, but 
at the village end the harems extend as far as they did in 1896. It 
is thinned out and scattered and shows breaks, but the decline is less 
striking than on the other rookeries in general. 

There were 196 harems here in July, 1897, and 106 in July, 1909. 

HAREM COUNTS. 

The counts of harems or breeding famiUes were all made within the 
period of rookery life known as the "height of the season," between 
the dates of July 12 and 18, these dates corresponding in general to 
those on which the similar counts for 1897 were made. 



836 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 
Summary of harem counts. 



Rookery. 



1909 



St. Paul. 

Gorbatch 

Ardiguen 

Reef 

Sivutch 

Kitovi 

Lukanin 

Polovina 

'Polovina Clifls 

Little Polovina 

Morjovi 

Vostoclmi 

Zapadni 

Little Zapadni 

Zapadni Reel' 

Tolstoi 

Tolstoi Cliffs 

Lagoon 

Total 

St. George. 

Little East 

East 

Zapadni 

Staraya Artel 

North 

Total 

St. Paul 

St. George 

Grand total 



308 


120 


33 


11 


454 


184 


102 


61 


179 


55 


139 


39 


143 


42 


61 


23 


40 


19 


233 


45 


910 


184 


458 


147 


176 


62 


114 


11 


295 


87 


98 


25 


115 


12 


3,858 


1,127 


46 


4 


128 


65 


133 


43 


57 


42 


196 


106 


560 


260 


3,858 


1,127 


560 


260 



4,418 



1,387 



On the basis of harem counts the breeding herd on the two islands 
stands in the season of 1909 at 31 per cent of what it was in 1897; in 
other M^ords, has in the 12 years suffered a dechne of 69 per cent. 
The dechne on St. Paul alone is 71 per cent; on St. George alone, 55 
per cent. 

The difference in the amount of decline between the two islands 
seems to be due to the effects of Japanese sealing. The greater part 
of the herd, about four-fifths, is to be found on the rookeries of St. 
Paul. The Japanese sailing fleet has evidently chosen to operate 
about the larger island. In the season of 1908 it was concentrated 
off the Northeast Point rookeries, this accounting for the specially 
strildng decline of the seals on the rookeries of Morjovi and Vos- 
tochni, which is greater than that of any of the other rookeries. In 
like manner the fleet has this season been concentrated in the vicinity 
of Southwest Point and Otter Island, evidently seeking the pathway 
of the seals of the rookeries of Peef Peninsula, Tolstoi, and Zapadni. 
The sealers have apparently worked little in the vicinity of St. George. 

In the case of the St. George rookeries there seems to be a striking 
difference in the relative condition of the rookeries to the north and 
east when contrasted with the rookery to the southwest. Zapadni 
rookery of St. George shows a reduction in every way comparable 
with the rookeries of St. Paul, while the other rookeries of tliis island, 
with the exception of Little East, show a much smaller decrease. 
It may be noted that Zapadni rookery faces toward the southwest 
which is the direction of the most frequented feeding ground of the 
seals, on the Southwest Quadrant. The Zapadni seals may frequent 
this ground, while the seals of Staraya Artel, North and East, feed 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 837 

in the direction of the Northeast Quadrant and in grounds not so 
successfully reached by the pelagic sealers. 

It may be said with reference to tliis count of harems that, although 
it indicates decline in the herd, it does not give an actual measure 
of decline. The conditions affecting the herd of breeding bulls are 
different from those affecting the herd of breeding cows, and have 
to do with the methods of land killing, not ^^^th those of pelagic seal- 
ing. To constitute a measure of decline or even absolute proof of 
such decline would require the presence on the rookeries of an excess 
of adult male life of the idle bull class, thrown out of service by the 
scarcity of breeding females. There is no such excess of idle bulls, 
the rookeries in this respect standing in marked contrast to the con- 
ditions prevailing in 1896-97. The reduction in harems, however, 
becomes a strong corroborative evidence of decline when taken in 
connection with the counts of individual cows and pups. 

In general the harems correspond in size with those of 1896-97. 
Many single-cow harems were noticeable; also many very large 
harems numbering 75 cows and over. On certain circumscribed and 
isolated breeding areas, as Tolstoi Chffs, Lagoon, etc., the general 
average harem was larger than on the other rookeries in general. 

THE ACTIVE BULLS. 

The number of active bulls is naturally identical with the preceding 
count of harems, 1,387. In physical vigor, vigilance, and pugnacity 
the average harem bull in 1909 was in every way equal to that of 
1897. An unusual number showed sca,rs, marks of fighting during 
the early part of the season, although the actual fighting in the height 
of the season was less than in 1897, due to fewer idle bulls. The idle 
bulls present in 1909, however, were aggressive and taxed the vigilance 
of the harem masters in their neighborhood as in 1896-97. 

No dead bulls were seen this season, and no dead cows whose death 
could certainly be charged to rough treatment by fighting bulls. In 
1896 there were seen 28 bulls dead as a result of lighting. In respect 
to the relations of the active, idle, and young male life on the breeding 
grounds, the present season seems to have marked a much more 
normal and favorable condition than did the seasons of 1896-97. 

Among the active bulls in the season of 1909 were a considerable 
number of young gray bulls; some of them so young and inexperi- 
enced that they would not hold their ground against the approach of 
a man, although apparently the}' were accepted on terms of equality 
by their neighbors. These young bulls were unusually attentive and 
active and gave every e"\ddence of being efl'ective breeders. Under 
the conditions of 1896-97 this class of young bulls would have been 
shut off the rookeries absolutely by the buffer of idle bulls and would 
doubtless have had to wait two or more years before attaining a place 
on the breeding grounds. The accession of this young, vigorous male 
life on the rookeries thus earlier must be a decided gain, especiall}^ as 
the life of the adult male seems not to be as extended as was originally 
estimated, being in the neighborhood of 13 instead of 18 years. 

It is probably not essential to the survival of the fittest among the 
bulls that there should be constant fighting on the rookeries between 
the bulls in charge of harems and a class of bulls of equal age and 
strength without harems but struggling to get them. The dead 



838 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



bulls, and especially the dead cows, found by us in 1896-97, show that 
such strenuous conditions have a positively injurious effect. The 
severest ordeal which the bull fur seal has to pass through is undoubt- 
edly the harsh winter at sea. This weeds out the weak and defec- 
tive and the old, sending back to the breeding grounds in the spring 
only the . strongest and most vigorous. The result of the fighting 
between idle and active bulls, so far as the bulls themselves are con- 
cerned, has, for effect, only the maiming or crippling of a certain 
number of harem masters, their places being taken by animals of 
the same age and presumably no better qualified as breeders. The 
wounded animals withdraw from the rookeries. They either recover 
fully from their injuries or are put out by the storms of the winter, 
and again only the fittest are returned in the spring. 

It may be assumed that every adult bull which seeks and obtains 
a place on the rookeries in the spring is a fit animal. A proper pro- 
vision for maintaining a reserve of male life for breeding purposes is 
one which insures not a buffer of idle adult bulls about the breeding 
grounds, but a plentiful supply of young bulls growing up to take 
the places of those which fail to reappear in the spring. 

THE BREEDING COWS. 

The breeding season, beginning about June 10 and extending to 
about August 10, reaches a climax, known as the "height of the sea- 
son," about the 12th to the 18th of July. At this time the greatest 
number of cows are present, the harem discipline is rigid, and each 
family is definitely marked out. After this period the cows and 
pups scatter out and intermingle, the mother seals spend longer time 
at sea, the pups learn to swim, and the harem system breaks up. 

Prior to 1896 it was thought that at this height of the breeding 
season practically all the cows were present, and that an enumera- 
tion of the individual seals at that time would give a result approxi- 
mately correct. It was later found, however, from a count of the 
pups on certain rookeries, that even at this period of greatest expan- 
sion of the rookeries no more than half the cows were ever present 
at one time. The counts of cows made in 1896 were accordingly 
ignored in making up the census of breeding seals in this season and 
in 1897. Such counts would, however, have a comparative value, 
and accordingly the rookeries so counted in 1896 were recounted in 
1909 on the same dates and in the same manner. They are as follows: 

Counts of cows. 



Rookery. 


1897 


1909 


Kitovi . .. . . 


2,436 

1,319 

1,286 

1,049 

470 

654 

497 


892 




281 


Tolstoi Clifls 


698 




137 




207 




127 


Little East 


71 








Total 


7,711 


2,413 







SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



839 



The number of cows found at the same dates in 1909 on these 
breeding grounds is 31 per cent of the number found in 1897. This 
gives the same percentage of dechne that is shown by the com- 
parison of harems. 

The real measure of the herd of breeding cows, however, must be 
obtained from the count of pups. The mother seals are coming and 
going from the feeding grounds during the season, the periods of 
absence varying from 5 to 10 days and growing longer as the season 
advances ; but the pups remain for the first month or six weeks in one 
definite place on the rookery. A count of the pups is therefore the 
only sure index to the number of mothers. 

COUNTS OF PUPS. 

The pups learn to swim at the age of a month or six weeks. Prior 
to that time their place on the rookery is definitely fixed. In counting 
them it is necessary to go on the rookeries and drive off the adult 
animals. This counting can therefore not be done until the breeding 
season has broken up, and it must be done before the pups have 
learned to swim. The period between August 1 and 10 meets these 
two conditions. The counts of live pups were made in the season of 
1909 on August 2 and 4, and are as follows, the records for 1897 
being included for comparison: 



Rookery. 



1897 



1909 



Kitovi 

Lagoon 

Tolstoi Cliffs. 
Zapadni Reef 
Ardiguen 

Total... 



5,289 


1,979 


2,598 


693 


12,664 


1,452 


3,041 


319 


736 


355 



14,328 



4,798 



1 Count of 1896. 

The number of pups found on these typical rookery grounds in 
1909 is 33 per cent of the number found 12 years ago. The individual 
rookeries show considerable variation, the percentage of decline on 
Tolstoi Cliffs being about 50, while that on Zapadni Reef is 90. 
The conditions on these rookeries are found to be extreme, however, 
and not properly apphcable to the breeding grounds generally. 
This was found to be the case also in 1896-97, and hence as in those 
seasons the more nearly typical condition of Eatovi rookery is taken 
in arriving at the number of breeding cows. The average harem of 
this rookery is found, by dividing the total number of pups born 
upon it by the number of families in the height of the season, to 
be 36. The average harem for 1897 on this rookery was 29.5, and for 
1896, 34. The average harem of Kitovi rookery will therefore be 
used in estimating the number of cows and pups on the rookeries 
on which only harems were counted, the actual counts of pups being 
used on the rookeries on which they were made. 

It will be noted that the decline on Kitovi rookery alone as shown 
by a comparison of its stock of pups in 1897 with those in 1909 has 
been 63 per cent. 



840 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



ESTIMATES OF COWS AND PUPS. 



Applying the averp^ge harem of Kitovi rookery, 36, to those rook- 
eries on which only harems were counted, using the counts of pups 
where made, we are prepared to complete our estimates of the cows 
and pups. These are as follows, the estimates of 1897 being included 
for comparative purposes: 



Rookery. 


1897 


1909 




St 


Paul. 


9,086 
736 
13,393 
3,009 
5,289 
4,100 
4,218 
2,200 
1,180 
6,873 
26,845 
13,511 
5,192 
2,200 
8,702 
2,891 
2,598 


4,320 




355 


Reef 


6,624 


Sivutch 


2,196 




1,979 


Lukanin . . 


1,404 




1,512 


Polovina CliSs 


828 


Little Polovina 


684 


Morjovi 


1,620 


Vostochni 


6,624 


Zapadni . . . 


5,292 


Little Zapadni 


2,232 


Zapadni Reef 


319 


Tolstoi 


3,132 


Tolstoi Cliffs.. . . . . . 


1,452 


Lagoon - ^ - - - 


693 










Total . . 


1112,864 


41,266 




St. 


George. 




Little East 


1,190 
3,766 
3,923 
1,681 
5,782 


144 


East 


2,340 


Zapadni 


1,548 


Staraya Artel 


1,512 


North ... - - - -- 


3,816 










Total 


16,352 


9, 3ao 




Summary. 




St. Paul 


112,864 
16,352 


41,266 




9,360 










Total 


129,216 


50,626 







' The total here is 112,023; apparently an error in addition. Additions, etc., in this manuscript have 
not been verified. 

The totals given above are to be used double; that is, they do not 
include cows and pups, but give the number of cows, and there are 
a like number of pups. They represent a decline in the breeding 
femp.le stock and m the birth rate of pups of 61 per cent in the period 
of 12 years. This is the actual percentage of decline in the breeding 
herd, the conditions of one season being exactly compared mth the 
conditions of the other. The percentage differs for the two islands; 
that for St. Paul alone being 64, and for St. George alone being 43, 
the latter island having about one-fifth of the total herd. 

In the foregoing enumeration of cows and pups it is not claimed 
that the exact number of animals on the rookeries are given in these 
figures. They contain estimates for those rookeries on which tlie 
actual pups were not counted, which are obtained by applying to 
them the conditions of a single rookery, approximately, but not exactly, 
typical of the rookeries as a whole. Speaking of the census of 1896, 
which gave a total of 157,405 cows and as many pups, the commis- 
sion of that year said: "It is impossible that the enumeration should 
be made absolute. This total means between 150,000 and 160,000." 






SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



841 



The commission intended the same qualification to apply to the cen- 
sus of 1897. Speaking in the same way of the above census of 1909 
we may sav that the total of 50,626 means between, say, 48,000 and 
55,000!^ 

The important thing about the enumeration for 1909 is that it is 
made m exactly the same way as that for 1897. Its estimates are 
the same. The personal equation of the observer is the same, and 
its results are fairly comparable with those of the census of 12 years 
ago, giving a safe comparative estimate of the condition of the herd. 
It gives an approximately accurate measure of the herd's decline. 

ESTIMATES BY AGENTS, 

In the report of the chief agent in charge of the fur-seal islands 
appear from year to year estimates of the fur-seal herd. In the litera- 
ture available to me I do not find these estimates for 1898 nor for 1908. 
The estimates for the intervening seasons are as f oUows : 



Year. 



1900 
1901 
1902 
1903 



Harems. 



4,573 
4,310 
3,797 
2,837 
2,343 



Cows 
and pups. 



89, 2fil 
93,132 
90,230 
94,882 
97,296 



Year. 



1904 
1905 
190G 
1907, 



Harems. 



2,169 
1,758 
1,440 
1,210 



Cows 
and pups. 



87,585 
78,836 
64, 157 
50,825 



The apparent increase in cows shown in these estimates for the 
seasons of 1899 to 1903 has been hard to understand or accept. For 
the sam.e period there has been an apparent decrease of nearly one- 
half in the number of breeding families. The action of pelagic sealing 
was heavy and uninterrupted during this period and it seems impossi- 
ble that the herd should increase. 

When we come to examine the method of arriving at these esti- 
mates, however, the difficulty is easily cleared up. We find that with 
the season of 1899 there was a steady increase in the number of pups 
counted to secure the average harem to be applied to those rookeries 
on which pups were not counted. This soon included the whole of the 
rookeries of St. George and more than one-third of the island of 
St. Paul. The counts of pups were used directly in the estimates for 
St. George, and for the remainder of St. Paul, instead of an average 
harem based on the condition of Kitovi rookery, having about 3,200 
pups, an average harem, obtained from rookery areas embracing 
about 25,000 pups, was used. 

Not only was this method widely difl'erent from that emplo3^ed by 
us in 1897, but there was more or less variation from year to year, all 
tending to increased accuracy and completeness, but at the same time 
tending toward results which were not comparable year by year or 
with the basis established in 1897. 

In the meantime the abnormal reduction of harems which marked 
this period, the cause of which had nothing to do with pelagic sealing, 
was affecting certain of the rookeries on which pups were being 
counted, in greater degree than others, especially those on which only 
harems could be counted. For example, in 1909 we find by the count 



842 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



of live pups that the average harem on Lagoon, Tolstoi Cliffs, and 
Zapadni Reef is 52 cows; for Kitovi rookery alone, 36. But the 
conditions on the three former rookeries are not typical of the St. 
Paul rookeries as a whole. If these rookeries had been combined 
with Kitovi in completing the estimate for St. Paul, the average 
harem would have been increased to 43 instead of 36, with a corre- 
sponding increase in the number of cows. This average of Kitovi 
alone was used in 1909 because it was this average alone that was 
used in 1897. 

Lagoon, Tolstoi Cliffs, and Zapadni Reef, as well as other areas 
regularly counted for pups, are so situated that they have had few idle 
bulls. Being without hauling grounds they are out of the way of the 
young bulls. As a result they show, in the growing scarcity of bulls, 
a greater decrease in harems than in cows. Their inclusion during 
1899-1907 in the data for obtaining the average harem for St. Paul 
has tended to give a unit that was disproportionately large for the 
uncounted rookeries, the result being an excess of cows which seemed 
to be an increase, but which was not. 

Wlien we consider the counts of pups by themselves for the seasons 
1900 to 1903, we do not find any evidence of increase. On the por- 
tions of St. Paul and for the whole of St. George these counts are as 
follows : 



Year. 


St. Paul. 


St. George. 


Total. 


1900 . . . . 


18,831 
17,972 
16,835 
15,781 


17,953 
14,671 
14,830 
14,647 


36,784 


1901 . . 


32,643 


1902 


31,665 


1903 


30,428 







We may therefore assume that no real increase in the herd of 
breeding cows occurred in the period in question, the apparent 
increase being abundantly accounted for by the altered method of 
making the estimate. 

AN EQUILIBRIUM IN THE HERD. 

In 1907 the full count of pups not having been made, the estimate 
of breeding seals for the year was made up by the chief agent on the 
basis of Kitovi rookery alone for St. Paul and North rookery for 
St. George. The resulting estimate is therefore more nearly com- 
parable with the estimate of 1897 and with the estimate of 1909 than 
any other made in the intervening season. It gave for the season of 
1907 a total of 50,825 breeding cows. The total number of breeding 
cows for 1909 has been found to be 50,626. The close correspondence 
of these figures suggests a stationary condition in the breeding herd. 

It was recognized in 1896-97 that a condition of equilibrium in the 
herd might result from the gradual reduction of the pelagic catch. 
In paragraph 13 of the joint statement of fact agreed upon by the 
conference of fur-seal experts in 1897 this condition is expressed as 
follows: "It is equally plain that a certain number of females may be 
killed without involving the actual diminution of the herd if the 
number killed do not exceed the annual increment of the breeding 
herd, taking into account the annual losses by death through old age 
and through incidents of the sea." 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



843 



In addition to the similarity of the final estimates of 1907 and 1909 
a number of other conditions seem to point in this same direction. 
For example, let us compare the number of harems for the two 
seasons, which are as follows: 

Harems, 1907 and 1909. 



Rookery. 



St. Paul 

Kitovi 

Lagoon 

Polovina Cliffs 

Zapadni Reef 

Lukanin 

Tolstoi Cliffs 

Tolstoi 

Zapadni 

Little Zapadni 

Gorbatch 

Ardiguen 

Sivutch 

Polovina 



1907 


1909 


55 


55 


15 


12 


24 


23 


10 


11 i 


34 


39 i 


30 


25 


99 


87 


155 


147 


68 


62 


108 


120 


11 


11 


45 


61 


33 


42 1 



Rookery. 



St. Paul — Continued 

Little Polovina 

Vostochni and Morjovi 

St. George. 

North 

Little East 

East 

Zapadni 

Staraya Artel 

Total 




The sMght increase in number of harems for 1909 may easily be 
accounted for by the fact that after having perhaps reached its lowest 
point in man)' years the stock of breeding bulls has begun to increase 
with a tendency to increase the number of harems, even though the 
stock of cows remains stationary. The number of idle bulls in 1907 
was noted as 61; the number for 1909 was 189. 

Again, the trend of certain typical rookeries, as shown by the 
counts of pups, points toward equilibriiun. I do not have at hand 
the count of live pups for Kitovi for 1906, nor the count of North 
rookery for the present season; but taking three seasons for each 
rookers^ between 1906 and 1909 we have the follomng results: 

Pup counts. 



Year. 


Kitovi. 


North. 


1906 




3,854 


1907. 


1,959 
1,960 
1,979 


4,185 


1908 


4,123 


1909 









The slight variation in these counts might easily be explained by 
inaccuracies in counting. The counts for North rookery in 1896 
and 1897 were made by different persons. 

Finally, if there is not a virtual state of equilibriiun in the herd, it 
is difficult to understand the quota which has been taken for the past 
five years. This is as follows: 

Skins. 

1905 *. . 14, 368 

1906 14, 476 

1907 14, 964 

1908 14, 964 

1909 14, 368 

Under the conditions of 1896-97, when the killing was confined to 
animals of 3 years and older, these figures would not mean much; 



844 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



but for the past three }ears at least the quota has included practi- 
cally all animals of 2 }ears of age and over that have appeared on 
the hauling grounds. With this fact in mind, unless we assume a 
virtual equilibrium in the herd we can not explain the equilibrium 
in its yield of bachelor seals. 

The real test of the matter, however, lies in the condition of the 
pelagic catch. This for the past four years has been as follows : 





Bering Sea and nortl 


iwest coast. 








Year. 


Canadian. 


Japanese. 


Total. 


190G . . » 


10,370 

5,397 

4,954 

574 


10, 515 

8,782 


20,885 


1907 


14, 179 


1908 


0) 


1909 


4,382 


4,956 







1 Incomplete. 

These figures are incomplete. Those for 1906-7 are quoted in the 
chief agent's report for 1907; those for 1908 for the Canadian fleet 
alone were obtamed at the office of the American consul at Victoria. 
The figures for 1909 are those reported by the revenue-cutter fleet to 
August 14. The most that can be said for them is that they mark a 
heavy decline in the pelagic catch, tending to bring it witliin the mar- 
gin of natural gain. 

The idea of the equilibrium in the breeding herd is based upon the 
assumption that the stock of breeding females is each year augmented 
by a certain number of 3-year-old cows coming to bring forth their 
first pups, and that under normal conditions this increment of young 
cows exceeds the natural losses of the breeding stock through acci- 
dents and losses through old age. Unaflected by pelagic sealing, 
therefore, we would expect the herd to show increase from year to 
year in proportion to the margin of gain. Under the action of pelagic 
sealing, which results in the killing of breeding females, we would 
expect the herd to show decrease so long as the number of females 
taken by the pelagic sealers exceeded this margin of gain. When the 
number of females in the pelagic catch equals the margin of gain there 
will be equilibrium. If it falls below the margin of gain, the herd will 
increase even under pelagic sealing. 

A herd of 50,000 breeding female fur seals gives a birth rate of 50,000 
pups. Half of these will in the course of time appear on the hauling 
grounds as killable seals; the other half will appear as young breeders 
on the rookeries, each class being diminished by all the natural losses 
and accidents incident to the life of the young fur seal on land and in 
the sea. In 1896-97 we were inclined to estimate this natural loss 
prior to the age of 3 years at one-half of the number born. It is 
probable, however, that this estimate is too high for the diminished 
herd. It may be, for example, that feeding conditions arePnot so 
strenuofts as a result of diminished numbers. At any rate the yield 
of the killing fields for the past five years would seem to indicate a 
higher rate of survival than one-half, practically two-thirds; or, from 
a herd of 50,000 breeding females, 15,000 young males of 3 j^ears of 
age and a like number of females of the same age. 

The increment of gain to the breeding herd has therefore in the past 
three to five years been about 15,000 young cows each season. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 845 

Assuming that the age of the female is approximately 13 years, she 
has an average breeding period of 10 seasons. The natural loss to 
the herd of 50,000 adult cows would be about one-tenth each season, 
or 5,000. The net increment of gain woidd therefore be about 
10,000. Pelagic sealing not exceeding tJiis number of females woidd 
hold the herd in equiUbrium, and to the extent to which it might 
fall below tliis number would permit of its increase. 

If we consider the pelagic catcli for 1907, applying to its total of 
14,179 seals a proportion of two-thirds ' for females, we find that it 
probably entailed a loss of approximately 9,800 females; or, if we 
assume a proportion of three-fourths,^ the loss would be approximately 
11,000. This is in either case just about the loss which the herd in its 
present state coidd sustain without materially decreasing. It is 
probable that the total pelagic catch for 1908 was less than that in 
1907, and the catch for 1909, as reported for the Japanese fleet to 
August 14, amounting only to 4,383, will be lighter still, the Canadian 
catch for this season being insi^ni'ficant. 

In view of all tliese considerations I am inclined to believe that the 
loss sustained by the herd through pelagic sealing, by reason of the 
reduced catch, has in the past three seasons fallen within the natural 
increment of gain and that the herd is virtually in a state of equilib- 
rium at its lowest point. 

Whether or not this is actually the case only the observations of the 
coming and subsequent seasons can absolutely determine; but the 
conditions of the seasons 1907-1909 certainly seem to fulfill all the 
theoretical requirements of a state of equilibrium. 

THE NON15REEDING SEALS. 

The nonbreeding seals comprise the reserve of breeding males, the 
killable seals 6r bachelors, the 2-year-old cows, and the yearlings of 
both sexes. 

THE BREEDING RESERVE. 

This may be divided again into the idle bulls, the young or half 
bulls, and the reserve of older bachelors. 

1. The idle hulls. — These are adult males, equal in age and strength 
to the active or harem bulls, but they have been unable either by 
reason of unfavorable location or of diminution of cows to secure 
harems. They occupy the hill slopes in the rear of the harem bidls, 
fighting more or less among themselves and with the harem masters 
during the season, in the latter case tr3nng to steal cows, in many 
cases succeeding and probably in most cases securing temporary 
harems toward the close of the breeding season uhen the vigilance of 
the harem bulls is relaxed. In 1896-97 the idle bulls as a class out- 
numbered the active bulls and were the cause of continual turmoil 
and confusion on the rookc^ries. The animals of this class in 1909 
were few in number, only 189 in all, forming a very striking contrast 
to the condition in 1897. 

In the strict sense of the word the idle bull is not a reserve bull, 
but a superfluous bull. Of the same age, practicality, as the active 
bull, perhaps older, he is just as apt as the latter to disappear in the 

1 Proportion of females in pelagic catch: Alexander, 1895, 62 pei cent; Halket, 1896, 84 per cent. 



846 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



winter mi,gration in the sea, which acts as a sifting process for the 
aged and infirm, sending back to the rookeries in the spring only the 
most fit. At most, he can be said onlv to provide a substitute for 
some harem bull which may accidentally become disabled. There is 
no benefit to the rookeries m having them overrun with this class of 
animals, as they were in 1896-97. The conditions in this respect in 
1909 were more rational and normal. 

2. The young or half hulls. — These animals are young males which, 
though sexually mature, have not yet developed the strength and 
confidence which enables them to contend with the experienced 
harem masters. In the height of the breeding season they occupy 
positions in the rear of the idle bulls or on the water front of the 
rookeries. They are appropriate!}" called "quitters" by the agents, 
because they will not stand on the approach of a man and will not 
charge in defence of their positions, as the idle bulls will. They move 
on and if too closely pressed will take to the water. They are an 
unstable feature of rookery life — here to-da^, yonder to-morrow — and 
many of them appear regularly in the drives among the bachelors. 
Toward the close of the breeding season many of them succeed in 
obtaining harems of young cows. These animals constitute the real 
reserve of male life on which the maintenance of the breeding herd 
must rely. 

COUNTS OF IDLE AND HALF BULLS. 

In making the count of harems in the height of the breeding season, 
careful counts of the idle and half bulls were made. These counts 
are as follows: 



Harem. 



St. Paul. 



Gorbatch 

Ardiguen 

Reef 

Sivutch 

Kitovi 

Lukanin 

Polovina 

Polovina Cliffs. . 
Little Polovina. 

Morjovi 

Vostoclini 

Zapadni 

Little Zapadni.. 



Idle. 



Young. 



26 



Harem. 



St. PawZ— Continued. 



Zapadni Reef. 

Tolstoi 

Tolstoi Clifls. . 
Lagoon 



St. George. 



Little East... 

East 

Zapadni 

Staraya Artel. 
North 



Total. 



Idle. 



189 



Young. 



1 


1 


14 


13 


4 


1 


3 


1 


14 


29 


13 


22 


10 


7 


7 


26 



324 



This reserve of breeding males is 37 per cent of the number of active 
bulls. Leaving out the idle bulls, the stock of young bulls is itself 23 
per cent of the active list. If we assume an average maximum age of 13 
years for the male and an average age of 8 years for beginning harem 
duty, the natural loss of breeding males would be one-fifth annually, 
or, with the present stock of active bulls, 277. The supply of young 
males exceeds this. The herd is therefore well supplied with breeding 
males. 

The conditions of 1909, however, stand in marked contrast in this 
respect to the conditions of 1897. In the latter season we estimated 
the number of idle bulls at 5,000 and the young bulls at 10,000. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 847 

3. TTie reserve oj bachelors. — Beginning with the season of 1904, 
there has been set aside each spring a special breeding reserve of 
2,000 young males of 2 and 3 j^ears of age. These animals have been 
marked by clipping the head with sheej) shears, giving them a whitish 
mark readily distinguishing them to the clubbers. They are care- 
fully exempted on the kilhng field and released. 

This method of creating a breeding reserve seems open to consid- 
erable criticism, and has apparently been only moderately successful. 
The mark put upon the animal is a temporary one. The fur is 
replaced during the fall and winter, and the following spring the 
marked seals can not be recognized. The animals being 2 and 3 
years of age are still killable the next season, the 2-year-olds in fact the 
second season. A new lot of 2,000 is clipped the next season, and 
these are carefully exempted, but, except in so far as animals of the 
previous season's marking are reclipped, they have no protection the 
second season, and without doubt are killed. 

If such is not the case, it is difficult to understand what becomes of 
them. The annual reservation from 1904 to 1907, both seasons 
included, would aggregate 8,000 animals. These animals would be 
of ages ranging from 8 to 5 years this season. The only animals 
present in 1909 which could have resulted from this reservation were 
the 513 idle and half bulls. Even if we assume that they have in the 
meantime replaced the entire stock of breeding bulls, this would 
account for only 1,900 of them, and the active bulls were for the most 
part of a distinctly older class. 

The number set aside in attempting to create this breeding reserve 
has, of course, been entirely too high. At the time the plan was in- 
augurated the entire stock of active bulls was only 2,169. If we 
assume enough idle bulls to bring the adult breeding stock up to 
2,500, the breeding life of the bull being at least 5 seasons, 500 
would have been the increment necessary to maintain the stock. 
Allowing for a considerable loss through pelagic sealing, 600 to 800 
would have been an ample reserve. 

For the present this reserve should be reduced to about 500 animals. 
They should be chosen from the older animals, the 4-year-olds, not 
2 and 3 year olds. An animal of this age, protected by some 
mark distinguishing him to the clubber, would have developed a 
"wig" by the following season and this would afford him all further 
necessary protection. 

The present use of a temporary mark placed on the head has this 
further objection: It puts a premium on carelessness in clubbing. 
If the animal is set aside for breeding purposes the mark put upon 
him might well be a permanent one, marring the value oi his skin 
to the pelagic sealer who may chance to get it. The fact of this 
blemish will enforce greater care on the killing field. The clipping 
on the head is doubtless the best mark for the clubber. A brand 
inflicted by burning can not safely be put on the head, but while the 
animal is being clipped there is no reason why a brand with a hot 
iron or an electric cautery should not be applied to his back or 
shoulders. The present method of marking the breeding reserve not 
merely eliminates the penalty for careless clubbing but lends aid 
and comfort to the enemy of the fur seal, the pelagic sealer. 

But whatever may be said of the shortcommgs of this method of 
creating a breeding reserve, the fact remains that an entirely ade- 



848 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



quate reserve of bulls, young and old, has been maintained, and this 
reserve is on the increase. During the present season it has been 
augmented by 2,000 animals, part of which may well be taken for 
the quota of next season. The number clipped or branded for next 
season need not exceed 500, and these being selected from the 3-year- 
old animals saved this season will then have developed wigs and 
achieved final safety by the spring of 1911. 

THE "scarcity" OF BULLS. 

During the seasons 1903 to 1906 there was marked in the rookery 
conditions of the Pribilof Islands an unusual reduction in adult male 
life. This is shown by the following summary of totals from the 
counts made by the agents for the seasons in question: 

Idle and half hulls. 



Year. 


St. Paul. 


St. 
George. 


Total. 


Year. 


St. Paul. 


St. 
George. 


Total. 


1903. 




418 
232 
119 

80 




418 
294 
141 
101 


1907. 
1908. 
1909. 




234 
205 
385 


32 
61 
128 


268 


1904. 


62 
22 
21 




266 


1905. 




513 


1906 









Through misinterpretation of such phrases as "scarcity" of bulls, 
"dearth" of bulls, etc., as applied to this condition, some alarm was 
created in 1904 as to the adequacy of male life on the rookeries. This 
is shown by the report of the hearing before the Committee on Ways 
and Means of the Fifty-eighth Congress under date of March 9 and 10. 

That the situation in this period warranted close attention is 
clearly shown by the above counts. That the superfluous and reserve 
male life on the rookeries should have fallen from 15,000 animals in 
1897 to 294 in 1904 and later to 101 animals in 1906 was indeed a 
matter for alarm. The fact, however, that at the very lowest point 
in this fall there were bulls to spare inidcates that no actual injury 
resulted to the breeding herd. The gradual increase of the reserve 
of males since 1906 as clearly indicates that the energetic action of 
the agents in creating a breeding reserve operated to turn the tide 
of decline and safeguard the future interests of the herd. 

This decline in male life on the rookeries is interesting because two 
distinct causes were at work to produce it. One cause had to do 
with the disappearance of the idle bull class; the other had to do 
with the failure of an adequate supply of young bulls to escape from 
the killing fields. These causes were widely separated in time of 
action, one dating some 12 to 15 years back, the other beginning 
perhaps in 1900 and being still in operation. 

As the first cause had to do with a modus vivendi in which killing 
on land was arbitrarily restricted, and the outcome of the alarm in 
1904 over the effect of the two causes resulted in the proposal in the 
Fifty-eighth Congress of a law providing for another modus vivendi 
arbitrarily restricting land killing, it is worth while to consider this 
matter of the reduction of male life in some detail. 






SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 849 

THE DISAPPEARANCE OF THE IDLE BULLS. 

In 1896-97 we found the idle bulls and young bulls dominant on 
the rookeries. We estimated the number of the former at 5,000, of 
the latter at 10,000. These estimates may have been slightly high, 
but the effect produced by the presence of these superfluous animals, 
together with the turmoil and fighting they induced, is very well 
represented by the figures. We considered the idle bulls, and the 
young bulls which were bound to grow up to be idle bulls, as a posi- 
tive menace to the breeding herd, recommending their reduction by 
killing. 

The cause of this excess of male life was recognized by the com- 
mission of 1896-97 to be the modus vivendi of 1892-93, with the 
reduced killing of the year preceding, in all three seasons land 
kUling being arbitrarily restricted to a few animals to provide food 
for the natives, the bulk of the young male life being left to gi'ow 
up as bulls. These animals were, respectively, 4, 5, and 6 years of 
age in 1894. There was a further less extensive restriction of land 
killing in 1894 and 1895. By 1896-97 these animals, exempted in 
1891, 1892, and 1893, were 6, 7, and 8 years of age and constituted 
the bulk of the superfluous male life on the rookeries in those seasons. 
By 1901 they were 11, 12, and 13 years of age, and having reached 
what appears to be the average age of the bull fur seal they disap- 
peared as definitely and arbitrarily in the seasons of 1901, 1902, arid 
1903 as they had appeared 10 years previously in the category of 
prospective bulls. 

The operation of the modus vivendi of 1892-93, in so far as the 
restriction of land killing was concerned, worked only injury to the 
herd. The abnormal conditions it created on the rookeries persisted 
for many years and served to obscure their real status. Had the 
joint resolution of the Fifty-eighth Congi'ess, directing the Secretary 
of Commerce and Labor to suspend the killing of seals on land, pre- 
vailed, a result similar to that which we have just described — filling 
them with a horde of idle, fighting bulls — would have occurred, to 
the actual detriment of the breeding herd. 

THE AGES OF THE SEALS. 

An incidental thing of some value this modus vivendi of 1892-93 
seems to have done. It practically fixes the age of the average adult 
male fur seal at about 13 years. A gi'eat body of these animals was 
seen to disappear, practically as a class, 10 years after a date when 
they were known to be 3 years of age. This must fix within very 
close range the life of the adult male. 

Further light on this subject ought to result from continued obser- 
vation of the 5 branded bulls and 34 branded cows observed this 
season on the rookeries. These animals were branded not later than 
1902, and as the same mark was used for several successive seasons 
there will at best be a margin of doubt. But one bull bearing a 
brand has been recognized as occupying a place on Kitovi rookery 
for five consecutive seasons. He is of the oldest type of animal to 
be seen on the rookeries. If he entered upon harem duty at 6, 7, or 
8 years, he is now either 11, 12, or 13 years of age. This, again, does 

2403— H. Doc. 93, 62-1 54 



850 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

not fix the matter with absokite certainty, but, taken in connection 
with the disappearance of the idle bulls created by the modus vivendi 
of 1S92-93, it helps to indicate the average breeding age of the bull 
as about 13 years. 

With a view to helping in the solution of this problem, the perma- 
nent branding suggested for the breeding reserve of males should be 
varied from season to season, so that the je&r in which the particu- 
lar brand borne by an animal was given may be known. The large 
number of branded animals now visible on the rookeries would go 
far to settle this question of ages if it were not that through lack of 
variation in the brand it can not be determined in which of the three 
seasons — 1900, 1901, 1902 — any particular animal was branded. 

THE 2- YEAR-OLDS AND YEARLINGS. 

It is hard to arrive at a definite estimate of these animals. The 
2-year-old bachelors appear on the hauling grounds and under 
the present method of killing form the greater part of the quota of 
the lessees. Of the quota of this season 7,178 skins were under 7 
pounds in weight. There were rejected from the killing fields 1,110 
animals too small to be killed. This number can not be taken at its 
full value because some of the animals were undoubtedly driven 
more than once. Of the animals marked for the breeding reserve 
about one-half, or 1,000, were probably 2-year-olds. This gives us 
a total of about 9,000 for animals of 2 years old which with more 
or less certainty are known to have appeared on the hauling grounds 
in 1909. 

This number can not, however, represent all the 2-year-olds. As 
we have already seen, in discussing the matter of equilibrium, the 
quota has remained stationary at between 14,000 and 15,000 for 
several years. While this number includes animals of 2, 3, and 4 
years each season, the fact remains that to maintain this quota there 
must necessarily have survived for these seasons of equilibrium in 
quota an equal number of 2-3'ear-old animals. 

We are forced therefore to believe that in addition to the 9,000 
animals above accounted for in the season of 1909, there are other 
animals of the 2-year-old class which either have not appeared on the 
hauling grounds during the season or failed to appear because killed 
last season as yearlings. How many such animals there may be to 
be accounted for it is hard to sa}^ Few if any yearlings were seen 
this season on the hauling grounds and only a few on the breeding 

f rounds prior to August 5. They will appear later in the season, 
t may be that a certain number of the 2-year-olds associating with 
th-^im are absent with them at sea. 

However, from the fact that the quota of the past five years has 
remained stationary at slightly less than 15,000 skins, it would seem 
that there must have been during this period an equal number of 
2-3^ear-old animals, and we may therefore assume that 15,000 virgin 
cows came to the breeding grounds for service during the season of 
1909. 

The yearlings of both sexes for the season must number about 
12,000 'each. 

This question of the proportion of the sexes surviving to killable 
and breeding age is a fundamental one. It could be settled in a very 



SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



851 



few seasons by such regulation of killing for the quota as would Umit 
it to animals of 3 years of age and over, leaving the 2-year-olds 
untouched. The quota would then fall where it belongs, on the 
3-year-olds, and give a close approximation of the survivals among the 
young males, wliich in turn could be applied to the young females. 
This was the method used in 1896-97, when a minimum of 6 pounds 
in weight of skins prevailed. During the present season and for 
some seasons past a minimum of 5 pounds has been in force, the skins 
taken ranging in weight all the way from 4 to 14-i pounds, bringing 
all classes of animals from j^^earlings to 4-3^ear-olds into the quota. 

The result of this manner of killing is that we have no clear idea 
from the quota of the number of younger animals belonging to the 
herd. From the irregularity of the movements of the yearlings of 
both sexes and the 2-year-old cows, they can not be counted or other- 
wise accurately estimated on the rookeries.' 

ESTIMATE OF SEALS OF ALL CLASSES. 

Grouping the several counts and estimates heretofore given and 
including the corresponding figures for 1897 for purposes of compari- 
son, we have the following summary of all classes of animals in the 
fur-seal herd appearing or to appear on the breeding islands this 
season : 



Category. 



Breeding bulls 4, 418 

Breeding cows 129, 216 

Pups 129,216 

" 5,000 

10,000 

2,000 

20,000 



Idle bulls. 

Young bulls 

Bachelor reserve. . . 
Two-year-old cows. 



1909 



1,387 
50,626 
50,626 
189 
324 
4,114 
15.000 



Category. 



Two-year-old males 

Yearling males 

Yearling females 

Quota 

Total 



1897 



20,000 
30,000 
30,000 
20.886 



402,850 



1909 



12.000 
12,000 
14,638 



158,520 



» Included in quota of 1909. 



THE QUOTA. 



In 1896 the maximum figure set for the quota to be taken by the 
lessees was 30,000, and the full number was taken without difficultv, 
owing to the fact that in the two preceding seasons the killing had 
been somewhat restricted, the maximum quotas for 1894 and 1895 
being, respectively, 20,000 and 15,000. 

The maximum limit was in effect removed in 1897 and the driving 
and killing was continued later than usual, in fact until the 10th of 
August, the purpose being to avoid a possible claim by the British 
commission of investigation that the quota for this season was sub- 
ject to arbitrary reduction, its reduction under natural conditions 
being recognized as a factor in the decline of the herd then under 
investigation by a joint American and British scientific commission. 
The number of skins taken in 1897 was 20,766 and the difference be- 
tween this figure and that of the preceding season was admitted as 
an evidence of dechne. 



1 It should be explaiued here that the minimum of 5 pounds does not apply to seals killed by natives for 
food. Skins under and over weight included in quota are from food drives. 



852 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



The following is a list of the maximum and actual quota for the 
seasons 1896 to 1909, to which the annual estimates of breeding 
seals are appended for purposes of comparison : 



Years. 



Breeding 
herd. 



1896. 
1897. 
1898. 
1899. 
1900. 
1901. 
1902. 



Maxi- 
mum 
quota. 



157,405 
129, 216 



30,000 



89,261 
93, 132 
90,236 
94,882 



30,000 
30,000 
30,000 
30,000 
30,000 



Skins 
taken. 



30,000 
20, 766 
18,032 
16,812 
22,470 
22, 672 
22, 386 



Years. 



1903 


97, 296 


1904 


87, 585 


1905 


78,836 
64, 157 


1906 


1907 


50, 825 


1908 




1909 


50,626 



Breeding 
herd. 



Maxi- 
mum 
quota. 



30,000 
15,000 
15,000 
15,000 
15,000 
15,000 
15,000 



Skins 
taken. 



19,292 
13,128 
14,368 
14,476 
14,964 
14,964 
114,368 



» Thirty-two of these were hold overs from 1908. 

Assuming that the quota of 1896 was somewhat abnormal on 
account of a surplus of larger bachelors left over from previous sea- 
sons, we may consider the quota of 1897 as practically normal, repre- 
senting the approximate product of the hauling grounds. For the 
season of 1909 we find that a quota of 14,368 skins is taken as against 
this quota for 1897 of 20,766. In short, from a herd reduced by 
practically two-thirds of itself in 12 years there has been taken a 
quota reduced by only slightly more than one-fourth of itself. 

The maintaining of a fixed maximum quota on a rapidly declining 
herd inevitably led to close killing. With the right to take 30,000 
skins, the leasing company naturally took just as many skins as it 
could get without reference to the condition of the breeding herd 
or of its reserve of breeding males. The maximum quota should 
have been fixed upon a sliding scale determined by the known de- 
crease of the herd. 

Until 1899 the number of skins taken under the quota showed 
the gradual reduction which the diminishing herd made natural 
and inevitable. In the year 1900, however, we find the number 
of skins taken rising to above 22,000, a gain of 6,000 skins. With a 
diminishing herd this was impossible under normal conditions. 

We find the cause of the rise in a statement from the report of 
the chief agent quoted in the hearing before the Ways and Means 
Committee of the Fifty-eighth Congress on March 9 and 10, 1904, 
as follows: 

The lessees during the season of 1901 took skins ranging from a maximum of 10 
pounds to a minimimi of 5 pounds. Previous to 1900 the lowest limit of weight was 6 
pounds, but a 5-pound limit was established that year, and during the past season 
(1901) as many 5-pound skins as could be found were taken. 

This lowering of the limit of skins to 5 pounds accounts for the 
rise in the number of skins secured. It permitted the taking of a 
younger animal and the reserve of 2-year-olds was made to eke out 
the 3-year-olds. This anticipated in part the quota of the following 
year. By bearing more hea^dly on the 2-year-olds the next season 
and by taking practically all of them in the third season, the catch 
was maintained at slightly above 22,000 skins for the three seasons. 
Then came the inevitable decline to 19,000 in 1903, and again in 
1904 to 13,000. At this point the maximum quota was lowered to 
15,000 skins, and active measures were taken by the Government 
agents to insure the escape of a sufiicient number of males for breed- 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



853 



ing purposes. Since 1904 the work of the killing season has repre- 
sented a kind of contest between the agents and the lessees, the 
former to save its breeding reserve, the latter to get eveiy possible 
skin. 

As we have already shown in discussing the method of creating 
the breeding reserve of bachelors, the lessees have in all probability 
taken regularly each season the greater part of the animals set apart 
the preceding season, there appearing only a net gain of 324 animals 
from a total reservation of 8,000. 

In the quota of St. Paul Island for 1909 are 1,017 skins of 8 to 8f 
pounds weight. The killing of last season being practically as close 
as this, it is improbable that tliis number of animals could have 
escaped killing ia 1908 unless they belonged to the class exempted 
by clipping m that season, but taken this season because of the 
obliteration of the mark. 

The following figures drawn from the very complete statistics 
of the killings kept by the agents illustrate the difference in condi- 
tions on the killing fields between 1897 and the seasons following 
1904: 





Percentage 
of animals 

killed to 
those 

driven. 


Rejected animals. 


Year. 


Large. 


Small. 


Branded. 


1897 


44 
56 
59 
59 

08 


7,522 

641 

735 

1,707 

2,076 


15,829 
4,794 
5,548 
3,980 
1,537 




1904 


1,888 


1905 


1,516 
1,705 


1906 .. . 


1907 


1,533 


1908 


1909 : 69 


1,185 


1,110 


1,915 



The percentage of animals Idlled to those driven in 1897 was 44. 
This percentage has steadily risen since 1904 until in the season of 
1909 it is 69, and this figure is not strictly comparable with the per- 
centage of 1897. In that season no branded reserve for breeding 
purposes was made and all killable seals were taken. In 1909 a 
breeding reserve having been set aside from the class of Idllable 
seals, 1,915 animals belonging to this reserve were rejected in the 
killings. To make tlie conch tions of 1909 correspond with those of 
1897 this number must be added to the animals killed, bringing the 
total of Idllable seals up to 83 per cent of those driven. In other 
words, had the close killing of 1909 been applied to the season of 
1897, 83 instead of 44 per cent of the animals driven would have 
been killed. 

Tliis high percentage of animals Idlled together with tlie steady 
and rapid diminution of the animals rejected on the Idlling fields, 
because too small, points to a rapid exhaustion of the reserve sup- 
ply of bachelors from wliicli succeeding quotas are to be drawn. 
For the season of 1909 there is every indication that the lessees 
have taken every available bachelor above tlie age of 1 year, with 
the exception of the marked reserve. On the closing day of the 
present sealing season every hauling ground on both islands was 
driven from, and Gorbatch and Zapadni twice, in the effort to reach 



854 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

the legal quota of 15,000. In short, the North American Commer- 
cial Co. has in the closing season of its lease cleaned up the hauling 
grounds of the islands in the same thorough manner that the Alaska 
Commercial Co. did in 1889. The quota for 1910 must come exclu- 
sively from the yearlings of this season, unless indeed there are animals 
of killable age to appear on the hauling grounds next year which 
did ]iot visit them this. 

This view of the situation is not presented with the intention of 
criticising close killing at the present time. The conditions just 
now are exceptional. With a hostile fleet of hunters stationed on 
the 3-niile line ready to shoot down every animal attempting to 
cross it, an ample breeding reserve being provided for, it has been 
wise to take every possible animal bearing a skin on wiiich the les- 
sees would pay the royalty. At the same time it is not plain that 
were the conditions otherwise tlie representatives of the Government 
could help themselves. The liistory of the kilhng field since 1900 
strongly suggests the wisdom of reserving to the Government in the 
future more complete control of the work of taldng the quota. The 
interests of the lessees and those of the herd are by no means iden- 
tical, and the latter are paramount. 

MORTALITY AMONG THE SEALS. 

The causes of mortality among the seals may be distinguished as 
of two kinds — natural and exceptional — the former having to do 
with conditions inherent in the herd itself, the latter due to its con- 
tact with man. 

1. The natural mortality. — In 1896, 28 adult bulls were found on 
the rookeries dead from fighting with other bulls. No such dead 
bulls were found in 1909. Three bachelors were noted in 1897 as 
dead from accidents on the hauling grounds. One bachelor was 
found this season imprisoned by the shifting of a bowlder, the animal 
starving to death. In 1897, 131 cows were found dead under con- 
ditions wliich suggested rough treatment by fighting bulls. No 
deaths were noted in 1909 that could certainly be assigned to this 
cause. Four dead cows seen were in too advanced a state of decom- 
position to permit of accurate determination as to the cause of death. 

A prolific c?,use of death among the very young pups in 1896-97 
was found in the action of a small parasitic worm, uncinaria, which 
developed in the small intestines of the ver}^ young pups, causing 
deatJi through anemia or possibly toxic poisoning. A mortality 
aggregating 11,000 pups was found in 1896 from this cause. 

It was hoped that the present season's work woidd throw some ad- 
ditional light on this subject, but such has not been the case so far as 
my observations arc concerned. In the first place the diminished 
breeding herd has wholly abandoned those areas on which the para- 
site was found to be most deadly. The sand flat of Tolstoi rookery 
and the "death traps" of Zapadni contained no seals this season. 
The masses on Reef and other rookeries which occupied the flat sandy 
areas had all shrunk back to the l)Owlder beach. 

A certain number of dead pups were found as the season pro- 
gressed which suggested death from the worm, but in every case the 
primarj^ cause of death and apj^arently the only one was starvation. 
In 1896-97 pelagic seahng did not begin until August 1, and its effect 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 855 

in the starvation of pups was not felt on the roolccries until after the 
middle of the month. In ] 909 pelafi:ic sealing was in active operation, 
about the islands througliout the month of eTuly, and its victims both 
sick and dead took the place of the animals which in 1S96-97 wc found 
affected with uncinaria. 

This subject was special!}' assigned to }<h\ Chichester, one of the 
Govermnent agents, who has been pursuing a medical course, but 
unfortunately he was this season stationed on St. George Island, 
where no traces of the worm were found in 1896-97. In the case of 
the dead j^ups examined by us sections of the small iiitestines were 
saved in formahn. The suggestion having been made that possibly 
the adult anunals themselves might act as a host carrying over the 
worm from season to season, infecting the rookeries anew each spring, 
sections of the intestines of many bachelor seals and of such adult 
females as could be secured were saved also for close study, and all 
this material was turned over to Mr. Chichester. 

While there is no reason to infer that this cause of death among 
the pups has ceased to act, it is certain that the important nelds of 
its operation — sandy areas i]i massed rookery grounds — were for the 
most part abandoned by the seals this season and have not been occu- 
pied for some time. We may therefore conclude that its action is at 
present at a minimum. Its detailed study can be pursued from sea- 
son to season as occasion may oj"er. It will probably not again be- 
come an important factor until the recuperation of the herd shall 
bring about rcoccupation of the areas now abandoned. 

The absence of excessive fighting due to a heavy pressure of idle 
bulls has left deaths among the pups from fractures, bites, and the like 
at a minimum. One pup was found bitten through the neck by a 
bull. 

The breeding stock of both sexes is subject to a natural death rate 
from old age. In the case of the bulls, the average breeding period 
being apparently about five seasons, this would amount to about 20 
per cent of the active bulls. In the case of the adult cows, the 
average breeding period being apparently about ten seasons, tliis 
loss would amount to 10 per cent. This loss among breeding seals 
from old age would occur at sea in the winter migration. 

A heavy mortality not easily determined must alTect the pups and 
yearling seals in their early migrations. In 1896 our judgment 
seemed to ph'.ce this at about one-half of the entire birth rate prior 
to the age of 3 years. Whether because this estimate was too high 
or because conditions have become less strenuous on account of the 
diminished herd, it would seem likely in view of the quota of recent 
years that a larger percentage, perhaps two-thirds of the birth rate, 
survive to the age of 3 years. 

2. Exceptional causes of mortality . — At the hand of man the annual 
quota of .young male seals has been taken in the usual way on the 
killing field. Due in all probability to the broken and scattered con- 
ditions of the rookeries, the bachelors hauling through and about 
isolated harems, the drives of this season showed toward the close a 
considerable number of cows. Fifty in all were recognized and re- 
leased on the killing fields. Two adult females, however, were acci- 
dentally killed in a diive from Reef and two more in a drive from 
Zapadni, despite the efforts of the clubbers to avoid striking them, 
These accidents suggest the need of greater care on the part of the 



856 



SEAL ISLANDS OP ALASKA. 



natives in making the drives and of greater care on the part of the 
clubbers. It would be better to release the entire pod containing 
cows than to run the risk of clubbing an;y. A drive might better be 
omitted that could not be made without including 15 or 20 cows. 

A cow seal was found dead from buckshot wounds by pelagic 
sealers on Kitovi rookery. The wounded animal had barely strength 
to reach the shore, dying on the water's edge. This suggests that, in 
addition to the large proportion of females which are included in the 
reported catch of Japanese sealers, a considerable loss will be sus- 
tained by the herd in animals fatally injured but not secured. 

In the boats of a Japanese sealing vessel seized on July 9 were two 
cows which had been shot. One contained an unborn pup; the 
other was in milk and left a dependent pup upon the rookeries to 
starve. 

In 189G there were counted on the rookeries of St. Paul and St. 
George in October 16,000 pups which had died of starvation as a re- 
sult of pelagic sealing outside the 60-mile zone. This pelagic sealing 
did not begin until August 1. In 1909 pelagic sealing under new con- 
ditions was in operation off the rookeries throughout the breeding 
season. The Japanese fleet of 18 vessels from a position near the 
3-mile territorial limit shot seals in large numbers as they came 
to or departed from the shore. Starvation tlierefore as a cause of 
death among the pups was present on the rookeries from the begin- 
ning of the season. 

On August 2 and 4 the following counts of pups were made on cer- 
tain rookeries of St. Paul: 



Rookery. 


Pups born. 


Starved. 


Starving. 


Kitovi 


1,979 

1,452 

693 

355 

319 


CO 
53 
22 
16 
10 


50 


Tolstoi CUfl's 


36 




30 




20 




7 








Total 


4,798 


161 


143 







The animals here noted as starving were pups, which would be 
dead within a few days. The total of 304 dead and dying pups is 
6^ per cent of the birth rate on the rookeries in question. A like 
condition prevailed at the time on the other rookeries of St. Paul, 
practically every harem having its dead and dying pups. This 
starvation was confined to the work of the ])elagic sealing fleet in 
July. It would be duplicated, if not exceeded, by the sealing of 
August and early September. We may, therefore, assume a death 
rate of approximately 13 per cent among the pups of the season 
from this cause. 

These various causes of mortality among the seals, at the present 
time operating at a minimum, affect the condition of the herd, as a 
whole, only in so far as they tend to (hminish the stock of breeding 
jfemales. 'Reduction through old age occasions a definite loss for 
the season of 10 per cent. The accession of young 3-year-old 
cows amounts under present conditions to about 24 per cent, esti- 
mating a survival of 12,000 animals of this class. This is a net gain 
to the herd of 14 ])er cent to offset the action of pelagic sealing, which, 
as we have seen by the record of starved pups, amounts to about. 13 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 857 

per cent. The losses, therefore, about bah^nce the gains, and the 
breeding lierd rests in a state of equihbriiim at the lowest point in 
its history since coming into the control of man. 

PELAGIC SEALING. 

In 1896-97 pelagic seahng was confined to Canadian and American 
vessels operating off the northwest coast during the spring migration 
of the fur-seal herd, and in Bering Sea on the summer feeding grounds 
of the mother seals. This sealing was regulated by the provisions 
of the Paris award, which prescribed a closed season of three months — 
May, June, and July — and a closed zone of 60 miles radius about the 
breeding islands, within which season and zone all sealing was for- 
bidden. Furthermore, the use of firearms was prohibited in Bering 
Sea. By act of Congress approved December 29, 1897, American 
citizens and vessels were proliibited from engaging in pelagic sealing. 

The commission of 1896-97 was incfined to look upon the regula- 
tions of die Paris award as of little value. So far as the actual pro- 
tection and preservation of the herd is concerned, they were and are 
of no practical benefit. They do not prevent the female, heav}^ with 
yoimg. from being pursued during January, February, March, and 
April as she returns along the northwest coast. vShe is granted a 
respite of three months, in which the last stage of her journey to the 
breeding islands may be made in peace, and she may bring forth her 
young. After the 1st of August, however, she is a,gain hunted on 
the feeding grounds, to wliich she must go constantly until the 
storms of winter drive the pelagic sealers from the scti and force her 
and her young out on their winter migration. The prohibition in 
the use of firearms has only negative value. It woidd be against the 
interests of the pelagic sealers to use guns in liunting sleeping seals. 

The regulations of the Paris award, however, wlien contrasted 
with the form of pelagic sealing which has developed since 1897 under 
the operation of the Japanese fleet, rise very greatly in dignity and 
importance and show a capacity for protection that at least is able to 
retard and postpone the evil day of the herd's destruction. 

Japan was not a party to the regulations of the Paris award, and 
they are not binding upon her citizens, who need not respect the closed 
season or the closed zone, and who may use firearms. They partici- 
pate in the spring sealing off the northwest coast and need not pause 
when May 1 comes and the Canadian sealer is forced to suspend. 
They lie in wait for the seals at the Aleutian Passes, and when the bulk 
of the herd has entered the sea they approach the breeding island and, 
anchoring their vessels just off the 3-mile territorial limit, they patrol 
this limit throughout the breeding season with their small boats, 
every seal coming to or leaving the rookeries to feed at one time or 
another coming within range of their guns. 

Operating under such advantageous conditions, Japanese sealing 
has naturally driven Canadian sealing, handicapped as it is by the 
regulations of the Paris award, out of business. According to infor- 
mation received from the American consul at Victoria, it was under- 
stood that no vessels of the Victoria Sealing Combination were to be 
sent out this season. Three vessels under independent auspices 
cleared from Victoria for the spring sealing and with two additional 
vessels were expected to go later to Bering Sea . Three of the vessels 



858 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

were known to be engaged in sea-otter hunting near Sannak in June 
and later went to the Asiatic side. One Canadian sealer only, the 
Thomas F. Bayard, was actually known to have engaged in sealing in 
Bering Sea this season, and she did not enter the sea until after 
August 18. 

Canadian sealing is therefore at the present time practically a 
negligible quantity. The real menace to the herd is Japanese sealing. 
Operating as it does under a Government bounty, with low expenses 
and every advantage of position and equipment, it can be maintained 
at a profit long after Canadian sealing shall have ceased. The 18 
vessels which this season were anchored about St. Paul Island could 
be so stationed off the rookeries of that island, and the same is true for 
St. George, that their 120 hunting boats could patrol every rod of the 
3-mile line, a line across which every animal must pass, and the im- 
portant element of the herd, the mother seals, pass again and again 
during the season. 

Pelagic sealing readied its maximum catch in 1894, the first season 
under the regulations of the Paris award, at 141,000 skins taken in all 
waters, 61,000 being from the Pribilof Island herd. In 1897 its catch 
was already on the decline. In that 3'ear its full catch was 39,110 
skins, of which 24,321 were from the Pribilof herd. The lohowing 
figures give the catch, season by season, down to 1907: 

Catch. 

1897 24,321 

1898 28, 552 

1899 34, 168 

1900 35, 191 

1901 24, 050 

1902 22, 812 

1903 27, 000 

1904 29,006 

1905 25,320 

1906 20,885 

1907 14,179 

Total 285, 484 

The temporary rise in the catch in 1903 and the seasons immediately 
following mark "^undoubtedly the impetus to pelagic sealing given by 
the Japanese fleet. The subsequent decline is the inevitable result 
of the self-destructive nature of pelagic sealing, which uses up its own 
capital. For the season of 1 908 the Canadian sealing catch is reported 
at 4,954. I do not have at hand the report for the Japanese fleet. 
The Canadian catch for 1909 will be small. Only 574 skins were re- 
ported for the nortliwest coast catch and the Bering Sea sealing will 
be light. The catch of the Japanese fleet as i-eported by the patrol 
fleet to August 14 amounted to only 4,383 skins, showing that even 
the Japanese catch will be low. This reduction of the pelagic catch 
does not mark any respite to the herd. The depleted herd necessarily 
yields a diminished catch. This in turn will reduce the fleet, vessels 
making unprofitable catches dropping out. The Japanese pelagic 
fleet for 1906 is reported as numbering 31 vessels, that for 1907, 36. 
This total probably includes vessels which do not operate on the 
American herd. At any rate the entire Japanese fleet as found by 
the patrolling cutters in Bering Sea numbered only 18 vessels this 
season. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 859 

A diminished Japanese fleet, however, is a different thing from a 
diminished Canadian fleet. Ihe latter must seek its })rey in the 
open sea far from land. The former can lie in wait for it within sight 
01 the shores which contain its breeding home. Three Japanese 
vessels about St. Paul Island, one at Northeast Pomt, another at a 
point between Otter Island and Zapadni Head, and the tliird off the 
eastern side of the island, could command the avenues of approach 
of every animal seeking this island. Two vessels off St. George could 
do the same. There is necessary only patience and perseverance on 
the part of a few Japanese sealers, quaUties which are characteristic 
of the race, to hold the herd in check if not to cause its further decline. 

All of the objectionable features of pelagic sealing which inhered in 
it as carried on by Canadian and American sealers in 1896-97 apply 
with equal and even greater force to the Japanese seaUng. It was my 
melancholy duty in 1896 to remam on the fur-seal islands imtil late in 
October to observe and count the starved pups resulting from the seal- 
ing of that season. It was a l^itter task to watch the struggle of these 
sturdy little animals against their inevitable fate. The older the 
animal the longer the fight, toward the end some of them lasting five 
and six weeks, wastmg to mere shadows. We coimted 16,000 of them 
then. The same tragedy has been enacted each season since on the 
rookeries of St. Paul and St. George, resultmg m an inhuman and 
shameful waste. 

In 1909 I have again reviewed this bitter phenomenon of starving 
pups. In 1896 it began about the 15th of August; this season it 
began with the 1st of July. On August 1, with less than half of the 
sealing season over, 6^ per cent of the pups born on the rookeries of 
St. Paul were dead or dying of starvation, witli a similar if not greater 
percentage still to die as a result of August and September sealing. 

But not merely does Japanese sealing, like Canadian sealing, kill the 
mother seal and leave her young to starve; it harasses the gravid 
female to the last moment of her journe}^ to the breeding islands. In 
one of the boats of a Japanese sealing schooner seized on July 9 off 
Otter Island was the body of a dead female fur seal containing an 
unborn pup within a few hours of birth. In 1908 two schooners were 
seized at Northeast Point in July. With their catches, aggregating 
650 sealskins, they still lie in the harbor at Unalaska. I had an 
, opportunity to visit them and found on one, salted side by side with 
the regular catch of sealskms, 45 little black skins. These were the 
skins of unborn pups cut from their mothers in a catch of 416 skins. 

In the sales catalogue of C. M. Lampson & Sons, the great sealskin 
jobbing firm of London, for December 17, 1907, we find an item, 
"Black pups, 55," and again in the catalogue of the sale of January 24, 
1908, "Black pups, 52." These also are the skins of unborn fur-seal 
pups taken from their dead mothers, the thrift of the Japanese sealer 
leading him to turn them to account. The 45 skms in the sealing 
schooner Sailcai llaru in Unalaska Harbor w^ere listed in the mvoice 
of the vessel at 25 cents each. This would probably be the price paid 
for them at the London sales. The furriers will doubtless find a use 
for them. They may even appear as trimming on a lady's jacket. 
There is much agitation over the use of bird skins in the trimming of 
hats and laws are enacted regulating it. What shall we say of a lady's 
jacket or muff made from the skins of unborn fur-seal pups? 



860 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

The pelagic sealer does not see or will not see these phases of the 
matter. To him it is a cold business proposition into which sentiment 
does not enter. In the same way the hunter would not spare the doe 
or the brooding quail if he were not restrained by law- If these ani- 
mals were under the sole jurisdiction of either the United States or 
England they would have received before this the protection of an 
adequate game law. Unfortunately, their feeding grounds are on the 
high seas, requiring international action. The United States and 
Great Britain, in the regulations of the Paris award, entered into a 
joint arrangement for the avowed purpose of "the proper protection 
and preservation of the fur seals." Through their joint commission 
of inquiry of 1896-97 the two nations were made fully aware of the 
futihty of these regulations to accomplish their purpose. It is an 
international disgrace that 13 years should have elapsed without 
action, the herd in the meantime suffering a loss of 200,000 breeding 
females with an equal number of unborn and dependent young, 
involving a total decrease of 70 per cent and bringing the herd to the 
verge of ruin. 

Japan was" aware of the destructive nature of pelagic sealing in 1897 
through the participation of her representatives with the United 
States and Russia in a conference looking to the abohtion of pelagic 
seahng. She even agreed to such abolition for one year, pending the 
agreement and cooperation of Great Britain also in such abolition. 
Notwithstanding this she has by a subsidy and by the protection of 
her flag encouraged her citizens to engage in the business of pelagic 
seahng until her fleet has become the dominant factor m it. Ignoring 
the regulations of the Paris award, binding upon the citizens of the 
United States and Great Britain, her sealers carry on their work 
within sight of the breeding grounds, slaughtering the mother seals as 
they seek the land to bring forth their young or as they go to or return 
from the feeding grounds at sea. Citizens of Japan have broken inter- 
national regulations, entering by force upon the breeding rookeries and 
killing there the breeding mothers. It is only by the maintenance of 
a most vigilant patrol of the waters in the vicinity of the islands that 
the United States is able to restrain these citizens of Japan from enter- 
ing her territorial waters and by indiscriminate slaughter destroying 
the fur-seal herd on its breeding home. 

Leaving out the question of sentiment, the continuance of pelagic 
sealing presents a hard, cold, business proposition which the United 
States can not afford to ignore. In 1896 there was on the Pribilof 
Islands a breeding fur-seal stock of 150,000 cows, reduced to this 
point from perhaps a maximum stock of 600,000. It was subject to 
an annual loss from old age of 10 per cent and received an annual 
increment of young breeders of 20 per cent, making a net annual gain 
of 10 per cent. The herd was in a position to grow and multiply. In 
the 13 years which have elapsed, if pelagic sealing had been abolished 
in 1897, the breeding herd would have nearly, if not quite, doubled 
by 1909. The product of its hauling grounds would have risen from 
30,000 to 50,000, yielding a revenue to the Government under the 
terms of its lease of $500,000 a year. Without the drain of pelagic 
sealing, the herd would have continued to increase indefiLnitely. 

On the other haiid, what is the situation as we find it to-day ? The 
breeding rookeries show that the herd has decreased from 150,000 to 
50,000. The product of its hauling ground is 14,000 skins and its 



SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 861 

income about $140,000. In the meantime the Government has con- 
tributed from its herd the 285,000 animals, the skins of which have 
been taken and marketed in the past 13 years by pelagic sealers. 
Three-fourths of these animals have been from its breeding stock, 
representing the difference of 100,000 between the breedmg herd of 
1896 and that of 1909, with an equal number accounting for the annual 
increment of gain wliich would have gone to the increase of the herd. 
The remaining animals liave been young males. The market value 
of pelagic sealsldns for the period in question has averaged about $15 
per skin.^ These 285,000 skins therefore represent a cash loss to the 
United States of $4,275,000. It may be noted also that a breeding 
female has a value, through her capacity to bear a pup each season for 
10 seasons, far in excess of the value of her skin. It is not necessary 
to press these figures further. They are sufficiently startling as they 
stand. They show that the United States Government could have 
doubled even the most extreme valuation that w^as in 1897 put upon 
the Canadian sealing fleet as indemnity for the extinction of its rights 
and have saved mone}^ by the bargain. 

But this extinction of pelagic sealing was not accomplished in 1897, 
nor has it been done since. To-da}- we have two pelagic sealing fleets 
to deal with and a new nation. The question now is. What sJiould be 
done ? The answer is : Get rid of })elagic seahng as soon as possible 
and at whatever cost. 

There remains -still a vigorous breeding nucleus of 50,000 animals. 
We have shown that this is subject to a net gain of approximately 10 
per cent under natural conditions. Assuming the suppression of 

Pelagic sealing, the herd will gain at compound interest at this rate, 
n 8 years it will double, in 13 to 15 years it will be back where it was in 
1896, and its growth will continue until the full rehabilitation of the 
herd is accomplished. The product of its hauling grounds will increase 
season by season. In 15 years the revenue from this should rise to 
$500,000 annually and increase further with the growth of the herd. 
The protection and preservation of tliis valuable property depends 
absolutely upon the abohtion of pelagic sealing. The question of 
property values aside, however, it is the duty of the nations concerned 
to protect and preserve this race of animals. As President David 
Starr Jordan, of Stanford University, has well said : 

The fur seal is the noblest of all the mammals of the sea. From the naturalist's 
point of view, it is one of the most interesting forms of life on the earth. Unlike the 
buffalo, the elk, the stag, and like animals, it occupies territory that can not be used 
for any other purpose. AVhere the former animals once roamed, great cities have 
since grown up; but the haunts of the fur seal would be deserted for all time if their 
inhabitants were destroyed. 

THE PATROL. 

During the season of 1909 the patrol in the vicinity of the breeding 
islands has been carried out in a ver}^ thorough and vigilant manner 
by the four vessels of the revenue-cutter fleet, the Manning, Lieut. 
W. A. O'Malley, commandmg; the Rush, Capt. D. F. A. de Otte; 
the Perry, Capt. Haake; and the Bear, Capt. E. P. Bertholf. Capt. 
W. V. E. Jacobs, detached from the Manning, stationed at Unalaska, 
has been in command of the fleet. The vessels have made individual 

» See Sims: Alaskan-Fur Seal Fisheries (H. Doc. No. 251, 59th Cong., 2d sess.). 



862 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

cruises of 13 days each, with 4 days in port for coaHng and repairs. 
Two vessels were constantly in tlie vicinity of St. Paul Island, one off 
Northeast Point, the other off the village end. A third vessel was 
stationed off St. George, three vessels being on duty while one was in 
port. 

Fortunately the Perry made a seizure early in the season, on July 9, 
taking into custody the sealing schooner Tenyu Maru with a catch 
of 39 skins, her boats having approached within the 3-mile limit 
under cover of Otter Island. This seizure undoubtedly engendered 
caution on the part of the Japanese sealers and restrained attempts at 
raiding. 

On two occasions heavy firing was heard in the fog in close proximity 
to the rookeries off the eastern side of St. Paul and again at Northeast 
Point. This was believed to represent attempts on the part of the 
Japanese sealers to frighten the seals from the rookeries in the hope 
that they might come within range of the hunters on the 3-mile limit. 
In the case at Northeast Point the guards report that nine boats with 
18 guns participated in a quick dash well m toward shore, the hunters 
volleying as rapidly as they could load and discharge their guns. 

On thio 18th of July, while the Perr/y. was at anchor at Village Cove, 
the fog lifted to the eastward of the island and showed several small 
sealing boats apparently well withm the 3-mile limit. The vessel 
was signaled and got under way as quickly as possible, but the 
distance about the reef is great, and by tlie time the boats were 
reached they were well outside the limit, if, indeed, they had been 
within it at all. 

It would be very difficult, except b}^ tlio merest chance, for a cutter 
to catch a boat guilty of deliberately entering territorial waters. 
The attempt would be made on the side of the island opposite from 
that on which the vessel was stationed. The signal from shore and 
the smoke of the vessel in getting up steam serve as warning to the 
sealers and the boats are able to get outside the line before they can 
be reached. 

This incident and others occurring during the season suggest the 
desirability of wireless communication between the islands and the 
patrol vessels. Signals can not always be relied upon and time is lost 
in sf niing messages from shore by boat. It is also evident that if it 
had been possible to dispatch a launch from East Landing on the 
afternoon of the 18th it might have overhauled the boats in time. 
When the patrol vessel is stationed on one side of the island, weather 
permitting, it would be advisable to have her launch stationed on the 
other side. 

On the evening of August 4 the guards at Zapadni rookery reported 
three boats apparently about to make a landing at Southwest Point 
on St. Paul. The cutter at the Village Cove was communicated with 
and immediately went to the scene, but darkness intervening, she was 
not able to find any trace of the boats. The vessel did not have a 
searchlight and the incident suggests the desirability of such equip- 
ment for all patrol vessels. 

The value of the patrol, however, does not lie in the pursuit of 
sealing boats which may possibly infringe upon territorial waters. 
It lies in the moral effect, preventing actual raiding of the rookeries. 
Sealing from boats is not materially better at 2 miles from shore than 
At 3 or 4. All seals coming to or going from the rookeries must 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 863 

cross all three lines, and there is little divergence. A sealing captain 
is not likely to jeo]>ardize his catch and vessel for the slight advan- 
tage which the forbidden waters may offer. The real advantage 
would be in landing and makmg a raid. 

The patrol at sea is a roundabout way of dealing \Nith a raid. It 
would undoubtedly be attempted in a fog, when the cutters can not 
be safely handled close to the shore. A strong guard in the vicinity 
of the rookeries is a much more effective means of protection. The 
patrol will prevent raiding, but there its efficacy ends. The vessels 
and men must stand about helplessly and see the same slaughter of 
the seals accomplished from the safe vantage of the 3-mile limit. 
A less vigilant sea patrol combined with a strong shore guard of 
marines would accomplish something in the way of seizures. Let 
the patrol at sea be relaxed. Let raids be attempted and let the 
men guarding the rookeries have an opportunity to fight it out with 
the invaders. 

The patrol of the 60-mile zone is at present useless. The sealing 
10 or 20 miles within it is not so good as that far be; ond it. As the 
captain of the Canadian schooner Thomas F. Bayard said to me in 
Dutch Harbor; "The cutters \\\\\ not find me on the 60-mile zone; 
our best sealing is 90 to 150 miles out." Furthermore, there is no 
sealing within the closed zone which can be effectivel;. carried on by 
means of the spear, the only weapon available to the Canadian sealer. 
If he violates the law and comes within the zone the patrolling vessels 
will have a better opportunity to seize him close to the islands. The 
onh" sea patrol therefore which is realh- necessan at the present time 
is that at or near the 3-mile limit. The main point being the 
guarding of the rookeries from raiding, the most effective and econom- 
ical method of accomplishing this purpose would seem to be a strong 
shore guard cooperatmg ^dth one or more vessels off shore, the two 
forces operating under one control. It would seem best that the 
officer directing this defense be stationed on St. Paul Island rather 
than at L^nalaska, 250 miles away. 

I am aware that the idea of a marine guard on the islands is not 
likeh" to be a popular one. The attitude of the representatives of the 
lessees during the present season toward the acts of the patrol fleet, 
from the cruising of its launches to the sounding of its whistles in the 
fog, was frankly critical, almost hostile. The suggestion of a marine 
guard does not in an^' wa}' call in question the courage or efficiency 
of the native guards or of the agents. The courage and zeal of both 
were abundantly tested in the stirring events of the season of 1906 
and not found wanting. The natives and agents are, however, occu- 
pied during the season with other duties. The points to be guarded 
are distant from the villages. The guards can not therefore have the 
personal direction of the agents at all times. If a raid should occur 
at Northeast Point it would take between three and four hours by 
team to get reinforcements or one of the agents to that point, because 
of roads that are slow by day and impassable at night. The native 
guard must in the meantime be left to his own devices. It stands to 
reason that trained marines under proper officers would be more 
reliable and effective. 

The question is merely one of economy and administration — how 
to get the best results at a minimum cost. It must not be lost sight of 
that the present patrol is an expensive thing. I do not know what the 



864 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

cost has been for the present season, but in 1896 Capt. C. L. Hooper,, 
then in command of the patrol fleet, estimated the cost for that 
season at $176,380. There were five vessels that season, four this, 
with a season twice as long, covering June and July as well as August 
and September. If we a.pplT this estimate of Capt. Hooper's to the 
past 13 seasons, we find that this patrol, which has been powerless to 
prevent or stay the decline of the herd, has cost approximately 
$2,275,000. The patrol must be maintained so long as pelagic seal- 
ing exists, but if it is possible to reduce the number of vessels oper- 
ating at sea by strengthening the shore defenses the matter is one 
worthy of serious consideration. 

ROOKERY MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL. 

The proper management and control of the fur-seal herd involves 
a complex problem which can not easily be stated in detailed form. 
The commission of 1896-97 was content, aside from offering a few 
suggestions, to rest the whole matter on a single recommendation — 
that the herd should be put in charge of a competent naturalist, who 
should act as its custodian, have full control of its interests, and devote 
himself to mastering its problems and improving its condition. The 
initiative and growdng ■ experience of such a man would naturally 
suggest and mrJtiplj" wa;\"s and means of accomplishing the desired 
end. The problems of the herd all remain unsolved, and the one 
great need still is for such a custodian. 

The history of the past 13 }ears shows that this work can not be 
left to the regular agents. It is not reasonable that it should be. 
They have their regular duties to perform, and in the pressure of these 
the special needs and problems of the herd are naturally set aside. 

In 1896-97 two practical experiments were inaugurated by the com- 
mission and sufficienth" tested to warrant considering them feasible. 
If these two experiments had been faithfully and persistently carried 
out 3"ear by year they would have settled the fur-seal question by the 
elimination of pelagic sealing; but they were abandoned. 

The first of these experiments w\as the branding of the female fur- 
seal pups to destroy the value of their skins. The second experi- 
ment involved the herding of the bachelor seals, as they were rejected 
from the killing fields, in the wSalt Lagoon and Webster Lake, wliich 
had been fenced for the purpose, thus keeping them out of the 
reach of tlie sealers. It is inconceivable that pelagic sealing would 
now be an active and profitable business if the animals — the breed- 
ing females — wliich make up the bulk of its catch yielded sldns 
Eractically wortliless because branded, the remaining animals — the 
achelors — being shut up on land out of their reach. 

It is nonsense to call these experiments failures as they have been 
designated. The 40 branded adult animals, marked nine or ten 
years ago, which were seen this season on the breeding grounds in 
charge of harems or occupying harems with their pups abundantly 
disproves this charge. The branded female fur-seal skin on exhibition 
in the Natural History Museum at Victoria is an object lesson as to 
the effect on the pelagic sealer of the accomplished fact of branding. 

These experiments had, moreover, a wider intent than that of a 
mere deterrent to pelagic sealing. They provided a means by wliich 
we could put our property mark upon these animals and demon- 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 865 

strate such control over them as is commonly exercised in the case 
of domestic animals in whicli men claim and maintain property 
rights when they wander beyond their owners' boundaries. 

The efTects of these experiments were not so apparent in con- 
nection with Canadian sealing. Its status had been fixed b}^ our 
acceptance of the findings of the Paris award. The sphere of its 
operation was remote from the islands. In the turn which pelagic 
sealing has taken in the meantime their importance, however, has 
vastly increased. We now have a fleet of vessels from another 
nation to deal with wliose right to take seals at sea we have not 
formally recognized and whose operations are carried on witliin 
sight of our shores and the rookeries winch constitute the breeding 
home of the animals. 

Looking at the matter in any light one chooses, there seems to be 
no excuse or palliation for the neglect to follow and utilize these 
practical agencies of defense witliin our reach. Much was said when 
the experiments were inaugurated about the probable injurious 
effect on the seals. The disturbance of the rookeries was great and 
worthy of consideration, but alwa^^s in the light of the probable good 
that might arise. There was. however, back of our advocacy of the 
branding experiment in 1896-97, the record of the 20 years in which 
from 10,000 to 15,000 pups were regularly driven up each fall, the 
females culled out, and the males killed for natives' food. This 
process was identical with that of branding. No suggestion had ever 
been made that this process of driving and Idlling pups had injured 
the herd. 

Furthermore, among the statistics wliich the work of tlie agents 
in the past 12 years have made available are a series of counts of live 
pups, showing that for seven or eight years there were regularl}^ 
counted a total of approximately 40,000 live pups on the rookeries 
of the two islands. This was practically half of all the pups born 
annually. It was a heavy labor, involving much disturbance of the 
breeding herd, and the results of the counts are unimportant. But 
little additional labor wo aid have been necessary to brand an equal 
number of pups and the rookery disturbance would have been no 
greater. 

In the plan of creating a breeding reserve, wliich has been in 
operation since 1904, this principle of branding sliould have found 
application. Instead of merely clipping the heads of these young 
males, a permanent brand destro^nng the value of the skin should 
have been used, removing the possibility of the animals being included 
in future quotas and making their skins valueless to the pelagic 
sealer. It should have been possible, moreover, to herd this breeding 
reserve with other bachelors in the Salt Lagoon. 

The work of counting hve pups on Kitovi rookery in 1909 was 
looked upon by the agents as a regrettable necessity and strongly 
condemned by the representatives of the lessees because it turned 
breeding females into the sea which might thus come witliin the reach 
of pelagic sealers. At the same time, animals set apart for breeders 
among the males and bachelors to form the nucleus of the quota of 
next year were turned back into the sea daily without compunction 
in the 33 drives of the season on St. Paul Island. 

2403— H. Doc. 93. 62-1 55 



866 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

It is on the killing field, however, that the great need of a guiding 
and controlling hand is shown. In 1896-97 the Government agents 
ordered the drives. This season they have been entirely in the hands 
of the lessees. The young males set aside for breeding purposes 
having been marked, the lessees have been free to take what they 
could get, and this resulted in their taking practically all of the 
bachelors appearing on the hauling grounds. 

The one limit on the killings was that they should cease on the 31st 
of July. Tliis limit in itself is subject to criticism. In 1897 the 
driving was continued as late as August 10. With a fixed legal 
quota, and a limited time in wliich to secure it from a faiUng herd, 
there naturally results close severe driving. In the eagerness to see 
that no possible bachelor escapes, tlie edges of the rookeries are 
encroached upon and cows included in the drives. Fifty of them 
appeared in drives toward the close of this season. A drive that 
can not be made without including cows should be omitted. A drive 
wliich appears on the killing field with 15 to 20 cows in it sliould be 
released rather than incur the danger of clubbing any such cow by 
mistake. There should be some one in charge of the herd with power 
and discretion to do this. With a limited killing season, however, this 
would be unfair to the lessees. There should also be power and dis- 
cretion to waive the limit and extend the time of killing if necessary. 
There has been on the killing grounds since 1900 a constant struggle 
on the part of the leasing company in the closing years of its con- 
cession to get every possible skin from the declining herd. Its work 
has been aided by a high arbitrary legal quota and by a lowered 
minimum weight of skin, enabling it to gradually anticipate the 
quotas of succeeding years by killing younger animals. As a result 
there has occurred in these years probably the closest killing to which 
the lierd has ever been subjected. Aside from the diminished supply 
of male life on the breeding grounds in 1904, tliis is shown in the fact 
that though the herd has declined two-tliirds in size, the quota has 
never fallen more than one-third in size as compared with that of 
1897. 

Opposed to tliis struggle of the lessees has been the counter struggle 
of the Government's representatives to rescue a breeding reserve. 
Fortunately it has been successful. 

With a declining herd this close killing has not been so important 
as it would be in the case of an increasing herd. Fewer and fewer 
bulls have constantly been needed on the breeding grounds. Of the 
5,000 bulls occupying harems in 1896, only 1,387 were needed in 1909. 
A diminished breeding reserve has therefore been possible. But we 
must consider a reversed condition of things, if pelagic sealing is to 
be done away with. The herd will then begin to grow. It will 
require a constantly increasing reserve of breeding males, which must 
be saved from the killing fields. A leasing company will be just as 
eager to get all possible skins and will press tlie product of the hauling 
grounds, rising all too slowly, to its limit unless restrained. 

These conditions should be absolutely under the control of the 
Government through its representatives. The custodian of the herd 
should have full authority to act. Instead of an arbitrary quota, 
an arbitrary weight of skin, an arbitrary limit to the killing season, 
an arbitrary breeding reserve, etc., all fixed in Wasliington and issued 
in the form of orders, these matters should be open to revision and 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 867 

modification in the interests of the herd as the season advances by 
those in charge of the herd. 

If not in name, in fact at least, the leasing company has been in 
supreme authority on the islands during the past season. Its repre- 
sentatives criticized freely the work of investigation and declined to 
allow one of the Government agents and myself to make a count of 
harems on Zapadni rookery on a given day because it was the inten- 
tion of the company to make a drive from this rookery the following 
day. I do not cite this incident to charge that my work was inter- 
fered with or hampered, for such was not the case. The time hap- 
pened to be ununportant, although it might have been vital. The 
necessary counts were made after the drive by the agents. The 
fact, however, is that it was not our intention to disturb any hauling 
ground and there would have been no necessity for doing so. The 
prohibition might, of course, have been ignored, but the penalty for 
doing so would have been to accept part of the responsibility for the 
shortage in the quota of the lessees. 

This authority, actual or assumed, has a practical bearing of im- 
portance. The lessees had the right to take 15,000 skins. They 
faded to get this number by 632 sldns. Certain incidents, not under 
the control of the lessees but under the control of the Government, 
occurred, wliicli might or might not have occasioned this shortage. 
The launch of a patrolling cutter encircled the Northeast Point rook- 
eries in the discharge of its duties. A drive from these rookeries 
yielded a smaller result than was expected. Officers from a cutter 
landed at various times and erected signals at certain points to assist 
in getting measurements and locations of vessels and boats. The 
representatives of the company felt and declared that these acts 
had to do with their failure to secure the legal quota. These acts 
together with my investigations of the rookeries might easily be made 
the basis of a claim for damages resulting from the failure to obtain 
the full quota. 

These matters are pointed out merely to show the anomalous situa- 
tion induced by the present division of authority between the Gov- 
ernment representatives and those of the company on the islands 
and in dealing with the herd. The matters cited are unimportant, 
but some crisis might arise where the Government would need a 
free hand in dealing with affairs affecting the welfare of the herd. 
Under present conditions it would be forced to defer to the company 
in the interests of its quota or incur the liability of claim for damages 
in case such action resulted in interference with the taking of the 
quota. 

The Government's interests are in the herd itself and its authority 
should be supreme. The herd is now at its lowest point. It is to 
be hoped that the speedy suppression of pelagic sealing will soon per- 
mit of proper protection and that the herd can then be in time re- 
stored to its former populous state. This work of restoration will be 
a most important one. It should be intelligently handled and under 
conditions which will leave those who have the work in charge free 
and unhampered. 

The present lease has expired. In the ordinary course of events a 
new one should be negotiated in time for next season. With pelagic 
sealing still in operation and no immediate prospect of its suspension, 
there being doubt also as to what quota, if any, may be obtainable 



868 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

for next year, it is not clear how any company or individual can 
intelligently bid on a 20-year lease or a lease covering any considerable 
period. A bid on such a lease would be purely a speculation. 

Through the decrease of the fur-seal herd the natives on the seal 
islands are practically out of employment and are virtually wards of 
the Government. They might be dealt with as other wards of the 
Government in the matter of support and their labor utilized for the 
present, in so far as it is not needed on the killing field, for improve- 
ment of conditions on the islands, both as regards their own homes 
and the care of the rookeries. The sanitary condition on the two 
islands should receive careful attention. Mr. Chichester, one of the 
agents having medical training, says that 50 per cent of all the inhab- 
itants of St. George Island are affected with tuberculosis and that no 
house on the island is a fit place for a child to be reared in if it is to 
escape the disease. The schools of the islands might well become a 
part of the regular school system of Alaska. 

The present agents of the Government are capable and experienced 
in all matters relating to the care of the natives. They are able to 
perform any of the functions now carried on by the lessees on the 
islands, including the direction of the work of the natives in the 
driving and killing of the seals and the curing of their skins. It 
would seem to be an auspicious time for the Government to undertake 
a readjustment of all conditions on the islands. 

A custodian should be put in charge of the herd. Assuming that 
pelagic sealing will be done away with within a reasonable time, the 
herd is now at its lowest point. It is the most favorable time to 
begin that expert study and oversight of its condition and progress 
toward rehabilitation wliich it should have. This work should be 
hampered by no conflicting interest of lessees or the market in seal- 
skins. One of the vital problems of the herd is the determination of 
the number of the young animals which survive to breeding age and 
to killable age. This is not known yet, and it is fundamental to 
intelligent action in handling the quota and in understanding the 
rate of growth which may be expected of the herd. The question can 
be settled in a few seasons by a proper regulation of the work of 
killing. 

The work of killing should be limited to the animals of 3 years 
and over yielding suitable skins. These give skins averaging 6 to 8 
pounds. It is wasteful to take skins of 4 J and 5 pounds which if left 
a season will gain 1 to 2 pounds in weight and be more serviceable. 
The killing for next season should be strictly limited to animals of 
3 years of age. If this should result in tlie giving of no quota for 
next year, by reason of the fact that all the 2-year-olds have been 
killed this season, then let it be so. The same limitation should apply 
to the quota of 1911. In 1912 there would then be available a normal 
quota of killable seals at the age of 3 years, the age when they yield 
the choicest skins. Knowing very closel}^ the birth rate of the present 
season, this quota will determme the proportion of young males which 
survive to 3 years. The sexes being equal, this will determine the 
proportion of the young breeding females of 3 years which are 
annually added to the breeding stock. The season of 1912 will not 
not determine this exactly perhaps, but each season after that date 
will add to its certainty. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 869 

Whatever skins are taken next year or in succeeding seasons, until 
such time as the Government is ready to call for a long-term lease, 

gelagic sealing having been disposed of and the condition of the herd 
eing fully established, can be cured and prepared as at present under 
the direction of the Government's representatives and offered on the 
market to the highest bidder. Whether such new lease when made 
should follow the present plan of dual authority and control on the 
islands or should limit the lessees to the right to take such a number 
of sealskins each season as in the judgment of the custodian of the 
herd may safely be taken — a fixed price or royalty being paid, the 
authority of the lessees being limited to inspection and oversight of 
the processes of curing the skins — may be left to future determination. 
In any event, however, there should be an interregnum of from three 
to six years in which the authority of the Government through its 
representatives in the control of the herd should be supreme and 
unliampered by any other consideration than the best interests of 
the herd itself. 

THE GENERAL FUR-SEAL QUESTION. 

In 1896-97 the United States and Great Britain made a joint in- 
vestigation of the condition of the fur-seal herd with a view to de- 
termining the effect of the operation of the regulations of the Paris 
tribunal of arbitration, these regulations providing for their resub- 
mission to examination every five years, with a view to possible 
need of modification, and the first period of five years closing in 1898. 

In anticipation of the report of this joint commission, the United 
States entered into an arrangement for a meeting in Washington in 
the fall of 1897 to be participated in by representatives of the United 
States, Great Britain, Russia, and Japan, this meeting to be known 
as the international fur-seal conference. Great Britain having with- 
drawn from this meeting, it was carried through by the three remain- 
ing powers. A treaty was entered into by which these three nations 
agreed to prohibit their citizens fi"om engaging in pelagic sealing 
providing the consent of Great Britain to participation in such an 
arrangement was obtained. The proviso was made at the instance 
of Japan. Russia had already by law prohibited her citizens from 
engaging in pelagic sealing and the United States took steps at once 
by act of Congress to prohibit her citizens. The agreement was 
limited to one year, the time thought necessary to complete nego- 
tiations with Great Britain. 

A second meeting was then held known as the conference of fur- 
seal experts, participated in by members of the American and British 
joint commission of investigation. This conference agreed upon a 
basis of fact, establishing the fact of decline in the fur-seal herd and 
the continued action of pelagic sealing as its cause. The abolition 
rather than the regulation of pelagic sealing was foresliadowed as 
the only adequate means of protecting and preserving tlie herd. 

On the basis of this agreement as to facts, the fur-seal question 
passed with other disputed questions between the United States and 
Canada into the hands of the joint high commission which met at 
Quebec in 1898. This commission failed to accomplish anything. 

Since that time various attempts have been made by the vState 
Department at Washington and the representatives of Great Britain 



870 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

to effect a settlement by treaty, but without result. The question 
so far as it concerns the United States and Great Britain remains 
practically as it was in 1897. 

Meanwhile, Japan has herself developed a large pelagic sealing 
industry. Its fleet operating without regard to the regulations of tlie 
Paris award carries the work of destruction to the very shores of 
the breeding islands, putting the herd in greater jeopardy than did 
the work of the Canadian sealers. The work of the Japanese fleet 
being carried on without limitation as to time or weapons and within 
3 miles of the shore has incidentally destroyed the Canadian industr3^ 

The international question has therefore shifted, in importance 
at least, to one between the United States and Japan. The question 
between the Unite^l States and Great Britain is necessarily affected 
by the fact that the Japanese fleet is inimical to the Canadian fleet 
and has in reality usurped its industry. On the side of Japan condi- 
tions have also changed. In 1897, while nominally one of the 
owners of fur-seal rookeries, her rookeries had been all but destroyed 
by pelagic sealers and by raiders, and she was in a position to look 
upon pelagic sealing as a means of retaliation or of recouping her 
losses. By the treaty closing the Japanese-Russian war, however, 
she received the lower half of Saghalin Island and with it a small fur- 
seal rookery on Robben Reef off its southern shore. This has re- 
stored Japan to the status of an owner. Her herd, though small, 
and having its migration route in the Sea of Okhotsk, is liable in the 
end to the attacks of pelagic sealers. It is conceivable that the prac- 
tically extinct rookeries of Japan on the Kuril Islands, belonging to 
the same herd as that of Robben Island, might be restored in time 
by overflow from this herd. The abolition of pelagic sealing would 
be as essential to the preservation of these rookeries, should their 
restoration become an accomplished fact, as to those of the Pribilof 
herd. 

It may be noted that there is a difference from the point of view of 
the United States in the status of the Canadian and Japanese fleets. 
By her acceptance of the findings of the Paris award the United 
States acknowledged the legality of the pelagic sealing then carried 
on by Canadian and American vessels. In seeking the extinction 
of rights thus recognized, it was in order to consider some form of 
indemnity as due to the pelagic sealer. The Canadian sealing in- 
dustry has in the meantime become bankrupt. It would have be- 
come so in any event, but this condition has been hastened by the 
operation of the Japanese fleet working under more favorable condi- 
tions. So long as the Japanese sealing continues the business of the 
Victoria sealers is gone. This is admitted by the fact that the Vic- 
toria Sealing Combine sent out no vessels this season. The Canadian 
fleet is, however, held intact in Victoria Harbor, doubtless awaiting 
indemnity. In past valuations of this fleet the question of prospec- 
tive profits played a part. With the business of the fleet gone it would 
seem that past and prospective profits should be charged to Japanese 
sealing and only the actual value of the vessels should be taken into 
account by the United States. 

The status of the Japanese fleet is diflerent. The United States 
has not fonnally acknowledged its legality. The Japanese sealers 
have ignored the regulations of the Paris award and so have waived 
any claim of sanction under the findings of this tribunal. Further- 



1 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 871 

more, the actions of the Japanese sealers have been aggressively 
lawless and hostile. They have in defiance of law landed upon the 
territory of the United States and slaughtered animals belonging to 
its herd. Their vessels have repeatedK entered territorial waters or 
have sent their boats and hunters within such waters, as seizures b;,- 
the patrolling cutters show. It is difficult to see how the question 
of indemnity can be held to apph- in this case. 

Fhially, the entire burden of the abolition of pelagic sealing should 
not rest upon the United States, as the benefits of such action would 
be felt in equal measure by Russia. Her herd on the Commander 
Islands is being depleted by the pelagic sealers. On August 18 the 
Canadian sealing schooner Thomas F. Bayard on entering Bering Sea 
reported a catch of 103 skins taken in the vicinity of the Commander 
Islands. Japanese sealers prey upon the Russian herd as it passes 
the shores of Japan on its migration. It would seem that the active 
cooperation of Russia might be claimed in bringing this matter to a 
final issue. 

The question naturally arises whether the herd at its present low 
state is worth the effort to save it. Doubt on this score in the past 
has led to the proposition that the Government should enter upon 
the breeding grounds and kill off the herd, deriving whatever profit 
there may be in the market value of the skms, incidentally ending 
the fur-seal controversy. We know, however, that even in these 13 
years in which the herd has declined so heavily it has yielded in 
royalties to the Government the sum of $2,250,000; that the receipts 
for the present year will be $143,000; and that in the full period of 
40 years during which the herd has been under the control of the 
United States it has yielded a total of $9,830,000 in royalties. The 
present nucleus of the herd is sufficient to effect its final restoration, 
if the incubus of pelagic sealing is removed. The property is too 
valuable to be destroyed or even to be longer trifled \\ath. Past 
dela\" has caused heav^- loss. The patrol of the sea necessitated by 
pelagic sealing is costly. Dela\" only adds to the loss and expense, 
and what is more important, postpones by just so much longer the 
rehabilitation of the herd. (See Sims: Alaskan Fur-Seal Fisheries, 
H. Doc. No. 251, 59th Cong., 2d sess., p. 42.) 

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS. 

Conclusions. — (1) That the fur-seal herd of the Pribilof Islands 
has in the past 13 seasons suffered a heavi' decline, shown in the fact 
that whereas in 1896-97 there were . respective!}^ 5,009 and 4,418 
breedmg families and 157,000 and 130,000 breeding females, in 1909 
there are only 1,387 breeding families and 50,000 breeding females, 
and in the further fact that whereas the hauling grounds of 1896-97 
vielded respectivelv 30,000 and 20,000 skins, thev yielded in 1909 
only 14,000. 

(2) That while the methods of land killing are open to some criticism 
they have in no way contributed to this decline, the breeding grounds 
having at no time during this period suffered from a dearth of breed- 
ing bulls, and there being at the present time an adequate supply of 
young male life held in reserve to safeguard the immediate future of 
the herd. 



872 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

(3) That the cause of decHne has been the continued operation 
of pelagic seaUng, involving the abstraction of females in excess of 
the natural increment of >oung breeders, the injurious effect of this 
sealing being greatly heightened in recent years bj- the advent of the 
Japanese fleet operating throughout the breeding season in close 
proximit}' to the rookeries and using firearms. 

(4) That the reduction of the pelagic catch through the steady 
decline of the herd has apparent!} since 1907 been so great as to 
bring the loss of breeding females wdthin the natural increment of 
gain, causing the herd to remain since in a state of equilibrium at the 
lowest point of its history . 

(5) That while the herd ma;v" possibly not for the present suffer 
further decline, unless pelagic sealing should receive some new impetus 
the more favorable conditions under which Japanese sealing is prose- 
cuted will render it profitable even to a few vessels and will result in 
its indefinite continuance, preventing the growth and recuperation 
of the herd, the adequate protection and j^reservation of which can 
only be brought about by the abolition of pelagic sealing. 

iiecommevdatioTis. — (1) That every effort be made to end pelagic 
sealing, not merely by Canada, but by Japan as well, such concerted 
action of the powers in control of the North Pacific Ocean and Bering 
Sea being obtained as will insure its abolition. 

(2) That the present patrol of the 3-mile limit be continued, to the 
end that the rookeries may not be invaded, consideration being 
given to the possibility of strengthening the shore defense of the 
rookeries, with a corresponding lessening of the sea patrol. 

(3) That the herd be placed at once in the charge of a trained natu- 
ralist, who shall have full authority in all matters relating to it 
and power to put in motion plans for solving its problems and im 
proving its condition. 

(4) That an interregnum of three to six years be declared, in which 
the Government representatives shall administer the affairs of the 
natives and of the herd without being hampered by consideration 
of the rights and privileges of lessees, such product of the hauling 
grounds only being taken as may seem wise to those in charge of the 
herd, these skins to be cared for in the usual way, under the direction 
of the agents, and offered for sale upon the market to the highest 
bidder. 

(5) That in releasing the fur-seal industry for any term of years, 
the present dual control be abandoned, the authority of the lessees 
being limited to such oversight of the operations of taking and caring 
for the skins as will insure their proper curing. 

Respectfully submitted. 

George Archibald Clark, 
Assistant in Charge of Fur-Seal Investigation. 
Stanford University, September 30, 1909, 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Appendix I. 
Actual counts of live pups, as made by agents, 1900 to 1905, inclusive} 



873 



Islands and rookeries. 


1900 


1901 


1902 


1903 


1904 


1905 


ST. PAXTL. 


3,279 
1,666 
1,495 
1,868 
1,878 
614 
2,579 
1,274 
2,685 
2,983 


3,120 
1,407 
1,530 
1,821 
1,803 

572 
2,514 
1,108 
2,832 
3,820 

891 
1,265 
3,207 


2,833 
1,399 
1,637 
1,465 
1,754 

498 
2,299 
1,142 
2,623 
4,458 

727 
1,185 
3,005 


2,865 

1,262 

1,783 

1,320 

1,540 

575 

2,453 

1,067 

2,923 

4,472 

666 

993 

2,855 


2,605 
1,084 
1,571 
1,091 
1,411 

565 
2,020 

941 
2,705 
3,691 

481 

831 
2,312 


2,219 


Lagoon 


929 


Tolstoi Cliffs 


1,447 


Zapadni Reef 


833 


Polovina Clifis 


1,289 


Ardiguen 

Lukanin . 


437 
1,841 




918 




2,565 


Polovina 

Gorbatch Cliffs 


3,320 
361 




1,493 


696 


Vostochni (part) 


1,793 








Total 


21,814 


25,890 


25,025 


24, 774 


21,308 


18,648 






ST. GEORGE. 

North. 


5,745 
2,754 
1,065 


4,503 
2,346 
847 
787 
2,075 
4,113 


4,895 
2,277 
762 
915 
2,082 
3,899 


4,662 
2,626 
683 
741 
2,473 
3,462 


4,385 
2,416 
546 
667 
2,336 
3,233 


4,189 


Staraya Artel 


2,162 
415 


East Reef . . . 


653 


East 


3,047 
5,342 


2,746 




2,787 






Total 


17,953 


14,671 


14,830 


14,647 


13,583 


12,952 






RECAPITULATION. 

St. Paul Island ... 


21,814 
17,953 


25,890 
14,671 


25,025 
14,830 


24, 774 
14, 647 


21,308 
13,583 


18,648 


St. George Island 


12,952 


Total 


39,767 


40,561 


39,855 


39,421 


34,891 


31,600 







1 These figures and the greater part of those which follow have been compiled from the records of the 
agents, and I am under special obligation to Mr. James Judge for copying them for me.— G. A. C. 

Actual counts of harems in the height of breeding season, 1899 to 1909. 



Islands and rookeries. 


1899 


1900 


1901 


1902 


1903 


1904 


1905 


1906 


1907 


1908 


1909 


ST. PAUL. 

Kitovl 


135 


180 


135 


97 


74 
13 
26 
52 

44 
56 
160 
44 
250 
105 
177 
22 
17 
293 


69 

12 

24 

40 

46 

51 

149 

38 

250 

100 

151 

12 

15 

286 


54 
12 
23 
36 
30 
43 

136 
35 

179 
78 

122 
10 
9 

261 


40 
7 
21 
26 
14 
36 

112 
32 

162 
78 

109 
7 
14 

201 


46 
9 
15 
24 
10 
34 
99 
30 

155 
68 

105 
3 
11 

216 


42 

6 

13 

24 

10 

44 

88 

20 

148 

64 

103 

3 

8 

200 


47 


Amphitheater 


8 




101 

62 

95 

135 

342 


82 

95 

102 

118 

357 


67 

84 

94 

99 

231 

63 

373 

156 

242 

19 

25 

430 


37 

61 

66 

78 

172 

47 

319 

125 

196 

20 

16 

286 


12 


Polovina Cliffs 


23 


Zapadni Reef 


11 




39 


Tolstoi . . 


87 


Tolstoi Cliffs 


25 




447 
226 
326 


424 
177 
288 


147 


Little Zapadni 


62 


Gorbatch 

Gorbatch Cliffs: 


118 
2 


Ardiguen . ... 


31 

451 
102 
147 
31 
1,062 


27 
417 


11 


Reef 


184 


Slvutch . 


61 


Polovina 


92 

29 

1,045 


152 

44 

946 


124 

28 
709 


85 
25 
539 


72 

22 

454 


53 

12 

362 


38 

12 

296 


33 

14 

247 


36 

16 

237 


42 


Little Polovina 


19 


Northeast Point 


229 






Total 


3,693 


13,433 

=r 


13,160 


12,381 


11,982 


11,791 


11,455 


11,205 


11,119 


11,062 


1,127 







Incomplete. 



874 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Actual counts of harems in the height of breeding season, 1899 to ^909— Continued. 



Islands and rookeries. 


1899 


1900 


1901 


1902 


1903 


1904 


1905 


1906 


1907 


1908 


1909 


ST. GEORGE. 

North . . . . 


24.3 
57 
146 
166 
67 


188 

'"'99' 
191 
61 


176 
26 


164 
21 


139 

17 


128 
18 
50 
56 
39 
20 


104 
16 
47 
45 
29 
17 


78 
8 
34 
34 
26 
16 


81 
7 
32 
28 
26 
14 


94 
5 
41 
40 
41 
20 


106. 


Little East 


4 


East 


43 










43 




45 






42 


East Reef 




24 


22 














Total 


679 


1529 


1247 


1185 


1156 


311 


258 


196 


188 


241 


260 






RECAPITULATION. 

St. Paul Island 


3,693 
679 


13,433 
1529 


13,160 
1247 


12, 381 
'185 


11,982 
1156 


11,791 
311 


11,455 
258 


11,205 
196 


11,119 

188 


11,062 
241 


1,127 


St. George Island 


260 


Total 


4,372 


13,962 


13, 407 


12,566 


12, 138 


12, 102 


11,713 


11,401 


11,307 


11,303 


1,387 







« Incompiete. 
Idle and half hulls on breeding grounds at height of season, 1903-1909. 



Islands and rookeries. 


1903 


1904 


1905 


1906 


1907 


1908 


1909 


ST. PAUL. 


12 
26 

4 
11 
46 
13 
49 
80 
19 
46 

2 
95 

1 

7 


14 

11 

6 

7 

20 

8 

10 
35 
16 
32 
1 

40 

4 

6 

22 


4 
5 
3 
3 
7 
2 
6 

28 
8 

19 


4 
7 
3 
3 

3" 

10 
4 

18 


7 

16 

2 

6 

22 

3 

7 

28 

18 

39 


6 
28 

2 

2 
18 

3 

8 
15 
15 
35 

1 
57 

7 

8" 


18 




45 




4 


Tolstoi Cliffs . 


6 


Tolstoi 


27 




2 




22 




48 


Gorbatch 


48 


Reef 


67 




2 




27 

i' 

6 


19 

1 
4 
4 


59 
5 
7 

16 


71 


Little Polovina 


3 


Polovina Cliffs 


1 




18 


Sivutch 1 


4 


















Total 


418 


232 


119 


80 


235 


205 


385 






■ ST. GEORGE. 

North 




13 
20 
1 
14 
14 


8 

7 


6 

7 


11 

10 

1 

6 

6 


21 
16 


33 


East 




43 


Little East . 










4 
3 


2 
6 


11 
12 


■ ■ ■ 17 


Zapadni . 




35 








Total 




62 


22 


21 


33 


61 


128 








RECAPITULATION. 

St. Paullsland. 


418 


232 
62 


119 
22 


80 
21 


235 
33 


205 
61 


385 




128 








Total 


418 


294 


141 


101 


268 


266 


513 







• Not counted. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 
Female pup seals branded, 1896 to 190S. 



875 



Islands and rookeries. 


1896 


1897 


1898 


1899 


1900 


1901 


1902 


1903 


ST. PAtJL. 


124 
191 


1,367 
600 
500 
600 

2,304 


44 

25 

786 

505 

1,003 


125 
150 
701 
420 
795 




















Tolstoi 


1,071 

'""eis" 

22 


1,551 

826 

1,796 


608 










R eef and Gorbatch 




539 


274 
























Total 


315 


5,371 


2,363 


2,191 


1,708 


4,173 


1,147 


274 






ST. GEORGE. 

North 


62 


443 
404 
677 
235 
121 




1,625 


219 


686 


1,326 








Zapadni 






East 






Little East 














62 


1,880 




1,625 


219 


686 


1,326 








RECAPITULATION. 

St. Paul Island 


315 
62 


5,371 
1,880 


2,363 


2,191 
1,625 


1,708 
219 


4,173 
686 


1,147 
1,326 


274 


St. George Island 








Total 


377 


7,251 


2,363 


3,816 


1,927 


4,859 


2,473 


274 







Table of weights of sealskins as taken on St. Paul Island, 1904 to 1909, inclusive. 



Weight. 


1904 


1905 


1907 


1908 


1909 


Pounds. 












3f 

4 
4i 






1 






5 
6 


17 
33 


I 


5 
17 




1 


^ 


32 


106 


15 


13 


2 


4| 


72 


139 


2 


3 


13 


5 


233 


203 


233 


541 


493 


Si 


286 


311 


375 


524 


438 


5i 


776 


1,678 


615 


951 


903 


5i 


741 


1,711 


1,066 


1,109 


859 


6 


951 


1,712 


1,278 


1,276 


1,373 


6i 


754 


1,271 


1,316 


1,051 


946 


6J 


949 


1,465 


1,579 


1,577 


1,376 


6f 


731 


1,103 


1,370 


1,079 


774 


7 


697 


968 


1,170 


1,089 


1,045 


7i 


512 


583 


904 


801 


595 


7J 


455 


609 


852 


894 


779 


7f 


280 


361 


554 


489 


359 


8 


318 


270 


283 


451 


424 


8i 


147 


173 


199 


313 


195 


^ 


130 


152 


175 


249 


389 


8f 

9 

9i 

94 

93 


82 
80 
53 
35 


185 
91 
40 
41 


2 
3 
2 




9 

7 










19 


22 


3 


3 




10 
lOi 


25 
10 


27 
8 


1 




1 




lOi 


14 


13 


1 


1 


1 


lOJ 

11 

lU 
Hi 
Hi 
12i 

14J 


4 


13 








9 


9 
2 
1 




1 








2 
























1 






1 




1 









1906 not taken. 



876 



SEAL ISLAISTDS OF ALASKA. 



Statistics of killings,^ St. Paul Island, 1909. 





Rookeries. 


Animals 
kiUed. 


Animals dismissed. 


Total, 
driven. 


Per cent 
killed. 


Date. 


Large. 


SmaU. 


Branded. 


June 28 


Tolstoi 


101 
179 
455 
200 
505 
181 

77 
617 
279 
289 
129 

34 
207 
251 
114 
276 
718 

34 
588 

43 
331 
475 

32 
685 
245 
187 

16 
453 
585 
660 

19 

41 

62 
110 
330 


73 
117 
71 
33 
81 
31 
35 
47 
23 
12 

4 
20 
14 

8 

5 

14 
27 

8 
35 

1 
21 
48 
15 
81 
11 
58 
17 
26 
38 
81 

7 
14 


10 

2 
70 

9 
16 
43 

8 
89 
49 
25 
23 

4 
64 
74 
12 
85 
190 

1 
80 

4 
38 
53 




184 
448 
795 
286 
649 
268 
123 
806 
368 
353 
163 

62 
314 
386 
152 
452 
1,066 

49 
826 

55 
452 
712 

56 
941 
310 
355 

38 
584 
737 
863 

33 

80 

62 
170 
520 


54 


29 


Reof 


ihb 

199 

44 

47 

13 

3 

53 

17 

27 

7 

4 

29 

53 

21 

77 

131 
6 

123 

7 

62 

136 
9 

135 
32 

107 
5 
87 
75 

101 

7 

22 


39 


July 2 


Northeast Point 


57 




69 


6 


Reef and Gorbatch 


77 


6 


Tolstoi . 


67 


7 




62 


8 


Northeast Point 


75 


10 


Zapadni 


76 


11 


Reef and Gorbatch 


81 


11 


Tolstoi . . 


79 


13 




54 


14 


Northeast Point 


65 


15 


Gorbatch and Reef 


65 


15 




75 


16 




61 


19 


Northeast Point 


67 


19 


Polovina 


69 


20 


Reef and Gorbatch 


71 


20 


Tolstoi 


78 


21 


Zapadni 


73 


23 


Northeast Point 


66 


23 




57 


24 


Reef and Gorbatch 


40 

22 

3 


72 


25 




79 


27 


Northeast Point 


52 


27 




42 


28 




18 
39 
21 


77 


30 


Zapadni . 


79 


31 


Reef and Gorbatch 


76 


31 




57 


31 


Zapadni 


3 


51 


31 




100 


31 




34 

75 




36 
100 


64 


31 


Northeast Point 


15 


63 




Total 






9,508 


1,185 


1,110 


1,925 


13,718 


69 









1 For comparison with similar figures for 1897 to foUow. 
Statistics of killings,^ St. Paul Island, 1897. 





Rookeries. 


Animals 
killed. 


Animals dismissed. 


Per cent 
killed. 


Date. 


Large. 


Small. 




Reef. . 


492 
316 
708 

1,098 
790 
703 
208 
703 

1,230 

1,713 
456 
804 

1,249 
886 
297 
988 

1,322 
274 
526 
514 
199 
268 
276 
108 
418 
101 
172 


144 
130 
556 
402 
376 
288 
107 
229 
301 
355 
97 
140 
216 
391 
180 
377 
500 
161 
352 
491 
221 
298 
383 
118 
350 
159 
200 


119 
26 
184 
214 
214 
224 
90 
175 
306 
551 
115 
638 
661 
586 
412 

1,174 

2,047 
698 

1,380 
890 
545 

1,114 
708 
456 

1,440 
376 
486 


65 


18 


Zapadni 


67 


23 


Tolstoi, Reef, and Lukanin 


48 


26 


Tolstoi 


64 


30 


Northeast Point 


57 


July 1 

2 


do 


57 




53 


5 


Reef and Zoltoi 


63 


6 


Tolstoi 


67 


8 


Northeast Polat 


65 


9 




68 


12 




50 


14 


Northeast Point 


58 


16 


Zapadni 


53 


17 


Tolstoi. . 


66 


19 




39 


22 


Northeast Point - . . - 


34 


23 


Polovina 


24 


24 




23 


26 




27 


27 


Tolstoi 


20 


29 


Northeast Point 


16 


30 


. .do. 


20 


31 




16 


Aug. 2 
5 


Reef and Lukanin 


19 


Tolstoi 


15 




Reef 


20 




Total 






16,819 


7,522 


15,829 


44 









1 Quoted from second preliminary report, 1897. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



877 



Appendix II. 

FIELD NOTES OF FUR-SEAL INVESTIGATIONS, 1909. 

June 25. — At the office of the American consul at Victoria, I learned that 3 Canadian 
veesele only had cleared for the northwest coast sealing. These were as follows: 



Vessel. 


Master. 


Tonnage. 


Date. 






48 
98 
67 


Jan. 11 




Balcon 


Feb. 11 


Bayard 


Blacksted 


Mar. 29 









The first two of these vessels had been reported off the California coast on April 5 
with 75 and 61 skins, respectively. The last vessel was reported in early May as 
having a catch of 438 skins. 

These vessels were equipped by parties outside the Victoria Sealing Co., which it 
was understood would send out no vessels this season. 

It was reported that two other vessels had taken out licenses to engage in sea-otter 
hunting in the closed season — May-July — and in seal hunting in Bering Sea after 
August 1. These were: Vera, Heater, master, 60 tons, cleared April 17; Eva Marie, 
Jacobson, master, 77 tons, cleared. 

The entire sealing fleet of the Victoria combination lies anchored in Victoria Harbor 
probably awaiting indemnity when pelagic sealing is abolished. 

April 27. — I learned at the office of the American consul also that the sealing schooner 
Agnes G. Donohue, Capt. Balcon, had landed in April at Halifax, Nova Scotia, 4,014 
sealskins taken off Cape Town, South Africa. 

The following data was obtained also regarding the pelagic catch for the season of 
1908: 

Indian canoe catch 502 

British Columbia coast 1, 282 

1, 784 

Outside area of award 893 

Bering Sea catch 2, 277 

Total 4, 954 

Nine vessels were engaged in sealing during the season. 

I saw on exhibition in the natural-history museum at Victoria a branded female 
fur-seal skin taken by pelagic sealers. The brand showed evidence of perfect healing 
and, covering a large area in the best part of the skin, effectively destroyed its value. 
It was evidently the skin of one of the 6 adult females branded on St. George Island 
in 1896. This skin, particularly on account of its place of exhibition, seemed to me 
a very forceful example of the deterrent influence which branding might have been 
exerting at the present time on pelagic sealing had the experiments inaugurated in 
1896 been seriously can-ied out. This fact impressed me especially because both in 
Seattle and in Victoria, in conversation with people interested in fur-seal matters, I 
learned that the experiments in branding had been abandoned as failures. 

July 7. — ^In the ice off Nome, which delayed the Victoria 24 hours, a number of 
hair seals were seen and two herds of walrus; one of the latter, numbering 8 or 10, 
remained on the iceberg until the vessel's prow almost touched it, taking slowly to the 
water; the other, a larger herd numbering 40 to 50, was at a distance of a fourth of a 
mile. A number of the animals roused up and 2 or 3 went into the water, but most 
of them paid no heed to the vessel. They were sleeping in a compact mass not imlike 
a herd of sea lions. 

July 11. — The first seal seen was at about 8 o'clock this morning. The Rush was then 
within about 40 miles of St. Paul Island, approaching from the northward. A second 
seal was seen at 10 and a third at 11, land being then visible. No other seals were seen 
until the vessel came into close proximity to the island between Walrus Island and 
Northeast Point. From this point two sealing schooners were visible to the east about 
10 miles offshore. The masts of a large number of other schooners v/ere visible to the 
southwest between Otter Island and Southwest Point. The revenue cutter Manning 
was steaming about among them and afterwards reported boarding 11 of them during 
the afternoon. 

July 12. — In company with Mr. Judge I visited Gorbatch and Reef rookeries in the 
morning. There are no seals on Zoltoi; no harem at station 25 nor near it. The idle 



878 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



bulls which lined the rear of the cliff portion of Gorbatch and the cinder slope in 
1896-97 were wanting. A small pod of bachelors were hauled out on the cinder slope, 
there being a break in the line of harems at this point. 

There were no hair seals at the point and no sea lions. Ardiguen rookery has no 
seals whatever in the "slide." The masses on Reef rookery are barely recognizable. 
The breaks, or bachelor runways, are greatly widened; bachelors only haul through 
two of them. A section of Reef, the end toward East Landing, has disappeared, as has 
the beginning of Gorbatch. The genera! appearance of these two rookeries, as com- 
pared with their condition in 1896-97, is that of a skeleton or outline. 

A count of cows and harems on the Amphitheater of Kitovi was made as follows: 

Harem 1, 48 cows; harem 2, 1 cow; harem 3, 1 cow; harem 4, 5 cows; harem 5, 45 
cows; harem 6, 6 cows; harem 7, 14 cows; harem 8, 7 cows; total, 127 cows. 

On July 13, 1897, this section of Kitovi rookery, isolated by natural boundaries, con- 
tained 46 harems and 654 cows. There was one idle bull. 

Capt. O'Malley of the Manning called at the Government house in the afternoon, 
leaving the following statement of the results of boarding the Japanese schooners 
yesterday: 



Vessel. 



Home port. 



Master. 



Catch. 



Toyei Maru Shimasato 

Nitto Maru Miyako Lekichiu. 

Hoko Maru i Tokyo 

Shimushu Maru i do 

Domel Maru ' Hokadate 

Chj tose Maru \ do 

Eiun Maru, 2 '. i Miyado 

Koeiyi Maru ' Gogoshima 

Tokai Maru ' Akice 

Koyi Maru i Isihama 

Chitosd Maru, 2 ' Oshihama 

Too Maru. 2 \ Shirota 

Boso Maru, 2 i Tateyamnito 



Meatsu 

Tokameatsu 
Bakakebala. 

Shiono 

Myshio 

Cohashi 

Chi 

Vuneseaku. . 

Arakawa 

Mauo 

Meura 

Yoshida 

Yamanako.. 



644 

310 

62 

62 

90 

84 

148 

39 

169 

160 

53 

47 



This total of 1,964 skins, increased by catches of other vessels not boarded by the 
Manning, gives a total reported catch for the Japanese fleet to date of 2,035 skins. 
There are 14 schooners in all at present about the island. Each vessel has from 7 to 10 
boats; each boat carries two himteriS using shotguns loaded with buckshot and two 
men, making four in all, to manage the boat. Capt. O'Malley speaks of 70 of these 
boats as being visible at one time from the cutter and the booming of their guns as 
incessant. 

On Kitovi rookery, in charge of a harem of 25 cows, is a bull bearing a brand across his 
backjust forward of thehips. He must have been mistaken for a female pup at the time 
of branding. This is the fifth season that he has held a harem here. The only evi- 
dence of age is shown in his teeth, which are worn or broken. They might have been 
broken in biting a club on the killing field. 

There are five badly torn cows on Ivukanin rookery. The bulls on the rookeries 
show the usual wounds at the angle of the foreflipper and on the breast. There is less 
actixal fighting at this date than in 1896-97, but there is evidence of fighting earlier in 
the season. The quieter condition at present is due to the absence of idle bulls. 
There is a branded cow under Lukanin Hill, the brand similar to that of the bull just 
mentioned. The brand is perfect, completely arching the back, a clear, smooth mark 
an inch in width . 

There are no harems at all this season under the cliffs and at the foot of the slope 
reaching toward the sand beach. The rookery is confined to the foot of the hill slope 
and the beach below the cliff at the junction with Kitovi. 

The cows on the main portion of Tolstoi are confined to the bowlder beach and do 
not extend into the sand flat. One dead cow and two dead pups are visible at the 
edge of the harems. The cow has been dead some time. It would not be possible to 
get either cow or pups without driving off the cows. In a single harem on Tolstoi are 
three branded cows, the brands similar to those of the cow on liukanin and the bull 
on Kitovi. Mr. Judge informs me that this form of brand was used for several years 
prior to 1902, when branding was discontinued. 

Under Tolstoi Cliffs are some large harems. There are no idle bulls here. Four 
harems contain 235 cows; another harem contains 75 cows. The absence of the mass 
of idle bulls with which we were familiar in 1896- 97 will probably cause a diminution 
of small harems formed by capture ; and on rookeries where the breeding space is limited, 
as it is on Ardiguen and Tolstoi Cliffs, the general size of harem will be increased. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 879 

In the afternoon the count of cows and harems was made on Lagoon rookery in com- 
pany with Mr. Judge, as follows: 

Harem 1, 23 cows; harems 2 and 3, 103 cows; harem 4, 6 cows; harem 5, 1 cow; 
harem 6, 2 cows; harem 7, 1 cow; harem 8, Scows; harem 9, 64 cows; harem 10, 65 
cows; harem 11, 1 cow; harem 12, 7 cows; total, 281 cows. 

There are three idle bulls on this rookery. It seems probable that the single-cow 
harems represent other idle bulls which have established harems by captiu-e. There 
was one young bull of the class to which the agents have given the appropriate name 
of "'quitter," i. e., a bull that will not stand his ground when a man approaches, but 
takes to the water. Another branded cow was seen on this rookery. 

Lagoon rookery is a mere shadow. On this day in 1897 it had 115 harems and 1,319 
cows. 

July IS. — I made a count of cows and harems on Kitovi rookery this morning, as 
follows: 6, 3, 1, 4, 4, 5, 73, 18, 28, 8, 4, 33, 22, 42, 28, 57, 1, 2, 8, 2, 14, 5, 8, 32, 36, 1, 
2, 40, 70, 4, 3, 1, 28, 33, 1, 9, 15, 13, 2, 13, 1, 1, 43, 28, 21, 1, 1, 1, 38, 1, 3, 47, 4, 1, 14, 
9; total harems, 55; cows, 892. 

In counting here I did not frighten off a single cow, and there are no bachelors on 
this rookery to be disturbed. It is eWdent that the company representatives look 
with disfavor on the work of rookery inspection as likely to frighten off the bachelor 
seals and interfere with the securing of the quota. It is evident that the Government 
agents look upon it as a regrettable necessity, because of the possibility of frightening 
the breeding seals and possibly throwing them in the way of the sealers. 

This being the case, it is hard to understand why the rocks at the rear of the rook- 
eries have not been constructed into blinds, behind which the seals could be 
approached without disturbance. A few barriers of rocks at points difficult of approach 
would overcome the necessity of disturbance. 

One branded cow was seen. There are no harems on the village side of Kitovi 
Point. The last eight harems cover the Amphitheater, which has this morning 113 
cows, as against 127 yesterday. There are 14 idle bulls and 31 young bulls of the 
class known as "quitters." 

This rookery, except for the shrinkage at the \'illage end and the thinning out on 
the Amphitheater, does not show reduction so visibly as Lagoon or the rookeries on 
Reef Peninsula. The central portion is covered with a line of harems, but it is very 
much scattered. The count discloses the reduction, however, for in 1897 there were 
on this rookery 179 harems and 2,436 cows on this date. 

A tentative count of harems was made on Lukanin — 29 — but it will be repeated 
more carefully. One harem has formed beyond the hill since our last visit. There 
are two branded cows where one was seen yesterday. 

As a drive and killing was to be made at Northeast Point, I accompanied the party 
to look over the rookeries there and to secure the count of harems after the drive had 
been made. 

On the way up a small drive was secured at Polovina — 35 seals — this rookery yield- 
ing, as was noted also in 1896-97, but a small supply of kUlable seals. 

The officers of the revenue cutter Bear have been engaged in erecting signals, con- 
sisting of poles with flags of colored bunting at various points on the northern end of 
the island, for use in locating soundings. One of these had been erected beside the 
watch house at Halfway Point. Mr. Redpath, of the company, protested against 
this work, as involving disturbance of the seals, ascribing the small number of seals 
from Polovina to their having been driven off on Saturday when the signal was put up. 

In the afternoon I walked to Hutchinson Hill with Mr. Lembkey. The mass of 
seals below this hill is greatly reduced. It is the most conspicuous example of shrink- 
age yet seen. There are surprisingly few bulls in the mass; they hold places in the 
outer edge. Fifteen idle bulls lie back of the mass, and there are four isolated harems. 
The few bulls can not hold the cows they now control when they begin to come in 
heat, and doubtless the idle bulls here will in due time get harems. 

There is an unusually large number of seals in the water off the rookery front. This 
•belt of playing, sleeping seals has been less conspicuous at the village rookeries this 
season than it was in 1896-97. 

At the right of Hutchinson Hill is a pod of about 200 bachelors. The bachelors 
haul only at this point and one other to the southwest of Hutchinson Hill. 

July 14. — While the killing was in progress I made a count of the harems on the 
Northeast Point rookeries, assisted by Mr. Judge. Beginning at the southernmost 
point by Cross Hill, the first two patches, on which Mr. Lucas and Dr. Stejneger in 
1896 found 151 harems, are entirely gone. The third patch of about 70 harems has now 
only 9. It was in this patch that the raid by Japanese sealers was made in 1906 which 
resulted in the killing of 200 female seals. The little cove in which the raid occm-red 
contains absolutely no seal life to-day. The line of harems up to the angle of Hutch- 
inson Hill is thin and scattered, with numerous breaks. All told there are 68 harems. 



880 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

The mass under the hill has only 51 harems; 15 are on the flat, the rest on the bowlder 
beach. Beyond the hill and to the point are more scattering harems, 41 in all. The 
whole of Vostochni rookery gives only 184 harems. This breeding ground in 1897 was 
the largest on the island, containing 910 harems. 

There are 22 idle bulls and 33 young bulls. 

A small, sickly looking pup was killed for investigation as to the parasite undnaria. 
No evidence of the worm was found, and the pup was plainly suffering from starvation. 
It had received very little nourishment from its mother, and the more conspicuous 
marks of starvation^ — disproportionately large head, grayish whiskers, great emacia- 
tion — were not so distinct as in the older pups whose starvation was observed in 1896. 
A pup whose mother is killed at her first or second trip to sea will natm-ally die much 
quicker than one who has been nouiished for a month or six weeks. 

It is plain that starvation is already at work on the rookeries and that this cause of 
death will obscm-e the work of the worm. The first Japanese sealer for the season was 
seen in Bering Sea on June 29, and sealing has been in progress ever since the let of 
July. One of the boats of the schooner Tenyu Maru, seized by the Perry about July 10, 
contained a female seal with an unborn pup; another boat had a mother seal in milk. 

Morjo\a rookery lies on the east side of the point. The seal harems still mingle with 
the sea-lion harems on the extreme point. The large mass of seals beside Walrus Bight 
contains only 20 harems. There are only 3 harems on the north side of Sea Lion Neck 
and none on the sQuth side. There were 25 harems and 327 cows here in 1896. This is 
the end of the rookery. The section of this rookery, opposite Webster House, where 
Dr. Stejueger and Mr. Lucas counted 87 harems in 1896, has entirely disappeared. 
The entire rookery numbers 45 harems, as against 233 in 1897. 

The sea-lion rookery has disappeared from Sea Lion Neck. Mr. Judge says there 
have been no sea lions here since 1900. The natives seem to have made a A^ery large 
killing of sea lions this spring, 80 or thereabouts. The killing of seals having been 
completed, they are at work cleaning and stretching the sea-lion skins. 

The killing from Northeast Point rookeries this morning gaA'e only 207 skins. The 
great reduction in the breeding seals for these rookeries is evidently and naturally 
accompanied by a coiTespondiug reduction in the killable seals. A killing on this 
same date in 1897 gave 1,249 skins. The killing yields one-sixth; the breeding grounds, 
one-fifth. 

The revenue cutter Manninrj was anchored off the east side of the point yesterday 
afternoon. This morning she is anchored off the west side. 

The great reduction in the Northeast Point rookeries seems to be accounted for by 
the fact that the Japanese fleet in the season of 1908 concentrated off these rookeries 
making it their principal sealing ground, just as during the present season they are 
concentrating their efforts to the southwest on the course of the seals frequenting 
Reef, Tolstoi, and Zapadni rookeries. The sealing off Northeast Point was particu- 
larly destructive because this point projects into the sea and can be reached throughout 
its entire length from the 3-mile limit. In a word, the 3-mile limit here means 3 miles 
from the shore at every point. At the southwest the 3-mile line is taken from Otter 
Island on the south and Southwest Point on the north, which means that since Otter 
Island is 7 miles off Reef, and Tolstoi and Zapadni are within the curve of English 
Bay, a vessel can not approach much nearer than 6 or 7 miles of the shore front of these 
rookeries. 

On a rocky shelf to the west of Hutchinson Hill a pod of 200 bachelors were seen 
which should have been in the drive of this morning but which could not have been 
reached at the point where they were hauled. A heavy surf from the west would 
drive them from this point and they will probably appear in other drives from the 
regular hauling grounds. 

Northeast Point rookeries show the same condition as other rookeries hitherto ob- 
served, namely, the presence of many young bulls holding harems. These bulls 
are plainly fit in all respects for harem duty and are accepted by their neighbors who 
are older and stronger. At the approach of a man, however, they are timid and if 
pressed too closely will abandon their harems and take to the water, returning when 
the man has passed by. These bulls could not have held harems inl896-97 because 
of the excess of idle bulls. 

In the runway at the angle of Hutchinson Hill from which the principal drive of 
bachelors was made this morning was a small group of pups. They were at a consid- 
erable distance from other breeding seals and probably mark an isolated harem, the 
position being within the regular breeding area in earlier years, which had been 
gathered up with the drive this morning. This seems to illustrate the way in which 
cows come to be accidentally included m the drives. The bachelors tend to haul as 
close to the breeding seals as the bulls will permit and an isolated harem offers no 
obstacle to them. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 881 

The cows on the Northeast Point rookeries show a greater tendency to stampede 
than do the cows on the rookeries at the village end, the natural inference being that 
the latter are more accustomed to the sight of men. 

The main body of bulls seem just as fierce and aggressive as ever both in their attacks 
on an intruder and on one another. They make frantic and generally successful efforts 
to restrain their harems when these show a tendency to stampede. They are cut and 
gashed in a way that suggests serious fighting even with the diminished idle-bull 
class. The 15 idle bulls on the flat under Hutchinson Hill stood their ground, 
requiring us to make our way about them. In a word, there is no evidence of impo- 
tency, lethargy, somnolence, or debility on the part of the bulls as a result of the lessen- 
ing of the struggle for existence due to the absence of idle bulls. The real struggle for 
existence among the bulls is that which they encounter in the harsh winter at sea. 
The present condition of the rookeries which admits of the young bulls coming to 
harem service in the time of their greatest activity and aggressiveness doubtless 
marks a distinct gain to the breeding herd. 

On the return trip from Northeast Point a count of harems was made on the Polovina 
rookeries. Little Polo^ana has 19 harems. It shows less decline than any breeding 
ground I have yet seen. It had 39 harems in 1897. There were two idle bulls and 
one young bull. 

The cliff portion of Polovina shows more reduction and is much scattered and 
broken. There are 23 harems, where we found 61 in 1897. 

The main rookery shows most decline — 42 harems, where in 1897 there were 143. 
There are three idle bulls and 15 young bulls. The massed portion of this rookery 
has shrunk away to a small triangular patch containing only three or four bulls. The 
portion which occupies the bowlder beach and the edge of the reef contains practically 
all the seals. 

July 15. — A drive was made this morning from Reef, Gorbatch, Lukanin, and 
Tolstoi rookeries, and I attended the killing. The clubbing of the seals was done by 
Messrs. Redpath, Judge, Lembkey, and Proctor. The only native doing any clubbing 
was Simion Melo\'idof. 

The seals driven this morning from Lukanin rookery are the first in several years, 
the bachelors having seemingly abandoned this hauling ground. In 1896-97 it was 
recognized as the nursery of little bachelors, the number of killable seals being 
small in proportion. Of the 67 animals driven from this rookery, 51 were killed, 16 
rejected; of those rejected, 3 were too large, 13 too small. 

Tolstoi has also practically ceased to be a source of killable seals. The drive this 
morning numbered only 81, of which 59 were killed. 

Of the 386 driven from Reef and Gorbatch, 261 were killed. The percentage of 
animals killed in this morning's drive is nearly 69. If we add to the number killed 
the 74 animals of killable size which were rejected because branded as a breeding 
reserve, the percentage of killable seals in the drive amounted to 81 per cent, leaving 
only 19 per cent of animals for the quota of next year. 

It is plain that the size of skin taken this year is in its minimum much smaller than 
in 1896-97. This heljis to account for that apparent contradiction which appears to 
exist between the condition of the breeding herd and the quota of killable seals. The 
breeding herd has apparently suffered a reduction of two-thirds to three-fourths its 
size in 12 years, and yet the company representatives are alarmed because they may 
not secure a quota of 15,000 skins, this figure being three-fifths of the quota of 1897. 
In other words, a quota of three-fifths is expected from a herd only one-third as large. 
If this quota is obtained, it will be at the expense of the quota of next year. 

After the killing, a count of harems on Gorbatch and Reef rookeries was made. The 
former shows 120 harems, 22 idle bulls, and 26 young bulls; the latter has 184 harems, 
13 idle and 54 young bulls. These rookeries had in 1897 respectively 308 and 454 
harems. 

One branded cow was seen on Gorbatch, and 2 on Reef. One of the cows on Reef 
had a half brand — on one side of back only, a form of brand which Mr. Judge says 
was used one season. 

Ardiguen rookery was counted for cows as well as harems as follows: 

Harem 1, 42 cows; harem 2, 32 cows; harem 3, 17 cows; harem 4, 1 cow; harem 5, 
19 cows; harem 6, 12 cows; harem 7, 18 cows; harem 8, 29 cows; harem 9, 25 cows; 
harem 10, 6 cows; harem 11, 6 cows; total, 207 cows. 

Gorbatch begins with 2 harems at rock No. 23. In 1897 it began at No. 26, and a 
large harem at No. 25 was made the subject of special study by Mr. Lucas. From 
No. 23 to No. 19 there is a break without harems. The harems occupy a single line 
with a long break at the angle of the cinder slope. A large harem, conspicuous in 1896 
and 1897 because it had more than 100 cows, is absent from the western end. 

2403— H. Doc. 93, 62-1 56 



882 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Ardiguen rookery shows no harems in the "slide" where were located the^S 
harems chosen for special study in 1896. 

{"A Reef rookery can be counted easily from the rear, the harems being practically con- 
fined to the bowlder beach, the masses being merely suggested by a single harem 
each extending on the flat above. In 1897 it was necessary to count the harems on the 
beach slope of this rookery from a boat offshore, the masses making it impossible to 
see the beach. The narrow bachelor runways have widened from feet to rods in dis- 
tance. The absence of bachelors, moreover, leaves them and the hauling grounds 
behind them vacant. 

Zoltoi sands and slope are no longer occupied as a hauling ground. 

A count of harems and cows was made on Tolstoi Cliffs as follows: 9, 51, 17, 36, 70, 
4, 48, 36, 5, 24, 93, 3, 33, 2, 15, 3, 120, 19, 22, 60, 3, 13, 2, 8, 2; harems, 25; cows, 698. 

There were no idle bulls and only 1 young bull. This rookery occupies a narrow 
beach at the foot of steep cliffs. There is room only for the single line of harem masters. 
At this time in 1897 this rookery ground contained 98 harems and 1,286 cows. There 
has been here an abnormal reduction in harems. As there is no space in the rear or 
along the water front for idle and young bulls to find a location while waiting for an 
opportunity to acquire harems, this rookery has not received its share of the reserve 
bulls. This is apparently true also of Lagoon rookery and Ardiguen. They have no 
definite hauling grounds and apparently the young bulls do not seek these places as they 
do the more populous rookeries. 

The main portion of Tolstoi rookery contains 87 harems. These are still practically 
confined to the bowlder beach at the foot of the sand flat, although there are 3 harems 
now on the western end of the flat and one at the eastern end, and the cows show a 
tendency to draw up on the slope at the west, there being 2 single cow harems. The 
harems on the beach have shrunk back fully 500 feet from the sands of English Bay end. 

Three dead pups were found at the edge of the sand flat, 2 in one harem and all fairly 
fresh. They were greatly emaciated. There was no evidence of injury from the para- 
site, and death was plainly due to starvation. Two of the pups were very young and 
appeared not to have received much nourishment, their mothers doubtless being 
killed on their first trip to sea. 

Starvation is making itself very evident among the pups; dead and dying pups 
from this cause are becoming very conspicuous on the breeding grounds even under 
the casual observation which it is possible to give the pups while the harem counts 
are being made. 

A branded cow is seen on the western end of Tolstoi. This is in addition to the two 
already seen on this rookery. A second branded bull with the same brand as the one 
on Kitovi holds a harem on the extreme eastern end of Tolstoi. 

The harems were counted on Lukanin — 39 in number. There were 139 in 1897. 
There are 7 idle bulls and 11 young bulls. There were two branded cows in one harem 
on Lukanin, one of which may have been the branded cow previously seen here. 

For the 87 harems now on Tolstoi there were 295 harems in 1897. We counted 14 
idle and 13 young bulls. 

I was desirous of looking over the Zapadni rookeries this afternoon before going to 
St. George, these being the only St. Paul rookeries I have not yet seen, but Mr. Red- 
path, representative of the North American Commercial Co., objected on the ground 
that it was the intention of the company to make a drive from Zapadni to-morrow. 
It appears that he ascribes the small results of the drive at Northeast Point yesterday 
to the fact that officers of the Bear had landed at the point and that the Beards launch 
had made a circuit of the shore a day or two before the drive. As no bachelors are 
driven either from Little Zapadni or Zapadni Reef, I suggested limiting our observa- 
tions to these rookeries, but this also was objected to and so I left the matter of counting 
the harems on the Zapadni rookeries to be made by the Government agents after the 
killing. 

The company ia behind its killings of last year at this season some 2,000 skins and 
in fear that it will not be able to secure the full quota it is evidently willing to make 
any visiting of the rookeries a ground of explanation for the shortage. The obvious 
reason of the diminished herd does not seem to have any bearing to the company on 
the difficulty of getting the quota. 

In the discussion of these matters it became apparent that the company is limited 
in its killing to the date of July 31. This limitation was a surprise to me, as the killings 
in 1896 and 1897 were continued as late as August 10. It is an unfortunate provision, 
as it is likely to lead to close and severe driving toward the end. If, as the company 
seems to feel, the weather conditions have been unfavorable to the hauling of the 
seals, or they have been frightened off, it ought to be possible for the Government 
representatives to extend somewhat the time limit. This, however, they seem not 
to have the power to do. 



m 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 883 

I went on board the Perry in the evening and was transferred to the Manning at 
Northeast Point for transportation in the morning to St. George Island. 

July J 6. — I was landed at St. George at 10 o'clock, no landing being possible earlier 
in the morning. Mr. Chichester was absent at Zapadni rookery, where a killing was 
being made. He returned at noon reporting 32 skins as a result of the killing. 

I visited Little East and East rookeries in the afternoon in company with Maj. Clark. 
Little East rookery has 4 harems with 71 cows present. Ten cows occupy a position 
which suggests that they belong to a fifth harem and Maj. Clark says a fifth bull has 
been present on this rookery. There are no idle or young bulls here. There were 46 
harems and 497 cows on this rookery in 1897. 

The persistence of this small rookery would seem to show a detinitB sense of locality 
which brings the animals back to the place where they were born or where they first 
established their breeding home; otherwise it would seem that so small a body of seals 
as this rookery now represents would be merged into the larger body on East rookery 
a mile below. 

The beach or reef portion of East rookery is separated from the main breeding ground 
by a_long break, a widening of the narrow runway through which the bachelors laauled 
out in 1896-97. A count of this portion by harems and individuals is as follows: 24, 4, 
47, 51, 6, 2, 1, 2, 22, 4, 30, 4, 16, 20, 22, 48, 20, 22, 4, 1, 35, 2; harems, 22; cows, 387. 

The main portion of East rookery lies at the foot of the cliff at the southern end. 
There are 43 harems here so scattered and intermingled that they can not be counted 
for individual cows as was done in 1897. There are 14 idle and 29 young bulls on this 
rookery. For the 65 harems found this season on East rookery there were 128 in 1897. 

Five branded cows in all were seen on East rookery. One of these bore three cross 
bands on the back, which would seem to place the date of her branding earlier than 
that of any other of the brandings observed. In fact, if there was a cross bar through 
the middle of the brands it would be possible to identify this cow with those branded 
in 1896, and such a cross bar may have been omitted in this case or made so faintly as 
to have left no trace . 

A considerable body of these branded cows are visible on the rookeries. They 
seem to indicate conclusively the success and practicability of branding, and there 
are enough of them to throw definite light upon the question of the age of the animals 
were it not for the fact that for at least three years prior to the cessation of branding 
the same mark was used without variation. Thus the absence of these animals will 
mean only that a minimum age is established. If, for example, one of these cows 
were known to have disappeared between the seasons of 1910 and 1911, it could be 
inferred that her age could not have been less than 10 years, although it might be 13, 
as the same brand was used for at least three years prior to 1902. 

It is to be regretted that this work of branding was discontinued. The herd has in 
recent years become so small that it would have been possible to apply it to the entire 
female birth rate, and this could not help ha\dng a deterrent influence on pelagic 
sealing. 

July 17. — I walked to Zapadni rookery and made a count of harems with Mr. Chi- 
chester. The part of this rookery which in 1896-97 extended along the beach toward 
the watchhouse has entirely disappeared. The portion under the cliff has also shrunk 
to a few harems. The rookery occupies only a portion — to the top of the first bench — ■ 
of the hill slope, numbering 43 harems. There are 13 idle and 22 young bulls. 

Zapadni rookery of St. George shows a heavier decline than any of the other rookeries 
of this island with the exception of Little East. It corresponds in a way to the Reef 
rookeries on St. Paul and it faces, and presumably its seals go in the same direction, 
southwest, to feed. 

Contrary to our usual experience with the young bull, a gray one not over 6 years 
old not only held a harem of three cows in a territory backed by idle bulls, but refused 
to yield ground to us in our efforts to reach a favorable observation point. In addition 
to his youth the bull was handicapped by a stiff foreflipper. 

Staraya Artel rookery has 42 harems. The count for this rookery in 1897 gave 57 
harems. Looking at the rookery to-day it seems undiminished, although there is 
some evidence of shrinkage at the upper end and in its extension on the bowlder 
beach at the foot of the hill. 

There are 10 idle and 7 young bulls on this rookery and the idle bulls are unusually 
fierce and stubborn. Two branded cows were seen on this rookery. 

North rookery gives 106 harems to-day. There were 214 harems on this rookery 
for this date in 1897 and 196 at the earlier date of July 8. This rookery, then, seems to 
fall into a special class with Staraya Artel and East rookeries, showing less reduction 
than any of the other rookeries. It may be noted that these rookeries face toward 
the northeast and the principal sealing grounds are toward the southwest. 



884 SEAIi ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

It is evident also that the pelagic sealers pay little attention to St. George, clinging 
to St. Paul, where the main herd is. No Japanese sealers have been reported off St. 
George this season, so far. 

Eleven branded cows and one branded bull are seen on North rookery. The brands 
are the same as those seen on St. Paul. The bull here makes the third with this 
brand, all three evidently having been mistaken for female pups when the branding 
was done in 1902 or earlier. 

North rookery shows the same effects of scattering and thinning out visible on other 
rookeries which occupy short rocky slopes and limited beaches at the foot of cliffs. 
There is a slight shrinkage at the western end and numerous breaks, but the harems 
still mark in a general way the full length of the rookery. 

After making the tramp of 18 miles or more over a rocky and uncertain trail, a 
good part of the way without any trail at all, necessary to make this inspection of the 
rookeries of St. George, one wonders why the spare time of the natives on the islands 
should not be utilized to build suitable roads and trails to the rookeries. 

As the landing showed evidence of breaking up I went on board the Manning in 
the evening. 

July IS. — At 7 o'clock we sailed for St. Paul. At 11 o'clock, and when within 10 
or 12 miles of St. Paul, we came abreast of two Japanese sealing schooners at anchor. 
Ten small boats, each with four men in them, were out patrolling the space between 
the island and the vessels. The day was calm and unusually clear. No shots were 
heard and no seals were seen by us, but the boats were so disposed as to cover a wide 
expanse of water in which every seal showing its head would come within the range 
of a gun. Later in the day the boats from these vessels were visible from the island 
and the booming of their guns was distinctly heard. 

I reached the village of St. Paul at 1 o'clock. The sealing force, accompanied by 
both agents, had gone to Northeast Point to make a killing the following day. The 
Perry was at anchor in Village Cove. Two of her officers came ashore in the course of 
the afternoon. It was unusually clear and St. George Island was visible from St. Paul. 
The boats from the Japanese schooners to the east of the island seemed at one time to 
be very close in, within the 3-mile limit. It seemed so also to the officers of the Perry, 
and the vessel was signaled to this effect. The officers retinrned as quickly as possible 
to the ship, which got under way and rounded Reef Peninsula, but when it reached 
the boats they were well outside. Perhaps they were outside all the time. 

The incident, however, suggests certain things with regard to the patrol: 

1. There should be wireless communication between the islands and the patrol 
vessels. 

2. When a vessel is at anchor on the village side, its launch ought to be stationed at 
East Landing and vice versa. A launch going out from East Landing might have 
overhauled the boats. The time necessary to signal the vessel and for it to get under 
way, its smoke in getting up steam serving as a warning to the sealers, is too great to 
make pm-suit by the cutter itself successful. 

3. With both agents absent from the village overnight at Northeast Point, a situa- 
tion occm'ring every five days through the killing season, there is suggested the possi- 
ble wisdom of having an officer on the islands to give notice to and act in conjunction 
with the vessel offshore. 

The heat of the afternoon sun undoubtedly made many animals enter the water, 
and the hunters, who were finding no seals in the morning as we passed, plainly had 
better luck later in the day, and the booming of their guns for four hours in the late 
afternoon and evening indicated that many seals were being taken. If every shot 
were fatal, the destruction vrould have been enormous, but in all likelihood each 
hunter shot at every animal he saw, using not merely one barrel but two on the same 
animal, as shown by the double shots with a short interval between. 

This sort of shooting suggests the old discussion regarding the proportion of seals 
shot and recovered by hunters using guns. It will probably be found that this Japa- 
nese sealing is much more wasteful and destructive than its catch discloses, on account 
of the animals mortally wounded which escape temporarily or which sink before they 
can be recovered. 

July 19. — On Kitovi rookery there are 96 bachelors on a flat rock below the harems 
in a position where they can not be driven. Any kind of a 8iu"f will, however, force 
them to abandon this position, and they will doubtless appear in one of the regular 
hauling grounds. 

For piu-poses of comparison, I made a recount of the cows and harems on Kitovi 
rookery. They were as follows: 5, 1, 4, 5, 44, 13, 10, 11, 24, 13, 16, 18, 14, 26, 22, 1, 
32, 16, 24, 10, 5, 10, 56, 2, 44, 1, 2, 43, 42, 1, 28, 10, 17, 37, 1, 13, 14, 12, 6, 18, 14, 13, 
1, 27, 23, 3; harems, 46; cows, 754. 

The Amphitheater counted separately has 9 harems and 144 cows, as follows: 34, 31, 
3, 7, 38, 6, 6, 10, 9. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 885 

This gives for the entire rookery the same number of harems counted on the 13th 
and just 6 more cows. There are 7 idle bulls and 14 young bulls. One harem con- 
taining a single cow in an isolated position has 3 pups; another harem with 4 cows has 
8 pups. One of the 3 pups is starving and nearly dead. 

A bull on Lukanin was observed to perform two successful copulations within an 
hour. 

Under the edge of Lukanin Hill are many thin pups evidently 8tar\ang. These pups 
are restless and hungry. They are constantly calling and moving about from one 
cow to another, answering every cow that calls. 

The clipping of the heads of the bachelors reserved for breeding purposes discloses 
the fact that many of these animals are hanging about the breeding grounds. A 
dozen or more of them are on the water front under Lukanin Hill. They do not enter 
the harems, but lie on the shore or on rocks awash with the tide. They are but little 
molested by the bulls. 

The killing at Northeast Point to-day gave 718 skins and 34 skins were obtained at 
Halfway Point. The last killing at the point yielded only 207 skins. The natives 
had reported about 700 animals on the hauling grounds and it was supposed that the 
visit of officers of the Bear and the movements of that vessel's launch had frightened 
most of them into the water. The killing of to-day probably included these animals 
which have again hauled out. 

July 20.~-A. killing was made this morning from the Reef, Lukanin, and Tolstoi. 
Of the 631 seals killed 41 were from Tolstoi. Touching the question of whether the 
killing at Northeast Point on the 14th was diminished by disturbance of the hauling 
grounds, it may be noted that the killing from Reef and Tolstoi on the 15th was also 
small. The following comparison may be noted: 

Seals. 

Northeast Point, July 14 207 

Reef, Lukanin, and Tolstoi, July 15 365 

Northeast Point, July 19 718 

Reef, Lukanin, and Tolstoi, July 20 631 

There was no disturbance on the Reef or Tolstoi on or near the 15th, and it is probable 
that weather conditions was the real cause of the small killings on the 14th and 15th. 

In the killing of the 19th at Northeast Point 67 per cent of the animals driven were 
killed; in the drive to-day from the Reef 72 per cent were killed. Of the 28 per cent 
exempted from killing only one-third, or something less than 10 per cent of the whole 
number driven, were small — that is, left OA^er for the quota of next year. 

Of the exempted seals 187 were of killable size, but had the shaved heads which 
marked them as reserved for breeding purposes. If we add these to the number of 
seals killed we find that the drive this morning contained 818 seals of killable size, or 
practically 93 per cent, the whole number driven being 881. This leaves only 7 per 
cent for the quota of next year. 

For the year 1897 in a drive from Reef and Lukanin on July 19 (this is the 20th), 
for the 988 seals killed 1,174 small seals were exempted and 377 large ones. The latter 
went for breeding purposes; the former remained for the quota of 1898. The seals 
killed in the drive of July 19 in that year were 39 per cent of those driven. The per- 
centage of seals killed to those driven to-day is 72. 

To provide a definite reserve of male life for breeding purposes the agents tell me 
they drove up in the early part of the season, and before killing was begun by the 
company, 2,000 bachelor seals of 2 and 3 years of age and shaved their heads with sheep 
shears, thus marking them so that they can be identified by the clubbers and exempted 
on the killing field. These shaved heads constitute a large part of the animals turned 
back at each killing. It is to be noted that among those turned back without brand 
there are none which show evidence of the clipping of last season. It may be inferred, 
therefore, that the fur and water hair is replaced during the winter. The identification 
mark is not a permanent thing, but one designed to serve for the current killing season. 
To insure these animals exemption for breeding purposes next year they must be again 
shaved next June. 

In the killing this morning it may be noted that 27 animals with shaved heads, 
designated as 3-year-olds, were released, but of the unbranded animals released only 
5 are designated as 4-year-olds. It is only a supposititious case, but if we assume that 
twenty-seven 3-year-olds were exempted by the shaving of last season, here are only 
5 that have successfully run the gauntlet of the second year. 

In a word the marking of a 2 or 3 year old seal by a temporary mark which is obliter- 
ated by the following sea.son, the animal still being killable as a 3 or 4 year old, is futile 
for the purpose of establishing a breeding reserve. 

There is another criticism that may justly be brought against this method of marking; 
that is, clipping or shaving the head — it does not in any way impair the value of the 



886 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

skin. Undoubtedly this is a provision to prevent loss through carelessness. If a 
clubber accidentally strikes a shaved seal its skin is as good as any othier, and such 
accidents occur, although infrequently. 

The criticism, however, lies in this: The skin is just as valuable to the pelagic_ sealer 
as if it were not marked. The shaving of the head is a good plan for identification by 
the clubber. It would be unwise to attempt to burn a brand on the seal at this point, 
but while the animal is caught for the purpose of shaving, a permanent burned brand 
should be placed on the back or shoulder which will mar the value of the skin to the 
pelagic sealer. If it mars the value of the skin also from the company's point of view, 
then greater care should be taken in clubbing the animals. The present plan puts a 
premium on carelessness, and an animal exempted this season is liable to be killed 
next season. The only way to prevent this is to shave the head of this year's 2-year-Dld 
next year as a 3-year-old, and again as a 4-year-old the third season; all of which is a 
useless waste of energy. 

Mr. Judge reports as follows regarding the counts of harems made on July 16 at 
Zapadni while I was on St. George: 

Zapadni Reef: Harems, 11; cows, 137; idle bull, 1; young bull, 1. 

Little Zapadni: Harems, 62; idle bulls, 9; young bulls, 13. 

Zapadni: Harems, 147; idle bulls, 20; young bulls, 28. 

After the killing I walked to Reef Point in company with Capt. Jacobs (in command 
of the revenue-cutter fleet) and Capt. Berthof of the Bear. 

For comparative purposes I made a recount of the cows and harems on Ardiguen 
rookery, as follows: 8, 28, 38, 9, 2, 2, 12, 18, 12, 15, 18, 8, 22, 32. 

This is an increase of 3 harems and 17 cows over the count of July 15. The new 
harems are in charge of young bulls. 

Capts. Jacobs and Berthof remained for lunch at the company's house, and in the 
com-se of the meal Mr. Redpath made a vigorous protest regarding the landing of the 
officers of the Bear at Northeast Point and the expedition of the vessel's launch about 
the shores of the point. Capt. Berthof explained that the trip of the launch was in 
accordance with his orders, shots having been heard across the point in the fog and 
the launch being sent to investigate in view of a possible landing. In the visit of the 
officers on shore he explained that they had taken pains to avoid distiu-bance of the 
eealB. 

On Kitovi and Lukanin rookeries this afternoon I gave particular attention to the 
Btarving pups. There are few harems on any of the rookeries which do not show at 
least one such pup. In one harem on Kitovi were three starving pups; one perhaps 
already dead. A second showed signs of breathing, but it was unconscious and the 
living pups were trampling over it without rousing it. The third was just able to get 
up and stagger away from a vigorous pup which wished to engage him in play. He 
tries to nurse a sleeping cow but is driven off. He is past the stage of acute hunger 
and soon lies down to sleep. A fomth starving pup in a neighboring harem has more 
strength and tries a number of cows one after another in quick succession, crying piti- 
fully as he wanders about meeting with no sympathy or help. This same pictm"e 
might be duplicated a dozen times on Kitovi and Lukanin to-day in as many harems. 
The number of dead pups is increasing, and all have that pinched, emaciated look 
which indicates starvation. 

There are foiu" branded cows in two harems under Lukanin Hill. Two branded cows 
have been previously noted here. 

In looking at these branded cows — the arched brand across the middle of the back 
cutting the skin in two and necessarily dividing its value to the pelagic sealer — one 
can not avoid protesting against the abandonment of this practical experiment as 
applied to the female pups, and against the failure to apply it in the case of the 2,000 
young males reserved this spring for breeding purposes. 

July 21. — I attended the killing at Zapadni, going over in the Government's gasoline 
launch, which towed the natives in their boats. The launch had to return to the 
village for repairs and the company's steam launch was fired up and sent over. _ Both 
launches were anchored close to Little Zapadni rookery, it must be said, without 
apparently attracting any attention from the seals located there during the time of 
the killing. I did not expect it to be otherwise, but in view of the protest against 
the expedition of the Bear's launch, the fact that the Government launch and the 
company's launch produce no harmful effect is significant. 

The Perry was anchored at Village Cove, and the fog shutting in about her, she 
sounded her whistle. This was criticized by Mr. Redpath as tending to stir up the 
seals and frighten them off. 

I particularly observed the Zapadni rookeries with a view to ascertaining the effect 
of this whistling upon the seals, and it was not apparent that it had any effect. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 887 

^The count of harems for the Zapadni rookeries was made by Messrs. Lembkey and 
Judge on the 16th, but in inspecting these rookeries this morning I made a recount, 
which agrees in all essentials with the earlier one. 

It is noticeable that the seals on the main part of Zapadni do not enter the "death- 
trap " gully this year at all. That it is many years since they have done so is apparent 
from the fact that the gully is grass-grown throughout. The entire surface of the 
gully is covered with bowlders set at intervals of 3 or 4 feet. This was evidently done 
in accordance with the recommendations of the commission of 1896-97, when the 
mortality found in these places was thought to be due to the charging of the fighting 
bulls. 

The second "death-trap" area on Zapadni has been abandoned also and is grass- 
grown. It is also set with bowlders. 

One branded bull and two branded cows were seen on this rookery. Two bulls 
were seen guarding what had apparently been harems. Each had a number of pups 
about him and showed every indication of holding them as a harem. These bulls were 
located near the hauling ground, and the harems may have been disturbed in making 
the drive this morning. The pups are all well nourished. 

Main Zapadni retains its outline, but all its masses are shrunk to the bowlder beach. 
The harems can be counted from the rear without difficulty. In 1897 it was necessary 
to get the beach count by boat. The harems continue to the limit at the point, the 
lateral shrinkage being from the end at the sand beach of Southwest Bay. 

Little Zapadni is reduced to a single line of harems along the water front, with a 
slight massing of harems at the end toward Zapadni Reef. 

There are no bachelors on the hauling ground of Little Zapadni and none have been 
obtained from this hauling ground this season. 

A count of Zapadni Reef by harems this morning resulted as follows: 1, 4, 23, 7, 1, 
3, 14, 13, 3, 8, 20. Harems, 11; cows, 97. 

These harems are bunched at the lower end of the reef where it widens in a. point. 

A young bull holding a harem leaves it to enter the water at my approach, returning 
to his place as I pass by. His cows are not disturbed. 

There are no bachelors to-day on the hauling ground of Tolstoi rookery. 

In the evening I made a count of the harems on Sivutch Rock, assisted by Mr. 
Judge, going over in a boat from East Landing. 

There are 61 harems, 2 idle, and 6 young bulls. This rookery had 102 harems in 
1897, and, consequently, shows less decline than other rookeries of St. Paul. This is 
probably due to the fact that Sivutch Rock, lying just off Reef Peninsula, is directly 
m the route of seals making for Reef rookery and likely to draw from the larger 
breeding ground. About 100 bachelors were hauled out on the reef end of the islet. 
The harems extended across the middle portion of the rock in such a way as to make 
it necessary to dislodge one harem in order to reach the high ground from which the 
southern end of the rookery is visible. 

July 22. — A count of the cows and harems on the Amphitheater of Kitovi resulted 
as follows: 18, 1, 22, 3, 33, 10, 1, 11, 12. Harems, 8; cows. 111. 

For the 43 cows in the little bight there are 66 pups. 

There are 37 harems, 3 idle bulls, and 16 young bulls on Lukanin to-day. Three 
dead pups are visible in one harem under the cliiff. Many starving pups are visible 
from this point. 

It is clear to-day and three schooners are visible to the eastward. Two of these are 
the same vessels seen on July 18, and they are in very much the same position. One 
small boat is visible with the naked eye. One of these schooners is the Toyti Maru. 
She had 644 skins when boarded by the Manninq on July 11. She was recently 
spoken by the Manninq and reported something over 900 skins. The greater part of 
her catch of 644 reported for July 11 was taken in Asiatic waters before entering Bering 
Sea. She is said to carry 9 Canadian sealers, who have taken out Japanese naturali- 
zation papers. 

Shooting in the direction of the schooners is heard continuously during the after- 
noon. 

July 23. — Attended the killing at Northeast Point and looked over the rookeries 
again after the drive. There are 5 harems to-day on the west side of Sea Lion Neck, 
where only 3 were found on the 14th. 

Two dead pups were obtained from the edge of the mass of seals to the west of Wal- 
rus Bight. Both are starved, as shown by the great emaciation, empty stomachs, 
and black tarry faces. 

A count of adult animals showed 103 bulls, cows, and bachelor sea lions on the 
point. The sea-lion pups were not counted. Mingled as they are with the mother 
lur seals and resembling them in size and color it seems not unlikely that sea-lion 
pups were mistaken for fur-seal cows in the case of the harems supposed to have been 
found on Buldir Island a year or two ago. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

There is a second breeding ground of sea lions between the point and Hutchinson 
Hill. No fur seals are mixed in here. It was possible to count 24 sea-lion pups. 
With these were 5 adult sea-lion bulls and 6 cows. Other cows were in the water. 

There are 46 fur-seal harems to-day under Hutchinson Hill where 51 were counted 
on the 14th. Only 6 idle bulls remain, showing that some of these have acquired 
harems. Three harems are located on the slope of Hutchinson Hill. It is nearly a 
quarter of a mile to the shore. The cows occupying these harems must have come to 
them from a definite sense of locality, as they have had not merely to work through 
the harems on shore but to cross the full width of the flat between the beach and the 
foot of the hill. 

One isolated harem of 14 cows to the west of Hutchinson Hill is held by a young 
bull which leaves the cows and takes to the water, returning to his harem when we 
have passed. 

The killing at the point this morning yielded 475 skins. The total number of 
animals driven was 712. Of these, 136 were shaved heads; 48 were rejected because 
too big, 53 because too little. Out of the 712 animals, therefore, only 53, or 7^ per 
cent, are available for next year's quota. 

With this may be compared a killing made at Northeast Point in 1897. The total 
number killed was 1,322. The full drive numbered 3,869. There were no shaved 
heads. Of the 2,547 exempted from killing, 500 were too large, 2,047 too small. The 
2,047 small seals, or 55 per cent of the whole drive, were left for the quota of 1898 
Contrast with this the 7^ per cent left for the quota of 1910. 

A killing was made at Halfway Point as usual on the return trip. It yielded 32 skins. 
Fifteen animals — young bulls — too large for killing and 9 shaved heads were exempted, 
but no small seals whatever. As the end of the killing season approaches it is plain 
that no seal is really too small to be killed. Skins of less than 5 pounds weight are 
taken and also skins of 8 and 9 pounds. These latter are plainly animals which 
escaped the killing of last year because their heads were shaved. Otherwise it does 
not seem clear how they did escape. 

July 24- — A killing was made this morning from Reef and Lukanin. Tolstoi has 
ceased to yield any bachelors. The killing yielded 685 skins; 135 shaved heads 
were turned back. The total number of animals driven was 941. Of the remain- 
ing exemptions 81 were too big for killing; 40, too little. In short, only slightly 
over 4 per cent of the animals driven were left for the quota of 1910. The actual 
percentage killed was 72. If we add the number of killable size marked for breed- 
ing reserve, 135, the percentage of killable seals in this drive rises to 87 per cent. 
In a drive made from these same rookeries on this date in 1897 the percentage of 
killable seals was 23. 

A count of cows and harems was made on Ardiguen rookery as follows: 8, 59, 51,^ 
4, 6, 16, 18, 11, 2, 18, 27, 16. 

This gives a total of 13 harems and 236 cows. One of the young bulls has gone. 

A number of starving pups are visible. One makes persistent but ineffectual 
attempts to nurse sleeping cows. 

A recount was also made of the Amphitheater of Kitovi, as follows: 1, 21, 15, 25, 6, 
4, 5, 11, 3. Harems, 9; cows, 91. One harem is gone, cows, bull, pups, and all, 
and a young bull has a new harem. For the harem of 21 cows there are 43 pups. 
Among them are several starving ones. There are 4 dead pups in two harems under 
Lukanin Hill. 

Under Lukanin Hill are a considerable number of small, restless animals which 
young bulls are rounding up on the water front. These are without doubt the young 
2-year-old cows. 

July 25. — -Went over to Zapadni this morning with the killing crew. The com- 
pany's coal-burning launch was used to tow the boats over, and it was as usual anchored 
directly in front of Little Zapadni rookery without in any way alarming the seals on 
this rookery. 

An inspection of the Zapadni rookeries showed the same growing mortality among 
the pups, due to starvation, that is so visible on Kitovi and the Reef rookeries. A 
large number of the young 2-year-old cows were visible on the main rookery of 
Zapadni. 

The killing at Zapadni yielded 245 skins; 32 shaved heads were exempted from 
killing, and in addition 11 big and 22 little unshaved animals. Of the total drive 
of 310 animals 79 per cent were killed. 

There is evident to-day a tendency among the seals on the main part of Tolstoi 
to spread out on the sand flat. Four considerable harems are located there. Four 
dead pups are visible in the outer edge of a large pod of pups. Three of these are 

> Two harems that can not be separated. 



SEAIi ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 889 

obtained with some difficulty, but all three are manifestly dead of starvation. There 
is no trace of the worm in the small intestine. 

In view of the fact that the breeding seals have not until lately been on the sand 
flat it does not seem worth while to disturb the rookery to make a thorough search 
for animals possibly dead from the worm. All pups so far found have manifestly 
died of other causes. Sections of the intestines, however, have been preserved ana 
will be turned over to Mr. Chichester for closer examination. 

The investigation of the parasite uncinaria has been specially assigned to Mr. 
Chichester for study, but unfortunately he has been stationed on St. George Island 
this summer, where no trace of the worm was found to exist in 1897. He is expected 
to come to St. Paul soon after the 1st of August, and a more definite search for the worm 
will then be made. 

It is evident, however, that the epidemic among the pups on Tolstoi this season 
will not be due to the worm, but to the Japanese sealers. The little starvlings are 
wandering like ghosts everywhere. One very hungry and persistent pup is seen in 
15 minutes' observation to attempt to nurse 1\) different cows. 

^A.t Kitovi rookery this afternoon the pups were seen for the first time this season 
trying the water. It is clear and sunshiny. A considerable number of pups are play- 
ing in a small cove. None know how to swim, and they \'irtually walk about under 
the water, where they get into deep water. The pups trying the water are plainly 
the oldest and most active pups. The wet pups in harems far from the water show 
that the little fellows are not all from the near- water harems. 

A young bachelor with a shaved head lands among the wet pups and attempts to 
round them up bull-fashion into a harem. 

A sealing schooner is sailing along the east side of St. Paul Island toward Xortheast 
Point. 

July 26. — It is clear and unusually calm this morning. Shots are heard in the 
vicinity of East Landing. The natives report hearing them since 4 o'clock. Mr. 
Redpath thinks the shots too numerous to represent shooting at seals. In his opinion, 
boats are approaching the 3-mile limit and volleying with a view to frightening the 
seals into the water in the hope that they will come within reach. 

The sight of the sealing schooners and boats and the sound of the firing have given 
the natives of St. Paul a vivid sense of what is causing the seals to diminish. In 
1836-97 pelagic sealing was a remote evil but dimly realized. A native was then 
apt to ascribe the diminution of the seals to rookery investigation. 

The fences put about the salt lagoon and Webster Lake in 1897 for the purpose of 
herding the bachelor seals rejected from the drives to keep them out of the way of 
the pelagic sealers have disappeared. There are several rolls of wire lying about, but 
the posts are gone. This experiment, like the branding, has evidently been laid aside 
as a failure. Under the Canadian sealing the herding of the bachelors was a rather 
remote possibility of help, as the bachelor seals are less likely to feed at long distances 
from the islands and never so fre^juently as the mother seals. With Japanese sealing 
on the 3-mile limit, however, the matter is entirely different. The bachelors, if they 
go to sea at all, must cross this line going and coming and are therefore as liable to be 
shot as the females. Some means of holding them, if even for no longer than 10 days 
at a time, would represent a positive protection to them. It is therefore to be regretted 
exceedingly that the inclosure of the salt lagoon is not now available for the herding 
of at least the shaved-headed bachelors reserv^ed for breeding purposes, which, as 
matters stand, have been liable to the fire of the Japanese sealers during the past month 
and are still liable to it for the month of August. 

These two practical experiments — branding and herding — successfully inaugurated 
in 1836-97, have, it seems to me, been condemned without a proper test and to the 
detriment of our interests in the seal herd. 

Fours3ilin?schooaersare ia si?ht on the east side of St. Paul Island this afternoon, the 
weather being cleir. 0:ie of thstn seemed very close to Walrus Island. Evidently 
the Bsar thought so, too, for it sailed out and circled about the vessel. A seizure was 
anticipated, but the schooner was not within the 3-mile limit. In clear weather it is 
difficult to judge distances. 

From the sands of English Bay four other schooners are visible this afternoon, also 
to the southwest, evenly spaced between Tolstoi and Zapadni heads. There has been 
a scattering of the sealing fleet within the past few days with a movement in the direc- 
tion of Northeast Point. It looks this afternoon as if the island was to be encircled. 

Shootingisheardon both sides of the island. It sounds like skirmish firing. Counted 
for several minutes the shots numbered about five a minute. Probably other vessels 
are farther out and only the shooting of the nearest boats are audible. 

The B?ar is stationed at Northeast Point. The Perry is cruising to the southwest, 
her station being at the village end of the island. The vessels change their location 
from'one side to the other daily, except in rough weather, when they hold the lee side. 



890 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



is nothing that the vessels can do to hinder or prevent the work of the sealers. In the 
case of the Canadian sealers it was possible to board and search their catches for shot 
skins. There is no reasonable excuse for boarding the Japanese vessels. The vessels 
do not have to violate the territorial limit. The sealing is no better at 2 miles than 
at 4. All the animals coming and going must cross the 4 or 5 mile line, or, for 
that matter, the 10-mile line, their journey being a long one — 100 to 200 miles out. 
A vessel getting within the 3-mile limit, or even getting one of its boats within 
this limit,leaves itself liable to seizure, with loss of vessel and catch. The Tenyu Mara, 
seized by the Perry early in the season, was 11 miles out; but one of her boats got within 
1^ miles of Otter Island and was caught. 

Raiding of the rookeries has proved a disastrous form of sealing and is not likely to 
be attempted. If it were, it would be tried in foggy weather or at night, when the real 
protection of the rookeries would be the shore guard. It is unsafe to work close in- 
shore with the cutters in foggy weather. 

In short, the work of patrol, while necessary as a deterrent influence, is futile so far 
ae preventing or even limiting the vfork of pelagic sealing is concerned. Its mission 
is merely to see that the work of destruction is carried on in a lawful manner, there 
being no inducement other than a spirit of foolhardihood and recklessness for pursuing 
it otherwise. 

It would be better to ignore the patrol of the 3-mile limit, place a strong guard on 
each rookery, invite the sealers to raid, and fight it out with them. A coast guard, 
with launches at hand for a quick dash out from shore, would accomplish more in the 
way of seizures. Under such conditions it would be some satisfaction to be engaged 
in defending the rookeries. As it is now one's blood boils from sheer helplessness to 
do anything. The very vigilance of the patrol prevents violation of the law which 
would make seizures possible, while the sealing itself goes on without restriction or 
abatement. 

The pups are playing in the water everywhere along Tolstoi front. Many of them 
are able to swim. Among the pups are the 2-year-old cows in increasing numbers. 
These animals are also scattered among the harems and are readily distinguishable 
because of their restlessness. The older bulls pay little attention to them. 

There are no bachelors on Tolstoi and there have been none since the 20th. It looks 
as if the supply was exhausted. 

There has been heavy surf on two or three occasions from the southwest, but no wind- 
row of dead pups has been thrown up at the lower end of Tolstoi. 

Two branded bulls occupy adjacent harems to-day in the edge of Tolstoi sand flat. 
One was previously noted here. This makes five of these branded bulls, branded in 
mistake for females. All five of these bulls look about the same age. The last use of 
this brand was in 1902, and it was used for about three seasons prior to this date. The 
ages of these bulls must lie between 7 and 10 years. 

Some light is thrown on the ages of the bulls by the history of the idle-bull class 
since 1896-97. In those years we found thov sands of these animals swarming over the 
vacant breeding grounds. It was felt then that the origin of this excess of idle bulls 
lay in the effect of the modus vivendi of 1891-92-93, which restricted land killing. 
This conjecture is confirmed by the fact that the disappearance of these bulls occurred 
in three seasons, 1901-2-3, the disappearance being so definite and sudden as to occa- 
sion alarm in 1903-4. As the young males, unnecessarily spared by the suppression of 
killing in 1891-1893, were then 3 years of age, their disappearance occurring 10 years 
afterwards, marks 13 as an average or normal age of the bull fur seal, a period of life 
considerably shorter than has pre\'iously been assigned to him. 

Observation of the five branded bulls noted this season on the rookeries ought to 
throw additional light on this subject in the course of the next three or four years. 
The branded cows should throw similar light en the age of the females. 

On the very top of the hill slope of Tolstoi, back of the sand flat, is a young cow with 
a pup a few days old. There is no bull and no other harems within 500 feet. The 
mother seems very solicitous about the pup, and it is found to be anchored to the 
placenta by a very thick umbilical cord, the placenta being wedged between rocks, 
holding the pup fast. The cow fights furiously to prevent the pup from being released, 
and it is only by holding her off by main force at the end of a pole that the pup can 
be cut loose. 

At the other end of the slope is another similar case, except that the pup is free, and 
with the mother is a young 2-year-old cow. The mother defends her "pup vigorously 
for a time, but, as if knowing that it is free to get away itself, she abandons it. 

The presence of these cows in places where no regular harems have been this season, 
and probably not last, without bulls, seems to point to some instinctive return of the 
cow to a definite locality on the rookery, determined perhaps by place of birth. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 891 

A dead pup, seciu-ed from the edge of a harem on the sand flat of Tolstoi, was found 
to be starved. There was no trace of uncinaria in the intestines. 

July 27. — The drive at Northeast Point this morning yielded 187 skins. Only 3 
animals too small to be killed were turned back. Polovina rookery gave only 16 
skins, and no animals too small to be killed were turned back. 

The weather is blamed for the shortage, and it has not been favorable; but the supply 
of killable seals is plainly approaching exhaustion for this year and for next as well. 

A recount of Kitovi rookerv by harems was made for comparative purposes. It 
resulted as follows: 3, 0, 3, 2, 4, 7, 18, 8, 34, 14, 12, 10, 5, 20, 16, 14, 17, 4, 16, 8, 14, 17, 
11, 12, 2, 14, 4, 28, 6, 22, 7, 2, 6, 7, 7, 4, 14, 6, 7, 8, 1, 3, 14. Harems, 42; cows, 448. 

The Amphitheater was counted separately as follows: 0, 10, 4, 2, 19, 1, 8, 1. Harems 
8; cows, 45. For the entire rookery this gives 50 harems and 493 cows. 

A dead cow is lodged in the rocks at the edge of the surf, as if washed in. Another 
cow is lying in an imconscious condition in the little cove at the bottom of the 'Amphi- 
theater. There are shot holes in her neck, or possibly the marks of teeth. 

In the evening, in company with Mr. Lembkey, I returned to examine the dead and 
injured cows. The dead one was brought up on the bank and examination showed shot 
holes in the neck and also in the small of the back. The unconscious cow was still alive 
and was brought up out of reach of the surf. It was decided to leave her till morning. 

It is raining this evening for the first time since I arrived on the islands. The season 
is in respect of clear weather very similar to the season of 1897, but very different from 
the season of 1896. The grass is short. It was waist-high in 1896. 

July 28. — The killing this morning from Reef and Gorbatch yielded 453 skins. No 
seals were found on Lukanin or Tolstoi. The animals killed were 77 per cent of those 
driven. Only 18 small seals were turned back. 

After the killing I went to Kito-vi with Mr. Lembkey and Dr. Mills to examine the 
dead and injured cows. The dead cow had seven shot holes, four in the neck and three 
in the rump, one piercing the uterus. She had been dead about two days. It is prob 
able that she had just strength enough left to reach the shore. 

The condition of this cow explains the double shots heard so frequently in the vicinity 
of the sealing schooners. The fur seal, when it is alarmed, raises its head and neck 
above the water to try to get sight of the object that alarms it. This offers a good mark 
for the first shot. The animal makes a dive, which brings the entire body out of the 
water in a long curve, the tail disappearing last and offering a mark for the second barrel. 
Double-barrel shotguns are used by the Japanese sealers. The buckshots taken from 
this animal correspond exactly to those t?ken in 1896-97 from animals shot then by 
Canadian sealers. 

The second cow was still alive. She was killed and skinned. The holes in her neck 
were the result of a bite and were not serious. Her skull was found to be fractured, the 
hole being very small, as if made by a jagged stone. 

\Miile examining this cow a second dead cow was found at some distance back from 
a neighVioring harem. She was recently dead and her head was literally crushed. 

Two possible explanations are suggested for the condition of these two cows — first, 
that a raid had been made at this point, the boat getting away with such seals as were 
captured, these two being left behind; second, tlaat the animals had been stoned by 
boys from the village. That a raid was made here seems improbable. Mr. Lembkey 
will ascertain as to the other theory. 

In the afternoon I visited Polovina rookery in company with Mr. Judge. It rained 
heavily. The surf was washing over the reef at the point and the harems formerly 
located on its edge had moved back on the higher ground behind. The animals on the 
flat were in a very uncomfortable state by reason of the rain. A large band of seals are 
swimming in the surf offshore, both on the main rookery and the cliff portion. These 
animals have evidently taken to the- water as affording greater comfort than can be 
found on- the land. 

It is to be noted that when the animals take to the water in this way, either as a result 
of weather conditions or when disturbed in the course of rookery inspection, they do not 
go far out — seldom more than a few rods, never anything like 3 miles. They swim 
back and forth, play and sleep in the water, landing again as they feel like it; in all 
probability going to sea to feed, if ready to do so. There is, however, no evidence that 
disturbance on the rookery of a normal, ordinary kind "will frighten seals into range of 
the pelagic sealers 3 to 10 miles off the rookeries. The fear that the counting of 
seal pups will do this is apparently verj'' real to the representatives of the company and 
seems to be shared by the Government agents themselves, but in my judgment it is 
unwarranted. The fur seal does not have intelligence enough to carry the impression 
of fright so long or so far as this; other\vise we should not have the animals which are 
released from the much more trying ordeal of the killing field returning and imme- 
diately hauling out on the grounds from which they were driven three or four hours 
before. 



892 SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

The rain sends the bachelor seals into the water. It was reported that about 200 
bachelors were hauled out at Zapadni yesterday, but that to-day there are only about 
50. It is also true, however, that if rain drives the animals into the water, the rough 
weather which accompanies it leaves the animals uncomfortable at sea also, and they 
are likely to haul better after a storm. 

In making the drive from the Reef and Gorbatch this morning the drivers must 
have pressed the breeding grounds closely, as a considerable number of cows, 14 at 
least, were included. These were for the most part recognized and exempted by the 
clubbers, but two adult cows in milk were killed by accident. Most of the cows 
were young animals — 2-year-olds. 

July 29. — The killing scheduled this morning for Zapadni has been postponed, as 
too few seals are hauled there to make it worth while. 

Zoltoi in 1896-97 was the favorite hauling ground of a group of idle bulls. It has 
60 far had no such animals on it, but to-day there are 6 bulls on the side toward East 
Landing. Two are young bulls, four look like harem bulls which have withdrawn 
to rest. Two bulls are to-day hauled out on what we, in 1896, termed the "hospital" 
of Gorbatch. These bulls are, however, not derelicts but vigorous animals. 

Mr. Lembkey reports that the cows found dead on the Amphitheater of Kitovi were 
actually stoned by some native boys who offer as an excuse that while they were 
seeking birds' nests the seals attacked them and they stoned them in self-defense. 

On Kitovi the first two harems on the point have lost their bulls. The cows are 
gone from one harem, only one pup remaining; the other harem has four cows and 
eight pups. These harems were small and it is probable that the bulls, having served 
all the cows, have gone to sea. 

Many young gray bulls are noted in the rookery and about it, and particularly in 
the larger harems are many of the 2-year-old cows. 

Starvation is steadily at work. Every harem has its starvlings and the dead pups 
are increasing. They pull out from the pods of pups to die alone. 

There are two bulls side by side on Kitovi each with a "moon' ' or blind eye. One 
is quite a character and has been observed to occupy his present position for several 
seasons. The second bull is younger. The branded bull continues to hold his harem. 

July 30. — The drive from Zapani this morning gives 585 skins. It is the largest 
drive from this rookery for the season. Those killed constitute 79 per cent of all the 
animals driven. Only 39, too small, are turned back. The closeness of the driving 
is evident from the fact that 10 cows are recognized; two are accidently killed. One 
bachelor with a St. George identification mark (three clipped spots on the shoulders 
as well as the head shaved) is seen. 

Mr. Allis, the company's representative from St. George, arrives at St. Paul on 
the Manning. He reports only 175 skins needed to fill the proportion of the quota 
for St. George. Mr. Lembkey sends word by the Manning to St. George to take 
additional skins there if possible, as St. Paul will be short of its proportion of the quota. 

It is reported from Northeast Point that the sealers have a number of boats at or 
within the 3-mile limit shooting with a view to' frightening the seals into the water 
and, as to-morrow is the last day of sealing, Mr. Redpath goes this afternoon to the point 
to have a drive made this evening with a view to holding them over till to-morrow 
to insure there not being driven off. 

The pups at the point on Kitovi, where they were first noted as going into the water 
on the 25th, are learning to swim fast. Many of them are expert already. Three 
little cows are playing with the swimming pups. They can scarcely be 2-year-olds 
and seem like last year's pups. They are but little bigger than the oldest pups. 
If these are yearlings, they are the first and only ones of this class so far recognized. 
It is believed that the yearlings, as a class, come later in the fall. In 1896-97, how- 
ever, many of them used to be included in the drives from Lukauin. 

The first harem on the point at Kitovi, from which the original bull has been gone 
for several days, is now in charge of a young bull, who takes to the water, but returns. 
He has three cows. The second harem is still without bull, and there is only one 
starving pup. The branded bull is still in his place. 

Of the four starving pups in one harem at Rock 10, two are dead, one dying, and 
the fourth is missing. 

This is the fir.st quiet day since the storm. The booming of the guns to the east of 
the island can be heard. The Toyei Maru, which is anchored off Kitovi Point, is 
plainly visible. When spoken by the Bear on the 26th, she reported 936 skins.- She 
had 644 on July 11. 

July -S^.— This is the last day of sealing, and preparations are being made to drive 
every rookery. The killing from Reef and Gorbatch yields 660 skins. This repre- 
sents 76 per cent of the animals driven. One hundred and ten seals are obtained 
from Lukanin and Kitovi. No small seals are rejected in this drive; 21 small ones 
are left from the Reef drive Nineteen skins are obtained at Halfwav Point. The 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 893 

drive at Northeast Point gives 330 skins; 15 small ones only are exempted. Zapadni, 
redriven to-day, gives 41 additional skins taken. Three small ones are released. At 
the drive yesterday from this rookery 39 small animals were released. Most of these 
are probably included in the killing to-day. Gorbatch is driven a second time to-day 
and 62 skins taken. 

This is certainly whirlwind sealing and an effective clean up of the hauling grounds. 
If the Alaska Commercial Co. cleaned up the hauling grounds \vithout reference to 
the new lessees in the season of 1889, the North American Commercial Co. has in 
like manner cleaned up the hauling grounds Avithout reference to the lessees of next 
year. 

The total of to-day's killing on St. Paul is 1,222 skins. 

There were 18 cows in the drive at Northeast Point to-day. Cows are harder to 
manage on the killing field than bachelors. No cows were killed to-day. 

One bachelor from St. George was present in the drive at the point to-day, recog- 
nizable by the clipped shoulders, in addition to clipped head. This clipping on 
the back is apparently an effective means of damaging the skin for the season at least, 
and if branding with the iron is not used this double clipping should be adopted also 
for St. Paul. 

It is reported by the guards at Northeast Point that nine sealing boats came in in 
the fog very close to the shore, the hunters discharging their guns as quickly and aa 
often as possible, the purpose being to frighten the seals. There were three sealing 
schooners off the point. 

Vostockni rookery is still an impressive sight as seen from Hutchinson Hill . There 
are probably no more seals on it to-day than when I was last here, but they have spread 
back on the flat and make a better showing. 

August 1. — On Gorbatch rookery the starving pups are very conspicuous. Five 
are seen in one harem. Every harem has its dead and starving. Twenty-five of the 
little 2-year-old cows are playing with the pups in one cove on Gorbatch. These 
animals are conspicuous on all the rookeries. 

The hauling grounds of the reef show only a small number of animals — shaved 
heads and young bulls. There are no killable seals on Lukanin. 

August 2. — A count of live pups was made on Aixliguen rookery this morning. There 
are 339 living, and 16 dead, making 355 in all. Two hundred and seven cows were 
counted here on July 15. There are still 9 harems. One wet bull came in directly 
from the sea and was hardest to move. Of the 16 dead pups, all but 3 were recently 
dead, and starvation was plainly the cause of death. Of the living pups, 28 were 
noted as certainly starving, their death being but a matter of a few days. Other 
pups were noted as hungry, but their mothers might still return. 

In the first large harem at the end of Gorbatch cinder slope are 3 dead and 5 starving 
pups. 

A very careful count of pups was made this afternoon on Kitovi rookery with the 
assistance of Agents Lembkey and Judge; 1,979 pups were found. Sixty of these 
are already dead, with one exception, all of starvation. Fifty pups were noted as 
doomed to die of starvation within a few days. 

The day was foggy and rainy. A heavy sm-f was beating on the shore. Practically 
all the cows were turned into the water and most of the bulls. The day has been ideal 
for the work, in that the Japanese sealers have not been able to operate. It is my 
belief that practically no damage to the rookery has resulted. No cow would volim- 
tarily go to sea in such rough weather, and in all probability all will resume their 
places on the rookery. An examination will be made to-morrow to ascertain the fact. 

In the count of pups to-day, as in 1896-97, great difficulty was experienced by reason 
of the massing of the pups in crevices in the rocks, from which it was necessary in many 
cases to drag them out to ascertain their number. This rookery should be gone over 
in the fall and these crevices filled up with stones in such a way as to prevent the pupa 
from packing into them in case of a count. If it were not for this hiding of the pups, 
the counting would not be difficult. 

At the dinner table this evening, Mr. Redpath very emphatically protested against 
the count of live pups as the most detrimental thing that could be done to the herd, 
and one that should be stopped. He based his opinion on two grounds: First, that 
the bulls driven off would leave the cows without adequate service, and second, that 
the cows driven off would be killed by the Japanese sealers. He cited the action of 
Mr. Sims in 1906 in suppressing the rookery counts as the most sensible action taken 
by the Government recently in rookery investigation. 

As a matter of fact, when we consider the case of Kitovi rookery, which has been 
subjected to annual counts for each season since 1896 with the exception of 1906, we 
find that it has apparently not suffered adversely by the work of investigation, to which 
it has been subjected in excess of any of the other rookeries. Its measure of decline 



894 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

in the 12 years has been in round numbers 63 per cent, while the measure of decline 
in the Northeast Point rookery of Vostochni — one farthest removed from inspection or 
disturbance— has been 80 per cent. If we take the actual count of live pups for the 
past three seasons we find them to be— 1907, 1,859; 1908, 1,960; 1909, 1,979, showing 
an apparent increase in pups, in all likelihood due to an influx of cows from other 
rookeries, or greater exemption from the effects of pelagic sealing. At any rate, the 
harmful effect of rookery inspection and investigation is not seen in the rookery where 
most of it has been done. 

Speaking of the failure to get the full quota of skins, Mr. Redpath expressed the 
opinion that no difficulty would have been experienced in getting the quota if it had 
not been for the interference necessary in the marking of the reserve for breeding pur- 
poses, which was done before killing for the quota could be commenced. The limita- 
tion of killing to the 31st of July was also objectionable. 

August, o. — I visited Kitovi rookery this afternoon at the hour on which the count 
of live pups was made yesterday, being accompanied by Mr. Judge. We counted 
42 harem bulls in place, with the harems restored to their places to all intents and 
purposes as thev were before the count was begun yesterday. At the count of cows 
and harems on Kitovi on July 26 only 50 of the original 55 harems were found. Two 
of these at the point have been noted as missing for several days, so that the actual 
decrease in harems to-day over the 26th is only 6. Looking at Kitovi rookery to-day 
one can not see that it shows any difference as a result of its disturbance yesterday, 
and I am unwilling to admit that it has suffered any damage whatever as a result of 
our work. 

August 4. — A count of pups was made this morning on Lagoon, Tolstoi Cliffs, and 
Zapadni Reef. 

On Lagoon rookery there were 320 cows and 8 bulls present. All except 1 young 
bull and 1 cow went into the water; 693 pups were found; 22 were dead; 30 starving. 
Two dead cows were found, too decayed to determine cause of death. This rookery 
had on July 12, 12 harems and 281 cows. 

One pup was seen with one hind flipper cut off clean at the body; the wound was 
fresh and the pup was active and hearty. 

On Tolstoi Cliffs 1,452 pups were found. This rookery had, on July 15, 698 cows 
in 25 harems; 55 of the pups were dead and 36 were found starving, i. e., in a condi- 
tion where death from this cause was assured. 

One branded cow not previously observed was seen. A bachelor was found pinned 
down imder a bowlder which had in some way shifted enough to imprison the animal 
by its fore flipper. Death resulted from starvation and was recent enough to make 
it worth while to save the skin. 

A newly born pup was observed. 

The cows and bulls on this rookery returned in many cases to their places before 
«ve left the rookery. 

A pod of several hundred bachelors was found on this rookery in a place from which 
they could not be driven. A vacant space in the rookery has evidently been taken 
by them as a hauling ground. Many were shaved heads, but a good many killable 
seals were among them. 

On Zapadni Reef 319 pups were found, with 10 dead and 7 starving. This rookery 
had on July 16, 137 cows in 11 harems. 

A newly born pup was found here anchored to a heavy placenta, which prevented 
its moving about. It was cut loose. 

A young bull turned back in the drive at Northeast Point on July 31, and, recog- 
nizable by a peculiarly torn under lip, was present on Zapadni Reef to-day in charge 
of a small harem, which he defended vigorously. 

The counting of pups on Zapadni Reef and Ijagoon was a simple and easy matter 
compared with Kitovi and Tolstoi Cliffs because there were no crevices in which the 
pups could hide. 

The foregoing counts of pups aggregate 4,798. Of this number 161 are dead, the 
cause of death being in practically all cases starvation; 143 will die of the same cause 
within a few clays — a mortality of 6^ per cent. This mortality is attributable to 
pelagic sealing for the month of July. A like or even greater mortality will result 
from the sealing of the month of August. In other words, the rookeries of St. Paul 
Island are to suffer a loss of approximately 13 per cent of their birth rate of pups for 
the present and of their stock of breeding females from pelagic sealing. 

An inspection of the hauling grounds of Reef Peninsula shows only a small number 
of bachelors on the shore — for the most part shaved heads and young bulls. 

In the evening I went on board the Perry and arranged with Capt. Haake for trans 
portation to the Manning at St. George to-morrow afternoon. Returning from the. 
vessel at 8 o'clock, our boat passed another boat containing Agents Lembkey and 
Chichester going to warn the Perry that sealing boats close inshore, and apparently 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 895 

intending to land, were seen by the guard at Zapadni. The report had been received 
by telephone. The Pf.nti got under way but it was dark by the time the point was 
reached and nothing was seen of the boats. Reent'orcements to the guards at Zapadni 
were sent over by Agent Judge. 

This incident suggests certain things : 

First, that the revenue cutters on patrol duty should have searchlights. If there 
were boats at Southwest Point last night such a light would have disclosed the fact. 

Second, that a trained guard of marines, which could keep cool and await the land- 
ing of the raiders with a hope of effecting a capture, would be better than the native 
guard. The natives are apt to get excited and to see things that do not exist, or to see 
things close at hand which are beyond the 3-mile limit. I do not mean to impeach, 
the loyalty or courage of the natives, but they are not trained to guard duty or to 
meeting and dealing with emergency matters, and the direction and supervision of 
the agents are far away from them both in distance and in time. 

Third, that there exist no proper roads or trails to the rookeries. A suggestion was 
made in 1896-97 that suitable roads be built to give ready access to the rookeries, largely 
on the ground of convenience. Now, \\ath the possibility of a raid on any of the rook- 
eries at any time the matter is one of real necessity. To send re enforcements to the 
guard at Zapadni to-night meant that men must walk 7 miles over a blind and uncer- 
tain trail in the dark and carry their guns and provisions. If the raid were at North- 
east Point the distance is twice as great, and it could not be safely traversed in the 
darkness with a team. The trip by mule team in daylight requires 3^ to 4 hours. 
There are two strong mule teams and one horse in the xdllage, but there is not a single 
rookery on the island to which they could be used to transport a body of men at night 
to repel a raid. In daylight the only road is that to Northeast Point, on which a team 
can not travel above a walk. 

This matter of roads is a crying need on the islands, and the services of the natives 
ought to be available from the close of the sealing season to the setting in of winter 
to build such roads. 

August 5. — Having finished the necessary work on the islands I went on board the 
Perry and was transferred to the Manning at St. George Island, this vessel having been 
ordered to cruise on the 60-mile zone in search of Canadian sealing vessels, none of 
which have yet been seen in Bering Sea. Three Canadian vessels — ^the Pescawha, the 
Thomas F. Bayard, and the Jessie — were boarded by the Bear in the North Pacific on 
June 23. They were then engaged in sea-otter hunting. 

On the way "to St. George the Perry passed close to Otter Island, sufficiently close 
to enable me with a glass to see that no seals were hauled out on this island. 

The Japanese sealing fleet is no longer concentrated to the southwest off Otter 
Island. No vessels were in sight from the Perry this afternoon, although her course 
would have shown as many as 11 vessels on the 11th of July. The Japanese fleet has 
moved up toward the northern end of St. Paul Island. 

August 6. — The Perry returned to St. Paul this morning and the Manning sets out 
for the western end of the southwest quadrant of the 60-mile zone. Reaching this 
on the morning of the 7th, she begins a zigzag course, running 5 miles beyond the line, 
turning at right angles across the line and 5 miles within it; then again turning at 
right angles, and so on back and forth throughout its length, from its eastern end sail- 
ing into Unalaska for coal. 

No sealers are seen, and naturally so, as the best sealing grounds for the Canadian 
sealers are many miles outside the 60-mile zone, 150 to 200 miles beyond the islands. 
There is no reason why a Canadian sealer should get within the 60-mile zone except 
by accident, and this patrol therefore becomes a futile matter, except in so far as it is 
prescribed by the regulations of the Paris tribunal, which are in themselves futile. 

Considering the discomfort and hardship which this patrol involves for the men 
engaged in it and particularly in view of the futility of it all and the expense it entails, 
the Government ought to remove the necessity for it by active and aggressive measures 
for the abolition of pelagic sealing. The protection and preservation of the fur-seal 
herd is not to be attained by patroling the waters of Bering Sea, but by eliminating 
pelagic sealing. 

August 9. — The iV/annir?;;/ anchors at Unalaska at S o'clock, having passed the North 
American Commercial Co.'s steamer Homer at 6 o'clock on her way to the Pribilof 
Islands. 



896 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



Oapt. Jacobs, commanding the patrol fleet, stationed at TJnalaska, kindly supplied 
me with the following data, to and including July 31, regarding the pelagic sealing 
fleets: 

Japanese vessels boarded. 



Names. 



1. Hoko Maru 

2. Domei Maru 

3. Eiun Maru, 2 

4. Konei Maru 

6. Chihokuni Maru . 
t>. Toro Maru 

7. Nitto Maru 

8. Kofugi Maru 

9. Toyei Maru, 2 

10. Tenyu Maru 

11. Shimushu Maru. 

12. Chitose Maru 

13. Chitose Maru, 2.. 

14. Toka Maru 

15. Koyi Maru 

16. Too Mara 

17. Boso Mam. 2 



Total. 



Port. 



Tokyo 

do 

Rikuzen... 
Kogoshima. 
Hakodate . . 

do 

Miyokocho . 
Hakodate . . 
Shimasato.. 

Tokyo 

do 

do 

Rikuzen. . . 

Minato 

Isibama 

Shirota 

Minato 



Master. 



Sakabara 

Nishiwa 

NeakeClii... 
Kadowaki . . . 

Koliashi 

Shishido 

Tokameatsu 
Kadowaki... 

Sato 

Nakanisbi 

Sliiono 

Mizukamy.. 

Meura 

Arawaka 

Mauo 

Yashido 

Yamanaka.. 



Boarding 

vessel. 



Rush 

Manning 

do 

do 

Rush 

Bear 

Manning 

Perry 

Bear 

Perry 

Manning 

Rush 

Bear 

do 

Manning 

do 

do 



Date. 



July 21 
July 11 

...do 

...do 

July 26 
July 19 
July 11 
July 3 
July 26 
July 9 
July 11 
July 26 
July 31 
...do.... 
July 11 

...do 

...do...., 



SMns. 



177 

92 

148 

39 

330 

225 

310 

6 

936 

139 

62 

155 

152 

272 

160 

47 

96 



3,246 



1 Seized. 
Canadian vessels boarded. 


Names. 


Port. 


Master. 


Boarding 

vessel. 


Date. 


Skins. 




Victoria 


Balson, B. M.... 
Blakstad, H 


Bear 

do 


June 23 
...do 




2. Bayard 


do 






...do 


Munro, W 


do 


...do 

















It is noted that the Japanese schooners, in the majority of cases, have orders from 
their owners to return home at a definite date, the dates for leaving the sea varying 
from the iniddle <)i August to the middle of September. This is to avoid the typhoon 
season on the Asiatic side, several vessels haying been lost in the past because of 
delay in returning. 

The Tenyu Maru with 39 skins was seized by the Perry on July 9, one of her boats 
being within the 3-mile limit. Three of her boats did not return to the vessel, probably 
taking refuge with other sealing vessels. The vessel with 15 of her crew is anchored 
under guard in Unalaska Harbor. She will be taken to Valdez by the Perry in the 
latter part of the month. 

August 11. — The British gunboat Algerinf entexf^A Unalaska Harboi this morning. 
Capt. Edwards is in command. The A'est^el will coal and go on pati-ol duty on the 
60-mile zone 

Capt. Edwards reports 5 Canadian vessels as having taken out licenses for sealing. 
He had not encountered any of the vessels. He expects to find them on the cruise he 
proposes to make on the northeast quadrant, this being the direction in which the 
Canadian sealers found the best sealing last season. 

Auguat 12. — The revenue cutter Tahoma came into Unalaska to-day for coal. She 
is 8 days out from Yokohama via Attn and is bound for Seattle, the last lap in her cruise 
around the world. Capt. Quinan is in command. He made the cruise in investiga- 
tion of pelagic sealing m 1890 as lieutenant on the Corwin. 

A^igust IS. — The Manning left Unalaska to-day to resume cruising in Bering Sea. _ 
The Pen-y came into harbor for coal. The mail l^oat Dora reached Dutch Harbor this 
morning. 

August 14. — Through the courtesy of Capt. Jacobs and Deputy Commissioner Har- 
mon of Unalaska I was able to visit the Japanese sealing schooners Kind Mario and 
Sakai Maru, seized in the latter part of July last year off Northeast Point. The first of 
these vessels is a schooner of 130 tons, carrying 8 boats, 16 hunters, and a total crew of 
40 men, including a white sailing master. The second vessel is smaller — 75 tons, with 
7 boats. The crews of the vessels were taken to Valdez last fall and their cases disposed 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



897 



of. No disposition has yet been made of the vessels and their catches, which lie under 
guard in the harbor of Unalaska. The catch of the Kinsi Maru. was 416 skins; that of 
the Sakai Maru, 244 skins, making in all 1)50 skins, worth according to the quotationa 
for pelagic skins for 1905, $27 per skin or a total of $17,550. The skins are deteriorating 
in the salt and their guarding is a matter of constant expense. The Kinsi Maru 
dragged two anchors last winter and came near being wrecked in the harbor. Some 
disposition ought to be made without delay of these vessels and their catches. 

The skins on the Kinsi Maru show that the Japanese sealers take all classes of ani- 
mals from the bulls do\Yn to the small bachelors, the bulk of the catch, however, being 
females. Salted by themselves on this vessel are 40 to 50 little black skins — skins of 
unborn pups cut from gravid females. The catch of this vessel was taken off Northeast 
Point in July. The Japanese vessels from their position on the 3-mile limit naturally 
intercept the gravid females as they approach the rookeries to give birth to their pups. 
They also take the mother seal as she goes and comes from the feeding grounds, her 
pup being left to starve. The Japanese sealing therefore combines the destructive 
feature of the northwest coast sealing — the killing of gravid females with their unborn 
young, with the even more destructive features of the Bering Sea sealing, when the 
mother seal, again pregnant, is killed and her young left to starve, and the work of the 
Japanese is carried steadily on throughout the closed season — May, June, and July — 
when Canadian sealing is forbidden by the regulations of the Paris award. 

August 14- — The British ship Algerinc sailed to-day for Bering Sea. 

August 15. — The Tahoma sailed for Seattle. 

August 17. — The Rus?i arrived this morning reporting that the Homer had been de- 
layed at the islands by bad weather. 

The Canadian sealer, Thovias F. Bayard, Capt. Hans Blackstad, sailed into Dutch 
Harbor this afternoon with her flag at half mast. I accompanied Deputy Collector 
Bull-Shannon on board the schooner. The captain explained his flag by saying that 
he had buried a man at sea a day or two before, but put his flag up at the suggestion 
of the collector, who sealed up the vessel's guns. 

The Bayard had a crew of 36 men, 7 white men, the rest Indian hunters. She was 
engaged in sea otter hunting off Sennak in June when boarded by the Bear. Capt. 
Berthof had sealed her rifles and the vessel had then gone to the Asiatic side to seal 
there until the 1st of August. She had 103 skins of fur seals taken off the Commander 
Islands. The other two vessels boarded by the Bear on June 23 also engaged in sealing 
on the Asiatic side. The Bayard had returned to enter upon sealing in Bering Sea. 
The captain said he expected to find good sealing grounds 90 to 150 miles to the north- 
east of the Pribilofs. The vessel was not allowed to take water or to purchase supplies 
and was required to leave the harbor with as little delay as possible. She tried to 
beat her way out against a strong head wind, making little headway, and a thick fog 
drifting in about her, she retiu-ned to her anchorage in the evening. 

August 18. — The fog was very thick this morning and absolute calm prevailed. The 
fog lifted in the course of the forenoon showing the Bayard still in port. She took in 
water from a small stream across the bay, bringing it over in her canoes. Late in the 
afternoon a breeze sprang up and she was able to get out into Bering Sea. 

Capt. Jacobs sent me the following additional data brought in by the Rush: 



Vessel. 


Master. 


Port. 


Boarding 
vessel. 


Date. 


Skins. 


Eiun Maru, 2 


Chi 


Totvo 


Rush 

do 


Aug. 14 
...do. . .. 


450 






80O 


Boso Mara, 2 . . . 


Yamanaka 

Kinshita 


Minato.. 


. -do 


...do.... 
Aug. 6 


200 


Hokustun Maru 


Sendai 


do 


86 











The last-named schooner had not previously been boarded and raises the number of 
Japanese vessels to 18. The other three vessels as reported to July 31 had, respec- 
tively, 148, 155, and 96 skins. The 302 additional skins in the case of the Eiun Maru 
represents a month's sealing, as do also the 104 in the case of the Boso Maru, and 
neither case is remarkable. The case of the Chitose Maru, 2, reported on July 26 
with 155 skins, and on August 1 with 800, if the reports are correctly given, repre- 
sents a remarkable gain. These three vessels were boarded east by south from East 
Landing of St. Paul Island at distances of, respectively, 20, 35, and 30 miles. 

Making these additions to the list of catches already reported, the total Japanese 
catch to date is 4,383 skins. 

August 19. — The North American Commercial Co.'s steamer Homer arrived at Dutch 
Harbor at noon to-day. Closely following her came the British patrol ship Algerine. 

August 20. — The Horner sails for San Francisco at 10 o'clock a. m. 

2403— H. Doc. 93, 62-1 57 



898 SEAL ISLANDS OP ALASKA, 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau op Fisheries, 

Washington, October 9, 1909. 
Mr. Geo. A. Clark, 

Stanford University, Col. 
Sir: The receipt is acknowledged of your letter of Ist instant, together with your 
report on the conditions on the seal islands as observed by you during your recent 
visit. This report will no doubt be very valuable to the advisory board of the fur-seal 
service and to the fur-seal board when they have a meeting some time this fall. 
Respectfully, H. M. Smith, 

Acting Commissioner. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau op Fisheries, 
Washington, November 1, 1909. 
Mr. Geo. A. Clark, 

Stanford University, Cal. 
Sir: Your orders of May 7, 1909 (No. 547), are hereby extended to April 1, 1910, 
and you are instructed to come to Washington for the purpose of explaining and fur- 
ther elucidating your report on the condition of the fur-seal herd based on your obser- 
vations during the past summer. 

You will be allowed a compensation of |10 for the time so employed and your 
necessary expenses of travel and subsistence during the performance of such duty, 
payable from the appropriation "Statistics and methods of the fisheries." 
Respectfully, 

Geo. M. Bowers, Commissioner. 



[Telegram.] 

Pacific Grove, Cal., 16. 
Hon. George M. Bowers, 

Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C: 

Have no orders for 23d ; must leave 6 to-night, 

George A. Clark. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
Washington, November 17, 1909. 
Mr, W, I. Lembkey, 

Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 
Sir: Assuming that you have read and carefully considered the fur-seal report 
recently made by Mr. George A. Clark, who visited the islands during the past summer, 
I desire that you prepare a statement of your views regarding the report, particularly 
with reference to such data and conclusions contained therein as do not agree with 
your understanding of the facts and conditions. 

Kindly let me have this statement in form convenient for use at the conference of 
the advisory board next Tuesday. 

Respectfully, Geo. M. Bowers, 

Commissioner. 



analysis op the report on the seal fisheries, 1909, of MR. G. A. CLARK. 

In preparing this memorandum it must be understood that it is not submitted in a 
spirit of unfavorable criticism, since, in the main, Mr. Clark's ideas coincide with 
mine, and since nowhere in the report does Mr. Clark seek to discredit the actions 
of the agents on the islands, but, on the contrary, is rather favorable to them than 
otherwise. 

It is impossible, however, for two men to study the same subject and arrive at 
exactly the same conclusions. In reading this report I find that there are certain 
points of divergence between Mr. Clark's conclusions and mine. It is my purpose 
to indicate these points and to state wherein the conclusions differ. The appended 
notes follow, as nearly as possible, categorically, Mr. Clark's arrangement: 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 899 

On page 21 Mr. Clark states: 

"A proper provision for maintaing a reserve of male life is one which insiu-es not a 
buffer of idle adult bulls about the breeding grounds, but a plentiful supply of young 
bulls growing up to take the places of those which fail to I'eappear in the spring." 

I can hardly agree with Mr. Clark on this point. The presence or absence of idle 
adult bulls on a rookery forms the only safe means of determining whether or not 
there is a sufficiency of male life. There is no method by which we may decide with 
certainty how many cows a bull can serve or to what limit the bulls on the rookeries 
might be reduced with safety after the supply of surplus bulls is exhausted. With a 
number of idle bulls present, we are siu'e that the powers of the harem masters are 
not unduly taxed. Eliminate the idle bulls entirely, however, and we are forced to 
theorize in the treatment of the questions whether the number of bulls present is suf- 
ficient and whether all cows are impregnated. The destruction of the supj^ly of idle 
bulls, therefore, marks the line beyond which it is not possible to go with certainty 
of safety. In this view I am borne out by the conclusions of Dr. F. A. Lucas (Fur 
Seal Inves. Com., pt. 3, p. 53). 

To maintain proper conditions of course it is necessary to have a "plentiful supply 
of young bulls growing up to take the places of those which fail to reappear in the spring." 
Were this supply not m existence the breeding bulls would disappear altogether. 
But the question whether or not there is a sufficiency of adult male life on the rookerjea 
can be judged only by the presence, on the contrary, of idle adult bulls on the rookeries 
waiting to take the places of such harem masters as may have reached the limit of 
their procreative powers before the end of the season. 

On page 34 Mr. Clark approaches the question of equilibrium of the herd during the 
years 1906-1909, both inclusive, basing it upon the similarity of the pup counts for 
Kitovi and North rookeries for these years, as well as upon a yearly catch of 15,000 
bachelors and a (supposed) heavy decrease in the pelagic catch. 

This question, of course, always will remain an open one, in view of our lack of 
exact knowledge of the numbers in the herd. I am inclined to doubt, however, that 
any equilibrium extended over the whole period mentioned. It may have occurred 
between the years 1907 and 1908, but the general trend of the herd in any extended 
period has been toward decrease more or less gradual, and there is ground for believing 
that it occurred during the years mentioned, although not to the degree believed by 
3ome. 

In considering the bases upon which Mr. Clark places his claim of equilibrium, we 
will take first the similarity of the pup counts of 1906-1909, both inclusive, on Kitovi 
and North rookeries. KitoAd, during this period, was practically stable in its numbers; 
North, on the other hand, shows an increase of 300 between 1906 and 1907, no variation 
between 1907 and 1908, and a decrease of over 300 between 1908 and 1909. 

Mr. Clark dismisses the variation apparent on North rookery by ascribing it to 
"inaccuracies in counting." The counting, however, during the years in question 
was done in the same manner from year to year, and such inaccuracies as occurred 
would be present in all years, thereby making the count consistent. I would be will- 
ing to accept the St. George count as approximately correct and to ascribe the increase 
on North rookery to an influx of cows from St. Paul, driven away by the concentration 
of the pelagic fleet at that island. We know that a considerable migration of bachelors 
occurred from St. Paul to St. George in 1907 and 1908 from this cause, and it is fair to 
believe that a certain number of cows migrated as well. The decrease in 1909 on 
North amounted to 7 per cent and assuredly would not indicate an equilibrium. 

But the main point of objection to Mr. Clark's method is the fact that he accepts 
the conditions on one rookery on each island as typical of all, when, as a matter of 
fact, there is no just ground for this assumption. During the period that Kitovi 
rookery has remained stable, other rookeries on the same island have suffered a visible 
contraction of the space occupied by breeding seals. In other words, a decrease has 
occurred on other rookeries, while Kitovi has remained the same in point of numbers. 
There have been certain portions of breeding ground almost abandoned by seals during 
the period in which Mr. Clark claims an equilibrium. The same has occurred on 
St. George as well. It is my opinion that localities on which seals are known to be 
decreasing should be considered before the fact of an equilibrium is announced. 

When we consider the second ground for claiming an equilibrium — the stability of 
the quota of seals killed — several reasons can be found for believing that an equilibrium 
did not occur except possibly between the years 1907 and 1908. In 1906 there was a 
decided scarcity of bachelors, and the quota of 15,000 for that year would not have been 
obtained had not the department reduced the minimum weight of skins to be taken 
from 5^ to 5 pounds. This shows a decided diminution rather than an equilibrium. 
In 1907, however, the quota was secured before the end of the season, and shows that 
the supply of bachelors had not diminished between 1906 and 1907. In 1908 the 
quota was obtained, but not until the end of the season, indicating fewer seals present 



900 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

than in 1907. In 1909 the quota was not obtained in spite of all efforts, and indicated 
a decided decrease in the number of bachelors. 

From this viewpoint, I fail to see how Mr. Clark can claim an equilibrium in seal 
life, except during the period between 1906 and 1907, and then, on the showing made 
by the bachelors, an increase occurred rather than an equilibrium. 

The third point on which Mr. Clark claims an equilibrium is the decided decline 
in the pelagic catch. The figures given by him showing the size of the pelagic catch 
are as follows: 

1906 20,885 

1907 14,879 

1908 (incomplete) 4, 954 

1909 4,956 

Those figures for 1906 and 1907 are based upon London trade sales and are relatively 
correct, except that the completed list for those years shows more skins taken; those for 

1908 were taken from the returns of the American consul at Victoria; those for 1909 are 
based upon estimates of revenue-cutter officers in Bering Sea last summer. 

Taken as a whole, the foregoing table does show a great decline in the pelagic catch, 
but as stated by Mr. Clark they are incomplete. A revised table, based upon the latest 
reports of trade sales in London, shows the following as the pelagic catches for these 
years: 

1906 21, 236 

1907 16, 036 

1908 18, 151 

1909 (incomplete) 14, 142 

Those catches for 1906, 1907, and 1908 have been reported by Mr. Alfred Fraser, of 
New York City. The skins taken in 1909 have not yet been sold. The Japanese 
catch of 1909, however, is estimated by Capt. Jacobs, of the Revenue-Cutter Service, 
at 10,000, while the United States consul at Victoria reports a Canadian catch of 
3,742, and an Indian coast catch of over 400 is known to have been secured. W^en 
we consider that the reports from Victoria in past years have been not more than 50 
per cent of the whole number taken, it may safely be estimated that the catch for 1909 
will fall little short of that for 1908 and prior years. 

This revised table contains no evidence that the pelagic catch has decreased 
materially, for which reason arguments seeking to establish an equilibrium of the 
herd based upon the decline of pelagic sealing must have little value. 

From all this we must conclude that the evidence tending to show an equilibrium 
in the herd from 1906 to 1909 is weak, and that, on the other hand, there are certain 
facts pointing strongly to the herd's decline during this period. 

On page 42 Mr. Clark takes up the question of the reserve of bachelors, which was 
begun in 1904 and continued each year thereafter. He states that the method of 
reserving the breeding animal by clipping its head with sheep shears seems open to 
considerable criticism and has apparently been only moderately successful. 

The reasons why the plan is unsuccessful as given by Mr. Clark are: First, that the 
mark placed upon these seals is a temporary one, which is obliterated the next sea- 
son; and, second, that despite these reservations the herd of bulls has increased but 
little as a result. 

It would seem to me that the fact that the decline in the numbers of breeding 
bulls on the rookeries has been checked and an increase substituted as the result 
of this system of reserving young males would of itself answer any criticism as to its 
utility and value. When, in 1904, this system was inaugurated, the agents were 
facing a steady annual decrease in breeding bulls of from 20 to 30 per cent. In mak- 
ing a reservation of 3-year-olds for breeders in that year they could not look for any 
result until at least four years thereafter, or 1908, when the first of these animals would 
reach maturity. The full effect could not be felt until 1909, when the first reserva- 
tion would be 8 years old and full-grown bulls. 

During this interim, from 1904 to 1909, the full-grown bulls on the rookeries would 
continue to drop off from old age and other causes. The first recruits would have 
to fill up these gaps in the breeding bulls occurring from death before it was possible 
for them to show any increase in the numbers of male breeders. 

That they did not only stop the decline in 1909, but actually show an increase, is 
proof of the efficacy of the plan. This increase, it is true, was not large, but it was 
the first that has occurred in breeding bulls for years. 

Mr. Clark seems to be in error in estimating the number of animals that should 
appear on the rookeries from these reservations. He infers that the 2,000 bachelors 
reserved each year all should Veappear upon the rookeries at the proper time as bulls. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 



901 



Such was not the intention of the department at the time these regulations first were 
made, and such a result can not be expected from the plan when placed in operation. 
The practice has been to reserve 1,000 3-year-old and 1,000 2-year-old bachelors each 
year. The 1,000 3-year-olds were expected to reappear the following year as 4-year- 
olds and to be exempt from killing. The 2-year-olds, on the other hand, were reserved 
solely for the purpose of insuring a supply of 3-year-olds the next year and to prevent 
too close killing. It was understood at the time that the 2-year-olds would be liable 
to be killed the following year, but this exemption from slaughter as 2-year-olda 
would insure their presence the following year as 3-year-olds, and these latter were 
depended upon to form the actual breeding reserve. For this reason, in estimating 
the number which should appear as breeders, only the 1,000 3-year-olds should be 
considered; and not the 2-year-olds, the supply of which acts merely as a feeder to 
the 3-year-olds. 

During the six years in which bachelors have been reserved, 6,000 3-year-olds were 
releasedfor breeding purposes. It may be possible to follow their progress from year 
to year to ascertain what number of these should be expected to appear as bulls. A 
mortality of 10 per cent for losses should be allowed. The following table will show 
how these animals progress from year to year: 



1904 



1905 



3-year-olds 1,000 1.000 

■1-year-olds I I 900 

5-year-olds ' 

6-year-oIds ' | 

7-year-olils ' ; 

Adult bulls ! I 



1906 



900 
810 



1,000 
900 
810 
729 



1908 



1,000 
900 
810 
729 
647 



1909 



1,000 
900 
810 
729 
647 
583 



From this table we can see that we should have in 1909, from the reservation of 
3-year-olds in 1904, 583 adult bulls and 647 7-year-olds. This does not mean, of course, 
that the number of bulls present in 1908 would be increased by the number of new 
bulls noted above, for quite a few of the 1908 bulls would have died by the following 
year. It means that these young bulls would be available to offset the mortality 
among adult bulls occurring during the interval between the seasons of 1908 and 1909. 
Any increase in bulls noted in the latter year would represent the excess of incoming 
new bulls over the loss by death of old bulls. The fact that there occurred in 1909 
an increase in adult bulls and in 7-year-old bulls amounting to 83 demonstrates the 
efficiency of the regulations. 

Mr. Clark contends that the result should have been more pronounced — that in 
fact more bulls should have appeared. Theoretically more should have appeared, 
but our theories are based upon the knowledge of only a few facts connected with seal 
life after they leave the land. What the mortality among these animals is from their 
natural enemies and pelagic sealing can not be ascertained, but undoubtedly it is 
large. From the experiment we have learned simply that a reservation of 2,000 
bachelors each year will not deliver the entire reservation on the rookeries as bulls 
five years hence, and that if we want more bulls than actually appeared we must have 
a larger reservation. 

In the six years in which these regulations have been in force the entire aspect of 
rookery bidls has been changed. To-day there is hardly an old bull upon the rookeries. 
Seventy-five per cent of the breeding males are young males. These have had to be 
supplied as the old bulls died off. That there were enough young males to fill the 
gaps and to even create a surplus is gratifying, to say the least. 

Mr. Clark himself says, page 44: 

"Whatever may be said of the shortcomings of this method of creating a breeding 
reserve, the fact remains that an entirely adequate reserve of bulls, young and old, 
has been maintained, and this reserve is on the increase." 

Mr. Clark believes that electric cautery or hot-iron Vjrands would be a better means 
of marking young bachelors than sheep shears. Electric cautery was tried in 1896-97 
and was a failure because of the wires fusing or for some other reason. Hot irons have 
been tried by us. Besides being cruel and a distinct means of torture, the hot irons 
had no effect on wet seals. The moisture in the fur created steam which scalded the 
animal when the iron was applied. Sheep shears do not leave a permanent brand 
it is true, but they leave a mark perfectly apparent during the season, and that is 
sufficient to allow the 3-year-olds to pass into the exempt or 4-year class. Furthermore, 
shears can be used in wet or dry weather and the use of them is not open to a charge of 
cruelty. 



902 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

We come now to Mr. Clark's statement that the lessee swept the haiiling grounds clear 
of bachelors; that they killed every 2-year-old bachelor; and that they killed as close 
in 1909 as the old company did in 1889. 

We are met at the outset by a considerable apparent divergence between Mr. Clark's 
statements in his report. In his census of seal life, on page 51^ he leaves a blank in the 
column opposite the "2-year-old m^ales" and appends a footnote that they are "in 
quota of 1909. ' ' As contrasted with this, on pages 49 and 50, Mr. Clark states that there 
should have been 15,000 2-year-olds in the herd in 1909 ; that only 9,000 approximately 
were killed or reserved for breeding, and that "we are forced therefore to believe that, 
in addition to the 9,000 already accounted for, there are other animals of the 2-year-old 
class which either have not appeared on the hauling grounds during the season or were 
killed last season as yearlings." He then states that it is hardly possible that they 
were killed as yearlings and probably are at sea. 

According to Mr. Clark's own estimate, therefore, there would be in the neighbor- 
hood of 6,000 2-year-olds in existence in 1909 that had not been killed. Why he should 
eliminate this 6,000 from his census of seal life is conjectural. 

In this new light thrown upon the situation, it is difficult to see how killing was too 
close and how Mr. Clark can substantiate his statement that there "wdll be no 3-year- 
olds in 1910. The difference between Mr. Clark's estimate of 15,000 2-year-old8 
present in 1909 and the number killed or branded, 9,000, must be 6,000 2-year-olds, 
from which the 1910 3-year-olds will come. 

We next come to the statement (p. 57) that the present lessee "cleaned up the 
hauling grounds in 1909." This statement, Mr. Clark says in the next paragraph, is 
not made for the purpose of criticism of close killing at the present time. "With a 
hostile fleet on the 3-mile limit * * * and ample breeding reserves being pro- 
vided for, it has been wise to take every possible animal bearing a skin on which the 
lessees would pay the royalty." It is made, therefore, simply to record the honest 
belief of Mr. Clark that the killing in 1909 v/as as close as in 1889. 

We will now see how close the killing wa? in 1909. The animals killed in that year 
averaged 69 per cent of those driven on St. Paul and 03 per cent on St. George. This 
was 4 per cent closer on St. Paul and 17 per cent closer on St. George than in 1908. 
With all this, the quota of 15,000 bachelors was not secured. 

The killing, therefore, amounted virtually to 66 per cent, or two-thirds of all animals 
driven. One-third, or 33 per cent, of animals driven were released. It is submitted 
that with one animal released out of every three driven, killing was not so close as 
would be believed when the general statement of Mr. Clark was first encountered. 

We must next consider the number of animals released from the killing fields and 
the number of males required to fill up the gaps in the ranks of adult bulls. The herd 
at the present time numbers 1,400 breeding bulls with harems. The average life of 
the breeding bull is 5 years after he begins full rookery service at 8 years. As the 
herd, therefore, would renew itself in five years, a yearly diminution of one-fifth 
occurs and is necessary to be provided for. 

With a herd of 1,400 animals, it would be necessary to insure the fact that at least 
one-fifth of this number of adult bulls be provided five years hence, or 280 animals. 
During the season of 1909 there occurred 4,091 rejections of seals from the drives. Of 
these, 1,740 were too large to be hereafter killed and 2,351 too small to kill or included 
in the breeding reserve. In addition to these, there were numbers of animals that 
were not driven at all. On August 4, with Mr. Clark, the agents discovered a drive 
of approximately 600 killable taachelors hauled back of the cows on Tolstoi Cliffs, 
the existence of which theretofore was unknown to the lessees. As the killing season 
closed on July 31, these animals could not be killed this season. Mr. Clark himself 
infers elsewhere in his report that 6,000 2-year-olds survived or were not driven by 
the lessee. 

When we consider that only 280 new bulls are required each year to maintain the 
breeding herd at its present numbers and that from 5,000 to 6,000 young males are 
believed to have survived the season of 1909 (so far as we know), it can not be believed 
that the killing in 1909 was so close as to endanger in any way the safety of the herd. 

We must now consider whether killing in 1909 was as close as in 1889. In this 
latter year, 1889, no restriction whatever was placed upon the killing of bachelors 
further than that the quota of 100,000 could not be exceeded and seals less than 1 year 
of age might not be killed. Any male 1 year of age and over was killable. 

No record of the number of seals released from the killing fields in 1889 was made 
and none is in existence. It is not possible, therefore, for Mr. Clark, who was not on 
the islands in 1889, to form any correct judgment as to how the killing of 1909 com- 
pares with 1889 or to criticize the killing of 1909, for which there is exact data, in the 
light of the killing of 1889, for which there is no data, except the number of skins 
secured. 



SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 903 

There are on record general statements to the effect that bachelors were scarce in 
1889 and that the old lessee killed everything from the cradle to the grave in order 
to secure its 100,000 skins. Such statements are being made concerning the present 
lessee. 

It is not my purpose to defend either. In justice to the old lessee, however, it 
may be stated that over 20,000 3-year-old skins were taken in 1890 by the new lessee 
after the old lessee is supposed to have taken everv young male in existence the year 
before. To have gotten 20,000 3-year-olds in 1890 means that at least 20,000 2-year- 
olds must have been spared from killing in 1889, when killing was supposed to be so 
close. So that killing in 1889 could not have included every killable seal by any 
means. 

The main point of difference between killing in 1889 and 1909 lies in the fact that 
regulations are in force at the present date specially designed to prevent too close 
killing which were not thought of in 1889. Before any killing by the lessee was 
allowed in 1909, 2,000 young killable males were reserved for breeding by the agents 
and marked so that they would be thereafter readily discernible by the clubbers. 
This reservation of 2,000 represents 13 per cent of the quota allowed the lessee. So 
that before the lessee took a single skin in 1909 the herd was safeguarded by a reserva- 
tion of males equal to 13 per cent of the quota. Under such regulations as these it is 
impossible for killing at the present time to be too close, even if after reser\dng these 
killables the lessee "swept the hauling grounds" to obtain its quota. It could not 
sweep them so close as to eliminate this 13 per cent breeding reservation unless the 
marked seals themselves were killed also, and Mr. Clark distinctly states that these 
marked seals were carefully guarded when they appeared in the drives. 

Such killing as was done in 1909 was done strictly in accordance with law and regu- 
lations. The Government prescribed a quota of 15,000 for the lessee, and virtually 
said to it: "After we have secured our breeding reserve you are allowed to kill every 
killable seal on the hauling grounds that you can find until you get your quota. You 
must exempt cows and take only those skins weighing over 5 pounds and under 8^ 
pounds." This was the exact situation in 1909, and in the killing no law or regulation 
was disregarded. During the entire killing year of 1909 on St. Paul but 16 skins were 
taken under 5 pounds and 19 over 8i pounds, and all but one of these were taken in 
food drives by the natives. 

When Mr. Clark states on page 50 that the killing ranged from 4-pound skins to 
14^:-pound skins, he is literally correct, but conveys an entirely wrong impression by 
his statement. There was one 4-pound skin taken and one 14-pound skin taken. 
These were taken by accident by the natives in food drives. But he did not state 
that only one outside the weights prescribed w"as taken by the lessee on St. Paul and 
only four on St. George. Had he done so he would have so qualified his remark as to 
show that no violation of regulations was either intended or committed. 

To sum up, we find that Mr. Clark's statement that all 2-year-olds were killed in 
1909 is negatived by his own statement in another portion of his report that probably 
6,000 of these animals survived; that it is shown that practically 6,000 young males 
survived the season in question when only 280 of the^e are required to mature as 
breeders to preserve the herd of males at its present ninnbers, and that with the en- 
forcement of existing regulations it was impossible to kill as closely in 1909 as it was 
in 1889, however close the killing in that year actually might have been. 

It is hard to conceive how, in the light of Mr. Clark's reference to close killing, he 
should recommend the reduction of the bachelor breeding reserve from 2,000 to 500. 
This bachelor reserve is the only exact safeguard against close killing. To eliminate 
it would place the situation where it was in 1889, for instance, when the lessee could 
kill any male it pleased. If, as Mr. Clark claims, close killing was practiced, it would 
be logical to increase the bachelor reserve rather than to reduce it. 

W. I. Lembkev. 

November, 1909. 



904 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Part V. — Instructions and Reports Relative to Pribilof Bird 

Reservation. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, April 15, 1909. 
Mr. W, I. Lembkey, 

Agent Fur-Seal Service. 
Sir: In order to enable the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out 
the purpose of Executive Order No. 1044, dated February 27, 1909, 
setting aside Walrus and Otter Islands as a bird reservation to be 
known as the Pribilof Reservation, I have designated Mr. James 
Judge a warden to haye immediate supervision, under your general 
direction, of all matters pertaining to the birds not only of the 
reservation but of the entire Pribilof group. 

There is inclosed herewith a letter of instructions for Mr. Judge's 
guidance. You will cooperate with Mr. Judge and render him every 
proper assistance in carrying out these instructions. 
Respectfully, 

Geo. M. Bowers, Commissioner. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, A'pril 16, 1909. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent Fur-Seal Service. 
Sir : It is my desire that Assistant Agent James Judge, who has been 
designated as special warden in charge of the Pribilof Reservation, 
shall acquaint liimself as fully as possible with the avi-fauna of the 
Pribilof Islands, paying particular attention to Walrus Island. The 
following outline of investigations, which you will regard as his 
instructions, is given for his guidance : 

walrus island. 

Physical features. — Examine the island as thoroughly as possible 
and draw up a detailed description of it, giving position, area, charac- 
ter of rock and surface, character of sliores, landings, etc. ; elevation, 
topography, etc. 

Biological features.— Compile all obtainable knowledge and infor- 
mation regarding the plants, insects, mammals, and other life on or 
about the island. 

Plants. — -Wliat plants, if any, occur on tliis island; where do they 
occur; their habits; to what extent are they utilized by the birds in 
nest-building or otherwise. 

Walrus. — Compile all obtainable information regarding the occur- 
rence of the walrus at tliis island; the same for sea lions, seals, sea 
otters, and any other mammals that are known to have occurred 
there. 

Birds.— These will receive most attention and should be studied 
comprehensively and thoroughly. List all the species known to 
occur on the island, determining tliose which are permanent residents 



SEAL. ISLANDS OP ALASKA. 905 

(i. e., present throughout the year); winter ^dsitors (i. e., those 
coming to the island only in winter) ; stragglers (or those of irregular 
and rare occurrence) ; spring and fall migrants (or those species 
stopping at the island only for a brief time during their spring and 
fall migrations and not breeding on the island) ; and summer resi- 
dents (i. e., those species which arrive upon the island in the spring, 
remain through the summer, lay then- eggs, rear their young, and 
leave in the fall). The j^ermanent residents and the summer resi- 
dents (i. e., the species that breed on the island) are the ones which 
can be studied most thoroughly. Each species should be studied as 
fully as possible, as indicated in the following outhne: 

Arrival at the island (if not a permanent resident), meteorological 
conditions, such as direction and strength of wind at that time; 
same data for departure; abundance (relative and actual); breeding 
habits, including time of nesting, construction, location, character, 
and care of nest; number of eggs laid, incubation period, and by 
which parent accomplished; to what extent will other eggs be laid 
if the fu'st are destro3"ed; the young, appearance, when hatched, feed- 
ing and care, growth and leaving nest; feeding and food of adults, 
what the food is, where and how obtained, and relation to supply of 
food-iishes, fox food, other birds, etc.; destruction of eggs and young 
by other birds or other agencies; mortality among the birds from 
djsease, enemies, climate, etc. 

Make a special study of the egg-collecting 0})erations of the natives, 
when the practice began and how^ it has been conducted; years in 
wliich eggs have been gathered; exact dates of cleaning-off trips, 
number of eggs of eacli species removed when cleaning off the ground, 
disposition made of these eggs, and area cleaned off; exact dates of col- 
lecting trips, area collected over, number of eggs of each species 
obtained, whetlier the disturbance of egg-collecting results in any 
destruction of eggs or young by the birds themselves ; association of 
different species on nesting ground; how the nests of different species 
are distributed or grouped. 

While it is desired that you give attention to all phases of the bird 
life of Walrus Island, the primary object of your investigations will be 
the securing of knowledge as to the actual conditions obtaining on 
that island, including the efl'ects of egging operations by the natives, 
in order that regulations may be provided which will adequately 
protect the bird rookeries from serious depletion. 

ST. PAUL, ST. GEORGE, AND OTTER ISLANDS. 

¥/hile only Walrus and Otter Islands are included in the Pribilof 
Reservation, it is desired that the birds on all the islands be properly 
and fully protected. The instructions for the study of Walrus 
Island should be applied, in so far as the}^ may be applicable, to each 
of the other islands. 

It is understood that the natives of St. George Island utilize to 
some extent the eggs of birds nesting on that island. This practice 
should receive the same study and consideration as is given to Walrus 
Island, to the end that the bird rookeries may continue to yield a 
supply of eggs to be used as food by the natives without any serious 
diminution in the number of birds. 



906 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

As Assistant James Judge has been designated as a special warden 
in charge of the Pribilof Koservation, he is charged with carrying out 
the instructions regarding Walrus and Otter Islands; and as he will 
be on St. Paul Island until the fall of 1910, he will also make such 
studies of the birds of that island as his other duties permit. Maj. 
Clark will do the same for St. George Island. 

In order that these investigations may be carried on properly and 
effectively it is important that there be cordial cooperation among all 
concerned. Doubtless the active interest and assistance of some of 
the natives can be secured by showing them that the one important 
object in view is to insure to them the permanency of the suppl}'' of 
this article of food. 
Respectfully, 

Geo. M. Bowers, Commissioner. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Division of Alaskan Fisheries, 
St. Paul Island, Alasl'a, June 9, 1909. 
Hon. G. M. Bowers, 

Commissioner, Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 
April 15 last, notifying me that you have designated Mr. James Judge 
a warden to have supervision over the reservation created by Execu- 
tive Order No. 1044, dated February 27, 1909, embracing Walrus and 
Otter Islands and adjacent waters, and inclosing a letter containing 
instructions to Mr. Judge to govern his action as said warden. 

In reply, I have to state that I have furnished copies of the letters 
mentioned to ^Vlr. Judge. I suggest that Agent Judge be furnished 
with a draft of the reservation, showing the waters embraced, such as 
is in the possession of the captains commanding revenue cutters on 
patrol. 

Respectfully, W. I. Lembket, 

Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, May 15, 1909. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent Fur-Seal Service, St. Paul Island, Alaska. 
Sir: There is inclosed herewith a copy of a letter from the Acting 
Secretary of Agriculture, authorizing the natives on St. Paul Island 
to land and collect eggs on Walrus Island once during the season 
of 1909. 

Please communicate the information contained in this letter to 
Assistant Agent James Judge, who has been placed in charge of the 
Pribilof Reservation. 

Respectfully, Geo. M. Bowers, Commissioner. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 907 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Division of Alaskan Fisheries, 

St. Paul Island, Alaska, June 9, 1909. 
Hon. G. M. Bowers, 

Commissioner, Bureau of FisJieries, Washington, D. C. 
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter 
of the 15th ultimo, containing a copy of a letter from the Acting 
Secretary of Agriculture, authorizing the natives of St. Paul Island 
to land on Walrus Island and to collect eggs there once during the 
season of 1909. 

In reply, I have to state that the information mentioned has been 
communicated to Assistant Agent Judge, the warden of the Pribilof 
Reservation. 

Respectfully, W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries. 



St. Paul Island, Alaska, 

August 16, 1909. 
Dr. Barton W. Evermann, 

Assistant in Charge Scientific Inquiry, 

Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 
Dear Dr. Evermann: I beg to acknowledge the receipt through 
the courtes}^ of Mr. George A. Clark of your letter of May 26 last, 
and also of the drills and blowpipe kindly forwarded by 30U. In 
regard to the eggs desired by the National Museum, all can probably 
be procured next season in the quantities designated, excepting 
Steller's eider and the Harlequin duck, the fomier of which, according 
to the best information obtainable, never nests here and the latter 
rarely if ever. 

As opportunity afforded since my arrival, I collected eggs of 
perhaps half the birds nesting here, and intend if possible to collect 
specimens of the remainder next season and forward the whole to the 
National Museum, together wdth their specific requisition, on my 
return in the fall. 

Before navigation closes this year I will forward a special report 
of the conditions on Walrus Island in order that suitable regulations 
may be promulgated for the taking of eggs therefrom by the native 
residents of this island. 

Very respectfully, James Judge, 

Assistant Agent Seal Islands. 



St. Paul Island, Alaska, Octoher 12, 1909. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries, 

Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 
Sir: I have the honor to submit the following report of conditions 
on Walrus Island during the past season. My opportunities for ob- 
servation were restricted to three visits to the island on the following 
dates, to wit: June 21, September 2, September 21. 



908 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

PHYSICAL FEATURES. 

Walrus Island lies practically north and south and is situated in 
latitude 57° 11' N. and 169° 56' W. longitude and is, according to 
map measurements, about 2,200 feet long and 400 feet in width at the 
widest part, and has an area of perhaps 80,000 square yards. The 
greatest elevation is 22 feet. There are detached outlying rocks at 
either end and on the west side. The formation is approximately 
two-thirds lava deposits and one-third basaltic bowlders, the latter 
being very prominent in the make-up of the northern half of the 
island. The southern half forms a plateau which gradually slopes 
upward from a narrow neck near the middle to the extreme south- 
western and highest point. Considerable of this plateau is covered 
with fine grass which grows in tufts 6 to 10 inches across the top and 
about 8 inches high. Near the southern end is a bare spot of about 
1,500 square feet, which shows the only soil visible on the island. 
The extreme southwest, south, and southeast portions of the island 
terminate in abrupt cliffs of lava, the highest of which is 20 feet at 
the top and forms an almost level table 50 to 100 feet inland, bare of 
vegetation. All rocks along the shore and the base of the cliffs are 
covered with lichens and other marine growth. There are two fairly 
good landings, nearly opposite each other, on the east and west sides, 
respectively, but as the water is deep in both of these, boats coming 
in should be moored bow and stern and allowed to ride clear. 

BIRD LIFE AND ITS DISTRIBUTION. 

While great numbers of breeding birds frequent the island, the life 
itself is confined to very few species. Aside from a limited number 
of kittiwakes and small auks, the birds observed and the order of 
their importance, at least in numbers, were as follows: Arries, gulls, 
puffins, and cormorants. 

ARRIES. 

These numerous and interesting birds occupy the lava faces and 
tops of the cliffs, laying their colored and ornate eggs promiscuously 
on any convenient shelf on the face of the cliffs, and when these are 
filled the overflow spreads inland on the top rock for considerable 
distances. The birds build no nests, and the eggs are laid in close 
proximity to one another. One egg is laid and hatching begins, 
if this egg is removed or any accident happens it, the natives assert 
that it will be replaced by a second, which if likewise removed will be 
replaced by another, and so on until four have been laid. In hatching, 
the bird maintains an upright position, covering the egg with its tail 
feathers, and turning the egg from time to time with its feet. It 
would seem that the male assists in the hatching and protects the egg 
when the female goes to feed. Wlien arrie eggs are left uncovered 
the gulls break many of them, apparently out of pure wantonness, 
as they seem to devour little of what they destroy. Any commotion 
in the vicinity of the cliffs where the arries are causes a great loss of 
eggs, as the birds when frightened fly away and tumble their eggs 
down to the rocks below, where they are broken. When the birds 
located on the table rock above are disturbed and fly away, they fre- 
quently start their eggs rolling, some traveling considerable distances 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. QQQ 

w-ithout being broken. It is these eggs which furnish fbo „„ii \ ■ 
opportumty for mischief. Mr. tliichester Worms m?th-,ttli™ 
arrie makes ,ts first trip to se.a on its mothers b?ck ' ^"""^ 

While the arries are. distributed generally over the island tbev n™ t^ 
be found in greatest numbers at the south end Beg"nni,,g .t tb» 
boat andmg on the west side and going around the sS end of h» 
island, and thence north on the eait side until the end of tt 

^^tSiirttliij^s^to'^'^"^^ °^ ''''°"V™°° f-^ 
Su'?[t:;brd'S :X"SSr^^^^^^^^^^ 

fUth. At a point bout^TFeXtr of^^St^a'ndir T 'thi 

^o^:et'bu[1L'fM-'r"°"t''"°^''?^ '=»°«"" '" f»^^^^^^^ 

the ton roc', expend L i '",'"^''- "°,'' ''° *'^<' "^'"■■fl"" W'tls on 

|e*|rp n^o^Xf ^th^lilTs i:^^^^^^^^^ 

|^Por| reTpTr ?,ro»:f ^^^^^^^^ 

rock, as well as nearly every accessible nook and shelf in the cliffs 



GULLS. 



The only member of this family noticed on Walnm Td^.nr1 i.. « 
number was the so-called " chikie." Tl ese birdrbTild nes s of Z 

ea?h° '^The ll/'^l- """"' "!'* ff^ exceptions, contained 3 eggs 
was re Jrtedhv "n Tf ■ '"I'^T'^ 2 and I, respectively, whiff 1 

g^g:^^si^^-lf;^!l«s;tT^^^^^ 

ber, when it disappeared. Before its final departure i made short 
Xi.-? ^'"'' f'^- '-etumed of its own vohtion ^' 

fur ^hm,?! 1 • '1™'1.J™? 21 I picked up a ball of mixed hair and 
in^v, K n * "r''*'^ '" diameter. The natives informed me that 
such balls were frequently vomited by the gulls. It is pSsumed 



910 SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

that the hair and fur thus found comes from dead pups on the rook- 
eries and from the heads of seal carcasses left on the kiihng fields, on 
which the gulls feed every autumn. 

PUFFINS. 

While these birds are numerous on Walrus Island they are secre- 
tive in their habits, and with few exceptions hide their eggs in sub- 
terranean places. On the plateau at the south end of the island 
there is, as noted, a spot of perhaps 1,500 square feet of soil entirely 
bare of grass. This spot is perforated with fox-like holes, the entrance 
to small tunnels, which evidently lead to crevices in the rocks below, 
and were said by the natives to be used by the puffins, although very 
few of them were to be seen in that vicinity. At the north end of the 
island quite a number were observ^ed, and half a dozen caught as they 
emerged from crevices between the bowlders. When caught they 
fought viciously until released. So far as observed the puliin builds 
no nest, and lays but one egg. On June 21 only one of these eggs 
was found, although diligent search was made. Ths scarcity of eggs, 
together with the fact that the one found was quite fresh, leads to 
the conclusion that at that date they were just beginnhig to lay. 

CORMORANTS. 

These birds are comparatively scarce on Walrus Island. They 
build nests on small shelves on the face of the cliffs among the arries. 
The nests are made of longer grass than was observed on the island, 
and in some cases of fine sea weed or ferns. Occasionally both grass 
and seaweed were found, the former making up the outside, the latter 
the inside of the nest. Of about 20 nests examined all were filthy. 
One contained 4 eggs, another 3, the remainder 2 each. Of 5 eggs 
taken for specimens, June 21, 4 were fresh and 1 partially incubated. 

MAMMALS, 

According to statements of the natives a few hair seals and a 
small number of fur seals haul out on Walrus Island from time to 
time. It has been many years since walrus were seen in that vicinity, 
although one was seen off Gorbatch two years ago and Mr. Chichester 
killed one off St. George last winter. On June 21 a sea lion was 
hauled on the east side and on September 24 a dead one was found 
on the west side. Several fur seals were seen in close proximity to 
the island on each of our visits, but none were observed on shore 

EGGING EXPEDITION. 

Our visit to Walrus Island, June 21, was principally for the pur- 
pose of securing arrie eggs for the natives, under the authority granted 
by the honorable Secretary of Agriculture May 14 last. Capt. 
de Otte, of the revenue cutter Rush, having kindly consented to 
transport the party to Walrus Island, 8 natives, Mr. Mills, and I went 
aboard the morning of that day, and arrived there at noon, our 
passage having been slow on account of a thick fog. The vessel 
anchored off the east side, and our boat went into east landing, where 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 911 

she was secured fore and aft, so as to float in the bight. Each native 
then took an ordinary candy bucket, carried from the viUage for the 
purpose, and went north a few hundred feet to the arries' breeding 
ground. On the approach of the men the arries at first retreated, 
and then flew away, and the buckets were soon filled with eggs and 
carried down to the boat, where they were poured in wuth such care 
that very few were broken. The eggs were all fresh and every one 
was picked up as the men went along. After making one trip on the 
east side the natives decided it would be less laborious to remove 
their boat to the other landing, where the eggs were more convenient. 
Accordingly they pulled around to the west side and began opera- 
tions by taldng their buckets to the table rock above the cliffs and 
filling and emptying them as before. The process was repeated, the 
men working hard and without intermission for nearly three hours. 
By this time the vessel had changed her position to the west side and 
I presumed the captain was anxious for us to come on board. The 
natives were loath to quit, especially as the birds had left thousands 
of eggs uncovered, and right at hand, but as time was flying, a pull 
of 10 miles to the village in the fog was not a pleasing prospect. 
Besides this the whaleboat used was about half full, which seemed 
about as many as former expeditions had returned with, and on 
actual count greatly exceeded the number estimated by the natives 
themselves. In the work of gathering, the space gone over was, 
except for an occasional egg that rolled into a crevice, thoroughly 
cleaned, and as noted, the eggs being all fresh, none were destroyed 
purposely and but few accidentally. As the natives pursued their 
work I stepped off the areas cleaned, finding the whole to amount to 
approximately 12,151 square feet. On September 21, our last visit 
to the island, no birds were present, and Dr. Mills and I went over 
the entire breeding ground with a tape line, fhiding the whole to 
amount to about 70,000 square feet. The natives had, therefore, 
cleaned off about one-sixth of the entire upland breeding ground. 
Arrie eggs were the only Idnd taken by the natives. 

We arrived at the village anchorage at 5.15 p. m., and were met by 
Mr. Lembkey in the gasoline launch and towed ashore. On our way 
from the ship two boys filled one of their buckets with eggs, which 
I counted and found that 100 filled the pail level full. In removing 
the eggs from the boat each bucket was filled and shown me for in- 
spection and enumeration before being taken ashore. The total 
counted out w^as 65^ buckets, or approximately 6,550 eggs. In addi- 
tion to this the natives gave the sailors on the Rush, who rendered 
them som^e assistance, three buckets full, bringing the total up to 
6,850. Besides this, the shells of 24 broken eggs were found in the 
bottom of the boat. The second chief, who was in charge of the 
party, divided the eggs among the people, remembering every family, 
including the widows, but taking for himself, and giving the others 
who assisted in the work, a much larger share. Some ate their allot- 
ment within a week, but the more thrifty saved and ate sparingly, 
so that the last of the eggs were not consumed until the middle of 
August. 

From statements of the natives it appears that in former times 
Walrus Island was visited oftener during the breeding season, and 
greater numbers of eggs secured than has been the case recently. 
Numbers of these eggs were saved for winter use, sometimes by bury- 



912 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

ing in sand or salt, with the large end down, sometimes by immers- 
ing them in seal oil, either before or after being cooked. The reports 
are contradictory as to the condition of the eggs when finall}^ used. It 
is, however, a well-known fact that the agents of the Alaska Com- 
mercial Co. preserved the eggs successfully in both salt and lime- 
water. 

CONCLUSION. 

The temptation to estimate the number of arries, gulls, and cor- 
morants nesting on Walrus Island is great, but I defer doing so until 
further investigation has proved the correctness of present estimates, 
and until the bird life of the cliffs has received more attention. I 
have every reason to believe that the nests of the gulls and cormo- 
rants can be counted accurately, or nearly so, and that an estimate, 
practically correct, can be made of the arries. 

RECOMMENDATIONS. 

I would respectfully recommend that permission be obtained from the 
honorable Secretary of Agriculture for the natives of St. Paul Island 
to land and collect eggs on Walrus Island several times next summer, 
provided the first trip can be made not later than June 26, and that 
the second and subsequent trips be made within 10 days thereafter, 
and of each other, and that on these later visits no eggs shall be 
taken except on the areas previously cleaned off. This would give 
us an opportunity of accjuiring valuable and exact information rela- 
tive to the bird life of the island, and would supply the natives with a 
generous amount of nutritious food, without causing any loss or 
waste through the destruction of partially incubated eggs. If the 
first trip can not be made as early as the date above mentioned, the 
natives should be permitted to land and collect once only during the 
season, as was the case this year. 

In this connection I am pleased to state that through the courtesy 
of the officers of the Manning I have secured a quantity of copper 
rods and plates, and that Mr. Allis, the company's agent and an ex- 
pert mechanic, has agreed to remove the gasoline engine from her 
present hull and install it in the whaleboat belonging to the Govern- 
ment, as was intended when the engine was acquired. This boat is, 
without doubt, one of the strongest and most seaworthy on this 
island, and renders little or no service at the present time. When 
this transfer is made we will have a launch that can be used in al- 
most any sort of weather, and should the engine break down or 
other accident occur, no fear need be entertained for her safety. In 
visiting Walrus Island in the future the wind, condition of the tide, 
and other elements usually taken into consideration can be largely 
eliminated. 

Respectfully, 

James Judge, 
Special Warden in Charge of the Prihilof Reservation. 



SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 913 

Part VI. — Communications Relative to Supplies and 

Accounts. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Disbursing Clerk, 

Washington, January 25, 1909. 

Sir: In view of the fact that the fur-seal service has been trans- 
ferred from the Secretary's office to your bureau, I have to request 
that you will make a request on the Secretary to have the amount 
necessary to pay the expenses of furnishing fuel at the Government 
houses on the islands of St. George and St. Paul and the sum neces- 
sary to pay the traveling expenses of the agents to and from the 
islands during the remainder of this fiscal year and the next fiscal 
year set aside from the appropriation for contingent expenses, 
JDepartment of Commerce and Labor, 1909 and 1910. 

I understand that the coal which will be bought for the Govern- 
ment houses in the spring and delivered on the islands in the month 
of June, 1909, will, as a matter of fact, be for use after July 1. There- 
fore I suggest that you will ask that an amount necessary to purchase 
this coal be set aside from the appropriation for contingent expenses, 
Department of Commerce and Labor, 1910. 

Respectfully, W. L. Soleau, 

Disbursing Clerk. 

The Commissioner of Fisheries. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, February 15, 1909, 
Sir: I have the honor to state that the following expenditures will 
be necessary on account of the seal fisheries, payable from the appro- 
priations designated below, viz: 

From appropriation "Contingent expenses, 1909": 

For traveling expenses of two agents from Washington, D. C, to the 
Pribilof Islands, May and June, 1909 $600. 00 

From appropriation " Contingent expenses, 1910": 

For traveling expenses of two agents from the islands to Washington, 

fall of 1909, and returning spring of 1910 " 1, 200. 00 

For fuel for Government houses on the Pribilof Islands, 15 tons for each, 

at $20 per ton 600. 00 

Total 1, 800. 00 

I have accordingly to request that the amounts named above be 
set aside from the appropriation indicated in order to meet the 
expenditures described. 

Very respectfully, Geo. M. Bowers, 

Commissioner . 
Hon. Oscar S. Straus, 

Secretary Commerce and Labor. 

2403— H. Doe. 93, 62-1 58 



914 seal islands of alaska. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, March 26, 1909. 

Sir: I have the honor to request permission to withdraw my letter 
of February 15, 1909, addressed to you relative to the amount of 
money that should be reserved for expenses of the seal agents, and 
to substitute the following: 

Expenditures necessary on account of the seal fisheries, payable 
from the appropriations designated below, will be as follows: 

From appropriation "Contingent expenses, 1909": 

For traveling expenses of 2 agents from Washington, D. C, to the Pribilof 
Islands, May and June, 1909 $500 



From appropriation "Contingent expenses, 1910": 

For traveling expenses of 2 agents from the islands to Washington, fall of 

1909, and return, spring of 1910 1, 000 

For fuel for Government houses on the Pribilof Islands, 15 tons for each, at 
|20 per ton 600 

Total 1,600 

I have accordingly to request that the amounts named above be 
set aside from the appropriation indicated in order to meet the 
expenditures described. 

Ver}^ respectfully, Geo. M. Bowers, 

Commissioner. 
The Secretary of Commerce and Labor. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, March 29, 1909. 
Hon. G. M. Bowers, 

Commissioner of Fisheries, 

Department of Commerce and Labor. 
Sir: In accordance with the request in your letter of the 26tli 
instant, the followmg amounts are hereby set aside from the appro- 
priations noted below to meet the expenditures indicated: 

From appropriation "Contingent expenses, 1909": 

For traveling expenses of 2 agents from Washington, D. C, to the 
Pribilof Islands, May and June, 1909 $500 

From appropriation "Contingent expenses, 1910": 

For traveling expenses of 2 agents from the Pribilof Islands to Wash- 
ington, D. C, fall of 1909, and return, spring of 1910 1, 000 

For fuel for Government houses on the Pribilof Islands, 15 tons for each, 
at $20 per ton 600 

Total 1,600 

Respectfully, 

Ormsby McHarg, 

Acting Secretary. 



I 



seal islands of alaska. 915 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, January 26, 1909. 
Mr, W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries, St. Paul Island, Alaska. 
Sir: In compliance with the request contained in the letter dated 
the 20th instant from the North American Commercial Co., the col- 
lector of customs at San Francisco and the deputy collector of customs 
at Unaiaska have been requested to permit the company named to 
ship from either of said ports to the Pribilof Islands during the current 
fiscal year liquors for medicinal purposes only and arms and ammu- 
nition as follows : 

St. Paul Island: Population — native, 176; white, 12; total, 188. 
4 barrels beer. 
2 cases whisky. 
6 kegs whisky (30 gallons). 

1 keg brandy (5 gallons). 

2 kegs rum (5 gallons each). 

1 case gin. 

4 cases claret. 

2 cases sautern. 

2 kegs port wine (5 gallons each). 
2 kegs sherry wine (5 gallons each). 
20 gallons alcohol. 

1 case champagne. 
300 pounds powder. 

200 cartridges, .44 caliber. 
4 single-shot rifles, .22 caliber. 
St. George Island: Population — native, 89; white, 8; total, 97. 

2 barrels beer. 

10 gallons alcohol. 

2 kegs whisky (10 gallons each). 

2 cases Scotch whisky. 

1 keg rum (5 gallons). 

1 case champagne. 

2 cases claret. 
1 case sautern. 

1 keg sherry wine (5 gallons). 
1 keg port wine (5 gallons). 
1 keg brandy (5 gallons). 
150 pounds powder. 
5,000 cartridges, .22 caliber. 
1,000 cartridges, .44 caliber, 

3 shotguns (12 gauge). 
1 shotgun (16 gauge). 

In respect to the liquors above mentioned, the company has been 
informed that the arbitrary designation of barrels, cases, kegs, etc., 
may be disregarded and the liquors shipped in packages different 
from those mentioned, provided the whole amount of each kind of 
liquor shipped does not exceed the amount specified in the foregoing 
list. 

Respectfully, Geo. M. Bowers, 

Commissioner of Fisheries. 



916 seal islands of alaska. 

Department of Commerce and Labor. 

Division of Alaskan Fisheries, 
St. Paul Island, Alaska, June 9, 1909. 
Hon. G. M. Bowers, 

Commissioner, Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 
January 26 last, containing authority for the landing by the North 
American Commercial Co. to land on the Pribilof Islands certain speci- 
fied liquors and arms and ammunition. 
Respectfully, 

W. I. Lembkey, 
Agent in Charge of Seal Fisheries. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Assistant Secretary, 

Washington, March 22, 1909. 

Sir: With reference to the letter you prepared for my signature on 
March 15 addressed to the Secretary of War, requesting an additional 
supply of arms and ammunition for the Pribilof Islands, I beg to 
advise you that according to the records of the department a supply 
of the articles mentioned sufficient to answer every requirement short 
of a premeditated attack by hostile forces is at present in the posses- 
sion of our seal agents on the islands. Included in this armament is 
the following: 61 magazine rifles, 12 Colts revolvers, 5 Hotchkissguns, 
3 Gatling guns, 11,500 rounds of rifle cartridges, 2,000 rounds of 
revolver cartridges, 375 rounds of Hotchkiss loaded shells, 125 rounds 
of saluting ammunition. 

While it is probable that some expenditure of ammunition has 
occurred since the date of the last ordnance return received from the 
chief agent, the department seriously doubts if an actual necessity 
exists at the present time for more than a small quantity of cartridges 
for the magazine rifles. The armament at present on the islands 
appears most formidable and would seem to be sufficiently powerful 
to repulse anything short of an armed invasion. 

Will you be good enough to give this matter your thoughtful con- 
sideration and inform me at an early date if in your judgment it 
would not appear best to advise the seal agents that the islands are 
adequately armed for all practical purposes and to discontinue sub- 
mittmg requisitions for unnecessary arms and ammunition. 

In connection with the foregoing the department desires to be fur- 
nished with a statement of the amount of ammunition now on hand 
on the Pribilof Islands, and in future wishes to receive annual ord- 
nance returns giving a comprehensive idea of the expenditure of 
ammunition. 

Respectfully, Wm. R. Wheeler, 

Assistant Secretary. 

The Commissioner of FiSHERrEs. 



seal islands of alaska. 917 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
Washington, D. C, March 25, 1909. 

Sir: Replying to department's letter of the 22d instant, relative 
to a requisition for ammunition and for 12 revolvers for use on the 
seal islands, in which doubt is expressed as to the necessity for the 
articles, etc., I have the honor to state that I deem adequate guarding 
of the islands of vital importance. 

I visited these islands in 1906, at which time 28 schooners were 
hovering offshore, necessitating the keeping of a guard of a total of 
12 men constantly at three different stations on St. Paul and a total 
of 7 men at two stations on St. George. The villages of both islands 
were practically armed camps. 

Guards are assigned once a week, and each new assignment begins 
its week of duty with rifle and revolver practice. The Gatling and 
Hotchkiss guns practice at a floating target three or four times a 
year, and considerable quantities of ammunition are thus used; but 
this is the price of efficiency. 

The ammunition mentioned in department's letter was landed on 
the islands in 1907, and has been drawn on for two successive seasons. 
It is intended to supplement the quantity now on hand with 100 
shells for the Hotchkiss gun, 1,500 rounds of revolver and 1,000 rounds 
of rifle cartridges, a very modest requisition. It would be unwise to 
reduce the ammunition on the islands to a low point before request- 
ing new supplies, as opportunities for reaching the islands are very 
infrequent. The possibility of a serious reduction in the supply of 
ammunition and of a raid at a time when the supply is greatly reduced, 
before a new supply could reach the islands, would seem to justify the 
policy of keeping an adequate equipment on hand. There are at 
present only 12 revolvers on both islands; an additional dozen is 
therefore requested. 

Since my visit the Japanese fleet has increased from 28 to 38 
schooners, carrying a total of 800 or 900 men. Many of them are 
desperate characters, as is evidenced by their destruction last summer 
of Simoneski Village in American territory, and a village on Bering 
Island, one of the Russian seal islands. Not only the seal agents, 
but five captains of revenue cutters on patrol duty in Bering Sea, 
unite in stating that the Japanese fleet is a menace to the peace of the 
islands. These cutter captains joined in a report, dated September 
30, 1908, recommending that a large force of armed sailors be stationed 
on each of the islands as a matter of additional protection. 

Taking all the circumstances into consideration, supplemented by 
my personal knowledge of affairs on the islands, I believe that the 
requisition of the seal agents is proper and should be granted. 

Annual ordnance returns will be furnished hereafter, as instructed, 
and a statement of the ammunition now on the islands will be made 
as soon as navigation to them is open. 
Very respectfully, 

Geo. M. Bowers, 

C omrrdssioner. 

The Secretary of Commerce and Labor. 



918 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, March 30, 1909. 
Hon. G. M. Bowers, 

Commissioner of Fisheries, 

Department of Commerce and Labor. 
Sir: The department has received your letter of the 25th instant, 
explaining in detail the necessity of procuring for the Pribilof Islands 
the arms and ammunition requested in the bureau's communication 
of March 15. 

In view of the additional reasons now advanced, based on your 
personal knowledge of affairs on the islands, I have decided to request 
the War Department to ship to the fur-seal islands as early as prac- 
ticable the following arms and ammunition: 
To St. George Island, 500 rounds of revolver ammunition. 
To St. Paul Island, 100 loaded shells for Hotchkiss mountain guns, 
caliber 1.65; 12 Colts revolvers, caliber .38, model 1901; 1,000 rounds 
ball cartridges for said revolvers; 1,000 rounds ball cartridges for 
United States magazine rifles, caliber .30, model 1898. 
Respectfully, 

Ormsby McHarg, 

Acting Secretary. 



requisition for supplies. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Alaskan Fur-Seal Fisheries, 

April 3, 1909. 
To the Chief Clerk: 

Please cause the supplies specified below to be furnished for the 

oflficial use of this . 

James Judge, 
Approved. Fur-Seal Agent. 

T. L. W., Chief Clerk. 

Item No; 1. 

Quantity desired, 2 Bets. 

Articles: Guides, card, 3 by 5, buff, alphabetical, 25 divisions, duplex punch. 

Cost, 26 cents. 

Deliver Monday sure. 

Received the above April 5, 1909. 

H. D. WiNANs, Messenger. 



[Copy.] 
SUSPENDED ACCOUNT. 



July 23, 1909. 
Bureau, Fisheries; name, Ezra W. Clark; amount, $145.16. 



CAUSE OF SUSPENSION. 



1. Letter dated March 27, 1909, Commissioner of Fisheries to 
W. I. Lembkey, attached to the account, as the authority is not 
correct. The proper authority is letter dated March 30, 1909, from 



SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 919 

the Acting Secretary to W. I. I.embkey. This aiithorit}^ should be 
given a number and treated the same as other travel orders, refer- 
ring to the number of the travel order when forwarding vouchers 
and coupons of transportation requests. 

2. Any excess cost for transportation on account of failure to 
purchase through ticket, Washington, D. C, to Seattle, Wash., will 
be recovered upon receipt of bill from the Chicago, Milwaukee & 
St. Paul Railroad Co. 

3. Stop in Chicago from May 5 to 11 without proper authority 
must be explained. Hour of departure from Washington, hour of 
arrival at Chicago, and departure from Chicago is not given, there- 
fore the charges for breakfast and lunch on May 5 and dinner May 
11 are suspended. (Place where meals are taken should always be 
indicated.) 

4. Charge of 11.50, "baggage from residence to depot," is sus- 
pended for explanation showing the number of pieces of baggage 
and from what part of the city it was transferred. 

5. Charge of 60 cents, "small baggage," is suspended for explana- 
tion of the service rendered and necessity for the extra baggage. 

6. Charge of 50 cents, "cab," is suspended for explanation of the 
service. Regulations allow carriage hire only when there are no 
street cars. 

7. Charge of 40 cents, "porterage at depot and aboard cars," sus- 
pended as in No. 5. 

8. Charge of 40 cents, "small baggage checked — trains not con- 
necting," suspended as in No. 5, and if expense was incurred owing 
to unauthorized stop in Chicago the amount should be disallowed. 

9. Charge of 45 cents, "handling small baggage aboard cars, 
suspended as in No. 5. 

10. Charge 40 cents, "small baggage checked, waiting," sus- 
pended as in No. 8. 

11. Charge 50 cents, "cab," May 14, suspended as in No. 6. 

12. Travel authority specifically limits expense for excess bag- 
gage to $30 for each agent. Amount disallowed, $7.65. 

13. Charge of $1.81, "laundry," suspended for itemization. 

14. Charge of 50 cents, "cab," May 19, suspended as in No. 6. 

15. Charge of 50 cents, "small baggage," May 19, suspended as in 
No. 5. 

16. Charge of $5, "porterage on Manning 12 days, baggage in and 
out of hold," and charge of $1, "porterage for baggage 4 days on 
Manning," suspended for explanation of service rendered and by 
whom rendered. If service was performed by employee of the Gov- 
ernment whose pay is fixed by law or regulation, the payment of 
porterage would be in the nature of extra allowance or compensation 
which is prohibited by law. 

17. In addition to the disallowance of S7.95 made by the Bureau 
of Fisheries on account of excess over $5 per day for board and lodg- 
ing. May 15 to IS, inclusive, a disallowance of $1.95 should be made 
on account of excess for May 14. 

18. Subvouchers submitted are incomplete and of little value. 
They are not in proper form, not itemized, and not specific as to 
dates. He should be supplied with subvoucher Form 527 and in- 
structed to comply with the requirements printed thereon. 



920 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

19. Old form of travel expense voucher has been used. Proper 
form is No. 52, approved March 4, 1908. 

W. L. SOLEAU, 

Disbursing Olerl\ 

[Copy — original too faint for reproduction.] 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Division op Ai.askan Fisheries, 

Washington, D. C, October 18, 1910. 
The honorable Commissioner of Fisheries, 

Washington, D. C. 
Sir: I have the honor to reforward herewith my bill for traveling 
expenses from Washington, D. C, to the Pribilof Islands, incurred 
in the spring of 1909, the same having been suspended by the dis- 
bursing clerk of the department last autumn for explanation of cer- 
tain items. 

I respectfully refer to my letter of June 19, 1909, explanatory of 
the bill, and .-idd the following further explanation: 

(1) My stop in Chicago was authorized by verbal permission of 
the Assistant Secretary of the department, and with the assent of 
the commissioner. This indulgence has been permitted me in former 
years when the delay would not interfere with the Government inter- 
ests and without a formal leave of absence. The exact date of the 
vessel's sailing was not determined and I could stop in Chicago with- 
out cost to the Government while I could not in Seattle, I keeping 
in telegraphic communication with the vessel. The expenses charged 
in Chicago were such only as were necessary in connecting with trains. 

(2) My residence in Washington was not on the street car line and 
the cab was necessary. The charge for baggage from residence was 
proper. I think there were four pieces, the distance nearly 2 miles. 
With respect to necessity of extra baggage, I have to state that my 
field of duty requires me to remain away for a long period in rigorous 
climate, and it is absolutely necessary for me to carry a considerable 
outfit of clothing. 

(3) The porterage at depot was necessary, as I was starting on a 
journey of 5,000 or 6,000 miles and had several pieces of small bag- 
gage to be assisted with and looked out for in getting aboard the 
train. 

(4) The trains did not connect at Chicago by two or three hours, 
necessitating the checking of a number of pieces of small baggage 
required on the journey. The expense was incident to the regular 
travel. 

(5) The charge of 50 cents for cab on May 14 was necessary. The 
street cars were more than a block distant from the station and the 
small baggage which I took in the cab would have cost more to send 
up than the price of the cab. 

(6) The laundry expense charged for was necessary; it covered a 
period of 10 days. An itemized statement could not be obtained. 

(7) The cab charge of May 19 was necessary. No street cars were 
available. 



SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 921 

(8) The item of $1.95 suspended as "excess for May 14'' seems to 
me a just charge, and does not come properly under the heading of 
hotel bills. The whole day was spent on the train. 

(9) The porterage on the Manning was actually incurred and was 
necessary. The payment for such services actually rendered by serv- 
ants on board shi]5 has not been considered as contrary to regula- 
tions. It is the only way that one may get proper attention on 
any vessel during the stress of travel by sea. These are not ser- 
vants of the Government but of the officers of the vessels. 

With respect to hotel bill in Seattle, I wish to submit that in view 
of the fact that the Alaska- Yukon Exposition was in progress, and 
the prices at all hotels in that city had been greatly advanced, the 
bill ought to be allowed as rendered. The hotel at which I stopped 
is not a first-rate or high-priced hotel. It was not practicable to 
obtain decent accommodations for the limited price. I lived as 
simply as I think the Government would wish one of its representa- 
tives to live. The circumstances referred to would be taken into con- 
sideration by a business concern or a court in adjusting the accounts 
of employees. In view of the long delay in settlement of this bill 
I think a liberal construction should be used in passing upon it. 

The bill has been transferred to the new form as desired. 
Very respectfully, 

(Signed) Ezra W. Clark, 

Assistant Agent Seal Fisheries. 

Approved with exception of amount of excess of $5 per day for 
subsistence, $9.90; and excess over limit for baggage transfer, $7.65; 
total, $17.55. 

(Signed) , George W. Bowers, 

Commissioner. 



Department of Commerce and Labor. 
Dear Mr. Fowler: The universal joint did not arrive. Please 
look it up and reserve for us next year. 

W. I. Lembkey. 

This refers to invoice No. 603, dated March 29, 1909. 



Part VII. — Agents' Personal Information Sheets and Effi- 
ciency Reports. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Appointment Division, 

Washington, April 21, 1909. 
Dear Mr. Dunlap: Our records do not show that Harry D. Chi- 
chester, assistant, seal fisheries of Alaska, has ever executed a per- 
sonal history sheet. 

Won't you please have Mr. Chichester fill out this sheet as soon 
as practicable and forward it to the department ? 
Yours, very truly, 

Robt. M. Pindell, Jr., 
Acting Chief of Appointment Division. 

The Chief Clerk Bureau of Fisheries. 



922 seal islands of alaska. 

personal question sheet. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, December 17, 1906. 
To the chiefs of bureaus of the Department of Commerce and Labor: 

For the purpose of enabling the department to maintain a com- 
plete record of its officers and employees, you are requested to have 
every person hereafter appointed or employed in your bureau, imme- 
diately upon his entrance on duty, answer each of the questions in 
Part I of this form and sign the same. The officer in immediate 
charge should review the information given by the appointee or 
employee, and if correct, should forward the form to the chief of the 
bureau without delay. The information called for by the questions 
in Part II should then be supplied and the form forwarded to the 
department. 

Oscar S. Straus, Secretary. 

Part I. 

[Part I should be executed by the appointee or employee; but, if he is unable to write legibly, another 
person may write the answers at his dictation. In either case the statement should be signed by the 
appointee or employee. If he is unable to write, he may sign by mark in the presence of one witness. If 
he is unable to answer any question, he should indicate that fact.] 

1. What is your hill name? (Do not use initials, but spell out each name and state 
whether Mr., Miss, or Mrs. Example: Mr. John Richard Doe.) Mr. Harry Denison 
Chichester. 

2. How do you write your name on the pay roll? (This should agree with signature 
to your oath of office.) H. D. Chichester. 

3. What is your present legal (votingj residence? (Give city or town, State or 
Territory, county, and congressional district.) Eagle Pass, Tex.; Maverick County; 
fifteenth congressional district. 

4. What is your race? (Answer "white," "colored," or "Mongolian.") White. 

5. Where were you born? Port Lavaca, Tex. 

6. When were you bom? April 20, 1872. 

7. Are you pensioned by the U. S. Government? (Answer "Yes" or "No.") No. 

8. Are there any members of your family, besides yourself, in the civil service of 
the United States? (If so, give below their names, relationships, the departments 
and bureaus or services in which they are employed and the positions they occupy.) 
J. W. Chichester, brother. Post Office, postmaster. 

9. If you were appointed through a civil serivce examination, state, as near as you 
recollect, the name and date of the examination. If not so appointed, state how you 

entered the service. (Examples: "By reinstatement," or "by transfer from ," 

stating department, bureau or service, position, and salary, if known.) Special 
assistant, Treasm-y; agent examination; April 2, 1901. 

10. Have you any physical disabilities? (If so, describe briefly. If you have 
defective eyesight, state whether corrected by glasses.) Have no physical disabili- 
ties; eyesight not defective. 

11. Have you ever held any other position in the civil service of the United States? 
(If so, give below the department and bureau or service in which you served, the 
position held, the salary you received, and the dates of your appointment and separa- 
tion from the service.) For five or six months during the year 1892 as assistant to 
Mr. J. Stanley-Brown, special Treasury agent engaged in the investigation of seal 
life on the Pribilof Islands. My appointment began in May, 1892, and terminated in 
October or November, 1892. I do not remember the amount of salary received. 

12. Were you in the military or naval service of the United States during the Civil 
or Spanish-American War? (If so, give the information called for by the blanks 
below.) . 

13. If you served in the military or naval service of the United States at any time 
other than during the Civil or Spanish-American War, indicate such service in the 
spaces below. . 

14. What was your occupation prior to entering the United States civil service? 
(It is intended that the answer to this question shall state briefly the lines of work 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 923 

followed by you before receiving your present appointment, with the exception of 
your service for the Government, indicated in your answers to questions 11, 12, and 13.) 
Car accountant. Southern Pacific R. R. ; clerk Customs & Freight Department, Mexi- 
can International R. R.; agent North American Commercial Co., stationed on seal 
islands. 

15. WTiat education have you received? (Indicate the grades of schools you have 
attended, and, in case you have attended schools of higher grade than high schools, 
give the institution, degrees received, and date in each case. Example: Public 
school; high school; business college; Cornell University, A. B., 1900; Columbia 
University, LL. B., 1903.) Public school; high school; three years medical school, 
George Washington University. 

16. What special qualifications have you — professional, technical, mechanical, etc.? 
(Examples: Qualified as "lawyer," or "civil engineer,,, or "draftsman," or "carpen- 
ter.") Three years of work in medical school, photographer, bookkeeper. 

17. \Miat, if any, civil-ser^'ice examinations have you passed? (Give names and 
dates as near as you recollect.) Special assistant, Treasmy; agent examination; 
April 2, 1901. 

18. Were the answers to the foregoing questions written by you? (If not, state the 
name and address of the person who wrote them for you.) Yes. 

19. State the date upon which the above blanks were filled. June 17, 1909. 

H. D. Chichester, 

Cold Spring Harbor, 
Care of J. Stanley-Brown, Long Island, New York. 

Reviewed, approved, and forwarded July 13, 1909. 

I. H. DuNLAP, Chief Clerk. 

Part II. 

[Part II should be executed by the executive officers of the various bureaus of the department, or, at their 
direction, by some official who can give the information desired. If unable to answer any question, 
indicate that fact.] 

1. State the bureau or service, place, and district in which the person who answered 
the foregoing questions is employed . Fisheries; Pribilof Islands. 

2. To what position has he been appointed? Assistant agent, Alaskan seal fisheries. 

3. State the date of appointment. April 27, 1901. 

4. State the date the apointment was effective. (If appointment was made to take 
effect on date of oath, so state.) On oath. 

5. State the date of the oath. April 29, 1901. 

6. State the date the appointee or employee entered on duty. April 29, 1901. 

7. What is his salary? $2,190 per annum. 

8. From what appropriation is he paid? Alaskan seal fisheries, salaries. 

9. Is the position excepted, competitive, or unclassified under the civil-service 
rules? Competitive. 

10. If classified, state the date of classification. April 15, 1903. 

11. In what manner did the appointee or employee enter the service? Examples: 
"From stenography and typewriting examination;" or "without examination;" or 

"by reinstatement;" or "by transfer from ," stating department, bureau or 

service, position, and salary, if known.) Selected from civil-service certificate 
No. 4406, April 28, 1901. 

12. Is the appointee or employee required to give bond? No. 

I. H. DuNLAP, Chief Clerk. 
July 13, 1909. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

WasUngton. July 7, 1909. 
Chief of Division of Appointments, 

Department oj Commerce and Labor. 

Sir: In order to complete the records of this office, will you kindly 

send to the bureau the personal-history sheets of the Fur-Seal Agents 

Walter I. Lembkey, James Judge, Harry Chichester, and Ezra W. 

Clark? You will remember that these persons were transferred to 



924 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 

the bureau some time ago, and there is therefore no record of their 
original appointments, etc. The sheets will be returned promptly. 
Respectfully, 

I. H. DuNLAP, Chief Clerk. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Appointment Division, 

Washington, July 8, 1909. 
Sir: In compliance with your request of the 7th instant, for the 
personal-history sheets in the cases of Fur-Seal Agents Walter I. 
Lembkey, James Judge, Harry D. Chichester, and Ezra W. Clark, 
there are transmitted herewith the personal-history sheets of Mr. 
Lembkey and Mr. Judge. In the case of Mr. Chichester, the bureau's 
attention is invited to a request from this office dated April 21, 1909, 
for his personal-history sheet, which has not yet been received. In 
the case of Ezra W. Clark, the records of this office have been taken 
from the ''statement of appointee or employee," which was made out 
while the position was under the Treasury Department. The infor- 
mation is not as comi^lete as required for the personal-history sheet. 
It is requested that the bureau furnish a new personal-history sheet 
for Mr. Clark, and that the sheets forwarded herewith be returned to 
this office. 

Respectfully, Geo. W. Leadley, 

Chief of Appointment Division. 
The Chief Clerk, Bureau of Fisheries. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, July 10, 1909. 

Chief of the Appointment Division, 

Department of Commerce and Labor, Washington, D. C. 
Sir: Replying to your letter of July 8, returned herewith are the 
personal-history sheets of Messrs. Lembkey and Judge, fur-seal 
agents. The desired notations have been made therefrom. Mr. 
Chichester's personal-history sheet was forwarded to the department 
yesterday. In accordance with your request a blank has been sent 
to Mr. Ezra W. Clark with the desire that he ffil it out and return 
without delay. Meanwhile it is requested that the bureau be fur- 
nished, if possible, with the date of Mr. Clark's appointment, his legal 
residence, and the place and date of his birth. 
Respectfully, 

Geo. M. Bowers, Commissioner. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, July 12, 1909. 

Sir: Receipt is acknowledged of your letter of the 10th instant, 
returning the personal-history sheets of Messrs. Lembkey and Judge, 
seal agents. 



SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 925 

It is noted that a blank has been sent to Air. Clark mth the request 
that he fill out the same and return it without delay. The only in- 
formation the Department has as to the date of birth of Mr. Clark is 
the year, given as 1840, in his "Statement of appointee or employees," 
under the Treasury Department. The place of birth is given as 
Granville, Ohio, and the legal residence as Seattle, King County, 
Wash. 

Respectfully, Ormsby McHarg, 

Acting Secretary. 

The Commissioner of Fisheries. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, October 1, 1909. 
The Secretary of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C. 
Sir: I have the honor to recommend that should an opportunity 
arise Mr. Ezra W. Clark, assistant agent at the Alaska seal fisheries, 
be transferred to some other responsible position outside of Alaska. 
Air. Clark's services have been eminently satisfactory; he takes great 
interest in his work, and is thoroughly competent, but on account of 
his age it would seem proper that duty be given him in some place 
where the climate is less rigorous and the surroundings more suitable. 
It is probable that immediate action will not be practicable, as Air. 
Clark has recently left for a year's tour of duty in Alaska, but it is 
hoped that the case will be borne in mind for the future. 
Respectfully, 

Geo. M. Bowers, Commissioner. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, October 18, 1909. 
Chief of Appointment Division, 

Department of Commerce and Labor, Washington, D. C. 
Sir: Replying to an inquiry over the phone from your division, 
the personal-history sheet which was sent to Air. Ezra W. Clark on 
July 10 to be filled out and returned has not yet been received. It is 
called to your attention that Air. Clark is on the Pribilof Islands, in 
Bering Sea, and communication therewith is very irregular. 

A letter has, however, been received from Air. Clark, in reply to 
another from this office, stating that he was in the military service 
from April 14, 1861, until the close of the war; that he entered the 
Government civil service Alarch 3, 1871, in the Treasury Department, 
and was promoted to Chief of the Revenue Alarine in that Depart- 
ment, where he served until March 6, 1886, at which date he resigned. 
Respectfully, 

I. H. DuNLAP, Chief Cleric. 



926 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND LABOR EFFICIENCY REPORT. 

[Read the instructions on ttie reverse side of tliis form before attempting to fill it out.] 

1. Bureau: (not in) Fisheries. 

2. Where employed: Pribilof Islands. 

3. Name: Walter I. Lembkey. 

4. Where born: . 

5. Age: . 

6. Position: Agent at seal fisheries. 

7. Compensation: |3,650 per annum. 

8. When appointed (a): March 22, 1899. 

9. How appointed (b): Prior to classification. 

10. Appointed from: State, Pennsylvania; congressional district, sixth; county, 
Philadelphia. 

11. Status under civil-ser\'ice rules (c): Classified, competitive. 

12. Is the employee an honorably discharged soldier or sailor? No. 

13. Other Government service: Laborer, Treasury Department. 

14. Duties (describe fully): Has general charge of all matters pertaining to the fur- 
seal fisheries of Alaska, including relations with lessees of the seal islands and the 
natives, guarding the seal herds, custody of buildings and Government property. 

15. Efficiency: Quantity of work (d), 10/10; quality of work (e), excellent; interest 
manifested in work (/), excellent. 

16. Is this employee fully earning the salary he is now receiving? Yes. 

17. Remarks (g): — — — . 

Geo. M. Bowers. 
July 9, 1909. 



DEPARTMENT OP COMMERCE AND LABOR EFFICIENCY REPORT. 

[Read the instructions on the reverse side of this form before attempting to fill it out.] 

1. Bureau: (not in) Fisheries. 

2. Where employed : Pribilof Islands. 

3. Name: James Judge. 

4. Where born: — ■. 

5. Age: . 

6. Position: Assistant agent at seal fisheries. 

7. Compensation: .|2,920 per annum. 

8. When appointed (a): October 31, 1898. 

9. How appointed (b): Prior to classification. 

10. Appointed from: State, Ohio; congressional district, twelfth; county, Franklin. 

11. Status under civil-service rules (c): Classified, competitive. 

12. Is the employee an honorably discharged soldier or sailor? No. 

13. Other Government service: None. 

14: Duties (describe fully): Under direction of the agent has charge of matters per- 
taining to the fur-seal fisheries of Alaska, including relations with lessees of the seal 
islands and the natives, guarding the seal herds, custody of buildings and Government 
property. 

15. Efficiency: Quantity of work (d), 10/10; quality of work (c), excellent; interes 
manifested in work (/), excellent. 

16. Is this employee fully earning the salary he is now receiving? Yes. 

17. Remarks (g): '-. 

Geo. M. Bowers. 
July 9, 1909. 

department of commerce and labor efficiency report. 
[Read the instructions on the reverse side of this form before attempting to fill it out.] 

1. Bureau: Fisheries. 

2. Where employed: Pribilof Islands. 

3. Name: Ezra W. Clark. 

4. Where born: . 

5. Age: Sixty -nine. 

6. Position: Assistant agent at seal fisheries. 

7. Compensation: $2,190 per annum. 



SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 927 

8. "^Tien appointed (a): May 10, 1898. 

9. How appointed (b): Prior to classification. 

10. Appointed from: State, Washington; congressional district, at large; county, 
King. 

11. Status under civil-service rules (c): Classified. 

12. Is the employee an honorably discharged soldier or sailor? Yes. 

13. Other Government service: Treasury Department, May 3, 1871, to March 6, 1886. 

14. Duties (describe fully): Under direction of the agent has charge of matters per- 
taining to the fur-seal fisheries of Alaska, including relations with lessees of the seal 
islands and the natives, guarding the seal herds, custody of buildings and Government 
property. 

15. Efficiency: Quantity of work (d), 10/10; qiiality of work (e), excellent; interest 
manifested in work (/), excellent. 

16. Is this employee fully earnine: the salary he is now receiving? Yes. 

17. Remarks (g) : On account of his age and the peculiar conditions obtaining on the 
seal islands, it is thought Mr. Clark should be transferred to some suitable position 
elsewhere than Alaska. 

Geo. M. Bowers. 
July 9, 1909. 

department of commerce and labor efficiency report. 
[Read the instructions on the reverse side of this form before attempting to fill it out.] 

1. Bureau: Seal fisheries. 

2. Where employed : Pribilof Islands. 

3. Name: Harry D. Chichester. 

4. 'Where born: Port Lavaca, Tex. 

5. Age: . 

6. Position: Assistant agent at seal fisheries. 

7. Compensation: $2,190 per annum. 

8. "UTien appointed (a): . 

9. How appointed (6): Civil-service examination. 

10. Appointed from: State, Texas; congressional district, fifteenth; county, Mav- 
erick. 

11. Status under civil-service rules (c): Classified, competitive. 

12. Is the employee an honorably discharged soldier or sailor? No. 

13. Other Government service: Five or six months in 1892, temporary employment 
with fur-seal service. 

14. Duties (describe fully): Under direction of the agent has charge of matters 
pertaining to the fur-seal fisheries of Alaska, including relations with lessees of the 
seal islands and the natives, guarding the seal herds, custody of buildings and Govern- 
ment property. 

15. Efficiency: Quantity of work (d), 10/10; quality of work (e), excellent; interest 
manifested in work (/), excellent. 

16. Is this employee fully earning the salary he is now receiving? Yes. 

17. Remarks (g): . 

Geo. M. Bowers. 
July 9, 1909. 



1910. 

Part I. Instructions to Agents and Agents' Reports, 

January 13, 1910. 
Memorandum. 

The contract between the Government and the North American 
Commercial Co. for the taking of fur seals upon the islands of St. Paul 
and St. George in the Territory of Alaska will expire on the 1st of 
May, 1910. 

The statute, section 1963, directs the Secretary at the expiration 
of tliis contract to "lease to proper and responsible parties for the 
best advantage of the United States, having due regard to the inter- 
ests of the Government, the native inhabitants, their comfort, main- 
tenance, and education; as well as to the interests of the parties 
heretofore engaged in trade and the protection of the fisheries, the 
right of taking fur seals on the islands herein named, and of sending 
vessels to the islands for the skins of such seals, for the term of 20 
years." 

In some respects the terms upon which such lease shall be made are 
set out in the statute. The money considerations to be paid will no 
doubt be affected by the changed condition of the fur-seal herds. 

On St. George Island there are 87 natives. On St. Paul Island 
there are 193 natives. The total number of breeding seals on both 
islands, estimated 12 years ago to be 130,000, has, according to present 
estimates, been reduced to about 56,000. The total number of seals 
now is estimated to be about 134,000, as against 375,000 12 years ago. 

Under these circumstances the advisory board of the fur-seal 
service recommends that the Government take over the immediate 
control of both islands, including the care of the natives and the ad- 
ministration of the seal industry. 

As to the first recommendation it is probably safe to say that the 
care of the natives ought not to be let out by contract if such a con- 
clusion can be avoided, but it must be admitted that numerically 
considered the natives represent a very inconsiderable factor. 

With respect to the administration of the fur-seal interests a more 
difficult question is presented. The recommendation that the Gov- 
ernment take immediate charge of these interests is not a new one. 
It has been urged repeatedly, but has always been objected to upon 
the ground that the Government should not engage in industrial 
pursuits, because of the possible effect of such a precedent upon gov- 
ernmental policy. The question now is whether changed conditions 
may modify this conclusion. 

If pelagic sealing is not stopped, then the decision upon this ques- 
tion appears to be of little moment. In other words, the ultimate 
destruction of the seal herds is inevitable, and it becomes of compara- 
tively little importance by what method the industry is brought to 
an inglorious conclusion. 
928 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 929 

If, however, pelao;ic sealin^j; can be stopped, then the question is 
one of immediate importance. In that event we would have to deal 
not so much with an immediate industry, but would be concerned 
with a problem of ultmiate conservation. The decision to stop 
pelao;ic sealino; would seem to be consistent with the Government's 
control of the seal herds, and would no doubt be substantial!}^ forti- 
fied by such a course. 

On the 26th of November, 1909, I addressed a letter to the Secre- 
tary of State, calling attention to the importance of this situation. 
There seems to be no doubt on the part of anyone that the continuance 
of the practice of pelagic sealing points to the early extermination 
of the herds, and we are squarely confronted with the question 
whether or not we will permit this practice to continue. The sealing 
fleets engaged in it are chiefly Japanese and Canadian, the former 
predominating, and enjoying the advantage of a 3-mile limit from 
the islands, while the Canadians are compelled to remain 60 miles 
out. It has seemed to me and I venture to suggest that the 60-mile 
rule which our Government enforces against England we ought to 
be in a position to enforce against every other country. If the 
grounds for it were valid against one nation, they ought to be equally 
valid against every other nation. Indeed, it looks almost like unfair 
discrimination to insist upon the position against some and to waive 
it as to others. 

For whom these fleets really operate the department is not in a 
position to say. It is by no means clear, for illustration, that the 
Japanese Government is at all interested to extend its protection 
to these supposedly Japanese fleets. We are informed that the 
sealskins by whomsoever taken are generally sold in London, and 
that the skins taken by the fleets at sea bring about half the price of 
those that are properly taken on the islands. 

In order that there may be no neglect of that which the law now 
directs, I propose to invite bids in due time. The privilege to reject 
all bids will make it possible to shape our course according to such 
new legislation or policy as may in the meantime be adopted with 
respect to the Government interests upon the islands. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, January 22, 1910. 
The Director of the Census. 

Sir: At the personal request of Mr. Joseph H. Romig, chief special 
agent of the Census Bureau for Alaska, I agreed some weeks ago to 
take the census of the Pribilof Islands, to be used in the compilation 
of the Thirteenth Census. As the result of my acquiescence, I 
received two days ago an appointment as a special agent of the 
census, "Alaska, No. 15," with compensation at the rate of $6 per 
diem while actually employed, and allowances for travel and sub- 
sistence. 

The actual time necessary to perform this service probably will 
not exceed one week, and will in nowise conflict with my other 

2403— H. Doc. 93, 62-1 59 



930 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

duties of agent in charge of the seal fisheries. Upon agreeing to do 
this work, I had no idea that I would receive extra compensation. 
In view of the appointment, hov/ever, under the terms stated, I 
have the honor to request information whether the acceptance of 
salary and allowances for travel and subsistence as a census agent 
would in any way conflict with my regular appointment as agent 
for the seal fisheries, the salary of which is S3, 650 per annum, or 
would come under the prohibitions in sections 1763 and 1765 of the 
Revised Statutes. 

Respectfully, W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent Alaskan Seal Fisheries. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, February 3, 1910. 
Sir: The department is in receipt of the bureau's letter of the 1st 
instant, mclosing communication from W. I. Lembkey, agent Alaskan 
seal fisheries, inquiring whether he should accept salary and allow- 
ance for travel and subsistence as a special agent to take the census 
of the Pribilof Islands. 

In response, the department has to state that, apart from the legal 
aspect of the case, it is not believed that Mr. Lembkey should receive 
any additional compensation for his services, in view of the small 
amount of labor involved and the facility with which it can be com- 
pleted without interfering with his employment under the Bureau of 
Fisheries. 

The department is pleased to be able to avail itself of Mr. Lemb- 
key's services, and in a separate communication of this date has 
ordered his detail for the work in question, effective upon a date to 
be fixed by you, assuming that the assignment is agreeable to the 
Commissioner of Fisheries. 

Respectfully, Benj. S. Cable, 

Acting Secretary. 
The Director of the Census. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Secretary, 
Washington, February 3, 1910. 
Sir: You are hereby detailed for temporary service under the 
Bureau of the Census for the purpose of taking the census of the 
Pribilof Islands, effective upon a date to be fixed by the Director of 
the Census. 

Respectfully, Benj. S. Cable, 

Acting Secretary, 
Mr. Walter I. Lembkey, 

Agent AlasTcan Seal Fisheries 

(Through the Commissioner of Fisheries) . 



I 



seal, islands of alaska. 931 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, February 8, 1910. 
The Secretary of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. 0. 
Sir: In accordance with Mr. Stevens's request of February 4, I 
have the honor to mclose herewith a copy each of the following 
letters : 

H. H. Taylor, dated January 27, 1910 ; 
C. H. Townsend, dated January 31, 1910; and 
Alfred Fraser, dated January 28, 1910, to C. H. Townsend. 
Respectfully, 

Geo. M. Bowers, Commissioner. 



[Confidential.] 

San Francisco, Cal., January 27, 1910. 
Hon. Geo. M. Bowers, 

Washington, D. C. 

Sir: Answering yours of the 20th instant: 

The Victoria Sealing Co. (Ltd.) is the main pelagic sealing con- 
cern belonging to the Canadians. It is a corporation which was 
formed about 1900 by combining most of the independent pelagic 
sealers haihng from Victoria, British Columbia. Some independent 
sealers have never entered the combination. Photographic copies 
of the annual statements of the Victoria Sealing Co. (Ltd.) covering 
the years 1901 to 1906, inclusive, are in possession of the Department 
of (Commerce and Labor and also the Secretary of State. These 
statements purport to show certain facts regarding the capitalization 
of the company, etc., but contain no list of stockliolders. 

The skins obtained by the Victoria Sealing Co. (Ltd.) are shipped 
to C. M. Lampson & Co., London, and are openly classified and sold 
as the skins taken by such company. 

One prominent merchant residing in San Francisco has always 
been credited with being a large stockholder of the Victoria Sealing 
Co. (Ltd.). He is an Englishman by birth and quite wealthy. I 
doubt if he has ever become an American citizen. 

The pelagic sealing question is one that essentially involves numer- 
ous small details, and the use of only a smattering knowledge of the 
subject must place the United States at great disadvantage in any 
kind of negotiations. It was the lack of knowledge of details on the 
part of its representatives that caused the LTnited States to be so 
badly worsted before the Paris tribunal; and there is every outward 
indication that two recent Secretaries of State entered into inter- 
national negotiations with such scant understanding of the practical 
side of the question that the propositions presented lacked business 
sagacity, if nothing more. The United States has never taken into 
its confidence the people who could furnish the best information. 
In direct contrast with this, the British have consulted everyone 
available. 

Without definite information as to what the United States is 
trying to accomphsh, it would be useless to attempt to cover the 



932 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 

subject of pelagic sealing in a mere letter, because the scope is too 
broad. If the old company gets the new lease, it will join the Gov- 
ernment in a most exhaustive investigation of the subject, if its co- 
operation be requested. 

Respectfully, H. H. Taylor. 

Office of Alfred Fraser, 

New Yorlv, January 28, 1910. 
Dr. Chas. H. Townsend, 

New York Aquarium, Battery Parle. 

Dear Sir: Referring to our conversation of the 12th instant, and 
in reply to your inquiries, I beg to state that I deem it of the greatest 
imporatnce that the taking of fur-seal skins on the Pribilof Islands 
should not be discontinued, for unless a supply of skins from these 
and the Commander Islands can be kept up, I am of the opinion that 
the sale of sealskin garments will be greatly reduced or will cease. 
The number of skins taken off Cape Horn, the Cape of Good Hope, 
and Lobos Island has decreased very materially of late years. In 
the sales of December last no Lobos Island skins were offered, nor 
had any advice been received of last year's catch. 

Within the last two years a considerable number of seal has been 
taken in the Southern Ocean, but it is fair to suppose Uiat this supply 
will soon be exhausted. Should the supply of sealskins of fine qual- 
ity, say, Alaskas, Copper Island, and South Sea, be exhausted or 
stopped temporarily, the workmen engaged in the unhairing, shaving, 
etc., of the skins, which require skilled labor, would be driven to take 
up other work and lost sight of, and in the event of a renewal of the 
supply it would be difhcult, if not impossible, to find men capable 
of doing the necessary work on them, and the education of unskilled 
workmen would result in the spoiling of a great many skins. 

Again, the cessation of the supply would cause seal to go out of 
fashion, and it might take many years to reintroduce them, and their 
value would be greatly reduced. I may add that for the last year 
or two a very large number of muskrat skins have been plucked and 
dyed in imitation of fur seal and although the garments made from 
these skins resemble seal v/hen seen at a short distance, they can not 
be mistaken for seal on a close inspection. Such garments naturally 
are much less expensive than seal, and are not nearly so durable, but 
they may tend to reduce the consumption of fur-seal skins. 

Allow me to call your attention to the fact that since the importa- 
tion of pelagic sealskins was prohibited, practicalh^ all the Alaska 
skins and a large proportion of those taken on the Commander Islands 
have come to tliis country, and the duties paid on them have amounted 
to a ver}^ large sum. If jow will refer to the new tariff bill you 
will find, under Schedule N, No. 439, ''Furs dressed on the skin not 
advanced further than dyeing, but not repaired, 20 per centum ad 
valorem." 

I understand, however, that the customhouse officials have decided 
that as the unhairing, or plucking, as it is called here, is a distinct 
operation, 35 per cent duty must be charged, as the skins could be 
both dressed and dyed mthout being unhaired. I do not deny that 
this could be done, "but do not hesitate to say that skins dressed and 



SEAI. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 933 

dyed without being unhaired could not be sold at a price equal to the 
duty; for ladies' use they would be useless, and I do not know any 
way in which they could be used. 

At present prices, plus 8 per cent, which the appraisers a year or two 
ago decided must be added to the cost of dressed and dyed skins 
because the character of the skins had been changed, the duty on 
dressed and dyed Alaska fur-seal skins, including the additional 15 
per cent, would amount to about 60 sliillings per skin, say, $14.65, and 
the cost of the skins will be so extremely high that I very much doubt 
if they wall find buyers; indeed, there is danger that a considerably 
increased cost of the raw skins, when combined with the expense 
already necessary to put the finished skins on the American market, 
would render the price to the consumer quite prohibitive and thus 
jeopardize the industry. 

I do not deny that these skins could be dressed and dyed in this 
country, but inasmuch as during the past 10 years 175,261 Alaska 
fur-seal skins, dressed and dyed abroad, have been imported, agamst 
845 skins in the raw state, it is evident that the work of dressing and 
dyeing can not be done in this country to the satisfaction of the trade 
and consumers. 

As regards the unliairing, I may say that this is one of the early 
processes and skins can not be dyed until this operation has been 
performed — it is and always has been part of the dressing. 

I would add that duty is paid on the actual cost of the skins, plus 
the dressing and dyeing charges, interest from date of payment to 
time of shipment, cases, and commission. 

Yours, very truly, Alfred Fraser. 



New York Aquarium, 
Battery Park, New York, January 31, 1910. 

Hon. George M. Bowers, 

Gomraissioner, United States Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, D. C. 

Dear Sir: As a member of the fur-seal advisory board of your 
department and one always interested in matters pertaining to the 
fur-seal industry, I wish to call your attention to an important letter 
received from Mr. Alfred Fraser which is inclosed herewith. 

I have known Mr. Fraser for many years and have every confidence 
in his knowledge of this subject as well as his entire sincerity. During 
the many years that the subject of the fur-seal fisher}'' has been before 
our Government authorities he has supplied freely important statis- 
tics of the fur-seal trade. He has been the principal American buyer 
of sealskins in this country and has been in the business for a lifetime. 

There can be no doubt that a reduction in the number of sealskins 
now coming from the Pribilofs would be most injurious to the seal- 
skin trade. 

It is to be hoped that the Pribilof Islands will be re-leased this year 
and that a small supply of skins will be kept available to the fur 
trade. The reasons for this are strongly set forth in Mr. Fraser 's letter. 

It is also important that the Treasury Department be requested 
to reconsider the matter of duty on sealskins. 

The margin of profit left to the trade after the payment of duties 
on skins whose value is already enhanced by the Government tax on 



934 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

the Pribilof catch makes them enormously expensive. In fact, 
their cost is almost prohibitive. 

I feel that with fur-seal service transferred to your bureau and the 
presence in your office of a number of men well informed on this sub- 
ject, you are in a position to make a good presentation of Mr. Fraser's 
letter to the proper authorities, and I earnestly hope that you will 
undertake to nave this important matter properly presented. 

I would suggest also that a copy of this letter be sent to Senator 
Dixon, who has introduced a resolution calling for a cessation of seal 
killing on the Pribilofs which would undoubtedly result in more harm 
than good at the present time. 

Very respectfully, yours, C. H. Townsend. 



[Memorandum to the commissioner.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, February 24, 1910. 

DESIRABILITY OF CONDUCTING EXPERIMENTS AT UNALASKA TO PEED STARVING FUR- 
SEAL PUPS. 

The success of the recent attempt by Judson Thurber to feed fur- 
seal pups makes it desirable that further efforts in this direction be 
made under the auspices of this bureau. 

■ To this end the following suggestions are made : 

1. That the Treasury Department be requested to detail Judson 
Thurber for special duty under this bureau from Jime 1 until at 
least October 15. 

2. That a special allotment of funds be made for the expense of 
subsistence of Thurber during this period; for the erection at Una- 
laska of a small inclosure to confine such pups as may be used for 
experimentation; for employment of such assistance as Thurber 
may require to obtain food for these animals, and such other expense 
as may arise in connection with the experiment. 

3. It is believed, for the first summer's work, that at least 20 pups 
can be induced to feed and to live in captivity. These then can be 
transported on a revenue cutter to Seattle, where arrangements can 
be made for their distribution. These pups would have a consider- 
able commercial value, and could easily be disposed of at a price suffi- 
cient to more than offset the cost of raising. 

4. Having domesticated a number of these pups, it is suggested 
that overtures be made to the British Government with the object of 
furnishing the Canadian Government with enough pups to start a 
rookery of their own on the Atlantic coast; in consideration of which 
the adherence of Great Britain and Canada to a general game law 
covering the entire high seas will be solicited. 

Should Canada succeed in establishing a seal rookery of her own, 
her interest in preserving fur seals on the high seas will be apparent. 

Barton W. Evermann. 



I 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



935 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, March 18, 1910. 
The honorable the Secretary of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C. 
Sir: I have the honor to inform you that the account of the 
North American Commercial Co. for fur-seal skins taken and shipped 
from the Pribilof Islands in August, 1909, is as follows: 

Skins taken and shipped. 





St. Paul. 


St. George. 


Total. 


Quota of 1908 


32 
11,022 


4 
3,310 


36 


Quota of 1909 


14,332 






Skins to be shipped in 1910 to complete quota of 1909 


11,054 


3,314 


14,368 
668 










Total 






15,036 











15,036 skins, at 17.62^ bonus $114, 649. 50 

15,0.36 skins, at $2 tax 30, 072. 00 

15,036 skins, at $0.60 rental 9, 021. 60 



Total 153, 743. 10 

This amount, under the company's contract, is payable to the 
Treasurer of the United States on or before April 1, 1910. 
Respectfully, 

Geo. M. Bowers, Commissioner. 



Question 1. What is the maximum number of male seals which 
can be killed annuall}^, at the present size of the seal herd, without 
injury to its reproductive capacity and without interfering with an 
increase in its birth rate ? 

Answer. The annual quotas since 1904 have been 15,000.- 

The annual shipments of skins from tlie islands during this period 
were a j follows : 1904, 13,128: 1905, 14,368; 1906, 14,476; 1907, 14,964; 
1908, 14,996; 1909, 14,336. 

In 1909 it was impossible to obtain the permitted quota of 15,000 
because sufficient bachelors were not found to furnish it. It may be 
concluded from this that the herd will not hereafter furnish a quota 
of 15,000 bachelor skins. It is believed, however, that in 1910 
12,000 bachelor skins could be obtained. 

This number, of 12,000, can be furnished in addition to a reserva- 
tion by the Government of 2,000 bachelors to form a breeding reserve, 
for tlie purpose of protecting the supply of male breeders. This 
reservation of 2,000 will be enough not only to preserve the breeding 
bulls at tlieir ])resent number but also to provide for their increase. 
The number of bulls with cows in the lierd m 1909 on the two islands 
was 1,071. The average life of a breeding bull is 5 years. As a 
diminution of one-fifth annuall}^ would occur, it would be necessary, 
in order to preserve the breeding bulls from diminution, that at least 
one-fifth the number stated (1,071) should mature as breeders, or 



936 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

214. To insure this annual increment of 214 new bulb the breeding 
reserve of 2,000 young males is provided annually, offering a wide 
margin of safety against all contingencies. 

Question 1, therefore, may be answered by the statement that, 
with the herd at its present size, a maximum catch of 12,000 bach- 
elors can be allowed witliout interfering in any way with an increase 
in the birth rate. This answer is predicated upon the hypothesis 
that pelagic sealing is to continue as hitherto. 

Question 2. Will such maximum number increase in direct pro- 
portion to the size of the herd as it increases, and if not. what per- 
centage of seals may be killed annually as the herd increases in 
numbers ? 

Answer. The size of the bachelor herd bears a direct relation to 
the number of breeding cows. Assuming that the sexes are pro- 
duced in like numbers, the greater number of cows the greater num- 
ber of male pups born, and conversely. 

It may be stated, therefore, in answer, that the maximum number 
of bachelors to be killed will increase in direct ratio to the size of the 
herd of breeding cows as it increases. 

The percentage which the maximum yield of bachelors bears to the 
whole herd has been stated variously at from 10 per cent to 20 per 
cent, depending upon the investigators' methods of enumeration of 
the whole herd. The proportion of killable bachelors to the whole 
herd may be assumed for purposes of a working basis as 1 to 15 (i. e., 
number killable : whole herd : : 1 : 15). 

Question 3. Should all land killing of seals be discontinued if the 
herd decreases below its present size ? 

Answer. Decidedly no. With the maintenance on land of condi-. 
tions for perpetually maintaining the species, such as the safeguard- 
ing of females and the annual segregation of young males for breeders 
in sufficient numbers, there is no reason for the abstention from kill- 
ing at any time of such young males as are known to be unnecessary 
for breeding purposes and consequently superfluous. 

The proper relation of breeding bulls to breeding cows approxi- 
mately is 1 to 30. For purposes of perpetuating the species on land 
this ratio, should be maintained whether the herd be large or small. 
With this relation maintained, however, the superfluous males should 
be killed without regard to the size of the herd. 

The saving of superfluous males on land during the continuance of 
sea killing is doubly inadvisable, as not only is it useless, but provides 
an additional supply of seals from which the sea hunters may aug- 
ment their catch. It is submitted that until this catch becomes un- 
profitable it will be difficult for this Government to obtain satisfac- 
tory terms in the settlement of the question. 

For additional information upon this subject see page 43 of "Re- 
port on the Alaskan Fur-Seal Fisheries, 1906, by Edwin W. Sims." 

Question 4. What is the net value of the average sealskin after 
taking and marketing, and, if such value varies from year to year, 
what would be a fair average price ? 

Answer. The gross average value of sealskins for 10 years past 
is about $33.70 per skin. The average cost to the lessee to market 
these skins, after deducting an annual Government bonus of $150,000, 
has been approximately about 50 per cent of the gross, representing 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 937 

aTnet gain of $16.85 per skin. Should the Government market these 
skins, however, it is hardly possible that the same frugal methods of 
administration practiced by the lessee could be maintained. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, March 25, 1910. 

Memorandum. 

Answers by the Bureau of Fisheries to certain questions pro- 
pounded by the Department of State concerning fur seals. The fol- 
lowing answers are intended to supersede those to the same questions 
made several days ago, without knowledge that they were to be 
based upon the assumption that the pelagic sealing had ceased. 

Question 1. Wliat is the maximum number of male seals which 
can be killed annually, at the present size of the seal herd, without 
injuiy to its reproductive capacity, and without interfering with an 
increase in its birth rate ? 

Answer. Should pelagic sealing be continued it is advisable to kill 
on land eveiy seal that may be killed under existing law. Should 
pelagic sealing cease, however, the herd of breeding cows* will in- 
crease, and it would be necessary to provide bulls to serve this in- 
creased number of cows. With no pelagic sealing the maximum 
number that might be killed annually from 1910 to 1920 follows: 
1910, 8,000; 1911, 8,000; 1912, 8,500; 1913, 9,500; 1914, 10,000; 
1915,10,500; 1916,11,500; 1917,11,500; 1918,14,000; 1919,15,000; 
1920, 16,000. 

This killing could be allowed while yet increasing the supply of 
adult bulls from 1,388 in 1909 to 8,973 in 1920, representing in the 
latter year an estimated ratio of cows to bulls of 1 to 14. The present 
ratio is about 1 to 35. 

Question 2 . Will such maximum number increase in direct propor- 
tion to the size of the lierd as it increases; and, if not, what percentage 
of seals may be killed annually as the herd increases in numbers ? 

Answer. The maximum number of surplus (killable) bachelors 
will increase in direct proportion to the increase in the number of 
breeding cows. The number of breeding cows in 1909 was 45,765. 
In the years following it sliould be as follows: 1910, 50,338; 1911, 
55,020; 1912, 58,786; 1913, 63,102; 1914. 67,934; 1915, 73,038; 
1916, 78,514; 1917, 84,510; 1918, 90,850; 1919, 97,665; 1920, 
105,013. 

Question 3. Should all land killing of seals be discontinued if the 
herd decreases below its present size ? 

Answer. It should not, whether pelagic sealing cease or be con- 
tinued. No matter how small the herd of cows, it always produces 
more males than are necessary for purposes of propagation. If 
pelagic killing continued, it is wise always to kill as many seals on 
land as may be without injuring the stock of males for future breeders. 
If it cease, the increase in cows may be provided amply with bulls, 
while, at the same time, allowing a yearly catch or bachelors for 
skins. 



938 SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 

Question 4. What is the net value of the average sealskin after 
deducting the cost of taking and marketing; and if such value varies 
from year to year, what would be a fair average value ? 

Answer. The gross average value of sealskins for 10 years past is 
about $33.70 per skin. The average cost to the lessee to market these 
skins, after deducting an annual Government tax of $150,000, has been 
approximately 50 per cent of the gross, representing a net gain of 
about $16.85 per skin. Should the Government do its own market- 
ing, this charge of $150,000 would not have to be paid, but on the 
other hand it would have to assume expenses of which it is now re- 
lieved that would approximate that amount. Furthermore, it is 
doubted whether the Government could conduct the sealing business 
with the same frugality as now exercised by the lessee. For this 
reason a profit of, say, $12 a skin to the Government, above all ex- 
penses, might be assumed. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

BxjREAU of Fisheries, 

WasJiington, April 19, 1910. 

MEMORANDUM REGARDING INSTRUCTIONS, SEAL ISLANDS, 1910. 

Killing seals. — The question of the quota or number of seals to be 
killed for skins is to be considered first. Heretofore the killing 
has been done by a lessee of the sealing right, and the annual quota 
since 1904 has been 15,000. This number represented nearh the 
maximum yield of surplus bachelors afforded hy the herd. The 
maximum \ield in 1904 was slightly more, and that of 1909 slightly 
less, than 15,000. 

No lessee is contemplated for 1910, and such killing as may be 
done will be conducted by the Government agents. 

The number of skins to be taken should not be smaller than the 
normal 3'ield of the herd. To restrict it to a lesser number would 
be to deliver killable seals to the pelagic hunters with which to 
augment their catches. What the normal yield of the herd will be 
in 1910 is impossible of ascertainment in advance. 

For this reason it is suggested that no quota be fixed for 1910; 
that it be directed that various hauling grounds be driven regularl;r, 
but not too often, until July 31, and that such seals- as may be found 
thereon having skins within the weights hereafter mentioned, and 
excepting those reserved as breeders, be killed. The present weights 
between which skins are considered eligible should be preserved, 
namel}", 5 pounds to 84- pounds. Four-year-old bachelors should 
not be killed. 

Such skins as are secured by the methods outlined should be 
salted, bundled, and prepared for shipment at the usual time, namely, 
about August 15. 

Marking of hacJielors for breeders. — Since 1904, 2,000 bachelors 
annuall}" have been reserved for breeders — 1,000 each of 2-3-ear-olds 
and 3-;vear-olds — by clipping the hair of their heads with sheep 
shears. The advisory board made no recommendation as regards 
2-year-olds, but stated that not more than 95 per cent of the 
3-year-olds be killed. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 939 

Presuming the number of 3-year-olds in existence to be 5,000 
(which undoubtedly is far beyond the number) a reservation of 5 
per cent would be only 250. A reservation of the usual number 
(1,000) would be 20 per cent. 

It is believed that the reservation of 2,000 bachelors annually 
now is somewhat in excess of the necessities, as the herd has decreased 
almost 100,000 since this reservation first was made in 1904. Fur- 
thermore, a reserve of young bulls has been created fi'om the savings 
of former years that will maintain the proper proportion between 
breeding seals for several years at least. 

For 1910 it is recommended that 2-year-olds be not reserved by 
branding for the reason that it is believed the number of 2-year-olds 
with skins of 5 pounds or under will be sufficient to supply the neces- 
sar}" number of 3-3'ear-olds for 1911, and all these will of course be 
reserved; and that 500 3-year-olds be so reserved, of which 100 be 
secured on St. George and 400 on St. Paul. This reservation of 500 
will equal more than 10 per cent of the whole number of 3-year-olds, 
in existence. 

The recommendation that no 2-year-olds be reserved is predicated 
upon the assumption that killing will be undtsr the entire supervision 
of the Government agents ; that killing will not be close ; that the 
supply of 3-year-olds for 1911 will be provided by the underweight 
2-year-olds rejected at the killings. 

Enumerations of seals. — The questions whether (a) seals shall be 
enumerated beyond the counting of harems, and (b) who shall do 
such counting, must be considered. 

(a) Counting of harems can be done mthout disturbance of seals. 
Counting of pups, hoAvever, drives off all seals into water and in- 
creases by many times the chances of their capture by pelagic sealers 
3 miles from shore. Normally 60 per cent of females are in the water 
on August 1. By driving all the females into the water on this date 
40 per cent more females in a mass are driven toward the hunters. 
This practice can not be sanctioned except upon the ground of grave 
necessity. No grave necessity is known to be imminent in 1910, for 
which reason the least counting of pups necessary should be allowed, 
or all counts thereof should be discontinued. 

Experijnents in pup raising. — These experiments can not begin 
before August 1, as the rookeries can not be entered before that date. 
To obtain starving pups, the rookeries would have to be denuded of 
seals, as in pup counting. The least harm from driving off seals fol- 
lows when such driving is done late in the season, as then the bulk of 
the pelagic fleet has departed. Also, unless a diet of milk exclusively 
is used upon pups secured early in the season their growth would be 
problematical, as solid food could not be assimilated until several 
months after birth. It is recommended that experiments be made 
with a considerable number of pups and that they be placed in charge 
of the naturalist. 

Weighing of sl"ins. — Every skin taken upon the islands since 1903 
has been weighed in order to determine whether the lessee has com- 
plied with the regulations of the department. The practice should 
be continued in the futiu'e to the end that the records may show that 
only proper seals have been killed. 

Compensation of natives. — The natives have been paid 75 cents for 
each skin taken and shipped from the islands. This has been used 



940 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

as a fund, in connection with the appropriation, for the natives' sub- 
sistence. The eUmination of the lessee will make it necessary to 
arrange for the compensation of the natives in some way by the Gov- 
ernment. 

In addition for sundry desultory labor for the lessee in connection 
with the upkeep of the stations, movement of supplies, etc., the 
natives have been paid 10 cents an hour in cash for unskilled and 15 
cents for skilled labor. This cash wage, although small and irregular, 
has amounted to about $4,500 on St. Paul and $2,500 on St. George 
annually. It has been the greatest incentive to the natives to work 
during the winter. Some similar method should be devised to reward 
individual industry. 

Articles necessary in the natives' domestic economy which will not 
be considered necessary by the accounting officers must be purchased. 
As an example, wedding rings are essential to the marriage ceremony 
of the Russian Church, and holy candles for religious functions — 
marriages, funerals, etc. These heretofore have been purchased with 
the cash earned by day labor. 

It is recommended : 

1. (a) That the amount earned from sealing, at the rate of $1 for 
each skin, and the amount earned from taldng fox skins at $5 for 
each skin, be kept as a separate fund, to be credited to the community. 
(b) That from this fund such articles rec[uired by the natives, but not 
properly purchasable from the appropriation, be bought. 

2. That the Government appropriation should augment this fund 
to an amount necessary to secure comfort of natives, say, to a point 
affording $100 per annum per capita after purchase of coal, fresh 
potatoes and onions, and required furniture for whole community. 

3. (a) A certain amount of cash should be taken to the islands each 
year, (b) If necessary, an officer on each island should be bonded, 
the Government to pay the cost of bonding, (c) Pay for desultory 
da;" labor in cash, which natives may use to purchase unusual arti- 
cles, or may purchase clothing and provisions if the^^ so desire. 

Disposition of natives^ hank funds. — The lessee now holds on de- 
posit funds of the natives aggregating several thousand dollars, on 
which it pays 4 per cent interest, the survival of a custom of the A. C. 
Co. to entwDurage thrift. This money, if the balances are small, 
should be paid by the N. A. C. Co. directh" to the native owning the 
account; or if they be large, should be deposited in a savings insti- 
tution in San Francisco with the natives' consent. This latter should 
be the method used in the case of minors having balances over a few 
dollars. If an adult native refuses to sanction a redeposit, the money 
should be paid to. him in cash, but he should be strongly advised to 
conserve his resources. 

Foxes. — The methods of feeding and trapping foxes now in vogue 
should be adhered to. The lessee has furnished annually 10 tons of 
salmon for fox food. This will now have to be supplied b}- the 
Government. It is believed that, if sufficient barrels are provided, 
enough seal meat can be obtained on St. Paul to furnish St. George 
with its required fox food and obviate the necessity of the purchase 
of salmon. 

In trapping, a large proportion of each sex should be reserved and 
marked for breeders, to the end that the fox herd may be built up to 
an approximation of its maximum size. 



SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 941 

Mess. — A mess should be provided for the employees of each island, 
with a cook and laundryman at each place. All employees should 
mess there. The employees also should be furnished free of cost 
with the paraphernalia, boots, etc., as the;-, may need by reason of 
the special nature of their service. This practice now obtains with 
the other employees of the Bureau of Fisheries in the field. 

Phoiograpliing rookeries. — The 1910 conditions of all the rook- 
eries should be recorded b}- means of photography. 

SUPPLEMENTARY MEMORANDUM. 

In the event that an international agreement is reached under 
which all pelagic sealing will cease at once, the following modifications 
in the preceding memorandum are recommended : 

1 . The kilhng should be somewhat less close. In addition to reserv- 
ing all underweight 2-year-olds, there should be reserved 500 from 
the killable class of 2-year-olds, 400 on St. Paul and 100 on St. George, 
these to be selected with reference to the special fitness as breeders. 
It is recommended that experiments in selective breeding be under- 
taken. The 500 reserved as above should be selected with this object 
in view. 

2, A complete and thorough census should be taken of all the 
rookeries as a basis for comparison in the future. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, April 29, 1910. 

Sir: I inclose for your information a copy of an act approved 
April 21, 1910, ''To protect the seal fisheries of Alaska, and for other 
purposes," which becomes effective May 1, 1910. 

The Bureau of Fisheries is hereby placed in charge of the administra- 
tion of this act, under the general direction of the Secretary; and it 
is my desire that you at once take this matter under careful considera- 
tion and prepare comprehensive plans for carrymg out the provisions 
of the law and for utihzing and conserving the fur-bearing animals 
hereby put under the control of the department. 
Respectfully, 

Charles Nagel, Secretary, 

The Commissioner of Fisheries. 



[Public— No. 146.] 

IS. 7242.] 
An Act To protect the seal fisheries of Alaska, and for other purposes. 

Be it enacted hy the Senate and House of Representatives of the United 
States of America in Congress assembled, That the Secretar}^ of Com- 
merce and Labor shall have power to authorize the killing of fur seals 
and the taking of sealskins on the Pribilof Islands, in Alaska, under 
regulations established by him prescribing the manner in which such 
killing shall be done and limitmg the number of seals to be killed, 



'^42 SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

whenever he shall determine that such killing is necessary or desirable 
and not inconsistent with the preservation of the seal herd: Provided, 
however, That under such authority the right of killing fur seals and 
taking sealskins shall be exercised by officers, agents, or emplo}''ees 
of the United States appointed by the Secretary" of Commerce and 
Labor, and by the natives of the Pribilof Islands under the direction 
and supervision of such officers, agents, or employees, and by no 
other person : And provided further, That male seals only shall be 
killed and that not more than ninety-five per centum of three-jear- 
old male seals shall be killed in any one year. 

Sec. 2. That an\" and all sealskins taken under the authority con- 
ferred b}" the preceding section shall be sold by the Secretary of Com- 
merce and Labor in such market, at such times, and in such manner 
as he may deem most advantageous; and the proceeds of such sale 
or sales shall be paid into the Treasury' of the United States : Provided, 
That the directions of this section, relating to the disposition of seal- 
skins and the proceeds thereof, shall be subject to the provisions of 
any treaty hereafter made by the United States for the protection 
of seal life. 

Sec. 3. That whenever seals are killed and sealskins taken on any 
of the Pribilof Islands the native inhabitants of said islands shall 
be employed in such killing and in curing the skins taken, and shall 
receive for their labor fair compensation, to be fixed from time to 
time by the Secretary of Commerce and Labor, who shall have the 
authority to prescribe b}- regulation the manner in which such com- 
pensation shall be paid to the said natives or expended or otherwise 
used in their behalf and for their benefit. 

Sec. 4. That section nineteen hundred and fift} -six of the Kevised 
Statutes of the United States and section one hundred and seventy- 
three of the Act of March third, eighteen hundred and ninety-nine, 
be amended to read as follows : 

"No person shall kill any otter, mink, marten, sable, or fur seal, 
or other fur-bearing animal, within the limits of Alaska Territory 
or in the waters thereof; and every person guilty thereof shall, for 
each oft'ense, be fined not less than two hundred nor more than one 
thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than six months, or both; 
and all vessels, their tackle, apparel, furniture, and cargo found 
engaged in violation of this section shall be forfeited; but the Secre- 
tary of Commerce and Labor shall have power to authorize the killing 
of ajij such mink, marten, sable, fur seal, or other fur-bearing animal 
under such regulations as he may prescribe ; and it shall be the duty 
of the Secretary of Commerce and Labor to prevent the killing of 
any fur seal except as authorized by law and to provide for the execu- 
tion of the provisions of this section until it is otherwdse provided 
by law." 

Sec. 5. That section nineteen hundred and fifty-nine of the Revised 
Statutes of the United vStates and section one hundred and seventy- 
six of the Act of March third, eighteen hundred and ninety-nine, be 
amended to read as follows; 

''The Pribilof Islands, including the islands of Saint Paul and Saint 
George, Walrus and Otter Islands, and Sea Lion Rock, in Alaska, are 
declared a special reservation for Government purposes; and until 
otherwise provided by law it shall be unlawful for any person to land 
or remain on any of those islands, except through stress of weather 



SEAIj islands of ALASKA. 943 

or like unavoidable cause or by the authority of the Secretary of 
Commerce and Labor; and any person found on any of those islands 
contrary to the provisions hereof shall be summarily removed and 
shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by fine not 
€xceeding five hundred dollars or by imprisonment not exceeding six 
months, or by both fine and unprisonment; and it shall be the duty 
of the Secretary of Commerce and Labor to carry this section into 
effect." 

Sec. 6. That section nineteen hundred and sixty of the Revised 
Statutes of the United States and section one hundred and seventy- 
seven of the Act of March third, eighteen hundred and ninety-nine, 
be amended to read as follows: 

"It shall be unla\\'ful to kill any fur seal upon the Pribilof Islands 
or in the waters adjacent thereto, except under the authority of the 
Secretary of Commerce and Labor, and it shall be unla-v\i^ul to kill 
such seals by the use of firearms or by other means tending to drive 
the seals away from those islands ; but the natives of the islands shall 
have the privilege of killing such young seals as may be necessary 
for their own food and clothing, and also such old seals as may be 
required for their own clothing and for the manufacture of boats for 
their own use ; and the killing in such cases shall be limited and con- 
trolled by such regulations as may be prescribed by the Secretary of 
Commerce and Labor." 

Sec. 7. That section nineteen hundred and sixty-one of the Revised 
Statutes of the United States and section one hundred and seventy- 
eight of the Act of ]\larch third, eighteen hundred and ninety-nine, 
be amended to read as follows: 

''It shall be unla^vful to kill any female seal or any seal less than 
one year old at any season of the year, except as above provided; and 
it shall also be unlawful to kill any seal in the waters adjacent to the 
Pribilof Islands, or on the beaches, cliffs, or rocks where they haul up 
from the sea to remain; and every person who violates the provisions 
of this or the preceding section shall be punished for each offense 
b}'" a fine of not less than two Inmdred dollars nor more than one 
thousand dollars or by imprisonment not more than six months, or 
by both such fine and imprisonment; and all vessels, their tackle, 
apparel, and furniture, whose crews are found engaged in the viola- 
tion of either this or the preceding section shall be forfeited to the 
United States." 

Sec. 8. That section one of the Act of December twenty-ninth, 
eighteen hundred and ninety-seven, be amended to read as follows: 

"No citizen of the United States, nor person owing duty of obedi- 
ence to the laws or the treaties of the United States, nor any person 
belonging to or on board of a vessel of the United States, shall kill, 
capture, or hunt, at any time or in any manner whatever, any fur 
seal in the waters of the Pacific Ocean, including Bering Sea and the 
Sea of Okhotsk, whether in the territorial waters of the United States 
or in the open sea." 

Sec. 9. That the Secretary of Commerce and Labor shall have 
authority to appomt such additional officers, agents, and employees 
as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act and the 
laws of the United States relating to the seal fisheries of Alaska, to 
prescribe their duties and to fix their compensation; he shall likewise 
nave authority to purchase from the present lessee of the right to 



944 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

take seals on the islands of Saint Paul and Saint George, at a fair 
valuation to be agreed upon, the warehouses, salt houses, boats, 
launches, lighters, horses, mules, wagons, and other property of the 
said lessee on the islands of Saint Paul and Saint George, including 
the dwelhngs of the natives of said islands; he shall likewise have 
authority to establish and maintain depots far provisions and sup- 
plies on the Pribilof Islands, and to provide for the transportation 
of such provisions and supplies from the mainland of the United 
States to the said islands by the charter of private vessels or by the 
use of public vessels of the United States which may be placed at his 
disposal by the President; and he shall likewise have authority to fur- 
nish food,^ shelter, fuel, clothing, and other necessaries of life to the 
native inhabitants of the Pribilof Islands and to provide for their 
comfort, maintenance, education, and protection. 

Sec. 10. That sections nineteen hundred and sixty-two, nineteen 
hundred and sixty-three, nineteen hundred and sLxty-four, nineteen 
hundred and sixty-five, nineteen hundred and sLxty-six, nineteen 
hundred and sixty-seven, nineteen hundred and sixty-eight, nine- 
teen hundred and sixty-nine, nineteen hundred and seventy, nine- 
teen hundred and seventy-one, and nineteen hundred and seventy- 
two of the Revised Statutes of the United States, and all Acts 
and parts of Acts inconsistent with this Act, are hereby repealed. 
The provisions of this Act shall take effect from and after the first 
day of May, nineteen hundred and ten; and there is hereby appro- 
priated, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, 
the sum of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars for carrying into 
effect the provisions of this Act. 

Approved, April 21, 1910. 



MEMORANDUM IN REPLY TO ELLIOTT's LETTER OF MAY 2, 1910. 

The incident alluded to in the letter mentioned is as follows: 
The senatorial subcommittee, of which Mr. Nelson was chairman, 
visited St. Paul Island on August 3, 1903, after the close of the sealing 
season, at a time when the bachelors' hauling grounds were full of 
female seals. As the committee expressed itself as anxious to see a 
seal killing, a few seals were driven up from the hauling grounds and 
a demonstration given of the methods used in taking seals. The 
body of seals driven up comprised probably 50 per cent of females. 
The arrival of the cutter with the committee and party, numbering 
probably 25 strangers, and tiie fact that the killing was an exhibition, 
had the effect of embarrassing the native workmen. As a result, 
about the first thing the natives did was to club a cow by accident. 
Furthermore, they dragged it directly under the nose of Senator 
Nelson, who after discovering it caused considerable commotion by 
remarks indicating his belief that females were being killed as a regu- 
lar practice. An explanation, outlining the excitement and embar- 
rassment of the natives as the result of being surrounded by a noisy 
crowd of critical strangers, would avail nothing, neither would the 
reminder that this was not a regular killing but one held outside the 
usual season solely for the committee's benefit. Senator Nelson left 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 945 

the islands firmly convinced that the lessee was killing cows contrary 
to law, and he has held that opinion ever since. 

It may be stated that, in appearance, 2-year-old females and 2-year- 
old males are almost exactly similar and it requires an expert to dis- 
tinguish between them. Even the adept native clubbers make a 
mistake now and then. With 10 years of experience, I myself can 
not by any means always determine the sex of these animals while 
they are alive. 

The incident detailed above was reported by Senator Nelson, after 
his return from Alaska, to Mr. Elliott. The latter immediately 
reported it to Mr. F. H. Hitchcock, then chief clerk of the depart- 
ment. I myself reported it to Mr, Hitchcock, not knowing that pre- 
viously he had learned of it from Mr. Elliott. At a conference 
between Mr. Hitchcock, Elliott, and myself in 1903, in discussing 
the incident, Elliott admitted that the mistake of killing a female- 
at tliis time of year was an unavoidable one, and that it did not in 
any way reflect upon the management of the islands. The matter- 
so far as the department was concerned was closed then. 

As a matter of fact, a few females have been killed inadvertently 
each year since 1870. This is due to the intermixture of males and 
females on the hauling grounds after July 20, and the impossibihty 
of distinguishing between the sexes in every instance. Last year 
four females were found among the seals killed and the fact reported to 
the department by Mr. Geo. Clark, whose attention was called to 
it by myself. If Elliott says he can avoid this occasional killing of a 
cow at the end of the season without absolutely stopping the killing 
after July 20, he tells a deliberate lie. 

W. I. Lembkey. 



[Cleveland (Ohio) Leader, May 2, 1910.] 
SEALING MAY BE STOPPED — CONCESSION ON ALASKAN ISLANDS EXPIRES. 

Washington, Ifay i. 
Conservation of the Alaskan seal herds is a matter to which Secre- 
tary Nagel, of the Department of Commerce and Labor, is giving close 
attention. Congress has given the Secretary discretionary authority, 
and it will rest with him whether a certain number of the animals are 
to be slaughtered yearly or whether he will stop sealing altogether for 
a time. The lease of the North American Commercial Co. which, for 
20 years, has enjoyed the exclusive privilege of taking the seals, 
expired yesterday. 

240i-H. Doc. 93, 62-1 60 



9.46 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

MEMORANDUM FOR HON. CHARLES NAGEL, SECRETARY COMMERCE AND 
LABOR, IN RE CONDUCT OF AFFAIRS ON THE SEAL ISLANDS OF 
ALASKA THE DEADLY PARALLEL. 

Lakewood, Ohio, May 2, 1910. 

United States Senator Nelson — ■ Congressman Sereno E. Payne — 
March 17, 1910. In the Senate: April 18, 1910. fn the House: 
Debate on Dixon seal hill. Debate on Dixon seal bill. 

"* * * Among other places ''* * * The seals taken by 

we visited was the Pribilof Islands the Commercial Co. are all bull 

and while we were there we ex- seals, 3 years of age. Thev are 

amined the seal herds, and we saw permitted to take 90 per' cent 

some of the killing, and before our of these seals from the islands, 

eyes we saw seals killed contrary * * * g^t ^^ is desirable that 

to the provisions of the lease, the same system of taking these 

We became convinced of the fact seals should go on, because it is 

that unless killing on those islands no detriment to the herds to 

was absolutely suspended at once take them. * * *" 
the herd would, in a very few 
years, be totally exterminated. 

Who is telling the truth? Senator Nelson is. Sereno Payne has 
been "stuffed" and does not know any better, perhaps; but Senator 
Nelson and his associates, Senators Dillingham, Burnham, and Pat- 
terson, caught the agents of the Government and the lessees, August 
4, 1903, in the act of killing female fur seals. Not only did they catch 
those men on this ground itself, with the fresh-skinned carcasses, 
under their eyes, but they made those men admit this act of illegal 
killing. A full detailed account of this detection of that unlawful 
killing by those Senators, as above cited, is filed in the Department 
of State, by the order of John Hay, under date of January 21, 1904. 

That record of the conduct of affairs on the seal islands of Alaska 
during the last 20 years should be audited now by new men competent 
to do so and who have had no association whatever with the lessees 
thereof past or present. 

Henry W. Elliott. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
Washington, May 6, 1910. 

memorandum in re necessity for agent Chichester's remaining 
on the coast until second trip of steamer. 

Only a portion of the supplies required for the islands can be 
purchased and taken up on the steamer's first trip. This results 
from the facts (a) that the ship will not carry all the required cargo 
on one trip and (&) that it is not possible to forecast all the supplies 
necessary to be purchased until the islands have been communicated 
with this spring. 

The vegetables required for the islands (fruits, potatoes, etc.) can 
not be obtained on the market until too late for the first sailing. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 947 

Other numerous articles, found to be necessary after a winter's 
stay on the islands, must be ordered, purchased, and delivered 
between the arrival of the ship from her first trip and her second 
saihng. Heretofore this has occupied the time and attention exclu- 
sively of several employees of the lessee. 

Furthermore, it probably will transpire that some of the pro- 
spective employees now on the islands will refuse to remain another 
winter, and it will be imperative that some one who understands 
the situation be present in San Francisco to arrange for the employ- 
ment of other persons to fill the vacated places. To my mind, 
Mr. Chichester is the person best fitted for this work, and I recom- 
mend that it be assigned to him. 

The only objection to this arrangement is the fact that if the 
rookeries are to be photographed this year Mr. Chichester's presence 
will be required on St. George from July 15 to August 1 on the 
work of making the photographs. While it would be desirable to 
have this photographino; done, the fact remains that the work of 
reorganization of the island business undoubtedly will require the 
energies of all on the islands, especially when contemporaneous with 
taking sealskins. It would seem to me that this year the pho- 
tographing of the islands is of mmor consideration as contrasted 
with the more practical duties, and might be deferred for a year if 
impossible of accomplishment without conflict with the urgent work. 

W. I. Lembkey. 

Approved. 
B. W. E. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
Washington, May 9, 1910. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 
Sir: You are directed to proceed to San Francisco, Cal., and after 
performing such duties there and elsewhere on the Pacific coast as 
nave been assigned to you in the detailed instructions furnished you 
under separate cover you will proceed thence to the Pribilof Islands. 
Travel should be by the most direct routes. Your actual necessary 
expenses of travel and subsistence while engaged in this work will be 
refunded to you on presentation of proper vouchers. Hotel expenses 
should not exceed $5 per diem. 

Respectfully, Geo. M. Bowers, 

Commissioner. 
Approved. 

, Secretary. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
Washington, May 9, 1910. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 
1. Order to proceed to islands. — You are directed to leave Washing- 
ton at a date to be determined hereafter and to proceed to the Pacific 
coast. There, after consultation with the North American Commer- 



948 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

cial Co. with a view of ascertaining the quantity and quahty of sup- 
plies required on tlie Pribilof Islands for the natives and others, you 
will purchase such merchandise at a reasonable price. You will also 
make the necessary arrangements for chartering a suitable vessel to 
transport such supplies to the islands, but before entering into any 
definite contract, wire the proposed terms to this office and await 
specific approval of the same. The time of sailing of this vessel and 
her general movements are left to your discretion, bat it is believed 
that she can perform her work at the islands and return with the SjBal- 
skins by September 1. 

Assistant Agent Chichester will remain in the States until the second 
trip of the vessel to the islands in order that he may supervise the 
purchase of supplies that will be required to be transported on that 
trip, and also to attend to such other duties as may arise in connection 
with the island work, which at this date can not be foreseen. 

2. Assignment of agents. — You will make such assignment of the 
assistant agents and other employees for the season's work as in your 
judgment seems best, notifying the department of your action here- 
under. 

At the close of the sealing season you will return to Washington 
and report for duty at the department. Agent Chichester will report 
for duty on the islands in the fall. Later instructions will be sent 
you regarding the other assistant agents. 

3. Change of laws relating to seal islands. — You are informed that 
the act approved April 21, 1910, repeals that portion of the previous 
law which required the Secretary of Commerce and Labor to lease 
the riglit to kill seals on the islands. The act mentioned authorizes 
such killing to be done by agents, officers, and employees of the 
United States appointed by the Secretary of Commerce and Labor. 
Copies of said act are herewith transmitted and it will be your duty 
and that of the assistant agents and other officers and employees of 
the department to see that its provisions are strictly enforced. 

5. Agent in charge to have swpervision. — As agent in charge you 
will have general supervision over the killing of seals and foxes, the 
affairs of the natives, and all other interests of the Government on 
the islands. You should indicate to the assistant agents and others 
the nature of their duties and secure as far as possible good adminis- 
tration of the laws and regulations pertaining to the islands. Should 
a difference of opinion arise at any time between yourself and any 
of the assistant agents, employees, etc., in respect to a matter of 
administration on the islands, your decision must govern. If desired, 
however, you should request the agent or employee to state his views 
in writing upon the question under discussion, which you should 
submit to the department with a statement of your action and views 
thereon. 

6. Quota. — No specified quota of male seals to be killed for their 
skins will be fixed. The number killed, however, should not be fewer 
than the normal yield of the herd after exempting from slaughter a 
safe margin to insure a supply of males for breeding purposes. 

You are instructed, therefore, to cause the hauling grounds on 
both islands to be driven regularly, but not too often, until July 31, 
and to direct the killing of such male seals as may be found thereon 
having skins within the weights hereafter mentioned, excepting 
those reserved as breeders. Such skins as are secured by the methods 



SEAX, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 949 

outlined should be salted, bundled, and prepared for sliipment at 
the usual time, namely, about August 15. Care should be taken to 
exempt from slaughter all 4-year-old males and all females. 

7. Reservation of young males. — To insure the escape from the 
Idlling fields of enough young male seals to supply the required 
number of breeding adults in future, you are instructed to release 
five hundred 3-year-old males in the proportion of 400 on St. Paul and 
100 on St. George. The seals thus released are to be marked in such 
manner as will make them readily recognizable throughout the season, 
and under no circumstances are they to be killed. 

The reservation of 2-year-olds for breeders is considered unnecessary 
for the reason that, with supervision of driving in the hands of 
Government representatives, the driving will not be too close and 
that consequently enough 2-year-olds will escape the drives altogether 
to provide a sufficient number of 3-year-olds the following year. 
These will be in addition to those 2-year-olds escaping from the killing 
fields and having skins weigliing 5 pounds and under. 

The seals reserved for marking are to be of the best examples in 
the herd. No seal patently undersize or having any deformity 
should be included in the number so reserved. Wherever possible 
experiments in selective breeding should be undertaken by reserving 
for breeders only those giving evidence of the highest physical 
attributes. 

8. Event of international agreement. —The foregoing instructions 
respecting kiUing of seals and reservation of bachelors are predicated 
upon the assumption that no international agreement will be reached 
this summer putting a stop to pelagic sealing. In the event that 
such an arrangement should be reached before the end of the current 
season, doubtless you will receive additional instructions with a 
view of regulating the killing in accordance with any special arrange- 
ments made with foreign Governments interested. 

9. Sizes of Tdllable seals. — No seals shall be killed having skins 
weigliing less than 5 pounds nor more than 8^ pounds. All skins 
taken should be weighed carefully and the weights, or a summary 
thereof, reported to the department. Wliile it is understood that 
an occasional accident or error of judgment will result in the killing 
of a seal having a skin outside the weights mentioned, yet the greatest 
care should be exercised not to kill seals other than those specified as 
ehgible. 

10. KiUing season.- — The killing season should begin as soon as 
seals haul in numbers sufficient to justify driving, but should cease on 
July 31 because of the approach of the "stagey" season and of the 
presence of adult and yearling seals in the drives. You should use 
your judgment as to whether drives be made less frequently at the 
close of the season to obviate the possibihty of young females being 
killed by accident due to the difficulty in distinguishing them from 
bachelors. The kilfing of pups for food for the natives, or for any 
other purpose, is not to be permitted. 

11. Seals for food. — Drivmg for natives' food should not begin 
before October 20, and care should he exercised at that date that the 
skins of seals killed be not ''stagey" to a degree that would impair 
the commercial value of the skin. Drives for food should be made not 
oftener than the needs of the natives in that respect require. Drives 
for food on rookeries remote from the villages should not be made 



950 SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

unless the carcasses actually are necessary for natives' food or for food 
for foxes, or for some other sound reason, and in any event care should 
be taken to preserve for future use the carcasses of such seals as are 
not immediately disposed of. The number of seals to be killed for 
natives' food for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 1910, should not 
exceed 1,700 on St. Paul and 500 on St. George. No female seal, or 
seal having a skin weighing under 5 pounds or more than 7 pounds, 
shall be killed during the so-called "food-killing season." Care shall 
be taken that no reserved or marked bachelors be killed in the drives 
for food or at any other time. 

12. Driving. — The methods of conducting drives for skins hereto- 
fore practiced should be followed. The time, place, and manner of 
conducting drives should be fixed by you or by an assistant agent 
assigned by you to that duty. A representative of the Government 
should be present on the killing ground in each instance to super- 
intend the killing. 

13. Killing grounds. — As heretofore, yon should establish on each 
of the islands killing grounds that can be reached by the shortest pos- 
sible drive; provided, however, that such killing grounds must be at 
places sufficiently distant from the rookeries to prevent annoyance 
from the decaying carcasses. 

14. Counting sJcins. — AH the sealskins should be carefully counted 
into the salt houses in the presence of representatives of the depart- 
ment and of the native community, and a receipt in duplicate in the 
following form should be prepared and signed by each of said repre- 
sentatives: 

St. Island, 

, 191 . 

We certify that there have been placed in salt in the salt house in our presence 
sealskins. 



For Department of Commerce and Labor. 



For Native Community. 

15. Receipts for sealsMns salted. — The originals of the receipts pre- 
pared in accordance with the preceding paragraph should be retained 
by the representative of the department for the files of the island, 
while the duplicates should be transmitted by you to the department. 
At the close of the season when the sealskins are counted again and 
shipped on board the steamer, the usual annual receipts should be 
signed by the captain of the steamer and the representative of the 
department. 

16. Trading in sMns. — Attention is called to the fact that section 2 
of the act approved April 21, 1910, entitled ''An act to protect the 
seal fisheries of Alaska and for other purposes," provides that "any 
and all sealskins taken under the authority conferred by the preceding 
section shall be sold by the Secretary of Commerce and Labor in such 
market, at such times and in such manner as he may deem most 
advantageous." Care should be taken to prevent the disposal of 
skins of seals or of foxes by the natives or others to any person or 
persons except in the manner prescribed by these or other regulations. 
All trading in sealskins by the natives is to be strictly prohibited, nor 
shall the natives be permitted to do any trading in fox skins. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 951 

17. Measures to prevent shipment of sTcins by natives. — To avoid the 
possibility of seal or fox skins being surreptitiously shipped from the 
islands, you are directed to continue the practice of examining all 
goods to be shipped by the natives, including baggage and personal 
effects, and where barrels, casks, boxes, or other receptacles are used, 
they should be closed under your supervision, after an examination of 
the contents, before being placed in the warehouse. Any skins found 
concealed in packages to be shipped by the natives should be seized 
and held, subject to instructions from the department. 

18. Census of seal herd. — Because of the great activity of the pelagic 
sealers about the islands, it is believed unwise to disturb unnecessarily 
the breeding seals, thereby driving them into the water. For this 
reason counting of the rookeries should be discontinued except that 
necessary to make the annual enumeration of harems and breeding 
bulls about July 15. If you deem it advisable, the pups on Kitovi 
rookery on St. Pa,ul, and North rookery on St. George, may be counted 
on or about July 31, to determine the size of the average harem thereon. 
At the close of the season and after the departure of the pelagic sealing 
fleets, an enumeration of dead pups should be made and such informa- 
tion reported regarding the cause of death as can be obtained. 

Should pelagic sealing be abolished by international agreement it 
is desirable to have made a thorough and exact census of all the seals 
of whatever class on each island, and definite directions to that end 
will be prepared in due time. 

19. Care of the natives. — The care and welfare of the natives should 
receive your close attention and, in fact, that of all the Government 
agents and employees on the islands. It shall be your duty to see 
that the natives are supplied, so far as funds will permit, with the 
necessaries of lifeto an amount sufficient to maintain them in comfort, 
due regard being paid to economy and thrift. 

20. Compensation to natives. — The compensation to be paid to the 
natives for killing, salting, curing, bundling, and loadmg the seal- 
skins on board the steamer at the close of the season will be $1 for 
each skin taken and shipped. The money thus earned is to consti- 
tute a community fund for distribution among the natives according 
to their respective classes. At the close of the seahng season, after 
a conference with native chiefs, you will make such division of the 
fund among the natives, according to their classification, as is deemed 
fair and just, and submit a report of such di\dsion, showing the 
amount apportioned to each native partici])ating in the fund. 

21. Payment of natives' earnings. — It is the purpose of the depart- 
ment to arrange for the payment in cash of such sums as the natives 
may earn from time to time in miscellaneous labor which may not 
properly be classed as community work. The funds earned from 
taking seal and fox skins are to be disbursed on orders as heretofore. 
The payment to the natives of money from the appropriation which 
Congress has made for their maintenance is forbidden. The labor for 
which they will be compensated hereunder should be such only as 
they may not properly be requested to perform as a community in 
return for the appropriation made for their support. 

22. Support of natives. — It is expected that Congress will appro- 
priate the sum of $19,500 "to enable the Secretary of Commerce and 
Labor to furnish food, fuel, and clothing, and other necessaries of life 
to the native nihabitaiits on the islands of St. Paul and St. George, 



952 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Alaska/' during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1911, and the same 
care and economy should be exercised in the expenditure of this 
appropriation as heretofore. Articles of necessity only should be 
issued. No expensive dress goods, boots, or other similar articles of 
luxury are to be provided. 

Each of the natives should be restricted to one pair of dress shoes 
each year. Ginghams, calicoes, muslins, and other similar inex- 
pensive materials for wearing apparel may be issued in reasonable 
quantities. 

The supply of fuel for the use of the natives is paid for from this 
appropriation and the cost of such fuel should not be overlooked in 
determining how much of the appropriation is to be available for other 

Eurposes. In the distribution of supplies no distinction is to be made 
etween persons without means and those having small savings from 
previous years. Widows and orphans should be supported from the 
appropriation provided by Congress. 

You will continue the plan already adopted of issuing orders for 
such supplies as are required by the native inhabitants. At the end 
of the season, as heretofore, you will submit to the department the 
originals or copies of the orders issued. 

In issues of supplies to the natives payable from their sealing and 
foxing divisions an advance over wholesale cost price of 33 J per cent 
should be charged. After the natives' earnings have been expended 
for supplies, such further articles as are necessary for their support 
should be charged against the merchandise account at the same price. 
Vouchers should be taken in every instance wherever goods are issued 
or cash paid for labor, and these vouchers should be transmitted to the 
department at the close of the fiscal year with an account showing 
fully the transactions involved. Payments of cash for miscellaneous 
labor should be on periodical pay rolls, which should be preserved as 
vouchers. A double-entry system of bookkeeping with the necessary 
auxiliary records, such as cashbooks, etc., should be kept. A 
monthly trial balance should be taken and a duplicate made for 
transmission to the department. 

23. Coal supphj. — The amount of coal wliich will be required on the 
islands during the coming year will be as follows: 

St. Paul: Tons. 

Government house 15 

Natives' use 250 

Other buildings 50 

St. George: 

Government house 15 

Natives' use 115 

Other buildings 45 

Total 490 

Of this amount the North American Commercial Co. has probably 
80 tons on hand on St. Paul and 25 tons on St. George. You should 
therefore arrange for the purchase on the coast of the following 
amounts of coal: 

Tons. 

St. Paul 235 

St. George 150 

Total 385 



SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 953 

TMs coal should be of good quality and sacked. You should 
make inquiries of the various dealers and purchase the coal at the 
lowest price for the quahty desired. 

24. Dwellings of the natives. — -It is the purpose of the department 
to acquire title to the native dwellings on the islands. In tliis event 
it shall be your duty to see that the natives keep them in proper 
repair so far as they can with the means at their disposal. Efforts 
should be made to obtain better sanitary conditions m these dwell- 
ings, and where more people are domiciled in one house than are con- 
sidered a proper number, you should report that fact, and a plan 
designed to alleviate the condition. 

25. Schools for the natives. — As heretofore, the schools shall be 
maintained from September 1 to May 1, and to be open five days in 
each week, the school hours to be from 9 o'clock a. m. to 3 o'clock 
p. m., with an hour recess at noon and 15 minutes recess in the fore- 
noon. None but the English language shall be taught in the schools. 
The question of holidays will be left to your discretion. 

26. Widows, orphans, aged and infirm. — The widows, orphans, aged 
and infirm inhabitants of the Pribilof Islands hereafter will be sup- 
ported by the Government instead of by the lessee as heretofore, and 
they should be furnished with the necessaries of life in the same pro- 
portions as the others. As these widows and orphans do not par- 
ticipate in the division of natives' earnings, orders for their support 
should be drawn upon the Government appropriation. In issuing 
supplies no distinction should be made between those who are penni- 
less and those having small sums saved from previous years. 

27. BanJc accounts of natives. — 1 he Nortli American Commercial 
Co., the former lessee of the sealing rights, now holds on deposit cer- 
tain funds belonging to individual natives, upon which it has paid 
interest at the rate of 4 per cent per annum. The balance on these 
accounts, if they are small, should be paid by the company directly 
to the natives; if, however, the native desires, they sh.ouid be held by 
the company and deposited in a safe financial institution in San 
Francisco by yourself as attorney in fact for the benefit of the 
natives owning the accounts, tlie interest on which to be collected 
annually by you and paid directly to the respective natives. The 
latter should be the method used in the case of minors having bal- 
ances over a few dollars, provided, of course, the consent of their 
guardian or next of kin can be obtained. If an adult native refuse 
to sanction a redeposit of his own funds, the money should be paid 
to him in cash, but he s.hould be advised strongly to agree to this 
arrangement. 

28. Natives to render service. — In consideration of the support 
gratuitously afforded the natives by the Government, you are directed 
to utilize their services in repairing roads, guarding rookeries, moving 
of supphes, and performing such other duties as may seem desirable. 
Work on Government property, not to be classed as community 
work, should be paid for in cash at rates similar to those paid by the 
late lessee for the same purpose. It is intended by the department 
to have cash taken to the islands for this purpose. 

29. Election of native chiefs. — The natives should be allowed to select 
their own chiefs without interference, unless persons are chosen for 
those positions who are manifestly unfit. In the latter case, it will 
be your duty to interpose in the interest of good government and 



954 SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

require the selection of proper persons, but such action should be 
taken only in extreme cases. 

30. Sale of intoxicants prohibited. — The law prohibits the sale of 
liquor to the native inhabitants of Alaska. It will be your duty to 
see that liquor is not sold to the natives of the Pribilof Islands from 
vessels touching there, or by anyone, and in case liquors are so 
sold, you should use every effort to have the person selling such 
liquor apprehended and punished. Liquors should not be furnished 
on the islands to the natives except for medicinal purposes. 

31. Manufacture of intoxicants. — The brewing or distilling on the 
islands of intoxicating beverages is prohibited. In the enforcement 
of this provision you are authorized to discontinue the issue of sugar 
or other articles entering into the manufacture of intoxicants to any 
person who violates this order or who is found to be intoxicated. 
Should intoxication become so general among the people as to inter- 
fere with good government and jeopardize the peace, you are author- 
ized to discontinue altogether the issue of sugar and other articles 
entering into the m.anufacture of intoxicants, for such length of time 
as may appear wise. 

32. Removal for cause. — Should natives or other persons become 
so unruly or immoral in conduct as to endanger the peace and good 
government of the people, they should be removed from the islands, 
and the Revenue-Cutter Service will be instructed to render sucli 
assistance as may be necessary for that purpose. 

33. Landing on the islands restricted. — No persons other than Gov- 
ernment officers, such representatives and employees of the North 
American Commercial Co. as are necessary to close that company's 
business, and accredited representatives of the Russian Church shall 
be allowed to land on the islands except by written authority from the 
department. The permission granted representatives of the Russian 
Church to visit the islands may be suspended, however, when its exer- 
cise is attempted by an improper person. Visitors to the islands 
should not be permitted to inspect the rookeries, except under your 
supervision. 

34. Killing of sea lions to he limited. — The preservation of the sea- 
lion rookeries on the islands is highly important. The killing of these 
animals should be limited to such numbers as are absolutely necessarv 
in providing for the construction of bidarras or skin boats. Sea-lion 
pups should not be killed for any purpose. 

35. Information regarding affairs of islands. — Information regard- 
ing the seals, or any other matter pertaining to the seal islands, is 
not to be given out by you or by any other person or persons on the 
islands. All applications for such information should be referred to the 
department. 

36. Guarding the roolieries. — Arms and ammunition have been 
placed upon the islands by the Government for the purpose of pro- 
tecting the seals, and especially the breeding rookeries, from marauders 
who rtiay seek to land upon the islands and kill the seals. It will be 
the duty of yourself and the assistant agents to enforce as far as prac- 
ticable the laws for the protection of the rookeries and the prohibition 
against unauthorized persons landing upon the islands. To this end 
native guards should be maintained upon such isolated rookeries as 
are in danger of raids, and the native men should be drilled and other- 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 955 

wise instructed in the use of rifles furnished for the protection of Gov- 
ernment property. 

37. Mess. — It is the purpose of the department to provide a mess 
on the ishxnds at which all of the nonstatutory Government employees 
of the islands should be furnished meals free of charge. A cook on 
each island should be provided for tliis purpose and enough supplies 
furnished to enable this mess to be maintained. You should give 
such instructions and make such arrangements as are necessary for 
carrying into effect the provisions of this paragraph, bearing in mind 
that the strictest economy and care should be exercised in main- 
taining this mess. 

38. Foxes. — The trapping of foxes on St. George Island should be 
continued. The methods heretofore used should be employed. 
Seal meat should be preserved for fox food as liitherto. It is believed 
that if a sufficient number of barrels are furnished, seal meat from 
St. Paul can be packed therein and transported to St. George in suffi- 
cient quantity to provide food for the foxes during the winter. If 
not, you will make arrangements, if possible, for the provision of other 
suitable fox food. 

On St. Paul the trapping of foxes will be left to your discretion. 

39. Conclusion. — Should questions arise involving matters not 
covered by these instructions, it will be your duty to report the facts 
to the department and to await instructions, except in cases requir- 
ing immediate decision, when you mil take sucn action as sound 
judgment dictates. 

The instructions embodied in this letter are to remain in force 
until they are superseded by later ones; and in the event of your fail- 
ure to receive revised instructions for a subsequent season the direc- 
tions herein given are to be followed for such season so far as they are 
applicable. 

Three additional copies of this letter are inclosed herewith, and 
you are directed to furnish one of these copies to each of the assistant 
agents for their information and guidance. 
Respectfully, 

Geo. M. Bowers, Commissioner. 
Approved. 

, Secretary. 



May 19, 1910. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Care North American Commercial Co., 

Mills Building, San Francisco, Cal. 
Sir: There is inclosed herewith a letter from Mr. Ravenel, admin- 
istrative assistant, United States National Museum, which explains 
itself. I inclose also a Government bill of lading for your use in 
shipping the skeleton of the killer whale from San Francisco to the 
National Museum. 

Respectfully, Geo. M. Bowers, 

Commissioner. 



956 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

San Francisco, Cal., May 26, 1910. 

The Commissioner of Fisheries, 

Washington, D. C. 

Sir: I have the honor to report that I have reached an agreement 
with the agents of the steamer Homer, in accordance with the terms 
detailed in my recent telegrams, and will mail the charter to-morrow 
to you for approval at the department. 

The vessel is now on dry dock and will be delivered for use under 
the charter June 1. After coaling her bunkers, she will proceed to 
the dock selected for her and loading will begin. It is not probable 
that she will sail for the Pribilof Islands much before June 1 1 , although 
the work of dispatching her will proceed with all due haste. 

In regard to the purchase of supplies, I realized at once upon arrival 
that the best prices on goods required could not be obtained without 
competitive bids. I therefore, with the assistance of the North 
American Commercial Co., from whom I obtained lists of the articles 
rec[uired, drew up schedules of the principal merchandise and sub- 
mitted each list to three of the largest mercantile firms in the several 
lines of business, asking each to submit bids in writing. This has 
occupied my time until this evening, as the result of which I will be 
able to save about $300 on groceries, $150 on coal, about $5 on each 
barrel of salt beef, with the remaining bids not yet in. Small articles 
of miscellaneous classification I shall be obliged to purchase in the 
open market, but the amount of the latter will be small. In addition, 
I inspected the quality of goods bid on, and rejected some bids in 
cases where the price was low but the quality unsatisfactory. 

To solicit these bids it was necessary that I should visit each firm 
in person to make the necessary explanations regarding my status, 
nature of articles required, terms of payment, etc. To do this, it was 
necessary to cover the entire city from North Beach to Alameda. 
After one day's attempt to use the ordinary means of conveyance in 
addition to walking, I found that I could not do the work necessary 
in a month because of the time wasted in reaching the business 
houses. Accordingly, I hired this morning a horse and buggy, with 
which I have been able to do four times the work and to finish the 
day without being completely worn out. I shall be obliged to use 
this conveyance in purchasing supplies, which requires my visiting 
each business house and inspecting the goods bought. I have hired 
this team on my own responsibility, as the necessity is imperative, 
but respectfully request that I be given authority for the hiring of 
such conveyance when necessary at a price not to exceed $2.50 per 
diem. 

Being unacquainted with the location of the business houses in 
this city, I have been accompanied by Mr. James McMullin, of the 
North American Commercial Co., who not only has shown me how to 
get about the city, but has given me the benefit of his experience of 
20 years as a purchasing agent. The department is greatly indebted 
to him for liis disinterested and kindly assistance. The clerical work 
involved in getting the ship off will be heavy, but I believe that I 
will be able to do it nights. 

I have already had a conference with the company in regard to the 
transfer to the Government of its property on the islands. No pro- 
visional agreement yet has been reached. On their buildings I 



I 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 957 

offered 50 per cent of their inventory value on their buildings, tools, 
household furniture, drugs, 25 per cent on their telephone and library, 
about 66 per cent on boats, and reductions on other articles. I 
offered to take their remaining merchandise at wholesale San Fran- 
cisco price, and to take their coal at what it would cost us to lay it 
down on the islands. Should an understanding be reached, I will 
submit lists at once. 

Redpath will go with me to tlie islands. I have offered to haul the 
company's skins and any merchandise it desires to bring away from 
the islands at prevaihng shipping rates. I have had an application 
from the Alaska Commercial Co. to take six or eight head of beef cat- 
tle to their station at Unalaska, but have held the matter in abeyance 
until I can discover the value of such transportation and whether it 
would in any way effect delay in the movement of the ship. I am 
not certain whether I have authority to haul miscellaneous cargo for 
outside sliippers. 

In general, matters have progressed satisfactorily, and I hope to 
have the ship off without delay or complication. With a little assist- 
ance I hope to be able to secure a satisfactory berth at a dock requiring 
only a short haul on merchandise. 

I shall communicate in writing at every opportunity. 
Respectfully, 

W. I. Lembkey, 
Agent Seal Fisheries, Room 218, Mills Building. 



San Francisco, Cal., May 26, 1910. 
The Commissioner of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 

Sir: Regarding the purchase of supplies, the appropriation of 
$19,500 for natives' support, 1911, will not be available until July 1, 
proximo. Until then, the appropriation of $150,000 will have to be 
used for the purchase of natives' supplies, to be reimbursed by trans- 
fer warrant from the natives' appropriation, after the latter becomes 
of use on July 1 . 

Prices obtained from merchants are predicated on 20 days' pay- 
ment, approximately. Pajrment can not be delayed until July 1, or 
after, without receding from promises made to them, based on the 
statement of Mr. Soleau that checks can be returned in 20 days after 
mailing of accounts here. 
Respectfully, 

W. I. Lembkey, Agent Seal Fisheries. 



[Copy of telegram.] 

San Francisco, Cal., May 27, 1910. 
Bowers, Commissioner Fisheries, Washington, D. C: 

Customs authorities here rec[uire full manifest Homer, also permit 
to ship liquors, arms, ammunition in addition. Delay requirement 
necessitates services customs broker, fee $25. Please have Treasury 
instruct collector customs treat Homer as Government vessel, waiv- 
ing usual formalities required merchant shipping. Charter mailed 
to-morrow approval. Probably sail June 11. 

Lembb:ey. 



958 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



June 2, 1910. 
W. I. Lembkey, 

218 Mills Building, San Francisco, Cal.: 
May 27 Acting Secretary Cable telegraphed collector customs San 
Francisco to waive requirements of manifest. Treat Homer as Gov- 
ernment vessel. Permit liquor, arms, and ammunition. This tele- 
gram confirmed by letter May 28. 

Bowers. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, June 1, 1910. 
Mr. Walter R. Lembkey, 

218 Mills Building, San Francisco, Cal. 
Sir: Referring to your telegram of May 28, inclosed herewith are 
a copy of a telegram and letter addressed to the collector of customs, 
San Francisco, Cal. 

Respectfully, Geo. M. Bowers, Commissioner. 



San Francisco, Cal., May 29, 1910. 

The Commissioner of Fisheries, 

Washington, D. C. 

Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith a schedule of the move- 
ments of the steamer Homer in her two trips to the Pribilof Islands 
during the ensuing summer. This schedule is made on the assump- 
tion that the vessel will not be delayed because of stress of weather, 
so that should she be later in returning than the dates specified in 
the inclosed list no anxiety need be felt. 
Respectfully, 

W. I. TjEmbkey, Agent Seal Fisheries. 



Schedule Steamer "Homek." — Season 1910. 



FIRST VOYAGE. 



Leave San Francisco June 11 

Arrive Dutch Harbor Jun 23 

Leave Dutch Harbor June 25 

Arrive St. George June 26 

Leave St. George June 27 

Arrive St. Paul June 28 

Leave St. Paul July 1 

Arrive Dutch Harbor July 3 



Leave Dutch Harbor (coal) ..... July 8 

Arrive St. George (coal) '. . July 9 

Leave St. George (coal) July 12 

Arrive St. Paul (coal) July 13 

Leave St. Paul(coal) July 14 

Arrive Dutch Harbor (coal) July 15 

Leave Dutch Harbor July 17 

Arrive San Francisco July 28 



SECOND VOYAGE. 



Leave San Francisco Aug. 6 

Arrive Dutch Harbor Aug. 18 

Leave Dutch Harbor Aug. 19 

Arrive St. George Aug. 20 

Leave St. George Aug. 22 



Arrive St. Paul Aug. 22 

Leave St. Paul Aug. 25 

Arrive Dutch Harbor Aug. 27 

Leave Dutch Harbor Aug. 29 

Arrive San Francisco Sept. 9 



No allowance is made in the above schedule for bad weather or other 
causes of delay. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 959 

[Personal- -Confidential.] 

San Francisco, Cal., May 29, 1910. 

My Dear Mr. Bowers : I have had a busy week. As you know, 
the steamer has been chartered provisionally, and the charter is on 
its way to you for approval. The ship will be delivered to me on 
June 1 , and will then go to the bunkers to receive her coal, and then 
to the dock to take on the merchandise. I was not successful in 
getting the dock I wanted m the center of the shipping district, but 
it was only because the dock desired had been promised far in advance, 
and considerable influence is brought to bear m such matters. I wUl 
get another good one, but somewhat farther up. The Republican 
State chairman and a prominent local politician were among the 
lowest bidders on my list, and their good offices were available in the 
matter of the dock. 

I am glad I was able to secure competitive bids on nearly all the 
merchandise, as not only did it give the department the benefit of the 
best prices and the best goods, but it disarmed any criticism as to 
the management of the question of purchasing. On some articles I 
got a much better price than the company did last year, and in all 
thmgs I got as good as they got or could get. These prices will hold 
in respect to the purchase of goods for the second trip of the steamer, 
unless the market takes a bad turn. 

I feel very grateful to the company for their advice and actual 
assistance in the matter of the merchandise. I would not have been 
able to get about to visit the various business houses, as I am unac- 
quainted as yet with the city streets, which are not marked, but I 
was given the assistance of Mr. McMullin, of the company, who went 
at it just as if he were working for Taylor. With Redpath to advise 
me about the ship, and McMullin to get me about the city, I will 
make a go of it in a manner that will be creditable to the bureau and 
to the department. When I get to the islands I will be at home and 
can shift for myself. 

I can make no return personally for the courtesies offered by the 
company, and of course they expect none. But I would like to haul 
any merchandise they may wish to take to or bring from the islands 
free of cost, and to give transportation to their employees returning 
to or coming from the islands, upon payment by the company of only 
the actual cost to the Government, namely, for their meals on the 
steamer. 

I mentioned the fact that I had a conference with the company 
regarding the transfer of their property on the islands. Since then, 
Mr. Taylor has agreed to the terms suggested by me and the matter 
will go to the department substantially in the manner already outlined. 
The merchandise and movable property on the islands can be taken 
over only on appraisement and inventory, so that the question can 
not be closed up until the fall, when I shall have reported the amount 
of goods on the islands. I consider the offer I made fair to both sides, 
although it is only provisional and subject to final revision by the 
department. 

The steamer will get away from here about June 11, and will 
arrive back on her first trip about July 28. On her second voyage 
she will leave Frisco about August 6, and arrive back at San Fran- 
cisco about September 9, ^vith the skins. Unless arrangements are 



960 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

made beforehand for the receipt and disposal of the skins, I will place 
them at once in cold storage here awaiting instructions. 

I have purchased some goods, but will be busy during the entire 
coming week at that task. Afterwards, I will have to visit each 
firm to deliver to them the vouchers for the goods, which I will make 
out in order that they will be in proper form. I trust that these 
accounts will be expedited upon their receipt at the department, as 
the merchants have figured close on the goods and will want their 
money. 

I have had application from three natives of Unalaska and vicinity 
who are here without funds, one of whom is Miss Wagner, whom you 
may remember. She will be accompanied by a chaperone named 
Mrs. "Morjovi" Brown. I told them they might go provided they 
pay the ship for their meals. I do not believe the department wishes 
to charge these natives for their transportation, and it would be 
almost cruelty to deny them passage when the ship can haul 50 pas- 
sengers. 

Wlien Chichester comes here in the summer, it will be well to 
explain to him that it will next to impossible for him to go about 
and purchase supplies without the aid of the company, and that he 
should take advantage of their advice in such matters. Next year 
this purchasing wUl have to be begun two months before the sailing 
of the steamer, so that proper time may be given for attention to all 
details without this deadly haste. 

In all matters I am acting, as I believe, for the best interests of the 
department and am sparing neither thought nor effort to get the 
best results. I feel that I have your confidence and support, and 
furthermore, I am doing the best I can for the Secretary who stands 
up for his men. I have had but one bribe offered to me, and in that 
case a reputable merchant, who bid on certain goods and who has 
been doing considerable business with the Government, offered me a 
15 per cent discount on the goods, 10 per cent to show on the invoice 
and the remaining 5 per cent subject to my order. As his bid was 
considerably the lowest, I did not feel that I should refuse it, but I 
informed him very plainly that all discounts must appear on the 
invoice in red ink and that I was not looking for any "hand-out." 
While I am not more than ordinarily honest they will have to bid 
higher than that to buy me. I shall never give the man a chance to 
bid on any further goods I may be instrumental in buying. 

I shall report officially my progress whenever I have an oppor- 
tunity. 

Very truly, yours, W. I. Lembket. 

Hon. G. M. Bowers, 

Commissioner of Fisheries. 



[Copy.J 



June 6, 1910. 



W. I. Lembkey, 

218 Mills Building, San Francisco, Col.: 
Letters May 29 received and satisfactory. Transport natives|[and 
company merchandise and employees on terms mentioned in your 
letter. 

Bowers. W 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 961 

[Night message.] 

San Francisco, Cal., June 1, 1910. 
To Bowers, Commissioner Fisheries, 

Washington, D. C: 
Homer coaling dock to-morrow; complete purchase merchandise 
Saturday; advise whether customs authorities require manifest and 
other useless formalities. 

Lembkey. 



[Copy — original too faint for reproduction.] 

June 2, 1910. 
W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent, Bureau of Fisheries, 

218 Mills Building, San Francisco: 
Supplies for native inhabitants are to be paid for from appropria- 
tion for that purpose, which is not available until July. Appropria- 
tions can not be transferred. iVccompany vouchers with the state- 
ment supplies are for fiscal year 1911. Wait for letter. 

Bowers. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, June 2, 1910. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent, Bureau of Fisheries, 

218 Mills Building, San Francisco, Col. 
Sir: In explanation of the confirmation of telegram inclosed here- 
with you are informed that the suggestion made by you can not be 
complied with, as the appropriations can not be transferred ; nor is it 
desired to infringe in any way upon the $150,000. Each voucher 
should be accompanied with a statement that the supplies are for use 
during the fiscal year 1911. A memorandum, such as the one inclosed, 
will be sufficient. 

Respectfully, H. M. Smith, Acting Commissioner. 



[Night message.] 

San Francisco, Cal., June 3, 1910. 
To Bowers, Commissioner Fisheries, 

Washington, D. C: 
Your telegram 2d. Can I promise merchants checks, for vouch- 
ers will be forwarded from Washington about July 1 ? Appro- 
priation natives' support not yet made. Larger appropriation avail- 
able for natives' support under warding act. Will await letter. 

Lem C Key, 

2403— H. Doc. 93, 62-1 61 



962 seal islands of alaska. 

June 3, 1910. 
W. I. Lembkey, 

218 Mills Building, San Francisco, Cat: 
Supplies for native inhabitants to be paid for from the nineteen 
thousand five hundred appropriation. Vouchers to be accompanied 
by statement referred to. Checks will be mailed promptly after 
July 1. 

Bowers. 

San Francisco, June 6, 1910. 
The Commissioner of Fisheries, 

WasMngton, D. C. 

Sir: Acknowledging the receipt of your letter and telegram of June 
2, and confirming my telegram of this date, I have the honor to report 
that, previous to the receipt of jowv letter, after the bills for supplies 
purchased had been received and computed, I found that the aggre- 
gate cost of such goods for the first trip of the steamer, including coal 
purchased for the ship itself, was over $23,000. This, of course, did 
not include the goods to be purchased for the second trip of the 
steamer. 

Upon ascertaining the approximate total of the expenditures I at 
once made inquiries of the company to arrive at the actual cost of the 
supplies for the islands in years past. Mr. Davis, the company's 
secretary, immediately furnished me with a memorandum containing 
the information for the years 1808(?) and 1909, from which it appears 
that the actual wholesale cost of merchandise alone, taken to the is- 
lands was $30,650.13 in 1908 and $23,130.46 in 1909. This does not 
include the cost of the coal, in respect to which he would not furnish 
a statement of the exact cost, but quoted the actual number of tons 
furnished at the retail selling price of $20 per ton. 

The merchandise ordered by the company for 1909 was reduced to 
a minimum because of the possibility of its going out of business the 
following year and with a view of using up what surplus stock it 
might have upon the islands. The requisition for 1908 more nearly 
represents the normal cost of supplies furnished the natives annually, 
according to Mr. Davis. 

I knew from actual experience that the natives during these years 
were given no more than they actually needed and that no unneces- 
sary articles were included in the requisitions for those years. I feel, 
therefore, safe in reporting that it will be impossible to keep the 
natives from actual want, including the widows and orphans whom 
heretofore the Government has not supported, on the $19,500 ap- 
propriation which Congress has made. 

It must be remembered that the figures just quoted do not include 
the cost of coal furnished annually, for which an annual allowance of 
something like $4,000 must be made and added to the cost of mer- 
chandise already given. Of course, the merchandise purchased 
includes the supplies for the mess and for the maintenance of the 
company buildings and property which can not be segregated, but 
the figures are sufficient to show the impossibility of feeding and 
clothing the people and keeping the purchases inside of the old 
amount allowed by Congress to supplement the natives' earnings. 



SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 963 

The goods purchased this year cost no more than formerly, and the 
purchases followed closely the island requisitions, the items on which 
were closely scrutinized by me before purchasing. 

In view of the foregoing, I respectfully submit that to furnish the 
natives with sufficient material to prevent suffering the appropriation 
of $19,500 must be exceeded. In computing the expense to the Gov- 
ernment of the business on the seal islands during the coming year 
I have made made the following tentative estimate: 

Expenditures. 

Purchase of company's plant, approximate $70, 000 

Cost of vessel at $200 per day, including coal 20, 000 

Cost of supporting natives, about 28, 000 

Salaries of temporary employees, about 9, 000 

Miscellaneous expenses, not ascertainable 10, 000 

Total 137,000 

Resources. 

Balance from natives' appropriation 1910, about 5, 700 

Appropriation for natives, 1911 19, 500 

Appropriation for protection seal fisheries 150, 000 

Total 175,200 

Excess of resources over expenditures 38, 200 

I therefore respectfully submit that there will be ample funds to 
maintain the natives and to meet all other expenses provided other 
appropriations are used than the $19,500 for natives' support. It is 
clear that a portion of the appropration of $150,000 will have to be 
devoted to purchasing their supplies, and I so recommend. 
Respectfully, 

W. T. Lembkey, Agent Seal Fisheries. 



From San Francisco. 

1908. 
First trip : 

St. Paul, merchandise $14, 682. 86 

St. Paul, coal, 50 tons 1, 000. 00 

St. George, merchandise 8, 528. 52 

Total, first trip $24, 211. 38 

(Merchandise, first trip, $23,211.38; coal, $1,000.) 
Second trip : , 

St. Paul, merchandise 4, 780. 41 

St. Paul, coal, 50 tons 1, 000. 00 

St. George, merchandise 2, 658. 34 

Total, second trip 8, 438. 75 

Total from San Francisco, 1908 32,650. 13 

(Merchandise, second trip, $7,438.75; coal, $1,000.) 



964 SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

1909. 
First trip: 

St. Paul, merchandise $10,025.73 

St. Paul, coal, 170 tone 3, 400. 00 

St. George, merchandise 6, 333. 10 

Total, first trip $19, 758. 83 

(Merchandise, first trip, $16,358.83; coal, $3,400.) 
Second trip: 

St. Paul, merchandise 4,950.25 

St. George, merchandise 1, 821. 38 

Total, second trip 6, 771. 63 

Total from San Francisco for 1909 26, 530. 46 

(Merchandise, second trip, $6,771.63.) 

From Dutch Harbor. 

1908. 

St. Paul, coal, 265 tons $5, 300. 00 

St. George, coal, 185 tons 3, 700. 00 

Total coal, Dutch Harbor, 1908 $9, 000. 00 

1909. 

St. Paul, coal, 175 tons 3, 500. 00 

St. George, coal, 185 tons 3,700.00 

Total coal, Dutch Harbor, 1909 7,200.00 

Totals: 
1908— 

Merchandise 30, 650. 13 

Coal, 550 tons 11, 000. 00 

Total merchandise and coal, 1908 41, 650. 13 

1909— 

Merchandise 23, 130. 46 

Coal, 530 tons 10, 600. 00 

Total merchandise and coal. 1909 33, 730. 46 



[Telegram.] 



San Francisco, Cal., June 6, 1910. 
To Bowers, Commissioner Fisheries, 

Washington, D. C: 
Your letter 2d; purchase.s already made, including some ship's 
coal, exceed $23,000; supplies for second trip yet to be purchased. 
Company expended for merchandise alone, excluding coal, $36,650 
in 1908 and $23,130 in 1909. Coal cost about $4,500 annually in 
addition. Can not restrict expenditures for natives' supplies to 
$19,000 without depriving natives absolute necessities of life. I esti- 
mate total expenditures this year as follows: Purchase company's 
plant, $70,000; cost of vessel, at $200 a day, $20,000, including coal; 
supporting natives, about $28,000; salaries of temporary employees, 
about $9,000; miscellaneous expenses not anticipated, $10,000; total 
expenditures, $137,000. f^esources available are: Balance natives' 
appropriation, 1910, about $5,700; natives' appropriation, 1911, 
$19,500; appropriation for protecting seal fisheries, $150,000; total 
resources, $175,200; unexpended balance, about $38,000. Company's 



SEAl. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 965 

figures are from full statement furnished me by it, whicli I mail 
to-day with letter wire. 

Lembkey. 



June 7, 1910. 
W. I. Lembkey, 

218 Mills Building, San Francisco, Cal.: 

Special appropriation $150,000 not available for native supplies, 
therefore vouchers for this account must show goods are for general 
use other than natives. 

Vouchers for supplies for natives charged to balance of native 
appropriation 1910 must show purchase and delivery prior to June 30. 

Vouchers for supplies for natives charged to native appropriation 
1911 must show date of purchase and be accompanied by statement 
certifying goods are "f or use during fiscal year 1911. 

Do not charge goods for general use agamst appropriation for 
natives. 

Use great care in preparing vouchers. 

Make separate vouchers for goods purchased for account of differ- 
ent appropriations as above. 

Bowers. 



San Francisco, Cal., June 7,1910. 
To Bowers, Commissioner Fisheries, 

WasJiignton, D. C: 
Your telegram 7th just received. Do I understand you to mean 
that goods are to be purchased for natives' use to extent of $19,000 
and remainder necessary supplies to be purchased, as for general 
use under authority Secretary in act April 20 or to maintain 
supply depots on islands ? Natives will earn next year about 
$15,000 from seals, foxes, and labor, which will have to be expended 
now for supplies. Government is confronted with fact that total 
amount required to supply islands with sufficient merchandise to 
prevent suffering is at least $30,000, and owing to no further com- 
munication after this vessel returns, no mistakes can be rectified; bills 
all received and checked; vouchers partially made out, and vessel 
practically loaded; any material change in plan of action will delay 
vessel at additional expense. 

Lembkey. 



June 8, 1910. 
W. I. Lembkey, 

218 Mills Building, San Francisco, Cal.: 
Replying yours 8th, no change in plan is contemplated. 
Only question involved is proper vouchering of accounts and 

charging them to proper appropriations. 

Goods for free distribution to natives must be charged against 

appropriations for care of natives as per mine of 7th. 



966 SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Other goods and supplies which are to be sold or used for em- 
ployees and maintenance of plants to be charged against special 
appropriation under authority to maintain supply depots. 

voucher your accounts accordingly. 

Study mine of 7th carefully. 

Bowers. 



[Coxy— original too faint for reproduction.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
Washington, June 5, 1910. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

218 Mills Building, San Francisco, Cal. 

Sir : Your several letters of May 26 and 29 have been received and 
are very satisfactory. 

The schedule of the movements of the Homer is noted and seems 
well planned. 

I wish to express the gratification of the Secretary and myself with 
the arrangements you made with the North American Commercial 
Co. looking to a settlement for the property belonging to the company. 
It is felt that you have made excellent terms. 

I am pleased to note the assistance you had from the company in 
making contracts for and purchases of merchandise and feel confident 
that you have done the best possible under all the circumstances. 

In view of the facts you mention, and as has already been stated in 
a telegram sent you, it is believed that it will be right and proper to 
carry any merchandise for the company that it may wish to take to 
or bring from the islands free of cost and to give transportation to 
their employees returning to or coming from the islands upon pay- 
ment for any actual expenses to the Government. It is also deemed 
proper for you to transport the three natives of Unalaska and vicinity 
provided they pay the ship for the meals. Copies of your letters will 
be shown to Mr. Chichester in order that he may be guided in the work 
next summer. 

The desirability of the paying for all expenses for the natives from 
the appropriations of $19,500 has already been covered by telegram 
which have been sent you. By this time you will have received the 
Bureau's previous letter showing what sort of a statement should be 
appended to each voucher. The vouchers are -to show the actual 
date of the purchase and delivery of the goods but with the statement 
referred to that they are to be paid for from next year's appropriation. 
There will be no delay whatever in sending checks immediately after 
July 1. If, by any chance, the $19,500 appropriation does not 
become a law the bills will be paid from the large appropriation. 

The charter for the Homer has been received and is now being 
examined by the disbursing officer in order to see that it is absolutely 
correct. If there are any technical errors in it they will be rectified 
and there will be no trouble in paying the owners in accordance with 
the idea of the charter. 

KespectfuUy, (Signed) George W. Bowers, 

Commissioner. 



SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 967 

[True copy for files.) 

June 6, 1910. 
W. I. Lembkey, 

218 Mills Building, San Francisco: 
Referring section 7 your orders May 9, you will reserve 1,000 three- 
year-old males instead of 500. 

Charles Nagel, Secretary. 



[Copy — original too faint for reproduction.] 

June 9, 1910. 
W. I. Lembkey, 

218 Mills Building, San Francisco, Cal.: 
Did you receive Secretary's telegram June 6 directing reserve of 
1,000 three-year-old male seals instead of 500? Answer. 

Bowers. 



[Telegram.] 



San Francisco, Cal., June 9, 1910. 
Bowers, Commissioner of Fisheries, 

Washington, D. C: 
Yours ninth; nothing received changing instructions branded bach- 
elors. Vessel sails eleventh, 1 p. m. Cargo loaded; vouchers prepared 
and delivered merchants accordance your instructions seventh. 

Lembkey. 



[Copy for files.] 

June 10, 1910. 
W. I. Lembkey, 

218 Mills Building, San Francisco, Cal.: 
Referring section 7 your orders May 9, you will reserve 1,000 three- 
year-old males instead of 500. 

Charles Nagel, Secretary. 



San Francisco, Cal., June 7, 1910. 
The Commissioner of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 

Sir: When the Homer arrives back with the sealskins in September 
I will not be informed of what disposition to make of the slans, and 
consequently will not be able to instruct Capt. Donaldson whether 
to tie up at a dock on the San Francisco side of the bay or to proceed 
to Oakland, where the skins may at once be placed in casks and loaded 
into cars, as has been done heretofore. 

In order to provide for this contingency, I have respectfully to 
suggest that you correspond with the North American Commercial 
Co. at such time before the arrival of the ship in September that the 
company may be able to prepare a letter to me and place it in the 
hands of the boarding officer of this port to be delivered to me on 



968 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

board the steamer, so that I may be able to know before the ship 
reaches the dock where bo direct the Homer to proceed with the skins. 
In this way all delay will be avoided in relinquishing the ship to the 
owners. 

Should it be decided to pack the sealskins in casks and to have the 
latter ready upon the arrival of the ship, I will state that the casks 
required will hold 30 bundles or 60 sealsldns each, and the number of 
casks required may be computed on that basis. I will endeavor to 
report the catch beforehand from the islands by wireless. 
Respectfull}'-, 

W. I. Lembket, 

Agent Seal Fisheries. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, June 8, 1910. 
The Secretary of Commerce and Labor, 

Washingtony D, C. 
Sir: Transmitted herewith, with the recommendation that it be 
accepted, is the original copy of charter party between J. Homer 
Fritch (Inc.), San Francisco, Cal., and W. I. Lembkey, agent seal 
fisheries, for use of steamship Homer for a period of about three and 
one-half months at the rate of $142.50 per day. Mr. I^embkey has 
been directed to forward at once additional copies of the charter. 
Accompanying the original are the following: 

Copy of a resolution passed August 21, 1908, authoiizing J. Homer 
Fritch, president, and Douglas Young, secretary, to sign instruments 
in behalf of J. Homer Fritch (Inc.). 

Certification of the secretary of state of California that the copy of 
the articles of incorporation of J. Homer Fritch (Inc.) therewith 
attached are correct. 

Copy of articles of incorporation of J. Homer Fritch (Inc.). 
Respectfully, 

Geo. M. Bowers, Commissioner. 



[Copy — original too faint for reproduction.] 

June 9, 1910. 
W. I. Lembkey, 

218 Mills Building, San Francisco, Cal.: 
Statements are made that female seals were killed on Pribilof 
Islands with the cognizance of Government agents. Wire answer, 
stating facts. 

Bowers. 



San Francisco, Cal., June 9. 
Bowers, Commissioner Fisheries, 

Washington, D. C: 
Your telegram ninth regarding female seals killed. I saw before 
I left Washington letter from Elliott making such charges and I pre- 
pared memorandum in reply, attaching it to his letter filed in bureau. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 969 

Basis Elliott's charges follow: On August 3, 1903, senatorial com- 
mittee landed St. Paul, after close sealing season, and desired to see 
seal killing. At that time males and females mix promiscously on 
hauling grounds and great difficulty for best expert to differentiate 
between sexes. I told committee I would make drive, but stated 
facts about females liable to be killed. Made drive and killing 
August 4, at which only experienced natives acted as clubbers. 
Natives excited by presence 25 strangers, result one female killed by 
accident and taken by natives directly in front of Senator Nelson, 
who discovered sex and charged me with allowing females to be 
killed. Explanations availed nothing, and Nelson believes to-day 
females killed on islands regular practice. Elliott learned of this 
incident and reported it to F. S. Hitchcock, who understood matter 
after my explanation. This drive was made by me, and lessee had 
nothing to do with it. 

As matter of fact, probably five females killed on islands each 
year by accident, because of their mixing among bachelors at close 
of season and difficulty distinguishing sex every instance. Last 
season four females killed St. Paul and shown by me to G. W. Clark, 
who reported it. This in spite of greatest care. If ElUott states 
females killed deliberately, he is a liar. 

Lembkey. 



San Francisco, Cal., June 9, 1910. 
The Commissioner of Fisheries, 

Washington, D. C. 
Sir: I have the honor to inclose hereAvith a copy of the sailing 
orders delivered by me to Capt. Adam Donaldson, master of the 
steamer Homer. 

Respectfully, W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent Seal Fisheries. 

San Francisco, Cal., June 11, 1910. 
Capt. A. Donaldson, 

Master Steamer ''Horner,'^ San Francisco, Cal. 

Sir: Your vessel being in readiness, you will put to sea to-day as 
soon as possible after 1 o'clock p. m. and proceed direct to Dutch Har- 
bor, Alaska. After taking on fuel there, you wall proceed to St. 
George Island, and, weather permitting, discharge freight and pas- 
sengers destined there. You will then proceed to St. Paul Island, 
where yoii will discharge freight and passengers destined there. 
Thenceforth you wdll follow the inclosed sailing schedule as closely as 
conditions A\dll permit. 

A memorandum statement should be kept of all meals furnished to 
passengers on the vessel, also all overtime of the crew on each voyage, 
and an extra copy of the mate's and engineer's logs should be kept by 
each of them, which should be given to me at the expiration of the 
charter. 

The undersigned will be a passenger on this vessel, and after leaving 
this port will assume charge of the department's interests. He will 
also act as supercargo. When approaching the Golden Gate on your 



970 SEAL ISLANDS OP ALASKA. 

return jou are requested, if it is convenient, to endeavor to give one 
of the telegraphic stations an opportunity to report your vessel. 

As soon as possible after your return to San Francisco you will pro- 
ceed with your vessel to the Western Fuel Co.'s bunkers, there to 
take on board 370 tons of Comox screenings for fuel to be consumed 
on your second trip from San Francisco to the seal islands and 
return. 

It is expected that Mr. H. D. Cliichester, assistant agent, will be in 
San Francisco to make all necessary arrangements for the second voy- 
age. He will inform you regarding the movements of the vessel and 
also will act as supercargo on the second trip north. 
Kespectfully, 

W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent Seal Fisheries. 



[Copy— original too faint for reproduction.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, June 9, 1910. 
Mr. Harry D. Chichester, 

Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 
Sir: It has come to my notice that reports are in circulation that 
female seals were killed on the Pribilof Islands during the season of 
1909, and that the Government agents were cognizant of such killing. 
Please advise me in writing of the facts in the case. 
Respectfully, 

(Signed) George W. Bowers, 

Commissioner. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, June 10, 1910. 
The Commissioner: 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 9th 
instant, requesting the facts in the case of reports that are in circu- 
lation that female seals were killed on the Pribilof Islands during the 
season of 1909, and that the Government agents were cognizant of 
such killing. 

I have the honor to report the following : 

I spent the entire sealing season of 1909 on St. George Island and 
was present at each killing, both at the village and Zapadnie. Dur- 
ing that period two female seals were killed. These seals were in one 
of the late drives and were struck by the clubbers purely by accident. 
The utmost care has always been exercised by the clubbers when 
female seals are in the drives, but in the shifting mass of seals on the 
killing field a female is occasionally struck. The fact that only two 
females were killed on St. George Island during the season of 1909 
shows conclusively that the killing was entirely accidental. 
Very respectfully, 

H. D. Chichester, 

Assistant Agent. 



ji 



SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 971 

[Copy— original too faint for reproduction.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, June 9, 1910. 

Prof. B. W. EVERMANN, 

Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 
Sir: It has come to my notice that reports are in circulation that 
female seals were killed on the Pribilof Islands during the season of 
1909, and that the Government agents were cognizant of such killing. 
Please advise me in writing of the facts in the case. 
Respectfully, 

(Signed) George W. Bowers, 

Commissioner. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, June 10, 1910. 
To the Commissioner: 

Replying to your letter of the 9th instant, in which you state 
that you have learned that reports are in circulation to the effect 
that female seals were killed on the Pribilof Islands during the 
season of 1909, that the agents were cognizant of such killing, and 
requesting to be advised in writing as to the facts in the case, I 
beg to state that I was not on the islands in 1909 and possess no 
knowledge of what seals were killed at that time. All that I have 
in the matter is information based upon the reports and statements 
of Agents Lembkey and Chichester, who were on the islands during 
the killing season of 1909 and who spent the past winter in Wash- 
ington, and upon the report of Mr. George A. Clark, who went to 
the islands in the season of 1909 as special expert for the bureau. 

I have been advised by Agents Lembkey and Chichester that 
not a single female fur seal was intentionally killed on the Pribilof 
Islands in the season of 1909. Assistant Agent Chichester states 
that two were inadvertently killed on St. George in that season. 
Agent Lembkey is not now in Washington and I am, therefore, 
unable to secure a written statement from him. He stated to me, 
however, at various times when in Washington during the past 
winter that every precaution possible was taken to prevent the 
killing of any female seals on St. Paul. 

There is transmitted herewith a statement from Assistant Agent 
H. D. Chichester regarding this matter. 
Very respectfully, 

Barton W, Evermann, 
Assistant in Charge Scientific Inquiry. 



972 SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

[Telegram.] 

Revenue Cutter "Bear," 

At Sea, June 10, 1910. 
Commissioner of Fisheries, 

Washington, D. C: 

Company drawing on Dutch Harbor for one month's supplies. 
Everything here exhausted. Sealing instructions desired. 

Judge. 



[Telegram.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, June 10, 1910. 
W. I. Lembkey, 

Room 218, Mills Building, San Francisco, Col.: 
Prof. Harold Heath, of Palo Alto, will accompany you as natural- 
ist. Endeavor to communicate with him and make the necessary 
arrangements. 

Geo. M. Bowers, Commissioner. 



[Telegram.; 



San Francisco, Cal., June 11, 1910. 
Bowers, Commissioner Fisheries, 

Washington, D. C: 
Homer sailed 1.30 p. m. Heath sworn oath of office. Campbell 
aboard. Redpath and McMulhn go up for company. Notify my 
wife; telephone Cleveland 203 of sailing. Correspond with company 
freely regarding any information or instructions for second trip. 

Lembkey. 



[Telegram.] 

United States Revenue "Tahoma," 

June 24-30, 1910. 
Bowers, Commissioner of Fisheries, 

Washington, D. C: 
Homer arrived Dutch Harbor, from vSan Francisco. Safe passage, 
13^ days. All well on islands. 

Lembkey. 



[Telegram.] 

San Francisco, Cal., June 11, 1910. 
Bowers, Commissioner Fisheries, 

Washington, D. C: 
Thanks for your letter, June 6; will sail to-morrow, 1 p. m. Heath 
notified date of sailing; could not get doctor. Applied all hospitals 
and medical schools, but only one applicant responded, and he 



SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 973 

declined after ascertainment facts; have physicians looking for doc- 
tors to send on second trip; company will notify you if any likely 
applicant discovered. Fritch will require usual commission, 5 per 
cent, for disbursing amount for stevedores, extra time, crew, freight, 
clerks, watchmen, etc., connection with Homer. Will retain present 
physicians and cooks on islands until arrival vessels there second trip. 
Will offer Proctor Melovidof and others salaries, as agreed upon in 
Washington. If Chinese help required for islands, Chichester will 
have to pay $10 to Chinese go-between, in accordance usual practice; 
other^vise no cooks can be obtained. Expenditures aggregate as 
follows: Natives (1910), $2,745.70; natives (1911), $13,908.96; spe- 
cial appropriation, $6,888.04. Received to-day" Secretary's telegram 
increasing quota marked "3-year-olds" to 1,000. Will report from 
islands by wireless whenever necessaiy. 

Lembkey. 



[Telegram.] 



San Feancisco, Cal., June 27, 1910. 
Bowers, Commissioner Fisheries, 

Washington, D. C: 
Ariived here to-day. Address care North American Commercial 
Co., IVIills Building. Ship taking coal to-day; will push fitting to 
utmost. 

Chichester. 



* [Copy.] 

Office of Agent Seal Fisheries, 

St. Paul Island, Alaslca, July 5, 1910. 
The Commissioner of Fisheries, 

Washington, D. C. 

Sir: The Homer arrived at St. George on June 28, and, after dis- 
charging her cargo for that island, left the same night for St. Paul. 
Arriving at the latter island June 29 at daybreak, the work of dis- 
charging cargo began at 5 a. m. and continued during the 29th and 
30th and the early morning of July 1, when the ship was discharged 
and left for Dutch Harbor at 8 a. m. to take on a cargo of coal for 
natives' use. She will return here about July 12 and will then take 
on the company's employees and proceed to San Francisco. 

Because of head winds, the Homer was 13 days and 4 hours in mak- 
ing the passage from San Francisco to Dutch Harbor, instead of the 
12 days estimated. Since then, however, she has caught up with 
her schedule and it is believed will gain somewhat on it, although 
everything depends upon the weather at the time of the vessel's 
discharging at the islands. 

Upon my arrival I found that considerable anxiety existed among 
the natives and others as to the time of arrival of the supply ship, 
and the arrangements which would be made for the conduct of busi- 
ness on the islands. Information had been received from the 
cutter officers of the change of conditions, but nothing as to what 
efforts were being put forth by the department for assuming charge 
of practical affairs. This anxiety was heightened by the fact that 



974 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



the supply of some articles on St. Paul had been consumed, and it 
had become necessary in the early part of June to obtain by the 
Manning from Dutch Harbor a quantity of flour, biscuits, salt beef, 
and canned vegetables for natives' consumption. They had also 
received the impression that the supply ship would not arrive before 
August, and that they would be obliged to labor for the Government 
without any compensation other than clothing and a ration of food. 

It was my first effort to remove these impressions and establish 
relations of confidence with the natives. In fact, the arrival of a 
ship's load of supplies and a gunny sack containing about 150 pounds 
of coin operated automatically to remove the greater portion of this 
uncertainty. In addition, I had conferences with individual natives 
and with the assembled communities of both islands, explaining the 
changes which occurred during the past winter, and assuring them 
that it is the intention of the department to better the condition of 
the natives in every manner possible. All of these have had the effect 
of reassuring the natives and removing uncertainty. The continu- 
ance of cash payments for sundry labor, the increase in the rate of 
payment for sealskins, and the publication of the rate at which mer- 
chandise will be sold to them from the store were received with 
satisfaction. 

The cooperation of the natives during the sealing season is vitally 
essential to conducting the business at its greatest efficiency. With- 
out this cooperation it would be an easy matter to fail to secure 
several thousands of skins during a season or to have "errors" occur 
in the curing of skins which could never be traced to any individual 
nor charged successfully to deliberate intention. It is necessary, 
therefore, to be assured of the good will of the people, and to gain 
and retain this will be a matter of constant thought. 

To state that this has been attained is no distortion of fact. On 
June 30 from 5 a. m. to 10 p. m. the natives of St. Paul discharged 
165 tons of coal, dead weight, from the Homer — the greatest amount 
of merchandise ever landed on the islands on one day. The pre- 
vious record was 150 tons, landed from the Lakme nearly 20 years 
ago. As regards "branding" and sealing, under the able direction 
of Mr. Judge the natives are going at it as if they were working on 
shares. 

Having received no recent instructions previous to my arrival. 
Agent Judge, on St. Paul, had "branded" 337 two-year-olds, in addi- 
tion to several hundreds of 3-year-olds. The remainder of the 
3-year-olds to be marked under my instructions have been secured 
since. The details of the branding on St. Paul follow: 



Date. 


Rookeries. 


2 years. 


3 years. 


4 years. 


5 years. 


June 17 


Reef 


46 

82 

209 


77 
56 
146 
246 
191 
91 






June 27 








June 28 


Reef and Gorbatcli 


14 


5 


July 2 
July 4 
July 5 






Reef 








Zapadni . . 








Total 










337 


807 


14 


5 









SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 975 

No word from St. George lias been received since my departure 
from that island, but it is believed that the St. George c^uota of 200 
three-year-olds has been secured by this time. 

Regarding killable seals, I will say that the ice remained in the sea 
until such a late date and the spring has been so backward that 
bachelors are not arriving in their usual ninnbers. On the date of 
my arrival 675 skins were in the salt house at St. George and 1,573 
on St. Paul. From the latter, however, 664 have been delivered to 
the late lessee to complete its quota for 1909, as authorized by a 
letter from the bureau, but we have more than made up this number 
by skins secured from recent drives. Notwithstanding the present 
unfavorable aspect, I feel sure that at least 10,000 skins can be secured 
during the season and hope that this minimum number can be 
exceeded. 

Reports of the breeding rookeries indicate that more breeding bulls 
are present than on this date last year and that, with a decreasing 
number of cows, many of these bulls will be idle. Further reserva- 
tions of males should be curtailed, as more than enough are present 
now. 

The Japanese fleet is active as usual. On July 4, 14 schooners 
were in sight off St. Paul Island. None have approached close to land 
and no violations of law have been noted. A heavy native guard is 
maintained on Northeast Point. 

Since my arrival, one cutter has been on duty at the two islands, divid- 
ing its time between them. Because of the curtailing of the number 
of patrol vessels this year from 4 to 3, both extremities of this island 
are not under surveillance by cutters as heretofore, and greater oppor- 
tunity is given the sealing fleet for coming close to shore, which no 
shore guard can prevent. 

The property of the company was formally delivered to the Govern- 
ment on July 1 . Since that time, the company's employees have been 
taking new inventories as of that date. During the last winter, the 
entire village was painted by the company, and everything placed 
in first-class condition in anticipation of a possible sale of the property 
to a new lessee. 

In case the bureau does not adopt my recommendation that Mr. 
Proctor be placed in charge on St. George during the ensuing 
winter, I have designated Agent Clark to remain a second year. Of 
aU the assistant agents, he alone has not been called upon to remain 
two years in succession since 1898. He is, however, very desirous 
of returning this year, and I trust the recommendation wliicli I have 
made involving lli. Proctor be adopted. 

As already stated, I should be informed at the earliest practicable 
date of the disposition to be made of sealskms to be landed in San 
Francisco from the Homer in September. I probably will have 
opportunity of reporting to the department by wireless the number 
of skins to be shipped. 
Respectfully, 

(Signed) W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent Seal Fisheries. 



976 seal islands of alaska. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
Washington, July 6, 1910. 
Mr, W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries, St. Paul, AlasTca. 
Sir: It is the desire of this bureau that during the present season 
a strong effort be made on both islands to feed as many of the starving 
pups whose mothers are killed at sea as possible. 

Yourself and assistant agents are therefore directed to take up this 
work, using the natives whenever possible, to procure fish for food 
and in the handling and feeding of the pups. 

The details of carrying out this work are left to your discretion. 
Respectfully, 

Geo. M. Bowers, Commissioner. 
Approved. 

Charles Nagel, Secretary. 



[Memorandum.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
Washington, July 12, 1910. 
The commissioner directs that Mr. Judge be instructed to remain 
on St. Paul next winter, that Chichester remain on St. George, and 
that Mr. Lembkey and Maj. Clark return to Washington by last 
steamer in the fall. 

Note. — I'll draw the orders in due time. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
Office of the Chief Clerk, 

Washington, July 26, 1910. 
Mr. Walter I. Lembkey, 

Chief Agent Fur-Seal Service, St. Paul Island, AlasTca. 
Sir: Until further orders the assignments of agents, doctors, natu- 
rahst, fur-seal service, Avill be as follows : 

1. Mr. Lembkey, Maj. Clark, and Dr. Heath will return to San 
Francisco on the last trip of the Homer, and agents Lembkey and 
Clark will report for duty in Washington as promptly as possible. 

2. Assistant Agent Judge will remain on St. Paul Island until the 
close of the season of 1911, and Assistant Agent Chichester is assigned 
to St. George Island. 

3. Dr. Hahn, the naturaUst, is assigned to St. Paul Island until 
further orders. 

4. Dr. Mills will remain on St. Paul as resident physician. 

5. Dr. de Figariere is assigned to St. George as resident physician, 
relieving Dr. Cunningham. 

6. Mr. Simeon Melovidof remains as school-teacher on St. Paul. 

7. Mr. Ben Campbell has been assigned to St. George as school- 
teacher. 



SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 977 

8. You Will make assignments of other employees, permanent or 
temporary, as seems best for the service, and furnish transportation 
to San Francisco to all former employees of the North American 
Commercial Co. whose services are not required by the bureau. 
Respectfully, 

I. H. DUNLAP, 

Acting Commissioner. 
Approved. 

Ben J. S. Cable, Acting Secretary. 



[Telegram.] 

San Francisco, Cal., August, 1910. 
Commissioner Fisheries, 

Washington, D. C: 
Do instructions for Lembkey, mailed to-day, assign Judge for duty 
in island this mnter ? Mrs. Judge now in Seattle. If Judge is to stay 
necessary to communicate with her at once that she may return here 
before ship sails; ship sails August 6. 

Chichester. 

Note. — Judge, St. Paul; Chichester, St. George; Lembkey and 
Clark return. 



Bureau of Fisheries, 

August 2, 1910, 
H. D. Chichester, 

Care North American Commercial Co., 

Mills Building, San Francisco, Cal.: 
Replying yours August 1, Judge is to be on St. Paul Island, Chi- 
chester on St. George, Lembkey and Clark to return to Washington. 

Dunlap. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

San Francisco, Cal., August 3, 1910. 
The Commissioner of Fisheries, 

Washington, D. C. 
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of telegram, dated 
August 2, 1910, in reference to assignment of seal agents for the com- 
ing winter, and also telegram of August 3, affirming selection of 
Dr. Morgan to take place of Dr. Mills. 

Respectfully, H. D. Chichester, 

Assistant Agent Seal Fishenes. 
2403— H. Doc. 93, 62-1—62 



978 seal, islands of alaska. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
Office of the Chief Clerk, 

Washington, July 20, 1910. 
Mr. H. D. Chichester, 

Assistant Agent Seal Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 
Sir: You are directed to proceed by the shortest and most direct 
route from Washington, D. C, to San Francisco, Cal., and on the 
arrival at that port of the United States chartered steamer Homer 
from the Pribilof Islands you are authorized to purchase such addi- 
tional supplies as will be needed on the islands during the coming 
winter, bem^ guided in such purchases entirely by the requisitions 
which you will receive from Mr. Lembkey. You will also purchase at 
the lowest price obtainable the necessary coal to take the Homer to the 
Pribilof Islands and return to San Francisco. It is thought about 
372 tons will be sufficient. As soon after her arrival as possible the 
Homer is to be loaded and prepared for sea. When she is thus ready 
she will proceed direct to the Pribilof Islands, touching en route at 
Dutch Harbor. You will accompany the vessel to the islands, and on 
arrival there report to Mr. Lembkey for assignment to duty. 

On the presentation of proper vouchers you will be reimbursed for 
your actual and necessary expenses while engaged as above. 

Refer to the number of this order in your monthly account taking 
up expenses incurred and upon the face and coupon of Government 
requests for transportation issued for travel in connection therewith. 
Respectfully, 

Geo. M. Bowers, Commissioner. 
Approved. 

Charles Nagel, Secretary. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
Office of the Chief Clerk, 

Washington, July 25, 1910. 
Mr. Walter I. Lembkey, 

Chief Agent Fur-Seal Serirlce, 

St. Paul Island, AlasTca. 

Sir: You are informed that Dr. Walter L. Hahn, of South Dikota, 
has been appointed naturalist, fur-seal service. It is expected that he, 
with his wife, will arrive at St. Paul Island on the second trip of 
the Homer. You will assign to him suitable and adequate living 
quarters conformable in comfort and adaptability with those of the 
agent in charge. 

The duties of the naturalist will be in conformity with the recom- 
mendations of the advisory board, fur-seal service, namely, the natu- 
uralist "shall have charge of all matters pertaining to the investiga- 
tion, study, and management of the fur-seal herd, the blue foxes, and 
all other life on the islands, and shall give advice to the agent in 
charge regarding the number of seals and foxes to be killed each 
season." You as agent in charge will "have control of all adminis- 
trative matters, and in case of a difference of opinion between the 
chief naturalist and the agent in charge the decision of the latter 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 979 

shall govern, pending an appeal to the Secretary of Commerce and 
Labor. 

Referring to the instructions of March 29, 1909, issued to you (a 
copy of which is inclosed herewith and a copy of which has been fur- 
nished Dr. Hahn), the naturalist will be charged specifically with 
the matters mentioned in topics 4, 10, 16, 19, 20, 21, and 22. Such 
data on these various subjects as have already been compiled by you 
and the assistant agents should be made available for Dr. Halm's 
use, and you will lend him such assistance as he may desire or require 
in their further completion. 

All matters ])ertaining to the health and general well-being of the 
natives are placed under the general supervision of the naturalist 
and under the immediate direction of Assistant Agent Dr. Chichester, 
who is specifically charged with the development and application of 
methods for the study of all questions concerning the proper care of 
the natives and the betterment of their physical and moral condition. 

All educationalmatters are placed under the immediate supervision 
of the naturalist. Wliile all natural liistory, scientific, and educa- 
tional matters will be lodged with the naturalist, it is understood that 
he will confer with the agent in charge regarding any and all contem- 
plated important investigations, and that any investigation or study 
involving the factor of administration, such as the expenditure of 
money, the employment of labor, or the use of property not specific- 
ally a part of the naturalist's equipment, shall be referred to the 
agent in charge for his approval. 

It is desired that the agents, naturalist, doctors, and teachers 
cooperate in eveiy proper and possible way to the end that the 
highest degree of efficiency possible may be attained and maintained 
in each and every branch of the service. 

Respectfully, I. H. Dunlap, 

Acting Commissioner. 

Approved. 

Benj. S. Cable, Acting Secretary. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, July 25, 1910. 
Dr. Harry D. Chichester, 

Care North American Commercial Co., 

Mills Building, San Francisco, Cat. 
Sir: There is inclosed herewith copy of the health card, fur-seal 
service, which you drew up. It has been approved for printing, and 
you are authorized to have 1,000 copies prmted in San Francisco. 
It is believed best that you have the printing done there where you 
can read the proof. It is perhaps unnecessary to suggest that you 
consider very carefullv the form, character of paper, etc., to be used 
and that you carefully read the proof. 

Kindly mail a dozen copies to this office for the files. 
Respectfully, 

I. H. Dunlap, 

Acting Commissioner. 



980 SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Fur-Seal Service, Department Commerce and Labor. 

health card, 

Island, Alaska, 

Date , 19—. 

Physical examination made by . 

Name . Sex . 

Age — . Where born . Date of birth . 

How bom . Breast or bottle fed 



Menstruation began • . Character of menstruation . 

Number of pregnancies . Number of children living ; dead -. 

Number of abortions . 

Previous diseases: Evidences of syphilis, gout, rheumatism, . 

Goiter, infectious or other diseases, •. 

History above diseases, . 

Present physical condition: Face, ; eyes, ; palate, ; ears, ; 

teeth, ; hair, ; skin, — ; complexion, ; height, ; 

weight, ■ . 

The patient is nourished. Subcutaneous tissue present in amount. 

Muscles are and developed. 

Mucus membranes . 

Fractures, deformities, scars, bruises, eruptions, growths. Description of each: . 

Vision, defects, color blindness . 

Thorax and lungs: Chest, ; sternum, ; ribs, ; lungs, expansion, 

; respiratory rate, . Findings: • — . 

Sputum examination, . 

Heart. Findings: . 

Radial pulse, 



Arteriosclerosis, ; blood pressure, 

Varicose veins, . 

Abdominal and digestive organs. Findings: 

Liver. Findings: . 

Spleen. Findings: — -. 

Urinary organs, . 

Genital organs, — ■. 

Urinalysis, 



Nervous system. Findings:' 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
San Francisco, Cal., July 31, 1910. 
The Commissioner of Fisheries, 

Washington, D. C. 

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 
25th instant authorizing the printing in San Francisco of 1,000 copies 
health card, fur-seal service. 

I have arranged with a printing firm to do the work, and as soon 
the cards are delivered will forward a dozen copies to the bureau as 
directed. 

Respectfully, ^ H. D. Chichester, 

Assistant Agent Seal Fisheries. 



July 25, 1910. 
H. D. Chichester, 

Care of North American Commercial Co. , 

San Francisco, Cal.: 
Telegram from Pritch says Homer arrived Saturday. Proceed 
promptly with outfitting. What is your mail and telegraph address ? 
Wire answer. 

DuNLAP, Acting Commissioner. 



seal, islands of alaska. 981 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, July 26, 1910. 
Mr. Walter I. Lembkey, 

Chief Agent Fur-Seal Service, 

St. Paul Island, Alaslca. 
Sir: Until further orders the assignments of agents, doctors, 
naturalist, fur-seal service, will be as follows: 

1. Mr. Lembkey, Maj. Clark, and Dr. Heath will return to San 
Francisco on the last trip of the Homer, and Agents Lembkey and 
Clark will report for duty in Washington as promptly as possible. 

2. Assistant Agent Judge will remain on St. Paul Island until the 
close of the season of 1911, and Assistant Agent Chichester is assigned 
to St. George Island. 

3. Dr. HaJin, the naturalist, is assigned to St. Paul Island until 
further orders. 

4. Dr. Mills will remain on St. Paul as resident physician. 

5. Dr. de Figariere is assigned to St. George as resident physician, 
relieving Dr. Cunningham. 

6. Mr. Suneon Melovidof remains as school-teacher on St. Paul. 

7. Mr. Ben Campbell has been assigned to St. George as school- 
teacher. 

8. You will make assigimients of other employees, permanent or 
temporary, as seems best for the service, and furnish transportation 
to San Francisco to - all former employees of the North American 
Commercial Co. whose services are not required by the bureau. 

Respectfully, 

I. H. DUNLAP, 

Acting Commissioner. 
Approved. 

Benj. S. Cable, Acting Secretary. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
Washington, July 27, 1910. 
Mr. Walter I. Lembkey, 

Chief Agent Fur-Seal Service, 

St. Paul Island, Alaska. 
Sir: The following instructions are issued supplementary to those 
furnished you under date of May 9, 1910: 

Naturalist. — The naturalist will have charge of all matters per- 
taining to the investigation, study, and management of the fur-seal 
herd, the blue foxes, and all other life on the islands, and he shall give 
advice to the agent in charge regarding the number of seals and foxes 
to be killed each season. He will also have direct supervision of all 
educational matters and general supervision of all matters pertain- 
ing to health and well-being of the natives. 

1. The most important duty of the naturalist lies, of course, with 
the seal herd. Should the factor of pelagic sealing be eliminated, 
the way becomes clear for intelligent, scientific investigation and 
experimentation, having for their object the rehabilitation of the fur- 
seal herd and its maintenance at maximum efficiency and productive- 



982 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 

ness. This is purely a natural-history problem, to be worked out 
chiefly in accordance of the principles of animal breeding. Just 
what can be done remains to be determined, but it is expected that 
the naturalist will give his best thought and endeavor to this problem. 
In the event that pelagic sealing continues, the studies made should 
be with reference to the maximum conservation and efficiency of 
the herd under the conditions and as a basis for future investigations. 

2. The blue foxes are second in importance only to the fur seals. 
It is believed that the blue-fox herd on each island can, through 
proper care, selective breeding, elimination of the unfit, proper feeding, 
etc., be made much more productive than at present. It is confi- 
dently expected that, with the assistance of the agents, the herd can 
be greatly increased and the revenues derived therefrom correspond- 
ingly augmented. 

3. The betterment of the physical and moral condition of the 
natives is earnestly desired. 

The service for the study of these problems is placed under the 
immediate direction of Dr. Chichester who, under the general super- 
vision of the naturalist, will organize the service with a view to secur- 
ing the highest efficiency and speedy practical results. Attention is 
directed to office letter of March 31, 1909. in which is pointed out the 
exceptional opportunity which the islands offer for study of prob- 
lems concerning public and individual health. The letter of March 
31, 1909, is to be regarded as forming a part of these instructions. 

All these problems should be taken up at once and their investiga- 
tion pursued continuously and persistently to solution. With many 
of them, important practical results should be easy of early attain- 
ment. Special and immediate attention should be given to those 
problems the study of which wiU lead promptly to results of real bene- 
fit to the natives. Among these may be mentioned the f ollo'v\Ting : 

Sanitary inspection of houses, water supply, etc.; directions and 
suggestions to natives regarding food, clothing, personal habits, etc.; 
physical examination and filling out of health card for each; deter- 
miinng and putting on record present conditions as a basis for future 
investigation. One problem which should be carefully studied is 
that of inbreeding. In small communities such as these, into which 
fittle new blood comes from the outside, there is sure to be too close 
inbreeding, with all the attendant evils. The blood relationship of 
the various natives should be made out as definitely as possible, par- 
ticularly of man and wife. Wlien close relationship is discovered, 
determine what evil effects, if any, on the children. Consider these 
questions in connection with the rules and practices of the church as 
to marriage. Consider also what can be done toward bringing new 
blood to the islands. 

It is expected that the resident physicians will promptly and 
effectively cooperate in every way possible with Dr. Chichester and 
the naturalist m the study of these various problems. 

It is desired that Dr. Chichester submit a full and detailed report to 
the bureau next summer showing what has been accomplished to date 
and indicating future work contemplated. 

4. Schools. — The question of the proper education of the youth of 
the islands is an important one and sliould receive careful considera- 
tion. If one may judge from reports made at various times by the 
agents, the results of public-school education on the islands are far 



il 



SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 983 

from satisfactory. One agent states that after more than 20 years 
of Government control there were not half dozen natives who had 
learned to speak or read the English language by attendance at the 
public school. It is desired that tb.e naturalist at once take up the 
whole question of public education on the islands, giving considera- 
tion to the following phases of the question: (1) Type of education 
best meeting the needs of the people. It is suggested that manual 
training, industrial or technical education, such as will give them 
skill in the use of simple tools, the manufacture of useful articles, 
carpentry, cooking, sewing, and tlie textile arts, as basketry, etc., 
should occupy a prominent place in their training. (2) Anatomy, 
physiology, and hygiene, to the end that they may understand suffi- 
ciently the structure and fimctions of their own bodies to appreciate 
the principles of hygiene and how to care for their health. Habits 
of personal cleanliness, judgment and care in the selection, wearing, 
and care of clothing, the selection, preparation, and use of food, etc. 
(3) Elementary science should occupy a prominent place in their 
education. The simple phenomena and facts of physics, chemistry, 
meteorology, zoology, botany, and geology, as may be learned by 
them first hand from direct observation and study of the materials 
and forces about them, wdll lead them to right thinking and right 
acting. (4) They must, of course, have the 3 R tools — reading, 
writing, and aritlimetic — and the use of English at all times should 
be required. (5) Geography, history, patriotism, etc., should be 
taught as effectively as may be, considermg their inexperience of the 
outside world. (6) Consider carefully whether proper textbooks 
and illustrative materials have been supplied. 

5. Nat'ural-Mstory matters of s'ccohdary irnjjoriavce. — In addition to 
the fur seals and blue foxes, all other species of animals and all species 
of plants on or about the islands should receive attention to the end that, 
in due time, a comprehensive and exhaustive monograph of the natural 
history of the Pribilof Islands may be written. The character and 
scope of the field and laboratory work can be fully worked out by 
the naturalist. The following suggestions, however, are submitted: 
Mammals: The mammals are few as to species. The life history of 
each should be studied carefully. Every efTort should be made to 
reestablish the locally extinct and diminishing species (as the Avalrus, 
sea otter, etc.), to increase the numbers of those of conmiercial value 
(as the sea lion, harbor seal, etc.), and to conserve every species in 
ample numbers for natural-history purposes. Birds: Attention is 
called to the fact that the Pribilof Islands, including the islands of 
St. Paul and St. George, Walrus and Otter Islands, and Sea Ijion Rock, 
are declared a special reservation b}^ the act of April 21,1910 (Public, 
No. 146); also that by Executive Order No. 1044, of February 27, 
1909, Walrus Island and Otter Island of the Pribilof Group were 
reserved and designated as the Pribilof Reservation, and set apart 
as a preserve a,nd breeding ground for native birds. 

On April 16, 1909, Assistant Agent James Judge was appointed 
special warden in charge of the Pribilof Reservation. It is desired 
that Mr. Judge continue Avith those duties, under the natuiahst, and 
the detailed instructions of April 1 6, 1909, are here repeated. 



984 SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

WALRUS ISLAND. 

Physical features. — Examine the island as thoroughly as possible and draw up a 
detailed description of it, giving position, area, character of rock and surface, character 
of shores, landings, etc., elevation, topography, etc. 

Biological features. — Compile all obtainable knowledge and information regarding 
the plants, insects, mammals, and other life on or about the island. 

Plants. — What plants, if any, occur on this island; where do they occur; their habits; 
to what extent are they utilized by the birds in nest building or otherwise? 

Walrus. — Compile all obtainable information regarding the occurrence of the walrus 
at this island; the same for sea lions, seals, sea otters, and any other mammals that are 
known to have occurred there. 

Birds. — ^These will receive most attention and should be studied comprehensively 
and thoroughly. List all the species known to occur on the island, determining those 
which are permanent residents (i. e., present throughout the year); winter visitants 
(i. e., those coming to the island only in winter); stragglers (or those of irregular and 
rare occurrence); spring and fall migrants (or those species stopping at the island 
only for a brief time during their spring and fall migrations and not breeding on the 
island); and summer residents (i. e., those species which arrive upon the island in 
the spring, remain through the summer, lay their eggs, rear their young, and leave in 
the fall). The permanent residents and the summer residents (i. e., the species that 
breed on the island) are the ones which can be studied most thoroughly. Each species 
should be studied as fully as possible, as indicated in the following outline: 

Arrival at the island (if not a permanent resident), meteorological conditions, such as 
direction and strength of wind at that time, same data for departure; abundance 
(relative and actual); breeding habits, including time of nesting, construction, loca- 
tion, character and care of nest; number of eggs laid; incubation, period, and by which 
parent accomplished; to what extent will other eggs be laid if the first are destroyed; 
the young, appearance when hatched, feeding and care, growth and leaving nest; 
feeding and food of adults, what the food is; where and how obtained, and relation 
to supply of food fishes, fox food, other birds, etc.; destruction of eggs and young by 
other birds or other agencies; mortality among the birds from disease, enemies, 
climate, etc. 

Make a special study of the egg-collecting operations of the natives, when the 
practice began and how it has been conducted; years in which eggs have been 
gathered; exact dates of cleaning-off trips, number of eggs of each species removed 
when cleaning off the ground, disposition made of these eggs, and area cleaned off; 
exact dates of collecting trips, area collected over, number of eggs of each species 
obtained; whether the disturbance of egg collecting results in any destruction of 
eggs or young by the birds themselves; association of different species on nesting 
ground; how the nests of different species are distributed or grouped. 

While it is desired that you give attention to all phases of the bird life of Walrus 
Island, the primary object of your investigations will be the securing of knowledge 
as to the actual conditions obtainmg on that island, including the effects of egging 
operations by the natives, in order that regulations may be provided which will 
adequately protect the bird rookeries from serious depletion. 

The instructions for the study of Walrus Island should be applied, in so far as they 
may be applicable, to each of the other islands. 

It is understood that the natives of St. George Island utilize to some extent the 
eggs of birds nesting on that island. This practice should receive the same study 
and consideration as is given to Walrus Island, to the end that the bird rookeries 
may continue to yield a supply of eggs to be used as food by the natives without any 
serious diminution in the number of birds. 

The relation of the foxes to the bird life of the island should be considered; extent 
to which the foxes prey upon the adult birds, the young, or their eggs; possible source 
of food supply for natives and foxes without serious injury to the birds. 

All questions of economic or natural history interest concerning the birds of St. 
Paul Island should receive similar attention, including their utilization as food for 
the natives and for the foxes to the maximum extent consistent with their proper 
conservation. 

Insects. — List the species of insects found on the islands, and make a study of the 
life history of each, including abundance, distribution, breeding, and feeding habits, 
relation to man, to fur seals, to foxes, to other animals, and to plants. Pay special 
attention to those species whose habits constitute them factors in the life of the fur 
seal, blue fox, or man; also to those species not originally native to the islands but 
which have been introduced there by man. If mosquitoes or flies of objectionable 
species or other pestivorous insects are present, what can be done toward theii* exter- 



i 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 



985 



mination. Species injurious to useful plants or other vegetation should receive 
special consideration. 

Fishes.— Species found on or about the islands within a radius ordinarily accessible 
to the natives; the abundance, distribution, habits, and food value of each. Make 
special study of those species which are or may become of value as food considering 
methods of capture, curing, or preserving for future use, best methods of cooking, etc. 
Consider the possibility of introducing useful fishes into the lakes and lagoons of the 
islands; also of developing and establishing regular fisheries for cod, halibut, or other 
food fishes. 

Mollusks, crustaceans, e^c— Species found on or about the islands; the abundance, 
distribution, habits, and possible value of each; to what extent, if any, used as food 
by natives, and can its use be increased; as food for other animals, etc.; methods of 
capture, utilization, etc.; can utilization be increased and methods of capture, cook- 
ing, etc., be improved. Among animals that should receive special consideration 
are the edible species of mollusks, crustaceans, sea urchins, etc. 

Plants. — Terrestrial and aquatic ; the species, their abundance, distribution, habits, 
and uses of each; time of first appearance in spring, flowering and putting forth of 
leaves, fertilization, relation to insects, ripening of seeds, dying in fall. Pay special 
attention to those species which are, or may be, used by man as food or in any other 
useful way, as textile material, fuel, etc. Possibility of increasing supply of useful 
plants, of introducing others, of cultivation of garden and other plants, as potatoes, 
lettuce, radishes, onions, berries, etc.; of utilizing any of the species of seaweeds or 
algae. 

INTRODUCTION OF USEFUL ANIMALS AND PLANTS. 



1. Reindeer. — The introduction of the reindeer has often been proposed. This 
question should be carefully investigated and recommendations submitted. 

2. Sheep. — The possibility and practicability of permanently maintaining a flock 
of sheep on each island should be considered. 

3. Poultry. — The same as to poultry. Inquiries regarding sheep, poultry, and 
other domestic animals in other northern latitudes or similar climatic conditions will 
prove helpful in determining the varieties or breeds to select, where to obtain stock, 
and how to care for them. 

4. Muskrat. — Practicability of establishing muskrat colonies in the lakes of the 
islands. 

5. Mussels, crawfish, mink, otter, water lilies, etc. — The fresh-water lakes may supply 
suitable surroundings for some or all of these species. 

In short, the bureau desires to be fully informed as to the native species of animals 
and plants now utilized in any way on the islands, the manner of their utilization, 
whether and how their production may be increased and their use encouraged, and 
that investigation and experimentation in connection therewith may be carried on to 
the end that the natural resources of the islands may be utilized to the fullest extent, 
and that the desirability of the introduction of other animals and plants and their 
cultivation be carefully investigated and undertaken, to the end that the variety and 
quantity of natural food produced on the islands may be increased to the comfort and 
general betterment of the natives. 

Artificial rearing of fur seals. — The two fur-seal pups which were brought to Wash- 
ington last January have been weighed on the 20th of each month. 

The following are the weights: 





Date of weighing. 


Weight in pounds. 




Male. 


Female. 


Jan. 20 




28 

3.5V 

32^ 

37 

30i 

36 

41 


19J 


Feb. 20 


242 


Mar. 20 


25 


Apr. 20 


24 


May20 


21J 


Juno 20 


26 


July 20 


31f 







From this it naay be seen that, while the growth has not been uniform, the male has 
increased in weight 46i per cent and the female 62S§ per cent since January 20. 

Although these pups have been kept constantly in fresh water, the temperature of 
which has for several months been much warmer than normal for fur seals (the maxi- 



986 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

mum water temperature often going as high as 83°), they appear to be in excellent 
health. They do not seem to be distressed in the least from presence in fresh water 
or on account of temperature. 

The experiment has proved so satisfactory thus far that the bureau feels quite hopeful 
that important economic results may be attained. It is therefore desired that the 
experiment be conducted on a much larger scale. 

You will endeavor, therefore, to secure a considerable number of pups this season 
for experimental purposes. Select as largely as possible from among the motherless 
pups. Among the possible experiments the following are suggested: (1) Corral and 
retain in lagoons, lakes, or other inclosures on St. Paul and St. George as large a num- 
ber as practicable. (2) Bring to Washington as many as can be conveniently handed, 
say, at least a dozen. It is desired to experiment with two or more at the National 
Zoological Park, a similar number at the New York Aquarium, at Woods Hole, at 
the bureau here in Washington, and perhaps at one or two other places. 

It is not known here just what arrangements can be made for bringing the pups 
down from the islands. One of the bureau's cars will be in the State of Washington 
during October doing fish-distribution work, and it is intended to use this car in 
bringing the pups from the west coast to Washington, D. C. You should endeavor 
to have the pups leave the islands at as late a date as possible, and it is hoped you 
may be able to arrange with one of the revenue cutters to receive the pups and bring 
them to Seattle or San Francisco, preferably to the former, where they will be received 
by the bureau's representative for shipment east on the bureau's car. Should it be 
impracticable to bring the pups down from the islands on a revenue cutter or any 
other vessel late in the fall, other means should be discovered. The possibility of 
bringing them down on the Homer should be considered. If they should come on 
the Homer arrangements can be made with the park commissioners and Prof. Trevor 
Kincaid at Seattle for their reception, retention, and care until the bureau's car can 
receive them. If it is impracticable to land them at Seattle, similar arrangements 
can doubtless be made with the park commissioners at San Francisco. It is desired, 
however, that they be landed at Seattle if possible. A letter has been addressed to 
the Secretary of the Treasury requesting that, if possible, instructions be issued to 
one of the revenue cutters to receive at St. Paul and bring to Seattle 12 to 20 pups. 
The decision of the Treasury Department will be communicated to you if possible; 
if not, you will proceed in accordance with the exigencies of the case. 

UNCINARIA AND OTHER PARASITES. 

All parasites affecting any of the animals of the island should be studied; their 
origin, abundance, hosts, life history, effect on host, etc. Give special attention to 
the uncinaria. 

NATURAL-HISTORY SPECIMENS. 

It is desired that ample museum material fully illustrative of the natural history 
and geology of the islands be collected, carefully prepared, and preserved for for- 
warding to Washington. A duplicate series of specimens should be retained on the 
islands for educational and study purposes. 

METEOROLOGY. 

Meteorological phenomena should be regularly observed and carefully recorded. 

Temperature. — Record 3 times daily (6 a. m., 12 m., and 6 p. m.); also daily maxi- 
mum and minimum for air and water. 

Winds. — Daily observations as to direction, strength, variability, etc. 

Sky. — As to clouds, fogs, sunshine, etc. 

Rain. — Tim.es, duration, amount; conditions under which occurs, as regards direc- 
tion and force of wind, temperature, etc. 

Snow. — Times, duration, amount; conditions of wind, temperature, etc., under 
which each fall of snow occurs. 

Frost. — First in fall, last in spring, etc. 

Fog. — Times, duration, prevailing conditions, etc. 

Ice. — When first appears on lakes, lagoons, etc., and about islands; ice pack about 
islands, etc. 

Electrical phenomena. — When, character, etc. 

All other meteorological phenomena noted should be carefully observed and 
recorded. 

While all these natural-history, educational, and scientific matters are placed 
with the naturalist, you and the assistant agents, doctors, teachers, and all others 
will cooperate with the naturalist in every proper way to the end that the purpose 



I 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 987 

if these instructions may be realized. Much can doubtless be accomplished by 
nteresting the natives in these questions and securing among them voluntary assist- 
,nts as observers, collectors, etc. 

Duplicate copies of these instructions have been furnished direct 
,0 Dr. Hahn and Dr. Chichester in order that they may have them, 
or consideration while en route to the islands. Dr. Hahn will for- 
ward through you a report next spring as to what has been accom- 
)lished to date with the various investigations. 
Respectfully, 

I. H. DuNLAP, Acting Commissioner. 
Approved. 

Benj. S. Cable, Acting Secretary. 



Department of Commerce and Laror, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
Washington, July 27, 1910. 
Mt. Harry D. Chichester, 

Care of North American Commercial Co., 

Mills Building, San Francisco, Cal. 
Sir: Inclosed are communications addressed to Mr. Walter I. 
uembkey relative to the duties of employees on the seal islands and 
}heir assignments. You are directed to read these instructions and 
ieliver them to Mr. Lembkey. 

Respectfully, I. H. Dunlap, 

Acting Commissioner. 

Department of Commerce and Labor. 
My Dear Mr. Secretary: I am sending herewith a copy of the 
"ur-seal hearings of March 9 and 10, 1904. The marked passages will 
nterest you; indeed it is all interesting reading. Note how Elliott 
3eats about the bush, dealing in generalities, abuse, and falsehood. 
Sincerely, 

Barton W. Evermann. 
July 28, 1910. 

Note. — See Fur-Seals of Alaska Hearings before the Committee 
Dn Ways and Means, House of Representatives, Fifty-eighth Congress, 
second session. 

The passages marked appear on pages 13, 20, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 
i9, 50, 51. 



Rising Sun, Ind., July 28, 1910. 

Dear Dr. Evermann: I reached here yesterday evening and have 
arranged my routing with the local ticket agent. I shall reach San 
Francisco over the Overland Limited on August 4. That should give 
tne time to confer with Dr. Chichester and Mr. Clark. Can you give 
me Chichester's hotel address? 

Your memoranda' reached me at South Bend. We had a mis- 
understanding in regard to the train, as I reached the station about 
7.30 and left at 7.55. 

Yours, very truly, Walter L. Hahn. 



988 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

[Copy.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, July 28, 1910. 
Dr. H. D. Chichester, 

Care of North American Commercial Co., ^ 

Mills Building, San Francisco, Cal. 
Dear Dr. Chichester: In the hearings before the Committee of 
Ways and Means, Fifty-eighth Congress, second session, March 9 and 
10, 1904, page 13, Henry W. Elliott states that he was never an 
employee of the Alaska Commercial Co. I have a distinct recollection 
of having seen in Mr. Lembkey's possession a letter from that com- 
pany or some one stating that Elliott was at one time an employee 
of that company. Can you tell me the facts in the case ? Who wrote 
the letter and where can it be found ? Write me immediately all the 
information that you can on this subject. 
Respectfully, 

Barton W. Evermann. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

San Francisco, Cal., August 1, 1910. 
Dr. Barton W. Evermann, 

Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C: 

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter of 28th ultimo, request- 
ing information concerning Henry W. Elliott's connection with the 
Alaska Commercial Co. 

In a hearing before the Secretary of the Treasury, the date of which 
I can not recall, Elliott admitted that he had been employed by the 
Alaska Commercial Co. A typewritten copy of a stenographic report 
of this hearing was on file in our office, but early in June, at the 
commissioner's request, I turned it over to him, together with a 
marked copy of Elliott's denial of his employment by the Alaska 
Commercial Co., in the hearing before the Ways and Means, Fifty- 
eighth Congress, second session, March 9-10, 1904. This report must 
either be in the commissioner's desk or in the Secretary's office. 

In a hearing before the House Ways and Means Committee, Febru- 
ary, 1907, Chas. J. Faulkner, attorney for the North American Com- 
mercial Co., brought out the fact that Elliott had been an employee 
of the Alaska Commercial Co. A copy of the report of this hearing 
would show the whole thing. In the Fur Trade Review's Washinton 
letter, March, 1907, there is a report of above hearing in which 
Elliott admits his connection with the company. 

This I telegraphed the acting commissioner July 29 in response to 
his telegram of the same date. 

Some years ago Mr. Lembkey prepared a brief showing Elliott's 
connection with the Alaska Commercial Co., his lobbying, and his 
being in correspondence with the British Government at the time he 
published his report, which the United States Government was trying 
to suppress, and the publication of which did us so much damage at 
Paris. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 989 

This brief was in the seal files, but I am sure was sent to the Secre- 
tary's office, together with all the other Elliott matter. 

I have practically finished the purchasing of the su])plies and 
begin checking the bills to-morrow. Will have the ship ready for 
sea Saturday, August 6, at 1 o'clock, and will sail at that time, unless 
o the r wise o r de re d . 

Respectfully, H. D. Chichester. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, July 29, 1910. 
Hon. Benjamin S. Cable, 

Assistant Secretary, Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C. 
Sir: I have the honor to inclose here\Yith copy of a letter, dated 
July 5, from Mr. Lembkey, which it is believed you will be inter- 
ested in seeing. 

Respectfully, I. H. Dunlap, 

Acting Commissioner. 

Office of Agent Seal Fisheries, 
St. Paul Island, Alaslca, July 5, 1910. 

The Commissioner of Fisheries, 

Washington, D. C. 

Sir: The Homer arrived at St. George on June 28, and, after 
discharging her cargo for that island, left the same night for St. Paul. 
Arriving at the latter island June 29 at daybreak, the work of dis- 
chargmg cargo began at 5 a. m. and continued during the 29th and 
30tli and the earl}^ morning of July 1 , when the sliip v{as discharged, 
and left for Dutch Harbor at 8 a. m. to take on a cargo of coal for 
natives' use. She will return here about July 12, and will then 
take on the compan3^'s employees and proceed to San Francisco. 

Because of head winds, the Homer was 13 days and 4 hours in 
making the passage from San Francisco to Dutch Harbor, instead 
of the 12 days estimated. Since then, however, she has caught up 
with her schedule, and it is believed will gain somewhat on it, 
although everytliing depends upon the weather at the time of the 
vessel's discharging at the islands. 

Upon my arrival, I found that considerable anxiety existed among 
the natives and others as to the time of arrival of the supply ship 
and the arrangements which would be made for the conduct of 
business on the islands. Information had been received from the 
cutter officers of the change of conditions, but nothing as to what 
efforts were bemg put forth by the department for assuming charge 
of practical affairs. This anxiety was heightened by the fact that 
the supply of some articles on St. Paul had been consumed, and 
it had become necessary, in the early part of June, to obtain by 
the Maiming, from Dutch Harbor, a quantity of flour, biscuits, 
salt beef, and canned vegetables for natives' consumption. They 
had also received the impression that the supply ship would not 
arrive before August, and that they would be obliged to labor for 
the Government without Sinj compensation other than clothmg and 
a ration of food. 



^90 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



It was my first etfort to remove these impressions and establish 
relations of confidence with the natives. In fact, the arrival of a 
ship's load of supplies and a gunny sack containing about 150 pounds 
of coin operated automatically to remove the greater portion of this 
uncertainty. In addition, I had conferences with individual natives 
and with the assembled communities of both islands, explaining the 
changes which occurred during the past winter and assuring them 
that it is the intention of the department to better the condition of 
the natives in every manner possible. All of these have had the 
effect of reassuring the natives and removing uncertainty. The 
continuance of cash payments for sundry labor, the increase in the 
rate of payment for sealskins, and the publication of the rate at 
which merchandise will be sold to them from the store were received 
with satisfaction. 

The cooperation of the natives during the sealing season is vitally 
essential to conducting the business at its greatest efficiency. With- 
out this cooperation it would be an easy matter to fail to secure 
several thousands of skins during a season or to have "errors" occur 
in the curing of skins which could never be traced to any individual 
nor charged successfully to deliberate intention. It is necessary, 
therefore, to be assured of the good will of the people, and to gain 
and retain this will be a matter of constant thought. 

To state that this has been attained is no distortion of fact. On 
June 30, from 5 a. m. to 10 p. m., the natives of St. Paul discharged 
165 tons of coal, dead weight, from the Homer — the greatest amount 
of merchandise ever landed on the islands on one day. The previous 
record was 150 tons landed from the Lakme nearly 20 years ago. As 
regards "branding" and sealing, under the able direction of Mr. 
Judge the natives are going at it as if tliey were working on shares. 

Having received no recent instructions previous to my arrival, 
Agent Judge on St. Paul had "branded" 337 2-year-olds, in addition 
to several hundreds of 3-}^ear-olds. The remainder of the 3-year-olds 
to be marked under my instructions have been secured since. The 
details of the branding on St. Paul follow: 



Date. 


Rookeries. 


2 years. 


3 years. 


4 years. 


5 years. 




Reef - - . 


46 

82 

209 


77 

56 

146 

246 

191 

91 






27 








28 




14 


5 


July 2 
4 






Reef 








5 












Total 










337 


807 


14 


•5 









No word from St. George has been received since my departure from 
that island, but it is believed that the St. George quota of 200 
3-year-olds has been secured by this time. 

Regarding killable seals, I will say that the ice remained in the sea 
until such a late date and the spring has been so backward that bache- 
lors are not arriving in their usual numbers. On the date of my 
arrival f>75 skins were in the salt house at St. George and 1,573 on 
St. Paul. From the latter, however, 664 have been delivered to the 
late lessee to complete its quota for 1909, as authorized by a letter 
from the bureau, but we have more than made up this number by 



SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 991 

skins secured from recent drives. Notwithstanding the present 
unfavorable aspect, I feel sure that at least 10,000 skins can be 
secured during the season, and hope that this minimum number can 
be exceeded. 

Reports of the breeding rookeries indicate that more breeding bulls 
are present than on this date last year, and that, ■wdth a decreasing 
number of cows, many of these bulls will be idle. Further reserva- 
tions of males should be curtailed, as more than enough are present 
now. 

The Japanese fleet is active, as usual. On July 4, 14 schooners 
were in sight off St. Paul Island. None have approached close to 
land and no violations of law have been noted. A heavy native 
guard is maintained on Northeast Point. 

Since my arrival one cutter has been on duty at the two islands, 
dividing its time between them. Because of the curtaihng of the 
number of ])atrol vessels this yo^r from 4 to 3, both extremities of 
this island are not under surveillance by cutters as heretofore and 
greater opportunity is given the seahng fleet for coming close to 
shore, which no shore guard can prevent. 

The property of the company was formally delivered to the Gov- 
ernment on July 1. Since that time the company's employees have 
been taldng new inventories as of that date. During the last winter 
the entire village was painted by the company and everything placed 
in first-class condition in anticipation of a possible sale of the prop- 
erty to a new lessee. 

In case the bureau does not adopt my recommendation that Mr. 
Proctor be placed m charge on St. George during the ensuing winter, 
I have designated Agent Clark to remain a second year. Of all the 
assistant agents, he alone has not been called upon to remain two 
years in succession since 1898. He is, however, very desirous of 
returning this year, and I trust the recommendation which I have 
made involving Mr. Proctor be adopted. 

As already stated, I should be informed at the earliest practicable 
date of the disposition to be made of sealskins to be landed in San 
Frajicisco from the Homer in September. I probably will have oppor- 
tunity of reporting to the department by wireless the number of 
skins to be shipped. 

Respectfully, W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent Seal Fisheries. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, August 1, 1910. 
Mr. Walter I. Lembkey, 

Chief Agent Fur-Seal Service, St. Paul Island, AlasTca. 
Sir: The receipt is acknowledged of your letter of 5th ultimo, giv- 
ing a suriimary of the movements of the Homer and of the work done 
on the seal islands from your arrival there on June 28 up to the date 
of writing. The letter is very interesting, and the bureau appreciates 
your thoughtfulness in giving the valuable information therein con- 
tained. 

Respectfully, I. H. Dunlap, 

Acting Commissioner. 



992 seal islands of alaska. 

July 29, 1910. 
Chichester, 

North American Commercial Co., San Francisco, Cal.: 
Inform bureau where can find Elliott's admission he was once 
employee of Alaska Commercial Co. Full information desired. 
Wire. 

DUNLAP. - 



[Copy — original too faint for satisfactory reproduction.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, July 30, 1910. 
Hon. Benjamin S. Cable, 

Assistant Secretary, Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C. 
Sir: I have the honor to inclose copy of a telegram received from 
Mr. Chichester in reply to an inquiry from this office relative to Mi. 
EUiott's connection with the Alaska Commercial Co. Xt is possible 
that the stenographic report of the hearing before the Secretary of the 
Treasury is amongst the Elliott papers on file at the department, or 
else in the Secretary's office. The bureau has no copy of the hearing 
before the House Ways and Means Committee, February, 1907, and 
it is requested that steps be taken to obtain one, if practicable. The 
bureau will endeavor to obtain a copy of the Fur Trade Review of 
March, 1907. Do you deem it advisable to consult with Senator 
Faulkner ? 

Respectfully, (Signed) I. H. Dunlap, 

Acting Commissioner. 



I Telegram .J 

San Francisco, Cal., 29, 

Dunlap, 

Bureau Fisheries, Washington, D. C. : 
Elliott's admission his employment by Alaska Commercial Co. is 
in a hearing before Secretary Treasury. Stenographic report of 
same I turned over to commissioner early part June; now probably 
in Secretary's office. Consult Chas. J. Faulkner, Kellog Building. 
He brought out Elliott's connection in hearing before House Ways 
and Means Committee February, 1907; also see Washington letter 
Fur Trade Review, March, 1907. 

Chichester, 



July 30, 1910. 
Walter L. Hahn, 

Bascom, Ind., via Aurora: 
Inquire for Chichester at North American Commercial Co., Mills 
Building, San Francisco. Instructions mailed you that address. 

Dunlap. 



seal islands of alaska. 993 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
WasUngton, July 30, 191Q. 
Dr. Walter L. Hahn, 

Care North American Commercial Co., 

Mills Building, San Francisco, Cal. 
Sir: There are inclosed you herewith two copies of a letter of "in- 
structions sent to Mr. Walter I. Lembkey, chief agent, fur-seal serv- 
ice, one copy for your use and the other for Dr. Chichester. These 
copies are sent direct to you and Dr. Chichester in order that they 
may be studied and considered while en route to the seal islands. 
Respectfully, 

I. H. DUNLAP, 

Acting Commissionen. 
Original will follow early next week for Mr. Lembkey in Dr. Chichester's care. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, August 1, 1910. 
Mr. H. D. Chichester, 

Care North. American Commercial Co., 

Mills Building, San Francisco, Cal. 
Sir: Herewith is a signed and approved copy of Mr. Lembkey's 
instructions, dated July 27 and supplementary to those of May 9, 
1910. You ^^^ll please hand this to Mr. Lembkey. Copies have 
been already sent to jow and Dr. Hahn. 

Respectfull}', I. H. Dunlap, 

Acting Commissioner. 



August 1, 1910. 
Chichester, 

Care North, American Commercial Co., 

Mills Building, San Francisco, Cal.: 
Approved copy of instructions for Lembkey mailed to you to-day 
care Commercial Co. Wait for it. 

Dunlap, Acting Commissioner. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
San Francisco, Cal., August 6, 1910. 
Commissioner of Fisheries, 

Washington, D. C. 
Sir: I have the honor to report that I arrived here at 8.30 a. m. 
July 27, and immediately began purchasing the supplies called for by 
the requisition sent down by Mr. Lembkey. Accompanying the 
requisition was a note from Mr. Lembkey, asking that $5,000 be 
reserved from the native- appropriation of 1911 for the purchase of 
native coal next year. As ne had already expended over $13,000 

2403— H. Doc. 93, 62-1 63 



994 SEAL ISLANDS OP ALASKA. 

from this appropriation, I have charged all the goods bought for the 
second trip against the special appropriation. 
The amount is as follows: 

Merchandise $16, 258. 80 

Coal for jEomer 2,019.55 

Labor, etc 484. 17 

Total 18, 762. 52 

The Alaska Commerical Co. made application for permission to 
ship on steamer Homer 30 tons of hay to Unalaska, to be used in 
feeding live cattle to be furnished the Revenue-Cutter Service. As 
there was sufficient space available, I agreed to take the hay. The 
rate is $15 per ton. 

As I reported by wire, I have secured the services of Dr. Norman D. 
Morgan to relieve Dr. Mills on St. Paul, and a Chinese cook for St. 
George — name, Jee Woy. 

I have granted permission to a native of Unalaska to take passage 
on the Homer for that place, the native paying for subsistence only. 

If the department is m receipt of any information as to the number 
of skins taken on the island this year, or as soon as such information 
is received, I would respectfully suggest that the North American 
Commercial Co. be instructed to secure the number of barrels neces- 
sary for their shipment, allowing 28 bundles of skins to a barrel, and 
have them sent to Long Wharf, Oakland, and also obtain permission 
from the railroad company to allow the Homer to lie at that wharf 
and unload and pack tne skins. If this is not done before the arrival 
of the steamer, there may be a delay of several days. Mr. Davis, sec- 
retary of the North American Commercial Co., has advised me that if 
the department so desires he will make all necessary arrangements. 
The price of barrels is S2.25 each, which includes cooperage. 

In purchasing the merchandise for this trip of the Homer I was not 
able to secure bids by reason of the short time at my disposal and the 
great amount of work involved ; but mth few exceptions the prices I 
obtained were practically the same as those secured by Mr. Lembkey 
in the spring, the exceptions being on certain foodstuffs, the prices 
of which have advanced greatly since Mr. Lembkey purchased. 

In order to secure the benefit of the cash discount allowed on many 
of the bills, it will be necessary to make a settlement as speedily as 
possible. 

I am greatly indebted to the North American Commercial Co. for 
much assistance rendered me and for the use of their office. It is 
only by means of their aid and experience that I was able to get the 
ship loaded and ready for sea to-day. 

In order to expedite getting about among the merchants, I found 
it necessary to hire a horse and carriage for three days. I have 
signed a voucher for $7.50, covering this, and trust the same will be 
paid. 

Respectfully, H. D. Chichester, 

Assistant Agent Seal Fisheries. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 995 

[Telegram.] 

San Francisco, Cal., August 6, 1910. 
Commissioner Fisheries, 

Washington, D. C: 
Homer sailed 1 p. m to-day. 

Chichester. 
6.11 p.m. 



[Telegram.] 

U. S. C. ''Manning," August 5, 1910. 
Bowers, 

Commissioner Fisheries, Washington, D. C: 
Catch probably 12,000. Arrange for 200 barrels at Frisco to pack 
skins. 

Lembkey. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
Office of the Chief Clerk, 

Washington, August 11, 1910. 
Assistant Secretary, 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C. 
Sir: I have the honor to submit a copy of the health card prepared 
by Assistant Seal Agent Chichester for use on the Pribilof Islands, 
which it is thought you may be interested in seeing. 
Respectfully, 

I. H. DuNLAP, Acting Commissioner. 



Fur-Seal Service, Department Commerce and Labor, 
health card. 



Island, Alaska, 

Date, ; 19—. 

Physic'al examination made by . Name, . Sex, . Age, 



Where born, . Date of birth, . How born, . Breast or bottle 

fed, . Menstruation began, . Character of menstruation, . Nimi- 

ber of pregnancies, . Number of children living, ; dead 



Number of abortions, . Previous diseases: Evidences of syphilis, gout, rheu 

matism, — ■ — ■ — . Goiter, infectious or other diseases, . History above diseases 

. Present physical condition, . Face, . Eyes, . Palate 

. Ears, . Teeth, . Hair, . Skin, . Complexion 

. Height, . Weight, . The patient is nourished. Sub 

cutaneous tissue present in amount. Muscles are and devel- 
oped. Mucus membranes, . Fractiu-es, deformities, scars, bruises, eruptions 

growths, description of each, . Vision, defects, color blindness 



Thorax and lungs: Chest, . Sternum, . Ribs, . Lungs, expan- 
sion, . Respiratory rate, . Findings, . Sputum examination 

Heart, findings, . Radial pulse, . Arteriosclerosis, 



Blood pressure, . Varicose veins, . Abdominal and digestive organs 

findings, . Liver, findings, . Spleen, findings, . Urinary 

organs, . Genital organs, . Urinalysis, . Nervous system, find 

ings, . 



99p SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 

[Telegram.] 

St. Paul Island, Alaska, 18. 
Commissioner Fisheries, 

WasMngton, D. C: 
Will ship following fur-seal skins: St. Paul, 10,088; St. George, 
2,834; total, 12,922. 

Lembkey. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

WasMngton, September 1, 1910. 
Mr. Walter I. Lembkey, 

Chief Agent Fur-Seal Service, 

Care North American Commercial Co., 

Mills Building, Son Francisco, Cal. 
Sir : Complying with the recommendation made by Dr. Chichester 
in his letter of August 6 that the North American Commercial Co. be 
instructed to secure the number of barrels necessary for the ship- 
ment of the sealskins which will be brought down from the islands 
this fall, 3^ou are advised that a request has been made of the North 
American Commercial Co. to have in readiness 240 barrels for the 
purpose indicated. This number is based upon your telegraphic 
advice, stating that the number of skins taken would be 12,922. 

The North American Commercial Co. has also been requested to 
have the barrels delivered at Long Wharf, Oakland, and to make 
arrangements with the railroad company to allow the Homer to lie 
at that wharf while unloading and packing the skins, and to make 
all other arrangements necessary to enable you to proceed with the 
shipment without delay. 

■ It is the commissioner's intention to be in San Francisco when the 
Homer arrives. He will then advise you definitely as to whom the 
skins will be consigned, route, and all other matters of detail. 
Respectfully, 

I. H. Dunlap, 
Acting Commissioner. 

[Telegram.] 

San Francisco, Septemher 12, 1910. 
To the Acting Secretary of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C: 
Is it possible for me to insure the sealskins from San Francisco to 
London, to protect the Government from loss? They are worth 
$500,000 or more. 

George M. Bowers. 



[Telegram. J 

Washington, D. C, September 18, 1910. 
Hon. George W. Bowers, 

Palace Hotel, San Francisco, Cal.: 
Acting comptroller advises no appropriation to pay premiums on 
the insurance for sealskins. Moreover, not policy of Government to 
insure its property. 

Chas. Earl, 

Acting Secretary. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



997 



San F'ranclsco, Cal., September 16, 19 tO. 
Hon. George M. Bowers, 

Commissioner, Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. 0. 
Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith bill of lading, invoices, 
and specifications of numbers and contents of 22S casks, 12,922 
Alaska salted fur sealskins, the total catch of 1910, shipped to your 
order, notification to be made to Alfred Frascr, New York. The 
island, San Francisco, and packing counts, 12,922 skins, all agree. 

The shipment left here on the night of September 14, in well- 
ventilated cars, secured to avoid anv possibility of heating on the 
trip overland. 

If shipped to England, it would be advisable to instruct whoever 
handles the consignment in New York to see that the casks are placed 
in the coolest part of the vessel carrying them. 

The wSouthern Pacific Railroad has been instructed to keep the 
bureau in Washington advised by telegraph of the progress of the 
shipment on its way east. 

Respectfully, , 

Agent Seal Fisheries. 



Received, subject to the classifications and tariffs in effect on the date of the receipt 
by the carrier of the propertj^ described in the original bill of lading, at Oakland 
Wharf, Cal., September 14, 1910, from Department of Commerce and Labor, Bureau 
of Fisheries, the property described below, in apparent good order, except as noted 
(contents and condition of contents of packages unknown), marked, consigned, and 
destined as indicated below, which said company agrees to carry to its usual place of 
delivery at said destination, if on its road, otherwise to deliver to another earner on 
the route to said destination. It is mutually agreed, as to each earner of all or any of 
said property over all or any portion of said route to destination, and as to each party 
at any time interested in all or any of said property, that every service to be performed 
hereunder shall be subject to all the conditions, whether printed or ^mtteu, herein 
contained (including conditions on back hereof), and which are agreed to by the 
shipper and accepted for himself and his assigns. 

The surrender of the original order bill of lading properly indorsed shall be required 
before the delivery of the property. Inspection of property covered by the bill of 
lading will not be permitted unless provided by law or unless permission is indorsed 
on the original bill of lading or given in writing by the shipper. 

The rate of freight from Oakland Wharf, Cal., to New York, N. Y., is in cents per 
100 pounds. 

Consigned to order of Geo. M. Bowers, Commissioner of Fisheries, New York, N. Y. 

Notify Alfred Fraser, New York, N. Y. 

Route, S. P.-U. P.-R. I.-L. S. M. S.-N. Y. C. 



Niim))er 
packages. 


Description of articles and special marks. ■ 


Weight 
(subject to 
correction). 


Class or rate. 


76 


Casks sealskins. (C, M. & St. P. 202825) 


31,600 
69,050 


150 


152 


Casks sealskins. (C. , M. & St. P. 85694) 


150 









Department of Commerce and Labor, Bureau Fisheries, shipper. 

H. C. Collins, Agent. 

Invoice of 228 casks of Alaska salted fur-seal skins, shipped September 14, 1910, by the De- 
partment of Commerce and Labor, Bureau of Fisheries, from San Francisco, Cal., to 
New York, to the order of George M. Bowers, Commissioner of Fisheries. — Consignment 
No. 1, 1910. 



Mark. 


Number of 
skins. 


Description. 


Value. 


Nos. 1 to228.. 


12,922 


Salted fur-seal skins, at •?40 


$516, 880 









Department of Commerce and Labor. 
Alfred Fraser, New York. 



998 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, Bureau of Fisheries, packing account of 228 casks 
sealskins, consignment No. 1, 1910. 



Cask 


Number 


Cask 


Number 


Cask 


Number 


Cask 


Number 


Cask 


Number 


No. 


of skins. 


No. 


of skins. 


No. 


of skins. 


No. 


of skins. 


No. 


of skins. 


1 


56 


51 


56 


101 


54 


151 


56 


190 


58 


2 


56 


52 


56 


102 


56 


152 


56 


191 


68 


3 


56 


53 


54 


103 


56 


153 


56 


192 


58 


4 


56 


54 


56 


104 


56 


154 


58 


193 


56 


5 


56 


55 


56 


105 


56 


155 


58 


194 


58 


6 


54 


56 


56 


106 


58 


156 


58 


195 


58 


7 


54 


57 


56 


107 


58 


157 


58 


196 


56 


8 


56 


58 


58 


108 


58 


158 


58 


197 


58 


9 


58 


59 


56 


109 


56 


159 


58 


198 


56 


10 


56 


60 


54 


110 


58 


160 


56 


199 


60 


11 


56 


61 


56 


111 


58 


161 


56 


200 


56 


12 


56 


62 


56 


112 


56 


162 


56 


201 


58 


13 


54 


63 


58 


113 


58 


163 


58 


202 


56 


14 
15 
16 
17 


56 
56 
56 
56 


64 
65 
66 
67 


56 
66 
56 
56 


114 
115 
116 
117 


56 
58 
58 
56 












742 




746 


164 


56 


203 


56 


18 


56 


68 


56 


118 


58 


165 


58 


204 


56 


19 


56 


69 


58 


119 


56 


166 


58 


205 


68 


20 


54 


70 


58 


120 


58 


167 


56 


206 


66 


21 


54 


71 


58 


121 


58 


168 


58 


207 


66 


22 


54 


72 


58 


122 


60 


169 


68 


208 


56 


23 


56 


73 


52 


123 


58 


170 


58 


209 


58 


24 


56 


74 


58 


124 


58 


171 


56 


210 


56 


26 


52 


75 


54 


125 


56 


172 
173 
174 


58 
58 
58 


211 
212 
213 


56 

58 
68 




1,386 




1,404 




1,428 














175 
176 


56 
58 


214 
215 


56 
58 


26 


56 


76 


54 


126 


56 


27 
28 


58 
56 


77 
78 


54 
56 


127 
128 


58 
58 












746 




738 


29 
30 


60 
56 


79 
80 


56 
56 


129 
130 


56 

58 










177 


56 


216 


66 


31 


56 


81 


56 


131 


58 


178 


58 


217 


66 


32 


52 


82 


54 


132 


58 


179 


56 


218 


58 


33 


56 


83 


58 


133 


56 


180 


58 


219 


66 


34 


56 


84 


56 


134 


56 


181 


58 


220 


58 


35 


56 


85 


56 


135 


58 


182 


58 


221 


66 


36 


52 


86 


58 


136 


58 


183 


60 


222 


58 


37 


58 


87 


56 


137 


58 


184 


58 


223 


68 


38 


58 


88 


58 


138 


56 


185 


60 


224 


60 


39 


56 


89 


58 


139 


58 


186 


58 


225 


54 


40 


60 


90 


58 


140 


58 


187 


56 


226 


54 


41 


60 


91 


56 


141 


56 


188 


56 


227 


52 


■ 42 


56 


92 


58 


142 


60 


189 


58 


228 


56 


43 
44 


56 
56 


93 
94 


56 
56 


14^ 


60 










144 


56 




?50 




722 


45 


58 


95 


56 


145 


58 










4(; 


56 


96 


56 


146 


58 










47 


54 


97 


58 


147 


58 










48 


56 


98 


56 


148 


58 










49 


58 


99 


56 


149 


58 










50 


56 


100 


56 


150 


58 










1,412 


1,408 


1,440 



Recapitulation. 

Skins. 

Casks 1 to 25 1, 386 

Casks 26 to 50 1, 412 

Casks 51 to 75 1, 404 

Casks 76 to 100 1, 408 

Casks 101 to 125 1, 428 

Casks 126 to 150 1, 440 

Casks 151 to 163 742 

Casks 164 to 176 746 

Casks 177 to 189 750 

Casks 190 to 202 746 

Casks 203 to 215 738 

Casks 216 to 228 722 

Total 12, 922 

The island, San Francisco customhouse, and packing counts 
(12,922) all agree. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



999 



Cask. 


Skins. 


Weight. 


Cask. 


Skins. 


Weight. 


Cask. 


Skins. 


Weight. 


1 


56 


465 


77 


54 


462 


153 


56 


446 


2 


56 


482 


78 


50 


464 


164 


68 


445 


3 


56 


455 


79 


56 


452 


155 


58 


435 


4 


56 


472 


80 


56 


445 


156 


58 


465 


5 


56 


475 


81 


56 


447 


157 


58 


4.=i9 


6 


54 


457 


82 


54 


470 


158 


58 


447 


7 


54 


486 


83 


58 


460 


169 


68 


436 


8 


56 


475 


84 


56 


475 


160 


66 


422 


9 


58 


460 


85 


50 


439 


161 


56 


424 


10 


56 


445 


86 


58 


436 


162 


66 


412 


11 


56 


460 


87 


56 


476 


163 


58 


437 


12 


56 


447 


88 


58 


442 


164 


56 


440 


13 


54 


462 


89 


58 


446 


165 


58 


442 


14 


56 


435 


90 


58 


440 


166 


68 


439 


15 


56 


458 


91 


56 


446 


167 


66 


430 


16 


56 


440 


92 


58 


431 


168 


58 


435 


17 


56 


435 


93 


56 


435 


169 


58 


435 


18 


56 


473 


94 


66 


456 


170 


68 


437 


19 


56 


425 


95 


66 


440 


171 


56 


441 


20 


54 


452 


90 


56 


440 


172 


58 


446 


21 


54 


476 


97 


58 


437 


173 


68 


447 


22 


54 


450 


98 


56 


440 


174 


58 


460 


23 


56 


433 


99 


56 


442 


175 


56 


445 


24 


56 


470 


100 


56 


458 


176 


58 


445 


25 


52 


442 


101 


54 


460 


177 


56 


432 


26 


56 


430 


102 


56 


441 


178 


58 


438 


27 


68 


465 


103 


56 


427 


179 


56 


425 


28 


56 


430 


104 


56 


436 


180 


58 


433 


29 


60 


462 


105 


56 


435 


181 


68 


445 


30 


56 


433 


100 


58 


435 


182 


68 


433 


31 


56 


475 


107 


68 


440 


183 


60 


440 


32 


52 


463 


108 


58 


461 


184 


58 


460 


33 


56 


435 


109 


56 


430 


185 


60 


468 


34 


56 


438 


110 


68 


455 


186 


58 


432 


35 


56 


463 


111 


68 


456 


187 


66 


440 


36 


52 


463 


112 


56 


445 


188 


56 


430 


37 


58 


444 


113 


58 


437 


189 


58 


466 


38 


58 


448 


114 


56 


426 


190 


58 


422 


39 


56 


474 


115 


68 


446 


191 


58 


445 


40 


60 


434 


116 


58 


448 


192 


58 


432 


41 


60 


465 


117 


56 


426 


193 


56 


432 


42 


56 


433 


118 


58 


441 


194 


58 


434 


43 


56 


430 


119 


50 


432 


195 


58 


442 


44 


56 


435 


120 


58 


440 


196 


56 


430 


45 


58 


451 


121 


58 


446 


197 


58 


434 


46 


56 


481 


122 


60 


468 


198 


56 


425 


47 


54 


440 


123 


58 


450 


199 


60 


450 


48 


56 


465 


124 


58 


440 


200 


56 


442 


49 


58 


451 


125 


56 


444 


201 


58 


444 


50 


56 


428 


126 


66 


431 


202 


56 


426 


51 


56 


460 


127 


58 


450 


203 


56 


423 


52 


56 


428 


128 


58 


432 


204 


50 


426 


53 


54 


465 


129 


56 


434 


205 


58 


446 


54 


56 


436 


130 


58 


449 


206 


56 


434 


55 


56 


442 


131 


58 


441 


207 


56 


422 


56 


56 


443 


132 


58 


446 


208 


56 


430 


57 


56 


447 


133 


56 


450 


209 


68 


444 


58 


58 


432 


134 


56 


451 


210 


56 


428 


59 


56 


430 


135 


58 


435 


211 


56 


427 


60 


54 


470 


I 136 


58 


438 


212 


58 


443 


61 


56 


473 


137 


58 


440 


213 


68 


443 


62 


56 


430 


138 


56 


438 


214 


66 


441 


63 


58 


462 


139 


58 


451 


215 


58 


463 


64 


56 


450 


140 


58 


445 


216 


56 


436 


65 


56 


431 


141 


56 


448 


217 


56 


428 


66 


56 


436 


142 


60 


448 


218 


58 


431 


67 


56 


447 


143 


60 


466 


219 


56 


426 


68 


56 


421 


144 


56 


425 


220 


68 


429 


• 69 


58 


436 


145 


58 


458 


221 


66 


440 


70 


58 


456 


146 


58 


446 


222 


58 


441 


71 


58 


444 


147 


68 


436 


223 


58 


436 


72 


58 


456 


148 


58 


440 


224 


50 


439 


73 


52 


460 


149 


58 


440 


225 


54 


450 


74 


58 


444 


150 


58 


440 


226 


54 


460 


75 


54 


446 


151 


66 


432 


227 


52 


442 


76 


54 


467 


152 


56 


436 


228 


56 


483 



1000 seal islands of alaska, 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
San Francisco, Cal., September 17, 1910. 
Hon. G. M. Bowers, 

Commissioner, Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 

Sir: I inclose herewith a duplicate copy of my letter to you of the 
16th instant, wliich transmitted to you bill of lading, invoices, and 
specifications of numbers and contents of 228 casks containing seal- 
skins. 

I inclose also a memorandum bill of lading and duj)licate of the 
inclosures with my letter of tli3 16th instant, all of which for use 
should my letter of the 16th be not delivered to you. 
Respectfully, 

W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent Seal Fisheries. 



September 19, 1910. 
W. I. Lembkey. 

Care of North American Commercial Co., 

San Francisco, Cal.: 

When do you expect to leave San Fran<'isco for Washington ? 

DUNLAP, 

Acting Commissioner. 



[Telegram.] 

San Francisco, Cal., 19. 

DUNLOP, 

Acting Commissioner of Fisheries, Washington, D. C: 
Yours 19th; probably twenty first or second, but do not know 
exactly. Will wire ui)on departure. 

Lembkey. 



Columbus, Ohio, September 27, 1910. 

Hon. G. M. Bowers, 

Commissioner of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 

Dear Sir: Regarding our confidential talk in San Francisco, you 
stated that the Secretary has ordered the skins placed in cold storage 
in New York temporarily, instead of sliip])ing them direct to London, 
and I venture to call your attention to a few facts that possibly have 
not suggested themselves. 

First. My understanding is that raw skins placed in cold storage 
are first unwrapped, in order that they may be spread out and prop- 
erly ventilated. The labor, rack expense, etc., involved in this will 
be considerable. 

Second. If the skins go into cold storage and it is decided later on 
to ship them to London, they can only be shipped in cold storage, 
which would probably entail enormous expense. It would be the 
height of folly to place them in cold storage for a while and then to 
remove them to the ordinary hold of a vessel for shipment. Meat 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1001 

taken from cold storage doesn't last long until decomposition sets in, 
and it is doubtful if hides would either, regardless of the fact that 
they were salted previously. Should the skins turn up "pinky" at 
the London sales, criticism, if nothmg more, would be our due. 

Third. If the Government does not intend to i)art with its posses- 
sion until the skins are dressed and dyed, why not have this work 
done at once and save the expense of cold storage ? 

Fourth. If it is intended to dye only a few as an experiment, why 
not hold these few and ship the remainder? 

Fifth. It is, of course, evident dressed and dyed skins will not only 
pay to the Government the additional cost of dressmg and dyeing, 
but also a liberal profit on the additional investment. 

Sixth. If profit is the sole object, why not follow the thing to its 
logical conclusion, and mak€ up and sell the garments at retail so as 
to get all the profit ? 

Seventh. Is money available for these purposes ? If so, it is likely 
that the right of the Government to engage in the business can not be 
successfully questioned; but the wisdom of such a pohcy will be ques- 
tioned, and the arguments that can be brought to bear agamst it are 
not without weight. 

Eighth. I understand that nearly all the Alaska skins, after. dress- 
ing and dyeing in London, are returned to the United States, and 
that the regular 35 per cent ad valorem duty is then collected. If 
this is so, it is worth considermg whether the additional profit that 
might be gained by the Government, the real party in interest, is 
worth the risks involved, in going into business, wholesale or retail. 
We are on the right track from the taking of the skins on the islands 
to their disposal at auction in London, but I fear the expansicm nec- 
essary to the further handling of the pelts m a business way. 

L^nless you wish to make it official, I would prefer that this be 
considered a personal letter, more like a talk we might have in your 
office. I have written it merely for the purpose of enabling you to 
present this phase of the matter to the Secretary before he makes his 
final decision. 

I expect to be in Wasliington in a few days. 

Very respectfully, James Judge. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
Washington, September 29, 1910. 
The Commissioner: 

Referring to our previous conversation upon the subject, I have 
the honor to suggest that, in my judgment, the sealskins taken this 
summer upon the Pribilof Islands should be shipped directly to 
London, to be sold there m the usual manner — at auction — for the 
following reasons: 

1. An international market offers the chance of obtaining the 
highest price for furs. 

2. The chances of combination to lower the price of sealskins are 
less in an international market than in one open to buj^ers from a 
restricted area only. 



1002 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

3. By arbitrarily clianging settled practice, the probability of 
creating distrust ajid prejudice among fur dealers which would prompt 
them to discredit sealskins and thereby lower their value is imminent. 

4. By selling sealskins in this country the duty of 20 per cent on 
nearly $1,000,000 worth of dressed and dyed sealskins, amounting to 
nearly $200,000, would be lost. 

London to-day is the fur market of the world. At a certain time 
each year buyers from all quarters of the globe gather there to pur- 
chase furs at auction. They have been accustomed to* do this for 
years. 

By selling the Pribilof Islands skins in London, the Government 
has the advantage of the world's best market, and of the competition 
which arises from the presence of buyers from all nations ; necessarily 
the prices obtained under these conditions would be better than if 
the skins were sold in an unaccustomed market, where the buyers 
from only a restricted locality might be present and where others 
might not be able to attend. 

Furthermore, it is not wise, m my opinion, to place difficulties in 
the way of purchasers of Alaska sealsldns. On the other hand, it 
would be good policy to make it as easy as possible for purchasers to 
bid on these skins. This can be done by having the skins in London 
when' the buyers are there. If, for example, buyers should be 
required to attend the London sales to purchase all other furs and 
then to visit New York or Chicago or San Francisco to purchase seal- 
skins only, the chances are that this additional and unusual journey 
to the sealskin market might create an adverse sentiment against 
sealskins among fur dealers which would result in forcing down the 
present high price of sealskins to a low figure. 

If the bidding were restricted to those buyers only representing 
firms in this country, the chances of combination to lower prices 
would be much easier than in an international market. From what 
I have heard and read this contingency is not impossible. 

This question of antagonizing the retail fur trade is, in my opinion, 
a vital one. It must not be believed that sealskins always have 
sold for the price they now command, or anj^thing like it. In 1837 
the Russians obtained at Kiachta, China, for the best seal pelts 
10 to 15 roubles ($2 to $3) each. They brought little more than 
that in 1867. In 1870 the average price obtained for sealskins 
was $5.41. In 1890 the price jumped from $17 to $36 average, 
went down as low as $15.50 in 1897, and then rose gradually until 
1909, when an average price of $40 for each skin was obtained. 

The price of skins is affected by conditions that would seem to 
have little bearing upon it. A war in Manchuria, a famine in India, 
cholera in Naples, tight money in New York or Paris — all could and 
some have served to drag dowai the prices of sealskins at the annual 
London sales. 

If, to such unexpected events as have been mentioned, that 
occur at irregular intervals, there were to be coupled a steady and 
vindictive prejudice against the skins in the minds of the retail 
manufacturers, it is apparent to me that sealskins would fall in 
value to a price approximating that which they brought in 1870 
and previous years. 

The price of sealskins is an artificial one, based upon the efforts 
of large fur dealers, who dictate the mode to maintain the fur as 



SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1003 

a standard article of fashion. There is no intrinsic vahie in seal- 
skins (if I may use the term) as there is in gold and gems. The 
high price which sealskins now bring was obtained by judicious 
manipulation of the market in 1871 and following, and the assurance 
of a steady annual yield. It would be easy enough for dealers to 
inform their customers, for instance, that "sealskins no longer 
were in fashion," and thereby discredit tlie fur and lower the price. 

It is therefore vitally essential that no step be taken, more 
especially at the inception of the Government's management of 
the business, which would antagonize the retail fur trade and create 
an adverse sentiment against sealskins. In fact, in my judgment, 
it would be wise to allay the uncertainty and distrust of the Gov- 
ernment's methods which now seem prevalent among the trade, 
by a public statement from an authoritative source to the effect 
that our skins will be sold in London as usual; that no particular 
firm or body of men will be given advantages that the entire trade 
will not enjoy; and that in all respects this Government will not 
depart, for the present at least, from the procedure which has 
attended the disposition of these skins and which has become a 
settled practice. 

Another phase of the question which should be considered is the 
fact that Great Britain has been willing to adjust the Bering Sea 
question, but has deferred to the wishes of Canada, which have 
been adverse to any settlement. The dressing and dyeing of seal- 
skins occurs in London, has supported thousands of British sub- 
jects engaged in such work, and forms the basis of Great Britain's 
desire for a settlement of the pelagic sealing question. It is well to 
consider whether or not to discontinue the dressing and dyeing of 
these skins in England and thereby to remove such cause as that 
country may have for a desire for the settlement of the Bering Sea 
question m a manner favorable to this Government. 

In view of the foregoing, I have respectfully to advise that, for 
this year, the skins go forward at once to London, to be sold there 
at auction, as formerly; that careful consideration be given this 
winter to the question of any change in the methods of disposing 
of our sealskins, in connection with which the views of the large 
fur dealers in this country and abroad be obtained; and that a 
public statement of the policy of this Government, in respect to the 
disposition of its fur-seal skins now on liand, be made at once to 
allay uncertainty in the fur trade. 

Respectfully, W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent Seal Fisheries. 



[Telegram.] 

New York, Septemher 30, 1910. 
Hon. Charles Nagel, 

Department Commerce and Lahor , Washington, D. C: 
Skins will not arrive here before 4th or 5th of October. Sufficient 
time for conference, 

Geo. M. Bowers. 
2.55 p. M. 



1004 



SEAL ISJ^ANDS OF ALASKA. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
Washington, October 8, 1910. 
The Commissioner: 

I have the honor to submit a preHniinary report of the conduct of 
a^airs on the Pribilof (seal islands), Alaska, Reservation during the 
season of 1910, as follows: 

Leaving Washington on May 17, 1910, under orders from you, and 
proceeding at once to San Francisco, I chartered the steamsliip 
Homer, Capt. Adam Donaldson, master, at a cost of $142.50 a day. 
After consulting with the N. A. C. Co., as directed, to ascertain the 
quahty and quantity of supplies required for the subsistence of the 
native inhabitants of the Pribilof Islands, I purchased such supplies 
as then were known to be necessary at a total cost of $23,442.70, 
including ship's coal. 

The Homer having been delivered, under the charter, on the 1st 
day of June, she was sent first to the Western Fuel Co.'s bunkers to 
coal sliip, and thence to the dock of the Cosmos Line, where she re- 
ceived freight. Having received all freight, on June 11 the Homer 
left her dock, arriving at Dutch Harbor June 24. Coaling there, she 
proceeded to St. George, where she arrived June 27, and discharged 
all freight. Leaving there June 28, she reached St. Paul June 29. 
Having discharged all freight for that island, she left there July 1 for 
Dutch Harbor to load coal for natives' use. After delivering this 
coal to the islands she left for San Francisco, arriving there July 23. 

Taking on another cargo of merchandise, together with coal enough 
for the round trip to the islands and return, the vessel again left San 
Francisco on August 6, arriving at Dutch Harbor August 21, at St. 
George the 23d, and St. Paul the 24th. With the skins aboard she 
left St. Paul August 28, arriving back at San Francisco September 12. 

Number of skins. — For the season of 1910 the following number of 
fur-seal skins was taken and shipped from the islands: 

St. Paul: 

Quota of 1909 (delivered to N. A. C. Co. by direction of department letter 
dated Jan. 5, 1910) 664 

Quota of 1910 (shipped Government account) 10, 088 

St. George : Quota of 1910 2, 834 

13, 586 

Of these, 664 were shipped on the first trip of the Homer to San 
Francisco, consigned to the North American Commercial Co., and 
the remainder, 12,922, were sent to San Francisco on the second 
trip of the Homer for Government account. 

Bachelors branded. — On St. Paul the following numbers of young 
male seals were marked fox breeders: 



Date. 


Rookeries. 


2 years. 


3 years. 


4 years. 


5 years. 


1910. 


Reef 


46 
82 
209 


77 

56 

146 

246 

191 

91 






27 








28 




14 


5 


July 2 

4 






Reef 








5 












Total 










337 


807 


14 


5 









SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 



1005 



On St. George, owing to a misapprehension of orders by Assistant 
Agent Clark, only 108 3-year-olds were branded, instead of 200, as 
directed by me. The total number branded on both islands is as 
follows : 

2-year-olds 337 

3-year-olds 915 

4-year-olds 14 

5-year-olds 5 

Total 1,271 

Count ofTiarems. — On all the islands the following numbers of bulls 
with harems, and other bulls present at the height of the breeding 
season, were found: 





Harems. 


Idle. 


Quitters. 


Water 
bulls. 


Hauling 
ground 
bulls. 


St. Paul. . . 


1,059 
259 
155 


145 

77 


81 

1 


55 




St. George. . . . 


47 


Sea Lion Rock 
















Total (1910) 


1,373 
1.399 


222 
172 


82 
139 


55 
13 


47 


Total (1909) 


98 







1 Estimated. 

By comparison with 1909 the number of harems has decreased 33, 
or 1.9 per cent; the number of idle bulls has increased 50, or 29 per 
cent; the number of stationed bulls with harems and idle has 
increased 24, or 1.5 per cent. The number of idle bulls amounts to 
13 per cent of the whole number of stationed bulls present. 

The conditions, therefore, as regards breeding males are the same 
virtually as last year, except that a slight decrease in harems and a 
substantial increase in idle bulls are noted. 

Counts of jjuys. — Because of the i^resence of Japanese schooners in 
numbers close to the islands, counts of pups on St. Paul were limited 
to Keto^d rookery, including Amphitheater. On wSt. George, for the 
same reason, pups were not counted save on Little East rookery. 
Those St. Paul counts follow: 



St. Paul. 


Live. 


Dead. 


Total. 


Number 

of 
harems. 


Average 
harem. 


Ketovi 


1,717 
187 


57 
5 


1,774 
192 


53 
9 


33.4 


Amphitheater.- - 


21.3 








Total 


1,904 
1,915 


62 
64 


1,966 
1,979 


62 
58 


31.6 


Total (1909) 


34.1 







From the comparison which the foregoing data afford it would 
appear that the number of breeding cows on tliis rookery has remained 
stationary during the period, while the number of harems thereon 
has increased, therebj^ lowering the average harem from 34.1 to 31.6. 

On St. George the count of Little East disclosed 75 pups in 4 harems. 

Japanese fleet. — The Japanese fleet in Bering Sea consisted of 25 
vessels boarded by the Revenue-Cutter Service as against 16 last year. 



1006 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 

Of these, 2 were seized by the cutters, 1 for violation of the alien fish- 
ing laws and 1 for a violation of section 2773, United States Revised 
Statutes. As a rule these vessels kept outside the 3-mile limit and, 
so far as known, none landed on the islands for the purpose of killing 
seals. 

Eleven Japanese in three small boats landed on St. Paul Island on 
July 30 and 31 and were brought to the village. They were quartered 
there until August 8, when they were placed aboard the Manning 
and taken to Unalaska with four native witnesses. They were tried 
before the United States Commissioner for landing upon the islands 
without authority and were found guilty and sentenced to a week's 
imprisonment. After serving this sentence they were placed aboard 
a Japanese sealing vessel with their sealing paraphernelia and sent 
home. 

A detailed report of the season's work will be submitted. 
Respectfully, 

W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent Seal Fisheries. 
Forwarded . 

Barton W. Evermann, 
Assistant in Charge Scientific Inquiry. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

St. Paul Island,, Alaslca, October 18, 1910. 
The Commissioner of Fisheries, 

Washington, D. C. 
Sir: I have the honor to report that I am sending you to-day by 
the United States revenue steamer Bear 10 fur-seal pups — 5 males 
and 5 females. These pups are all large, healthy ones, taken directly 
from the rookery this morning and should, under Mr. Thurber's care, 
reach Seattle alive. He has assured me that he will give them as 
much attention as his other duties will allow on the voyage down. 
A strong effort has been made this fall to care for some of the 
starving pups, but without success. Despite every effort the pups 
all died. Dr. Hahn, who had charge of the work will no doubt sub- 
mit a report concerning the matter. 

Respectfully, H. D. Chichester, 

Assistant Agent Seal Fisheries. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

St. Paul Island, Alaslca, Octoher 18, 1910. 
The Commissioner of Fisheries, 

Washington, D. 0. 
Sir: I have the honor to report concerning affairs on this island 
since August 28, 1910: 

The health of the natives is at present fairly good, but there has 
been considerable sickness earlier m the fall. A number of cases of 
tonsilitis developed during September but has now died out. There 
were no deaths therefrom. 



SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



1007 



I understand that a report is current to the effect that measles 
have broken out among the St. Paul natives. This is not true. We 
have had no measles here for a number of years. 

Since October 28, 1910 (?), there has been six deaths. One from 
cancer, one from gastro-enteritis, and four from tuberculosis. All 
but two were chronic cases. 

There is an ample supply of food, fuel, and clothing on hand to 
carry through the winter and everything necessary for preparing 
the station for the winter has been done. 
Respectfully, 

H. D. Chichester, 
Assistant Agent Seal Fisheries, in Charge St. Paul Island. 



New York, November 25, 1910. 
George M. Bowers, Esq., 

Commissioner Bureau of Fisheries, 

Department of Commerce and Labor, Washington, D. C. 
Dear Sir: Inclosed I beg to hand you particulars of assortment 
of the Alaska fur seal received this day from C. M. Lampson & Co., 
whose valuation of the skins based upon the prices realized for last 
year's catch is 12,732 skins at 144s. average per skin and 188 skins 
at 120s. average per skin. The latter I presume are food skins. 

I regret to find that the assortment is not quite up to that of last 
year's catch. 

The percentages of the several grades of skins as compared with 
last year's collection are as follows: 



Condition. 


Number. 


1910 


1909 


Prime skins 


9,999 

1,255 

821 

621 

36 


Per ct. 

78.53 

9.86 

8.21 

4.88 

.28 


Per ct. 

83.28 


Low skins 


5.82 


Cut skins 


6.45 


Rubbed skins 


3.53 


Faulty skins 


.28 








12,732 


100 


100 



The sldns count up two short of the number invoiced, but they will 
be re-counted on delivery. 

I regret to state that the fur trade so far this season is dull, owing 
in a great measure to the very high cost of all articles, but business 
will no doubt improve should cold weather set in. 

I have reason to believe that the number of pelagic seal taken this 
year will be about equal to that of last year. 
Yours, very truly, 

Alfred Fraser. 

IMr. Secretary: Not as satisfactoiy as I should like to have seen 
this statement. Am home and can not leave to-day. 

Geo. M. Bowers. 
November 26, 1910. 



1008 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



London, November 19, 1910. 

Assortment of Alaska salted fur sealskins for account of United States Government^ 
Department of Commerce and Labor. 

[New York Cr. 1/228. 12,922.] 



78 

713 

3,032 

4,899 

1,206 

11 

33 
135 
498 
501 



10 

71 

238 

421 

81 

6 
55 
195 
290 
75 
36 



12,732 



188 



Smalls 

Large pups 

Middling pups 

Small pups 

Extra small pups 

Extra extra small pups. 
Low: 

Smalls 

Large pups 

Middling pups 

Small pups 

E.xtra small pups . . . 
Cut: 

Smalls 

Large pups 

Middling pups 

Small pups 

Extra small pups. . . 
Rubbed: 

Smalls 

Large pups 

Middling pups 

Small pups 

Extra small pups . . . 
Faulty 



Average based on December, 1909, prices, 144/=. 



Smalls 

Large pups 

Middling pups 

Small pups 

Extra small pups. 
Faulty 



Average based on December, 1909, prices, 120/= 



Lbs. ozs. 



7 11 

6 9 

6 1 

5 9 

5 



Subject to recount. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

• WasJiington, December 8, 1910. 
Dr. Walter L. Hahn, 

Naturalist Fur-Seal Service, St. Paul Island, AlasJca. 
Sir: There is inclosed herewith a copy of a letter from Prof. H. 
Dexler, addressed to Mr. George A. Clark, of Stanford University, 
also a copy, of Mr. Clark's letter transmitting Prof. Dexler's letter to 
the bureau. These letters explain themselves. You are instructed 
to secure for shipment to Prof. Dexler the material which he requests. 
Instead of the young female, however, you will use one or more 
bachelor seals. It would seem that it would be quite feasible to 
pack in a barrel the material from at least two young male seals. If 
you find it convenient to do so, you can prepare that amount of 
material for him. When properly barreled the package may be 
addressed to the bureau at this place and sent down on the Govern- 
ment vessel next summer. When it is received at Washington it 
will be forwarded to Prof. Dexler. 

Respectfully, H. M. Smith, 

Acting Commissioner. 



seal islands of alaska. 1009 

December 16, 1910. 
Hon. Charles Nagel, 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C: 
Conditions considered, have had a remarkably successful sale. 
Total amount, 89,424 pounds. 

George M. Bowers. 



London, December 16, 1910. 
Hon. Charles Nagel, 

Secretary of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C. 
My Dear Mr. Secretary: I have just wired you the total results 
of the fur-seal-skin sale which has just taken place: 

Conditions considered, have had a remarkably successful sale. Total amount, 
89,424 pounds. 

When we take into consideration the aA^erage grading of the skins 
as compared with last year, there is a loss of only about 3 per cent. 

I am inclosing you a copy of the advertisements for the year 1909 
as well as for 1910. I think it is well to have these for office reference. 
I had hoped for a larger amount, but, after conference with the fur 
dealers of London, was prepared to receive 10 per cent or even 15 per 
cent less than last year's prices, and I think, as I have said above, 
that we had a very successful sale. 

I leave the latter part of the week for Germany and will go direct 
to Bad Nauheim. I regret to say that my condition has not improved. 

Wishing you and yours a merry Christmas and a happy and pros- 
perous New Year, I am, with renewed assurances of my highest 
personal esteem and regard. 

Very truly, yours, Geo. M. Bowers. 



London, December 16, 1910. 
Hon. Charles Nagel, 

Secretary Commerce and Ljabor, 

Washington, D. C, U.S.A. 

My Dear Mr. Secretary: Herewith inclosed you will find cata- 
logues showing the prices i^eceived at the auction this day for the fur 
seals for Alaska and elsewhere, and when we take into consideration 
the number of skins ofl'ered for sale and the climatic as well as finan- 
cial conditions, I think we have had, as far as our skins are concerned, 
an exceptionally good sale. 

Lot No. 1 sold at a decline of 20 shillings as compared with last 
year — this gave me the blues. The second lot, 400 large pups, sold 
at a decline of 9 shillings; this of course was better, but when 6,200 
small pups and extra small ])ups sold at a loss of 1 shilling as com- 
pared with last year, this very much improved the situation. Unfor- 
tunately, our skins did not grade so well as heretofore. You will 
observe that the 664 skins of the North American Commercial Co. 
did not bring prices nearly so good as those gotten by the Govern- 

2403— H. Doc. 93, 62-1 64 



1010 SEAL. ISLANDS OF AIASKA. 

ment. You will further observe that the skins of the northwest 
coast sold at an average of at least 7^ per cent less as compared with 
the prices received by us, notwithstanding the fact that the sldns of 
the northwest coast this year graded a little better than usual. 

Under the terms of the sale a remittance by C. M. Lampson & Co. 
will be made on December 30. I shall leave London on the 19th, 
and my address for the next three weeks will be Hotel Kaiserhof, 
Bad Nauheim, Germany. 

With assurances of personal esteem and regard, believe me, 
Sincerely, 

Geo. M. Bowers. 



London, December 19, 1910. 
Hon. Charles Nagel, 

Secretary Comtnerce and Lahor, 

Washington, D. C, U. 8. A. 

Dear Mr. Secretary: Herewith inclosed you will find several 
statements for record in the department, one showing the number of 
skins sold, the prices realized for each lot, and the average weight of 
the skins; then another statement showing by whom purchased. I 
also inclose a report showing the prices received for all other skins sold, 
with last year's prices, for the purpose of comparison; also a state- 
ment issued by C. M. Lampson & Co., as well as two other statements, 
one by Phillips, Pollitzer & Co., and the other by Blatspiel, Staup & 
Haycock, the principal London buyers of the Alaskans. These re- 
ports will show the situation so far as London and the Continent are 
concerned. It pleases me to state that the gross proceeds from the 
sale for the 12,920 skins is £89,624 16s., an advance of £200 more 
than the amount given in my cablegram. The amounts received, 
as shown in this report, differ some little from the statement I sent 
you some days ago, but on the whole our Government gains an 
additional £200. 

Your cablegram of congratulations was greatly appreciated, and I 
feel much relieved after a hard year's arduous labor. I leave for 
Berlin to-night, and will proceed from there to Bad Neuheim immedi- 
ately after Christmas and make a strenuous endeavor to recuperate, 
or, in other words, to recover my health. 

With the compliments of the season, believe me, 
Sincerely , 

Geo. M. Bowers. 

P. S. — In a personal letter to Mr. Cable I stated I would send him a 
list of purchasers. This is found in a catalogue which I have marked 
"Document 4. " My address will be Hotel Kaiserliof, Bad Neuheim. 



seal islands of alaska. 1011 

The Fur-Seal Fisheries of Alaska in 1910.^ 

By Walter I. Lembkey, Agent in Charge. 
THE NEW administration. 

With the passage of the act of April 21, 1910, the leasing system, 
which since 1870 had required that the sealing right on the Pribilof 
Islands be let in 20-year periods to the liighest bidder, was abrogated. 
This new law neither suspended the killing of seals on the islands 
nor required it to be curtailed, but provided that such killing should 
be done only by the authority of the Secretary of Commerce and 
Labor through officers, agents, or employees of that department, 
the natives to be employed to perform the labor necessary to secure 
the sealskins and to receive fair compensation for their labor. So 
also the sealskins taken under the authority and by the persons 
already mentioned should be sold by the Secretary to the best advan- 
tage of the Government. 

By this act the Secretary of Commerce and Labor was given au- 
thority also to appoint such additional officers, agents, and em- 
ployees as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of the act; 
to purchase at a fair valuation the plant of the former lessee on the 
islands; to establish and maintain supply depots on the Pribilof 
Islands; to provide for the transportation of supplies by the charter 
of vessels; and, finally, to furnish food, fuel, clothing, and other 
necessaries of life to the natives of the Pribilof Islands, and to pro- 
vide for their comfort, maintenance, education, and protection. 

INCREASED SCOPE OF AGENTS' DUTY. 

This act placed upon the department heavy responsibilities which 
hitherto had been borne by the lessee. The business of killing seals 
and curing the skins, the mercantile business with a stock of approxi- 
mately S40,000 worth of goods, and, in short, all other practical 
affairs, were required to be actively managed by the department 
agents, who previously had occupied the virtual status of inspectors 
of the lessee's operations, in addition to the duty of examination of 
the seal herd and the administration of the natives' affairs. 

The act mentioned had not been approved by the President before 
those charged with the management of the seal fisheries were giving 
their attention to the working out of the details under the new con- 
ditions. On May 9 the annual instructions to the agent in charge 
were signed; shortly afterwards S2,000 in cash was advanced to the 
agent to pay for labor on the islands other than that of killing seals, 
bonds being given by himself and assistant agents to insure the 
proper handling of this fund and the faithful performance of duties 
in general. On May 17 the agent in charge left Washington to begin 
the preparations for carrying out the requirements of the act of April 
21, 1910. 

HIRE OF VESSEL AND PURCHASE AND TRANSPORTATION OP SUPPLIES. 

On May 21 the agent arrived in San Francisco and on the 26tli a 
charter for the steamer Homer at SI 42. 50 per diem was signed, sub- 
ject to the approval of the Department of Commerce and Labor. 

1 Note. — Uncorrected page proof; not completed until Apr. 15, 1911. 



1012 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

This vessel was delivered under the charter June 1 , and was sent first 
to the coal bunkers to receive her fuel and cargo coal and thence to 
the covered dock of the Cosmos Line to receive freight.- 

After the charter of the Homer was completed, the purchase of 
supplies for the natives and the islands in general was next to be 
taken up. It was found at once that the best prices on the goods 
required could not be obtained without inviting c )mpetitive bids; 
consequently, with the assistance of tlie North American Com- 
mercial Co., the retiring lessee, which placed its annual requisitions 
at the department's disposal, schedules of the principal clashes of 
merchandise were prepared in triplicate and presented to three of 
the largest mercantile firms in the several lines of business, witn the 
request that each submit a bid in writing. All merchandise, with 
the exception of small articles of miscellaneous classification, was 
thus purchased from the lowest bidder, after a careful inspection of 
the goods to determine whether the quality as well as the price was 
satisfactory. 

It was necessary to visit in person the place of business of each 
firm to solicit tliese bids; to go again to make purchases, and again 
to deliver the vouchers in payment of the articles purchased. With 
this and the attendant clerical work, it is considereci that no time was 
wasted in the preparations mcident to the sailing of the suppl}^ 
ship for the islands. 

During the period from June 1 to 10 the suppHes were purchased 
and the vessel loaded. On June 11 the Homer sailed from San 
Francisco, arriving at Dutch Harbor June 24. Coaling there, she 
proceeded to the islands, arriving at St. George June 27 and St. 
raul June 29. Having discharged all freight, she left on July 1 
for Dutch Harbor to load coal for the natives' use. Delivering this 
coal on July 7-] 1, she returned to San Francisco July 23. 

Taking on another cargo of merchandise, together with coal enough 
for the round trip to the islands, the Homer again left San Francisco 
August 6, arriving at Dutch Harbor August 21, at St. George the 23d, 
and St. Paul the 24th. Having received the sealskins aboard, she 
left St. Paul August 28 and arrived back at San Francisco Septem- 
ber 12. 

The sealskins were taken at once to Oakland I./ong Wharf, where, 
carefully packed in casks and placed in ventilated freight cars, they 
left on the night of September 14 for New York and thence were 
shipped to London to be sold at public auction. 

EMPLOYEES. 

It has already been stated that during the continuance of the leases 
of the two companies the Government agents on the two islands were 
not concerned with the active management of business, but acted with 
regard to it merely as inspectors. This does not refer to the super- 
vision of the natives' affairs, the management of which was never the 
subject of concern by any of the lessee's employees. Under these cir- 
cumstances the services of the four agents were ample to properly over- 
see the operations of tlie lessee and to perform such duties as might 
be required of the Government's representatives. With the taking 
over, however, of the business which heretofore formed the exclusive 
concern of the lessee, an increase in the number of the Government 
employees on the islands became necessary. 



SEAL ISLAISDS OF ALASKA. 



1013 



Special biological study of the seal herd having been decided upon, 
a naturalist .was appointed for this work. Dr. Harold Heath, of 
Stanford University, accepting the position until permanent arrange- 
ments could be made. The selection of the additional employees and 
the assignment of their duties were left to the agent. Of the force 
required, it was considered advisable to retain as many of the em- 
ployees of the late lessee as could be used, as these men were efficient, 
skilled in their duties, and required no instruction other than that 
necessar}' to acquaint them with new conditions. 

During the summer the force of employees on the islands, in addi- 
tion to the agents and the naturalist, was as follows: 



Name. 



Position. 



Period. 



Annual 
salary. 



On St. Paul Island: 

A. H. Proctor 

S. Melovidof 

H. C. Mills 

[Chinese] 

N. Bogadanof 

[Selected natives]. . 

Do 

On St. George Island: 

James Murtha 

C. M. Cunningham 

Ned B. Campbell.. 

[Chinese] 

M. Lestenkof 

[Selected natives].. 
Do 



storekeeper and bookkeeper. . . 

School-teacher 

Physician 

Cook 

stockman 

Janitor Government house 

Janitor former company house. 



Storekeeper 

Physician 

School-teacher 

Cook 

Stockman 

Janitor Government house 

Janitor former company house. 



Indefinite. 

do.... 

Until fall . 
Indefinite. 

do.... 

do.... 

do.... 



Until fall. 

do 

Indefinite . 
Until fall. 
Indefinite. 

do.... 

do.... 



$1,800 
1,200 
1,200 
720 
.300 
240 
180 

1,200 
1,200 
900 
720 
300 
240 
180 



^Ir. Proctor assumed his duties with the idea of serving during 
the winter on St. Paul. Subsequently, by an order of Secretary 
Nagel, made during the Secretary's visit to St. Paul, Mr. Proctor 
was transferred to St. George as acting assistant agent, in place of 
Assistant Agent Clark, who returned to the department. Dr. Mills 
served only during the summer, returning to his home at his own 
request. The Chinese cooks on both islands were relieved at their 
own request by others brought up from San Francisco. Assistant 
Agents James Judge and E. W. Clark with Agent Lembkey returned 
to the department on the Homer. 

Messrs. Murtha and Cunningham served only during the summer, 
as was contemplated when they were first appointed. Dr. Pedro de 
Figaniere was sent up by the department to take the place of Dr. 
Cunningham. Mr. Campbell was appointed by the department. 
All others were appointed provisionally from the force on the islands. 

During the ensuing winter the force of employees on the two islands 
will be as follows: 

St. Paul: H. D. Cliichester, assistant agent in charge; Walter L. 
Hahn, naturalist; Norman P. Morgan, physician; S. Melovidof, 
school-teacher; a Chinese cook; and N. Bogadanof, stockman. 

St. George: A. H. Proctor, acting assistant agent; P. de Figaniere, 
physician; Ned B. Campbell,' school-teacher; a Climese cook; and 
M. Lestenkof, stockman. 

The respective assistant agents are performing their usual duties in 
addition to those heretofore devolving upon the lessee's agents. When 
it is considered also that the office force of the lessee in San Fran- 
cisco, with over $20,000 in salaries, has been eliminated, it will be 



1014 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



seen that the island service, while highly efficient, is conducted at a 
minimum of expenditure. No increase in administrative force has 
occurred. A bookkeeper, two physicians, and two school-teachers 
only have been added, in addition to cooks and misceUaneous native 
help. 

TRANSFER OF LESSEE'S PROPERTY. 

By a letter dated May 7, 1910, from the Commissioner of Fisheries, 
the a^ent was directed to confer with the North American Commer- 
cial Co. and if possible to arrive at a fair and just valuation to be 
placed upon the property of that company on the Pribilof Islands, 
with a view to purchase by the Government. 

Two days after arrival at San Francisco a conference was had with 
the company, at which a statement of the presumed value to the 
Government of the company's holdings on the islands was made. 
After consideration of the question the company several days later 
agreed to transfer the Pribilof Islands plant at the valuation proposed 
at the previous conference. 

Upon arrival at the islands an inventory as of June 30 was made. 
Later, the transaction having received the approval of Secretary 
Nagel, who personally visited the islands and inspected the plant, 
vouchers were drawn to cover the various amounts shown on the 
inventory according to the basis of settlement proposed and accepted, 
and were transmitted to the department for settlement. 

A recapitulation of the inventories on the two islands, as taken on 
June 30, 1910, with a memorandum of the basis of settlement, follows: 



ST. PAUL ISLAND. 



Company's inventory. 



Merchandise So, 154. 33 

Tools and implements 3, 522. 83 

Drugs and instruments 816. 63 

Household furniture 2,957. 22 

Dispensary furniture 159. 97 

Boats and bidarras 3, 835. 40 

Telephone line 367. 79 

School supplies 276. 29 

Company buildings 25,683.45 

Native dwellings 17,269. 11 

Sea-lion skins 138.00 

Live stock 967. 62 

Salt and twine 1, 260. 02 

Fo.x skins (traps, etc.) 61.88 

Library '. 1 , 012. 86 

Wharf ways and derrick 804. 63 

Coal, 66 tons 1,339 pounds, at $20 1,331.97 

Total 65, 620. 00 



Settlement price. 



San Francisco invoice cost $5, 154. 33 

50 per cent of inventory 1, 761. 41 

Inventory cost 816. 63 

25 per cent deducted from inventory 2, 217. 92 

Do 119.98 

Launch $2, 000 

Boat 400 

Do 275 

3 bidarras, at $175 each 525 3,200.00 

Lump sum 90. 00 

Do 257.00 

50 per cent of inventory 12, 841. 72 

Do 8, 634. 55 

Inventory cost 138. 00 

Do 967. 62 

Do 1 , 260. 02 

Do 61-88 

Lump sum 200. 00 

50 per cent of inventory 402. 31 

Same, at $17 1, 132. 17 

Total 39, 255. 54 



SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 1015 

ST. GEORGE ISLAND. 



Company's inventory. 



Settlement price. 



Merchandise $6, 352. 03 ; ! San Francisco invoice cost $6, 352. 00 

Coal, 38 tons, at $20 760.00 I Same, at 817 646.00 

Dispensary 718. 97 [ | 50 per cent of inventory 359. 48 

Live-stoclc account 313. 72 I Inventory cost ; 313. 72 

Groceries, company house mess 227. 73 San Francisco invoice cost 227. 73 

Salt and seal twine 198.10 I San Francisco invoice cost after inspec- 

Oldsalt 98.87 i' tion 198.10 

Sea-lion skins 85.71 Ij Do 98.87 

Boats and bidarras 1,215.96 : Inventory cost 85.71 

Company buildings 11,604.04 I Lumpsum 700.00 

Derrick and landing (including cars and ; ■ 50 per cent 5, 802. 02 



track) 1, 737. 23 

House and office furniture 2, 043. 63 

Librarv 670. 64 

Native dwellings 6, 646. 96 

Telephone 297. 25 

Tools and implements 1, 164. 47 

Total 34, 135. 31 



Do 868. 61 

25 per cent deduction 1, 632. 72 

Lump sum 100. 00 

50 per cent 3, 323. 48 

Do 148. 62 

Do 582. 23 



Total 21, 339. 32 



The foregoing lists represent a total valuation for both islands of 
),568.17. Subsequent deductions because of errors in addition, 
computation, etc., reduced this amount by $26.69. A final settle- 
ment was made by the department for $60,541.48 and checks for 
that amount were transmitted to the company. 

With the exception of the buildings, practically everything on the 
inventory represents new stock, purchased by the company during 
its lease and not acquired from the former lessee. With regard to the 
buildings it may be said that, although erected by the former lessee, 
they have been kept from deterioration by constant repair and could 
not be replaced for anything approaching the price paid for them 
by the Government. Dn St. George the company dwellmg house 
and warehouses were virtually rebuilt b)^ the late lessee, when also 
several new native dwellings were added. Cn St. Paul constant 
repairs were made to all the buildmgs duiing the period of the lease, 
and the buildings not only are habitable but efficient. Wlien it is 
considered, furthermore, that only 50 percent of the inventory valua- 
tion was paid for these buildings, it may be seen that the price was 
not excessive 



NATIVES AFFAIRS. 



Upon the agents' arrival at the islands considerable anxiety was 
found to have existed in the minds of the natives and others as to 
the time of arrival of the supply ship and the arrangements which 
niight be made for the conduct of affairs under the changed condi- 
tions. Through the revenue cutters which touched at tlie islands 
preAdous to the arrival of the Homer information had been received 
of the assumption of active management by the Government, but no 
intimation as to what efforts were bemg put forth by the department 
for taking charge of the practical affairs. This anxiety had been 
heightened by the fact that the supply of some articles of necessity, 
as food on St. Paul, had been almost consumed. In fact, to provide 
against an imminent shortage it had become necessaiy in the early 
part of June to obtain by the revenue cutter Manniru/ a quantity of 
flour, biscuits, salt beef, and canned vegetables from Dutch Harbor. 
In addition to this fear of impending famine, the natives had received 
the impression that they would be obliged to labor for the Govern- 



1016 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

ment without any compensation other than clothing and food, as 
had been actually the case under the Russian leoime. 

The agents' first effort, therefore, was to allay these impressions 
and to establish relations of confidence with the natives, though, as a 
matter of fact, the arrival of a shipload of supplies and of a gunny 
sack containing about 150 pounds of coin had the effect automat- 
ically of removing the greater portion of this uncertainty. In addition, 
conferences were had with individual natives and with the assembled 
communities, in which the changes which had occurred during the 
past season were explained and assurance was given that the intention 
of the Government was to improve the present condition of the 
natives wherever possible rather than to make it less favorable than 
under the late lessee. 

It was necessary specifically to reassure them that cash payments 
for sundry labor would be continued under the new management. 
This has been the source of almost all the cash received by the 
natives, and the loss of it the occasion of their cliief anxiety. The 
assurance of the continuation of these payments in cash, together 
with the increase in the rate of payment for taking sealskins, and the 
material reduction in the prices at which merchandise is to be sold 
to the natives out of the stores on the islands, all had the effect of 
restoring confidence and obtaining a renewal of the natives' good will. 

Supplii depot. — Immediately upon the arrival of the Homer all 
hands not entirely occupied with sealing began taking an inventory 
of merchandise and other property belonging to the company, with a 
view to its being taken over by the Government, in accordance with 
instructions contained in the letter to the agent in charge dated 
May 7, 1910. This inventory was prepared in time to be transmitted 
on the return of the Homer on her first trip. 

After completing the inventory the merchandise which arrived on 
the Homer was uncrated and checked with the invoices. The price 
was marked on the articles at the rate fixed in the instructions of the 
agent, namely, a flat rate of 33J per cent advance over San Francisco 
wholesale prices. The prices of those articles of merchandise also 
which were taken over from the company were made to conform to 
the prices fixed for the new invoices of goods. 

The application of this flat rate of 33J per cent advance had the 
result of selhng merchandise to the natives at lower prices than ever 
before in the history of the islands. Because of high market prices 
in San Francisco at the time the spring requisition was purchased 
the retail price of butter was mcreased from 35 cents to 42 cents; 
flour remained the same, at $1.75 a quarter barrel; lard was raised . 
from 18 cents to 21 cents a pound; rubber boots, from $6 to $6.35 a 
pair; canned beef from 30 cents to 35 cents each. Some few other 
articles were sold at the same rate as formerly ; all other prices were 
reduced. A statement of some of these reduced prices follows: 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



1017 



Articles. 



Apples: 

Canned 

Evaporated 

Apricots, canned 

Arctics: 

Men's 

vv'omeD's 

Beans, canned 

Bedspreads 

Beef, salt 

Blackberries, canned 

Blankets 

Calico 

Candles 

Candy, 2 pounds 

Chimneys, lamp 

Coffee..' 

Collars, white 

Com, canned 

Crackers: 

Soda 

Sweet 

Cups and saucers set. . 

Dress goods 

Ewers and basins set. . 

Gingham 

Gloves, men's, wool 

Knives, pocket 

Jams 

Jelly 

Lining, cotton 

Milk, condensed 



Former 
price. 



$0.25 

! for . 30 

.25 

2.25 

1.50 
.20 

2.25 
.124 
.25 

7.00 
.10 
.02* 
.50 
.15 
.25 
.25 
.20 

.10 
.20 
.20 
.60 
2.00 
.15 
.50 
.40 
.25 
.25 
.15 
.25 



Present 
price. 



$0.20 

3 for . 25 

.20 

1.90 

1.35 

.15 

1.70 

.09 

.20 

5.50 

3 for . 25 

.02 

,25 

15 

.20 

2 for . 25 

.15 



2 for. 



3 for . 25 
.15 
.15 
.50 
1.25 

2 for. 25 
.25 
.30 
.20 
.20 
.12.^ 
.20' 



Articles. 



Needles 

Oil: 

Coal 

Cottonseed 

Onions 

Peaches, canned 

Pears, caimed 

Peas 

Potatoes 

Baking powder 

Prunes 

Raisins 

Rice 

■Worcestershire sauce, Ameri- 
can 

Shoes: 

Babies' 

Do 

Boys' 

Children's 

Do 

Men's 

Misses' 

\V omen's 

Do 

Soap 

Socks 

Swiss, dotted 

Tea 

Tobacco, leaf 

Tomatoes, canned 

Trousers 



Former 
price. 



$0.05 

.40 
.35 
.06i 
.25' 
.25 
.20 
.03* 
.20' 
.15 
.15 
I for . 25 

.25 

.75 

1.25 

3.00 

2.50 

2.00 

4.00 

2.50 

3.00 

4.50 

.061 

.50 

.25 

.50 

.50 

.20 

5.00 



Present 
price. 



2 for $0.05 

.26 

.25 

.05 

.20 

.20 

.15 

.02 J 

.15 

3 for . 25 

3 for . 25 

3 for . 20 

.15 

.55 

.90 

2.00 

1.75 

1.40 

3.15 

1.75 

2.35 

2.60 

.05 

.45 

.15 

.25 

.40 

.15 

4.00 



On every weekly order issued a saving of from 75 cents to $1.50 
was made by reason of these reduced prices. In addition, the price 
of coal was reduced from $20 a ton to S12.75 plus a small cliarge for 
stevedorage at either end. While no accurate computation has yet 
been made, it is believed that by reason of the reduced prices of com- 
modities sold the purchasing power of the natives will be increased by 
several thousands of dollars. 

Bank accounts. — When the Alaska Commercial Co. in 1870 began 
taking seals under its lease, in addition to providing comfortable 
dwellings for the native inhabitants, it also endeavored to encourage 
thrift among them by receiving deposits of mone}^ from such natives 
as desired to open savings accounts. On these accounts, which were 
subject to check at all times, the company paid interest at the rate of 
4 per cent on balances found on May 3i of each year. During the 
period of this company's lease some natives had accumulated accounts 
of over $2,000 each. 

These accounts were taken over by the North American Commercial 
Co. when it succeeded to the sealing privilege in 1890. While during 
the 20-year lease of the latter company these funds on deposit became 
smaller, due to the lessened amounts earned by the natives and to 
distribution to nonresident heirs upon deatli of the owner of the 
account, there still remained a few so-called bank accounts in the 
hands of the North American Commercial Co. at the time of the 
expiration of its lease. 

When the contract of the North American Commercial Co. expired 
in 1910 these funds remained on deposit with it, and some action 
with reference thereto became necessary on the part of the Govern- 
ment, which then took over the active management of the business. 

In the instructions dated May 9, 1910, it was directed that if the 
balance on the bank account of any native was small it should be paid 



1018 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 



by the company directly to the native; if, however, the native desired, 
it should be held by the company and deposited in a safe financial 
institution in San Francisco by the agent in charge as attorney in 
fact for the benefit of the native owning the account, the interest to 
be collected annually and paid directly to the native. 

Upon arrival at the islands last spring the natives were informed 
of the situation and told that if they desired their money could be 
deposited in a bank in vSan Francisco previously selected, which would 
pay interest at the rate of 3^ per cent per annum. They all assented 
to the redepositing of their funds in the manner stated. 

Such small accounts as did not exceed $25 were paid to the owner 
in cash by the company, the accounts of larger amount than that 
stated were closed by the company's presenting the respective owners 
with drafts for the several amounts. 

Each native who possessed one of these drafts delivered the same 
to W. I. Lembkey and upon blanks previously provided signed a 
power of attorney to him authorizing him to deposit the drafts with 
a bank in San Francisco, to collect the amount of any interest due 
thereon, and to give receipts for the same. 

A list of the accounts and the persons to whom they belong follows: 



St. 



George Island: 

Fevronia Galanin $40. 00 

Dimitri Lestenkof 137. 00 

Michael Lestenkof 240. 00 

Peter Prokopiof 83.55 

Emanuel Zaharof 33.20 

ZoyaSwetzof 123.00 

Mary Galanin 245. 00 

Michael Shane 63. 55 

Mary Philamonof 90.05 



St. 



Total 1,055.35 



St. Paul Island: 

Alexander Merculief 170. 00 

Nekita Hopof 50. 00 

Agrafina Bogadanof 161. 10 

Marina Stepetin 40. 00 

Apollon Bourdukofsky 203. 30 

Parascovia Kozlof 150. 00 



Paul Island — Continued. 

Peter Bourdukofsky 

Elizabeth Rookavishnikof . 

Agrifina Fratis 

Agrifina S. Pankof 

Peter Oustigof 

Alexander Melokidof 

Julia B. Krukof 

Simeon Fratis 

Akalina Fratis 

Alexai Emanof 

Tekan Volkof 

Martha Fratis 

John Hansen 

Oulianna Fratis 



$130. 00 

40.00 

71.00 

285. 00 

140. 00 

235. 00 

170. 00 

71. 00 

426. 00 

230. 00 

966. 00 

71. 00 

370. 00 

71. 00 



Total 4,050 40 



Grand total 5, 105. 75 



The St. Paul drafts were deposited to the credit of W. I. Lembkey, 
trustee for the various natives. Separate accounts were opened with 
each fund and pass books provided, to be delivered to each native 
owning the account. In cases where the money was owned by a 
minor child, the account was opened in the name of its natural 
guardian — either one of its parents, or if an orphan, the person with 
whom it resides — with Agent Lembkey as trustee for the guardian. 

Upon taking the wSt. George drafts to the bank it was discovered that 
by an oversight they had not been indorsed by the persons in whose 
favor they were drawn. LTnfortunately, therefore, they could not be 
deposited. An arrangement was made with the North American 
Commercial Co., however, whereby the amount of these St. George 
drafts, $1,055.35, was deposited by the company to protect the drafts, 
which it will be necessary to take back to St. George Island for proper 
indorsement. After being so indorsed they will be paid by the bank 
and savings accounts opened with each of the persons named, in the 
same manner as the drafts from St. Paul. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1019 

The interest on these accounts will be collected annuall}' and paid 
to the proper persons. The receipts for money so paid will be sub- 
mitted witli the annual report. 

Resources of natives. — During the summer of 1910, from taking 
seals and the previous winter from trappmg foxes on St. George, 
the natives of the islands earned the following amounts, to be applied 
to their support: 

St. George: 

203 blue foxes, at $5; 9 white, at §1 $1, 024 

2,834 sealskins, at $1 2, 834 

St. Paul: 

664 sealskins, at 75 cents 498 

10,088 sealskins, at $1 10, 088 

Total 14, 444 

As the fox skins were delivered to the North American Commercial 
Co., that company paid directly to the agent on St. George for 
the natives the amount of $1,024, due the natives on that account. 
The company also paid in cash to the agent on St. Paul the $498 due 
the natives from the 664 sealskins which the department authorized 
the company to take to complete its quota of 15,000 for 1909. The 
amounts of $10,088 earned by the St. Paul natives and $2,834 earned 
by the St. George natives for taking the sealskins shipped on Govern- 
ment account in 1910 were credited to the natives on the island 
books. Payments of cash therefrom were not made except of small 
sums in ver}^ rare instances. Each native sealer, however, was 
allowed to draw supplies against this fimd at a fixed rate each week 
until the cost of such supplies equaled the amount of the native's 
credit from earnings; after this, supplies to be issued to him directly 
from the stores in sufficient quantity to support himself and family. 

The various statements of the division of natives' earnings are filed 
in the Bureau of Fisheries at Washington. 

Census of inhahitants . — On St. Paul, on June 30, 1910, there were 
198 resident natives, composed of 98 males and 100 females, a net 
increase of 5 over the previous census. During the year 13 births, 
1 arrival, and 9 deaths occurred. 

On St. George, at the same date in 1910, 91 natives were present, 
of whicli 45 were males and 46 females. Six births and 2 deaths 
occurred during the year, leaving a net increase of 4 in the population. 

Detailed censuses are filed in the Bureau of Fisheries at Washington. 

MANAGEMENT OF SEAL HERD, 
MARKING OF BACHELORS. 

The general instructions to the agent, dated May 9, 1910, required 
that not any 2-year-old bachelors but only 500 3-year-old bachelors 
should be marked to form the breeding reserve. This was predicated 
upon the assumption that the 500 3-year-olds so reserved would be 
over 14 per cent of the whole number of such young males in the 
herd. Subsequently, by a telegram from the Secretary dated June 
6, which, not havmg been delivered, presumably through the fault 
of the telegraph company, was repeated June 10, the number of 
3-year-old males to be reserved by marking was increased from 500 
to 1,000. 



1020 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



These were apportioned between the two islands, by assigning 800 
to St. Paul and 200 to St. George, for the reason that there are in 
round numbers four times as many breeding seals on St. Paul as on 
St. George. Upon arrival at St. George Island a copy of the annual 
instructions was given to Assistant Agent Clark, and he was also 
informed that the quota of bachelors to be reserved on St. George 
was 200 3-year-olds. As the vessel remained at St. George onl}^ a 
few hours, and as numerous other matters required consideration, it 
was not possible to put into writing ihe various explanations of the 
instructions. 

Upon my return to St. George Island two weeks later I was informed 
by Agent Clark that the quota of marked bachelors had been secured. 
No statement of the number so marked, however, was made, and at 
the close of the season among the data received detailing the seasons 
work on St. George no mention was made of the number of bachelors 
branded. Upon meeting Agent Clark on the Homer after he had left 
St. George for San Francisco, upon specific inquiry I ascertained for 
the first time that the instructions were misapprehended by liim and 
that he had sought to brand on St. George only 100 3-year-olds, and 
did actually brand onh 108 of that class of 3'oung males. He had 
not the memoranda showing the dates on which drives were made for 
this purpose and the number secured from each drive. As the season 
then had been closed for three weeks it was useless to cause the 
marking of an additional number to make up the deficiency in the 
breeding-reserve quota for that island. 

On St. Paul, however, more young males were branded than the 
total number for both islands required by the instructions. Previous 
to my arrival on that island, on June 29, with the curxent instructions, 
Assistant Agent Judge, acting under the instructions for the previous 
year, had already marked 337 2 -year-olds in addition to 279 3-year- 
olds, 14 4-year-olds, and 5 5-year-olds. After my arrival additional 
3-year-olds only were marked to complete the number of that class 
required for St.' Paul. A record of the bachelors marked on St. Paul, 
showing also dates and rookeries driven from,- follows: 

Record of bachelors marked on St. Paul Island for breeding purposes, season of 1910. 



Date. 


Rookery. 


Two 

years. 


Three 
years. 


Four 
years. 


Five 
years. 




Reef 


46 

82 

209 


77 

56 

146 

246 

191 

91 






27 








28 




14 


5 


July 2 
4 






Reef 








5 












Total 










337 


807 


14 


5 









The total number of bachelors marked on both islands, therefore, 
would be as follows: 2-year-olds, 337; 3-year-olds, 915; 4-year-olds, 
14; 5-year-olds, 5; total, 1,271. 

The report of London trade sales this year shows that 5,006 large 
pup and middling pup skins (which are accepted to be those of 3-year- 
old bachelors) appeared in the 1910 catch. Adding to these the 915 
reserved 3-year-olds would make a total of 5,921 of that class which 
we might claim were in the herd in 1910. Of this whol# number, 
the number reserved (915) is over 15 per cent. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1021 

Two-year-old males were not required by the current instructions 
to be reserved, for the reason that the number of 2-year-olds having 
skins of 5 pounds and under, together with those 2-year-olds which 
would not appear in the drives at all, of which there are always some, 
it was believed would be sufficient to supply the necessary number 
of 3-year-olds in 1911. 

STATISTICS OP KILLING. 

St. Paul. — From August 9, 1909, to June 17, 1910, 6 drives of seals 
on St. Paul and 2 on Sea Lion Rock were made to furnish food to the 
inhabitants of St. Paul. From these, 1,573 skins were obtained, 
including 1 from a seal found dead at Rocky Point. From July 3 to 
31, 29 drives were made on St. Paul for skins, in which 8,683 skins 
were secured. On August 10, 1910, an additional drive was made 
to furnish food for the natives during the coming "stagey season," 
from which 496 skins were secured. From the sources enumerated 
a total of 10,752 skins were obtained during the season ended August 
10, 1910. 

St. George. — On St. George during the so-called food-killing season^ 
from August to November, 1909, 18 seals were killed at various dates 
by the guard at Zapadni; 8 drives also were made, in which 482 seals 
were killed, filling the quota of 500 for food allowed for that island. 
During the season for kilhng for skms, 2,314 skms were secured in 10 
drives, 16 were obtained from the seals killed at various times by 
watchmen for food, and 4 were left m salt from the previous season, 
a total of 2,334, in addition to the 500 taken during the food-killing 
season. 

SKINS SHIPPED. 

St. Paul. — Of the skins taken on St. Paul, 664 were delivered to 
the North American Commercial Co., under authority of the de- 
partment's letter of January 5, 1910, to complete that company's 
quota of 15,000 skins for 1909. The remainder, 10,088 skins, were 
available for shipment on Government account. While this number 
supposedly was shipped from St. Paul on the Homer, on August 28, 
word was received in October last from Assistant Agent H. D. Chi- 
chester, in charge on St. Paul, that after the departure of the Homer 
with the skins on board a bundle containing 2 sealskins was found 
wedged under the floor of the skin lighter or bidarra, in which 
crevice it had become obscured durmg the shipment of the skins. 
These two were placed in the salt house to apply on the shipment 
of the following year. The total number of skins, therefore, shipped 
from St. Paul in 1910 for Government account was 10,086. 

St. George. — On August 23, 1910, the whole number of skins taken 
on St. George, from the sources enumerated (2,834), were placed 
on board the Homer to be shipped to San Francisco for Govern- 
ment account. 

The whole number of skins from both islands, recapitulated from 
the data already given, is as follows: 

From St. Paul: 

By North Ameiican Commercial Co 664 

By Government 10, 086 

From St. George, by Government 2, 834 

Total 13, 584 



1022 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



RECORD OF DRIVES. 

On St. Paul, during the season of 1910, no record was kept of 
the seals dismissed from the food drive made on June 6 on Sea Lion 
Rock, as the configuration of the ground there is such that the 
seals can not be herded, but escape in every direction upon the 
landing of the clubbers, who kill such as they can while the seals are 
running off. So also no record was kept in the drive for " branding '' 
on June 17, from which at the same time 145 seals were killed. The 
record of dismissals, therefore, begins on July 3, when the drive 
was made at Northeast Point for "branding," at which, at the 
same time, the 2-year-old bachelors in the drive, not being required 
to be marked, were killed. 

In the 32 drives made on St. Paul from July 3 to August 10, 
a total of 12,434 seals appeared, of which 9,179, or 73 per cent, 
were killed and 3,255 dismissed. Those dismissed consisted of 
1,581 small, 825 large, and 849 of those marked for the breeding 
reserve. This Idlling was 4 per cent closer than during the lessee's 
killing season of 1909, when 69 per cent of all seals driven were 
killed. 



Seals hilled and seals dismissed from drives on St. Paul Island, season of 1910. 





Rookery. 


Killed. 


Dismissed. 


Total 
driven. 


Per cent 




Small. 


Large. 


Branded. 


killed. 


July 3 




437 
331 
166 
142 

77 
293 
437 
120 
198 
407 
5 
429 
131 
339 
487 
5 
548 
449 
346 
465 

18 
664 
336 
318 

12 
589 
575 
201 
155 
496 


32 

48 

48 

6 

2 

37 

21 

2 

10 

16 


67 
31 
31 
39 
9 
47 
28 
17 
18 
35 
10 
9 
8 
22 
29 




536 
410 
245 
215 

91 
462 
602 
144 
258 
473 

15 
474 
158 
462 
674 
6 
679 
551 
461 
616 

38 
911 
440 
431 

16 
744 
753 
283 
222 
1,064 


81 


Reef 




80 


5 






67 


6 




28 
3 

85 

116 

5 

32 

15 


66 


7 




84 


8 




63 


9 


Reef and Gorbatch 


72 


9 


Tolstoi and Lukanin 


83 


10 




76 


14 


Northeast Point 


86 


14 


Polavina 


33 


15 


Reef and Gorbatch 


19 
17 
77 
132 


17 

2 
24 
26 

1 
42 
26 
32 
38 

3 
78 
37 
44 

1 
23 
55 
21 
26 
69 


90 


15 


Tolstoi and Lukanin 


82 


16 


Zapadni 


73 


20 


Northeast Point 


72 


20 




83 


21 


Reef and Gorbatch 


56 
53 
51 

48 


33" 

23 
32 
65 
17 
30 
35 
14 
2 
68 
37 
29 
16 
24 


80 


21 


Tolstoi and Lukanin 


81 


22 


Zapadni 


75 


25 




75 


25 


Halfway Point 


47 


26 


Reef and Gorbatch 


i39 
32 
55 

1 
64 
86 
29 
25 
475 


72 


26 


Tolstoi and Lukanin 


76 


28 


Zapadni 


73 


28 


Highway Point 


75 


29 




79 


30 




76 


30 


Tolstoi and Lukanin 


72 


31 


Zapadni 


69 


Aug. 10 




46 


Total 






9,179 


1,581 


825 


849 


12, 434 


73 









SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 1023 

Classification of large seals dismissed from drives on St. Paul Island, season of 1910. 



Date. 


Rookery. 


Four 
years. 


Five 
years. 


Six 
years. 


Seven 
years. 


Adult. 


July 4 
5 


Reef 


7 

12 
11 
1 

10 
8 
8 
8 
12 
2 
4 
4 
10 
19 


9 
6 
8 
2 
9 
9 
2 
5 
6 
3 
2 
2 
4 
5 


9 
11 
11 

6 
14 

2 

3' 

10 

3' 

3' 

4 


6 
2 
6 








6 


Tolstoi and Lukanin 


3 


7 


Halfway Point 




8 




14 
9 
7 
2 
7 
5 




9 


Reef and Gorbatch 




9 


Tolstoi and Lukanin 




10 






14 


Northeast Point 




14 






15 


Reef and Gorbatch . . . 




15 


Tolstoi and Lukanin 


2 
3 

1 




16 




2 


20 


Northeast Point 




20 


Halfway Point 




21 


Reef and Gorbatch 


2 

4 
16 
24 

3 
10 
13 

8 


9 
9 
10 
21 
4 
5 
16 
2 
1 
9 
16 
16 
4 
1 


12 
4 
4 

18 
4 

12 
5 

3' 

4 
2 
2 
2 


io 

6 
2 
2 
4 
3 
1 
2 
1 
5 
1 
4 

6' 




21 


Tolstoi and Lukanin 




22 






25 


Northeast Point 




25 


Halfway Point 


2 


26 






26 


Tolstoi and Lukanin 




28 


Zapadni 


2 


28 


Halfway Point 




29 


Northeast Point 


17 
14 
7 
9 
12 


4 


30 


Reef and Gorbatch 


2 


30 






31 


Zapadni 


1 


Aug. 10 


Reef and Gorbatch 


3 




Total 






255 


195 


148 


111 


19 









On St. George the record of seals driven and dismissed covers the 
period from June 13 to July 31. In this time 3,065 seals were driven 
and 2,295 killed, while 240 small, 343 large, and 187 marked seals 
were released. The number killed represents 74 per cent of the 
whole number driven, an increase of 11 per cent over the killings of 
1909, M^hen 63 per cent of those driven were killed. 

Seals hilled and seals dismissed from drives on St. George Island, season of 1910. 



Date. 


Rookery. 


Killed. 


Dismissed. 


Total 
driven. 


Per cent 


Small. 


Large. 


Branded. 


killed. 


June 13 


East 


31 

138 
162 
171 
313 
258 
376 
405 
441 


4 
11 
16 
55 
26 
18 
48 
42 
20 


38 
93 
79 
30 
14 
5 
15 
35 
36 




73 
242 
255 
314 
374 
286 
466 
519 
536 


42 


23 






67 


30 


do 




63 


July o 
12 


East, North, and Staraya Artel. 
do 


58 
21 
5 
27 
37 
39 


54 
83 


16 


North 


90 


21 




80 


26 
31 


East, North, and Staraya Artel. 
. . . ■ do 


77 
82 




Total 






2,295 


240 


343 


187 


3,065 


74 









1024 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 

Classification of large seals dismissed from drives on St. George Island, season of 1910. 



Date. 



June 13 
23 
30 

July 5 
12 
16 
21 
26 
31 



Rookery. 



East 

East and North 

do 

East, North, and Staraya Artel. 

do 

North 

North and East 

East, North, and Staraya Artel. 
do 



Total. 



Four 


Five 


Six 


years. 


years. 


years. 


17 


9 


9 


25 


43 


18 


39 


■ 7 


21 


8 


13 


6 


4 


4 


6 


4 




1 


8 


5 




13 


6 


11 


13 


11 


6 


131 


98 


78 



Seven 
years. 



36 



It will doubtless be remarked that the percentage of seals killed in 
1910 was greater than in the preceding year. The seals killed in 1910 
were,, however, neither larger nor smaller than those taken in 1909, 
but conformed at least as closely to the prescribed ages and weights 
as they did in 1909, the last year of the leasing system. Indeed, 
when doubt arose, as often it does arise, whether a seal was of the 
3-year-old (or killable) age or whether it was of the 4-year-old (or 
prohibited) age, in 1910 the animal was allowed to escape, whereas 
in 1909 it would have been killed. In tliis respect it may be- said 
that the killing in 1910 conformed even more closely to regulations 
than that of 1909. 

Since the animals killed in 1910 were of the same class as those of 
the preceding year, and since the rejections from the drives were 
fewer in proportion to those killed, it must be concluded that this 
condition is due not to closer killing, but to the absence, for some 
reason, of those animals which are not killable and which when they 
appear in drives make up the number of "rejected" seals. In other 
words, the bachelors driven were not culled more closely for killables, 
but fewer rejectable seals appeared in the drives, thereby making the 
rejection percentages smaller. 

One certain reason for this increased percentage of killed in 1910 
is to be found in the lessened number of "branded "or marked bach- 
elors with which to deal during the killing. In previous years 2,000 
of these marked bachelors were present during the killing season, 
while in 1910 only 1.000 of them were marked. Furthermore, this 
missing thousand would have been composed of 2-year-olds which 
haul up on the bachelor's hauling grounds much more frequently 
than do the 3-year-olds. With 1.000 2-year-olds marked for exemp- 
tion from killing, it would have been certain that from 1,200 to 1.500 
more rejections would have occurred during the season, the number 
of rejections of tliis class varying somewhat from year to year. On 
the other hand, rarely does the number of subsequent rejections of 
the 3-year-olds equal the number of that class actually marked. 

Had 1 ,200 been added to the number of rejections obtained in 1910, 
the percentage of killed would have been 69, ver}^ nearly what it 
was in the year preceding. 

Another presumed cause of the lack of small rejections last year 
is the probable fact that the smaller seals, i. e., those that had skins 
under 5 pounds in weight, failed to haul up on land proportionately 
in the same numbers as hitherto; that is to say, these small seals 
remained for longer periods in the water than usual. In respect to 



SEAL ISLANDS OF AL.\SKA. 1025 

this matter we are met with the fact that we are wholly unable to 
state anything definite concerning the hauhng habits of young 
bachelors. Some are always in the water and on inaccessible hauling 
grounds, for which reasons no definite idea of the whole number in 
existence can be obtained. Nevertheless, it is known that the haul- 
ing habits of seals var}^ from year to year; that these habits are altered 
by circumstances not incident to their natural environment, such as 
the action and movement of the pelagic fleet; that these bachelors 
haul in one year in greater numbers proportionately on one island 
than the other, or on one rookery than on other rookeries; that they 
return to their normal habits with the disappearance of the cause 
wliich forced them to abandon those habits temporarily. 

It can be shown that these small seals of 1910, wliich were yearlings 
the preceding year, were not killed, either as pups or yearlings. Year- 
lings are never killed on land except through unavoidable accident, 
and an analysis of London sales of skins shows that yearlings form 
but a small fraction of 1 per cent of the pelagic catch. Unless they 
died from natural causes, of which there is no evidence, they must 
be in existence somewhere as 2-year-olds. Not having appeared on 
land during the summer, the natural inference must be that they 
were in the water and did not haul on land. 

That there were in existence small seals wliich did not haul during 
the summer might be indicated by the fact that in the killing on 
August 10 the number of small seals turned away was entirely out 
of proportion to the usual number occurring in drives during the 
season. The absence of these small seals during the summer was a 
matter of remark, and their reappearance at the last drive of the 
season also was noted with interest. 

In treating of this matter it is desired to show that notwithstanding 
the fact that of seals driven a greater percentage killed appears on 
the record for this year as compared with last, no smaller seals than 
usual were killed and not as large seals were taken as previously. 
The increased percentage is the result, first, of the absence of 2-year- 
old marked bachelors present in former years, and secondly, to a 
failure of young nonkillable seals to haul on land in their usual num- 
bers during the summer. 

WEIGHTS OF SKINS TAKEN. 

Of the 10,752 skins taken on St. Paul, 10,749 were weighed. Of 
these 70 were under 5 pounds and 48 over 8^ pounds. On St. George^ 
2,834 skins were weighed, of which 20 were under 5 pounds and 11 
over 84. Of the overweight skins on St. Paul, nearly all were taken 
in a food killing on wSea Lion Rock, and before weighing were immersed 
in sea v/ater until they were saturated. In this condition each 
carried several pounds of water, increasing their weight correspond- 
ingly. Had they been weighed diy, or even with the usual quantity 
of moisture, few of them would have been above the prescribed limit. 

It is not possible to avoid wetting the seals taken on Sea Lion Rock^ 
neither is it permissible to salt the skins without weighing. It is 
wholly undesirable also to alter the statistics of weights in such man- 
ner as to attempt to compensate for excess due to the presence of 
water or other foreign substances in the fur. The weights therefore 

2403— H. Doc. 93, 62-1 65 



1026 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



have been recorded as taken, but due allowance must be made for 
conditions which change the weights and which have no relation to 
the size of the skins. 

The skins that were underweight were likewise taken mainly in 
food drives, at a time when the natives were eager for fresh meat and 
when they were restricted to killing seals having skins under 7 pounds. 
With the necessity of rejecting all the females and all the larger males 
from the food drives, it can readily be appreciated that the tendency 
of the natives is to let few of the small males escape, even if the skins 
weigh a few ounces less than 5 pounds. 

On the whole it can be seen that only a few skins of the whole 
catch were outside the weights prescribed and that these were taken 
unavoidably. 

Weights of sealskins taken on the Pribilof Islands, Alaska, during the year ended August, 

10, 1910. 



Weight. 



Pounds 
4 

a 

4i 

4f 

5 

5i 

5i 

5f 

6 

6i 

6i 

6f 

7 

7i 

7i 

7J 

8 

8i 

8i 

8f 

9 

9i 

9i 

9| 

lOi 

lOJ 

ii: 

Hi.: 

12 

Total.... 



St. Paul 
Island. 1 



6 
4 

20. 

40 

670 

710 

014 

.277 

980 

113 

176 

993 

752 

553 

552 

327 

203 

172 

139 

7 

17 

4 

7 

4 

1 

2 

1 

4 

1 



10,749 



Weight. 



Pounds 

4 

^ 

4| 

5 

5i 

5i 

5J 

6 

6i 

6i 

63 

7 

7i 

7i 

7J 

8 

8i 

8i 

9 

9i 

9i 

lOi 

lOJ 

Total.... 



St. George 
Island.2 



1 

5 

14 

125 

82 

406 

202 

628 

106 

524 

114 

321 

43 

168 

21 

54 

4 

5 

6 

1 

2 

1 

1 



2,834 



. 1 Neirly all the o/ersijes^.cias listed from St. Paullsland were taken in a food killing from Sea Lion Rock, 
01 w'ai3h i3C\3ioi the 5kin3 when weighed carried from 1 to 3 pounds of water each. Had they been dry 
whan W8iT;hel, very fe.v or noae would have exceeded the prescribed weights. The major portion of skins 
ui lar wei ;ht were ta'^en in fool drives for the natives, when large seals were released, and, consequently, 
the STiiUer sails were killed closely. 

* Of tie s'lins froTi St. Ge3r;e over or under the limit of weight only 3 were taken during the sealing 
ssison oroper. Four we-e taken by the company last year, and withheld from the quota- the others were 
taken during food killiajs, when the natives were particularly eager for fresh meat. 



Following is a statement furnished by Messrs. C. M. Lampson & Co., 
of the sizes of the sealskins consigned to them by the United States 
Government for auction in London. This statement shows the classi- 
fication of the 12,920 skins as weighed and assorted upon their receipt 
by the firm. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1027 

Assortment of Alaska salted fur-seal skins for account of United States Government, 
Department of Commerce and Labor. 

[London, 19th November, 1910, 64 Queen Street, E. C. Subject to recount.] 

Lbs. Ozs. 

78 smalls 7 15 

713 large pups 7 2 

3, 032 middling pups 6 7 

4, 899 small pups 5 12 

1, 266 ex. small pups 5 5 

11 ex. ex. small pups 4 10 

33 smalls, low 7 11 

135 large pups, low 6 9 

498 middling pups, low 6 1 

501 small pups, low 5 9 

88 ex. small pups, low 5 

10 smalls, cut 7 2 

71 large pups, cut 6 13 

238 middling pups, cut 6 2 

421 small pups, cut 5 6 

81 ex. small pups, cut 4 15 

6 smalls, rubbed 7 

55 large pups, rubbed 6 14 

195 middling pups, rubbed 6 6 

290 small pups, rubbed 5 11 

75 ex. small pups, rubbed 5 3 

36 faulty. 

12, 732 



5 smalls. 
21 large pups. 
48 middling pups. 
94 small pups. 
18 ex. small pups. 

2 faulty. 



188 



12, 922 1 



I This number recorded as shipped, but two skins afterwards found wedged under seat of boat used for 
lightering skins to steamer Homer. 



1028 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



ENUMERATION OF BREEDING HERD. 

COUNTS OF HAREMS. 

The usual counting of harems and idle bulls at the height of the 
season of 1910 disclosed the following: 

Count of harems and idle bulls on St. Paul Island, 1910. 



Date. 


Rookery. 


Harems. 


IdlebuUs. 


Quitters. 


Water 
buUs. 


July 12 
12 


Lagoon 


9 
29 

77 

7 

54 

53 

9 

41 

11 

2 

110 

50 

20 

12 

251 

206 

118 


3 

7 






Tolstoi Cliffs 


1 
1 
3 
4 
4 
1 
6 




12 


Tolstoi 


5 


12 


Zapadnl Reef 




12 


Little Zapadni 


10 
7 
2 
5 
1 


4 


13 


Kitovi 


4 


13 


Amphitheater 




13 


Lukanin 


5 


13 


Ardiguen 




13 


Gorbatch Cliffs 


2 
15 
2 
5 
7 
17 
4 
9 




1^15 


Gorbatch 


12 

5 

5 

2 

30 

28 

22 




13-15 


Polavina 


10 


13-15 


Polavina Cliffs 




13-15 


Little Polavina 




14 




10 


15 


Reef 


13 


10 


Zapadni 


4 




Total 






1,059 


144 


81 


65 









The number of harems on Sea Lion Rock, w^hich could not be 
visited at this season, is placed at 61, the number found last year. 

Count of harems and idle bulls on St. George Island, 1910. 



Date. 


Rookery. 


Harems. 


IdlebuUs. 


Hauling- 
ground 
bulls. 


Quitters. 


July 14 


Little East 


4 
22 
37 
103 

48 
47 










East Reef 


6 
114 

21 
17 
19 








East Cliffs 








North 


10 
21 
16 






Staraya Artel 






Zapadni 


1 




Total 






261 


77 


47 


1 









1 Includes hauling-ground bulls. 



A summary of the number of bulls on both islands, with a com- 
parison of the number found in 1909, follows: 

Summary of bulls on St. Paul and St. George Islands, 1910. 





Harems. 


IdlebuUs. 


Quitters. 


Hauling- 
ground 
bulls. 


Water 
bulls. 


St. Paul 


1,059 
261 
161 


144 

77 


81 
1 




55 


St. George 


47 




Sea Lion Rock 














Total, 1910 


1,381 
1,399 


221 
172 


82 
139 


47 
98 


55 


Total, 1909 


13 







1 Estimated. 



I 



SEAL ISLANDS OP ALASKA. 



1029 



Compared with 1909 the number of harems on both ishmds has 
decreased 18, or 1.1 per cent, an inappreciable decrease when con- 
trasted with that which has occurred annually for years. This 
decrease in harems can not be laid to a scarcity of bulls, as can easily 
be proved, but to a lack of enough cows to provide other bulls witn 
harems. 

On the other hand, the number of idle bulls — that is to say, those 
mature adult males stationed on rookeries waiting for cows — has been 
increased from 172 to 221 or a gain of 29 per cent. This is the result 
of the savings of young males by marking and of further restrictions 
upon killing, CDmmenced in 1904. 

The number of 7-year-old males or "quitters," so termed because 
of their tendency while idle to desert their stations when approached 
by man, has decreased from 139 to 82; the number of water bulls has 
increased from 13 to 55, and of the hauling-ground bulls there has 
been a decrease from 98 to 47. As these latter classes are more or 
less unstable, and as some of each class could have been in the water 
at the time these counts were made, it is not desirable to ascribe 
specific reasons for the fluctuations m them. The fact is demon- 
strated, however, that young bulls are present in fair numbers. The 
further fact that 13 per cent of the stationed bulls, excluding quitters, 
are idle, mdicates conclusively that the herd of breeding bulls is 
properly safeguarded from too close killing by existing regulations. 



COUNTS OF PUPS. 



Because of the presence of Japanese schooners in numbers close 
to the islands, counts of pups on St. Paul Island were limited to 
Kitovi rooker}", including Ampliitheater. On St. George Island, 
for the same reason, pups were not counted except on Little East 
rookery, which now embraces only a few seals. The St. Paul counts 
foUow: 

Counts of pups on St. Paul Island, 1910. 



Kitovi 

Amphitheater... 

Total, 1910 
Total, 1909 



Live 
pups. 



Dead 
pups. 



1,717 

187 



1,904 
1,915 



Total 
pups. 



Harems. ltS« 



1,774 
192 



1,966 
1,979 



53 



33.4 
21.3 



31.6 
34.1 



From the comparison which the foregoing data afford, it would 
appear that the breeding cows on the rookery have not decreased but 
have remained virtually stationary as regards numbers during this 
period. The harems thereon, however, are more numerous, thus 
giving fewer cows to each bidl, or, technically speaking, lowering the 
average harem on tliis space from 34.1 in 1909 to 31.6 in 1910. 

On St. George the count of pups on Little East, which, as stated, 
was the only count of pups made on that island, disclosed 75 pups in 
4 harems, or an average of 18.7 cows per harem. The great decrease 
in this rookery (Little East) may be appreciated when it is noted that 
in 1897 the seal census made by the Jordan Commission gave to tliis 
rookerv 46 harems and 1,190 cows. The number found there in 1910 



1030 SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

represents a diminution in 13 years on tliis small rookery alone of 
42 harems and 1,115 cows. 

NUMBER OP BREEDING COWS. 

As it is liighly impracticable to comit the pups on all the rookeries, 
it has been customary to arrive at the whole number of breeding 
cows by estimation based upon an actual count of the whole number 
of harems on the islands and the average number of cows found to 
be in each of the harems of one rookery, which is accepted as typical 
of aU. 

As the number of harems on all islands has been ascertained to 
be 1,375, and the average harem, as demonstrated by the count of 
Kitovi, to be 31.6, the whole number of breeding cows in 1910 would 
be 43,450. As 45,760 of such cows were shown by this method to 
be present in 1909, the decrease between the years, 2,315, represents 
a loss of 5 per cent. 

This for all practical purposes is a fairly accurate measure of the 
number of breeding cows, which constitute the most important factor 
in the herd. While merely an estimate, the number is close enough 
to actual conditions to be approximately correct. A loss of only 
5 per cent in the breeding cows from the pelagic sealing which has 
been practiced with such assiduity during 1910 would seem too 
small. However, the statistics of the seal herd for the last few years 
demonstrate that the rate of decrease during this period has not 
been large, and it is not out of the way to believe that it was small 
in 1910. 

CENSUS OF ENTIRE SEAL HERD, 

Beyond the breeding cows and pups, estimates of which contain 
much of accuracy, an estimate of the whole herd is very difficult to 
make, and is unsatisfactory in that it treats of elements which are 
not susceptible of ascertainment and must be approximated. There 
are also very few means of testing its accuracy at this or a future time. 
The methods used are, however, the best that can be devised and tend 
in the direction of accuracy rather than the opposite. 

ESTIMATE OP HALF BULLS. 

The record of rejections of seals from drives during the summer 
season of 1910 shows that 1,168 young males too large to be killed 
were released from the killing fields. It has been established that not 
by any means all of this class of animals haul in places where they can 
be enumerated and that the number of those actually turned away 
should be doubled at least to arrive at the actual number in existence. 

By doubling the number found, 1,168, we would have 2,336 half 
bulls, from wmch we may look for recruits to the breeding bulls. 

ESTIMATE OF 2- YEAR-OLDS. 

In 1908 it was computed that 53,884 pups were bom. Being 
equally divided as to sex, one-half, or 26,942, were males and an equal 
number females. 

In 1909, if we allovv the diminution of 50 per cent for mortality_ at 
sea, which has been taken heretofore to occur among the pups during 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1031 

their first migration, one-half of these would return in 1909 as yearlings. 
There should have been then in 1909 by this method of computation 
13,471 yearling males and an equal number of females. These, with 
a loss of something like 10 per cent, would return in 1910 as 2-year- 
olds to the number of approximately 12,124 of each sex. 

We should have in 1910, therefore, by this computation, over 
12,000 virgin or 2-year-old cows and an equal number of males. 
From the latter, however, at least 7,500 were killed during the last 
summer, leaving approximately 4,500 2-year-old males in existence 
at the close of the season. The above computation would indicate 
that 12,124 2-year-old cows and 4,500 2-year-old males w^ere present 
at the end of the killing season of 1910. 

NUMBER OF YEARLINGS. 

In 1909 it was estimated that 45,764 pups were born, half of which 
were males and half females. By applying a 50 per cent death rate 
during their initial migration we should, have in 1910 11,441 yearling 
males and the same number of yearling females. 

NUMBER OF 3-YEAR-OLDS. 

Nine hundred and fifteen 3-year-olds were marked during the sum- 
mer and released as breeders. An uncertain number in addition was 
not driven at all and still survive. It would be a moderate allowance 
to estimate the number of 3-year-olds remaining in the herd at 1,200. 

SUMMARY OF SEAL LIFE IN 1910. 

From the foregomg computations an approximate census of seal 
life present on the islands at the close of the sealing season of 1910 
would be as follows: 

Bulls, active with harems 1, 381 

Bidls, idle, and quitters 303 

Half bulls 2, 336 

3-year-old bachelors 1, 200 

2-year-old bachelors 4, 500 

Yearling bachelors 11, 441 

Male pups 21, 725 

Breeding cows 43, 450 

2-y ear-old (virgin) cows 12, 124 

Yearling females 11, 441 

Female pups 21, 725 

Total 131, 626 

The foregoing "census," if we except the bulls with harems, and 
those idle, is nothing more than an estimate based upon such enumera- 
tions as could be made that were of value in determining the number 
of seals. While it shows over 2,000 seals less than a similar computa- 
tion in 1909, it nevertheless exhibits apparent increases in certain 
classes of seals over the preceding census spoken of. For example, 
the 2-year-old bachelors estimated to be present in 1910 exceed in 
numbers by over 2,000 those stated to be in existence at the close of 
the season of 1909. The 2-year-old cows estimated in 1910 are 2,000 
more than were assigned for the previous year. 



1032 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

This is the result solely of the method of estimation, adopted alike 
for both years. Both are based upon the number of cows born two 
jrears previously. In 1907, 50,825 pups were estimated to have been 
born, and 10,165 of these were computed to have survived as 2-year- 
olds in 1909. On the ether hand, m 1908 the same method of esti- 
mation would indicate that 53,884 pups were born in that y;ear — 
3,000 more than in 1907 — and that of these the number surviving as 
2-year-olds in 1910 was 12,124. 

It is believed that it is not the intention of anyone to claim that 
an increase in seal life has occurred at any tinie within the past few 
years in the face of the large catches of seals in the water, consisting 
mainly of breeding females. It is believed, on the other hand, that a 
marked decrease has occurred, a belief justified when the contracted 
space occupied by the breeding seals is viewed. But the measure of 
this decrease is ascertainable solely by estimation, the same methods 
being used from year to year. When using only a few seals in estab- 
lishing a basis for computing the whole number, it is not difficult to 
realize that a few chance harems more or less on the space counted 
would have the effect of greatly increasing or decreasing the whole 
number computed to be in the herd. It would be easv to revise these 
calculations by adding to or subtracting from the estimated number 
to make it conform with one's idea of what number should or not be 
found. But the idea one may have might be more incorrect than the 
result of the computation. So that in a revision it would not be 
possible to determine whether in increasing or decreasing the result 
one was moving in the direction of accuracy or away from it. It is 
much better to announce the number eacli year as it may appear 
from calculations made similarly, and to explain any apparent incon- 
gruity by the statement that the whole is an estimate and nothing 
else. 

The result of the killing of 1910 has demonstrated that the number 
of 2-year-old bachelors, estimated as remaining in the herd at the 
close of the season of 1909, was entirely too small. In the census of 
1909 only 2,165 2-3^ear-old bachelors were allowed. These of course 
would be S-year-olds in 1910. As a matter of fact, the skins of 1910 
when classified in London showed that perhaps 5,000 of the catch were 
3-year-olds. In view of this fact it is beheved that, in estimating 
the number of these, as well as other immature seals, a smaller death 
rate should be allowed than hitherto. 

PUP-RAiaiNG EXPERIMENTS. 

In accordance with the bureau's instructions, attempts were made 
on both St. Paul and St. George Islands to feed starving pups and 
save their lives. On St. Paul Island the efforts were unsuccessful, 
but the St. George experiments yielded most interesting results. 

ST. PAUL EXPERIMENTS. 

Perhaps a dozen or more starving pups were gathered off the 
various rookeries and brought to the village. An inclosure was 
at the end of the village pond and the pups were placed in tliis. 

A bottle with an ordinary rubber nipple was used in a first attempt 
to induce the little animals to nurse. This method failing, however, 
milk was poured down the pups' throats from the bottle. But this, 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1033 

besides bein^ difficult and tedious, was uncertain and wasteful, as 
most of the milk was ejected by the pups before being swallowed. 
To feed a dozen or more pups mth a bottle, moreover, occupied the 
services of half a dozen men for nearly half a day. Afterwards a 
tube attached to a funnel was passed into the stomach of each pup 
and the feeding- was accomplished by this means. 

Owing to lack of proper material the inclosure in which the pups 
were placed could not be made tight enough to retain them. Some 
of the pups escaped to the sea; the others died. Feedmg with solid 
food was not attempted. 

Upon the departure of the Bear on her last trip from the islands 
10 healthy pups upon which no feeding experiments had been 
attempted were taken from St. Paul rookeries and placed aboard that 
vessel to be shipped to Seattle for the use of the bureau. All of these 
arrived safely, ha\ang been schooled on the voj^age to eat solid food. 

ST. GEORGE EXPERIMENTS. 

Fifteen starving pups were gathered on St. George Island at various 
times and different methods were tried to save their lives. 

These starvlings readily ate all the small live fish that could be 
obtained and such other larger fish as the weather would permit the 
natives to capture offshore. In addition the pups ate salted salmon 
after it had been freshened in water. Had enough live or fresh dead 
fish been obtainable it is believed that at least some of the pups that 
were fed artificially could have been saved. 

On September 10, 1910, four starving pups were secured and their 
frenums cut. All were fed by injections of milk into the stomach. 
One died that night from congestion of the lungs, probabl}^ because 
of the introduction into the pulmonarj^ tract of milk while feeding. 
Upon autopsy of tliis animal a piece of coal as large as a walnut 
was found lodged in the pylorus. Two of the others escaped the first 
night. 

A corral, having a tank 4 feet by 8 feet and 1 foot deep, was then 
built and two more pups in addition to the one now remaining were 
placed in it on September 15. Into tliis tank filled with water were 
placed a number of small fish caught among the rocks (prol^ably 
Neoliparis). The pups ate all of these at once and some sculpin cut 
into small pieces. After this several attempts were made to provide 
sufficient fresh fish to feed the pups, but owing to rough weather 
only several days' supply could be obtained. AJfter this salt salmon 
freshened in water was offered to the pups and eaten. When this 
latter was finally refused milk and mutton broth were fed to sickly 
pups. 

All but one of these pups, 15 in all, died on the islands, and that 
one, after being placed aboard the Bear, died before reaching Seattle. 

These experiments are of value, however, as demonstrating that 
by September 15 these pups have advanced to such a stage that 
they can eat and digest solid food, even though they continue to 
nurse during October and November. At that age they readily eat 
live fish and even pieces of dead fish. The results also show, how- 
ever, that on the seal islands these experiments can not be carried 
on with hope of success because fresh fish can not be obtained with 
regularity in sufficient quantity. Had these pups been taken to 



1034 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Unalaska, where small fish can be readily obtained, it is believed 
that much better results would have followed. 

Of the 14 that died on St. George Island, the autopsies in two cases 
disclosed occlusion of the pylorus by stones taken through the mouth. 
The death of at least one of the pups was due to this condition. 

PELAGIC SEALING. 

During the season of 1910, 25 Japanese sealing schooners were 
boarded by revenue-cutter vessels on patrol in Bering Sea. Of 
these, 2 were seized by the cutters, 1 for a violation of the alien 
fishing laws and another for a violation of the customs law (sec. 
2773, Rev. Stat.). As a rule pelagic sealing vessels kept outside 
the 3-mile limit, and, so far as known, none of the men composing 
the crews landed upon the islands for the purpose of killing seals. 

Eleven Japanese in 3 small boats landed on St. Paul Island on 
July 30 and 31. It was stated by them that they had been lost 
from their schooners and came to the islands as a place of refuge. 
They were quartered on the islands until August 8, when they were 
placed aboard the Manning and taken to Unalaska, with 4 native 
witnesses, charged with having landed upon the islands without 
permission, in violation of the act of April 21, 1910. 

Upon trial before the United States commissioner at Unalaska 
they were found guilty and each sentenced to a week's imprison- 
ment. After serving this sentence they were placed aboard a Japa- 
nese sealing schooner, with their boats, guns, and other property, and 
sent home. 

Unofficial reports indicate that 5 Canadian sealing vessels took 
seals last year in Bering Sea. Their catch from both the Pribilof 
and Asiatic herds aggregated 3,775 skins. The total pelagic catch 
from the Pribilof herd, as shown by London trade sales, was in the 
neighborhood of 15,000 skins. 

WRECK OF REVENUE-CUTTER PERRY, 

On the early morning of July 26, 1910, the revenue cutter Perry 
went ashore on Rocky Point Reef, St. Paul Island, in a thick fog. 
Shortl}^ afterwards, by the action of the swell, her bottom was punc- 
tured on the rocks upon which she lay, and all efforts to get her oJEf 
were futile. Such movable property (guns, stores, boats, etc.) as 
could be readily transported was brought ashore and stored in an 
empty warehouse at Rocky Point. The entire crew was quartered 
at the village for several days and was made as comfortable as circum- 
stances permitted. The teams and native men on the islands were 
used for several days in rendering assistance. Later the Perry's 
men and stores were taken aboard the other cutters in the fleet and 
the wreck stripped and abandoned. On August 19 the hull was 
broken up by a strong southerly gale and scarcely anything was left 
to mark where she grounded. 

FOXES. 

The history of foxing on the Pribilof Islands is interesting. What 
number of fox skins were taken off these islands by the Russians will 
never be known. Petroff (1883) states that 34,767 were taken from 



SEAIi ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



1035 



1842 to 1860, inclusive. From that date to 1867 the fox skins 
taken from the islands are not segregated from the returns of those 
taken from general Alaskan sources, which are given by Petrof as 
27,731. From 1870 to 1890 fox skins to the nuinber of 4,380 on St. 
Paul and 20,412 on St. George were taken and shipped by the Alaska 
Commercial Co. From 1890 to 1910, 2,963 fox skins were taken on 
St. Paul and 13,641 on St. George. 

During the lease of the Alaska Commercial Co. (1870-1889) 
there existed no contract with the Government for the right to pur- 
chase these skins, and the only expenditure by the company for the 
more than 24,000 skins it received was the 50 cents it paid the natives 
for each skin. The North American Commercial Co. during the 
greater portion of its 20-year lease paid to the natives $5 for each 
blue and $1 for each white fox skin. 

Foxes are trapped annually on St. George Island in house traps 
which do not injure the animal. The catch last year there was 227. 
On St. Paul Island, where these animals never have been as plentiful 
as they were on the other island, no trapping has been done since 1903 
until last winter (1909-10), when 185 were secured. These were 
killed in steel traps. For the blues the natives received $5 apiece; 
for the whites, $1. This money was applied to the natives' support. 

CONDITIONS AND TRAPPINGS ON ST. GEORGE ISLAND. 

On St. George Island, during the winter of 1909-10, the feeding of 
foxes in the herd during the period from October 20 to June 1 was 
continued as in former years. Seal carcasses preserved from killings 
during the summer formed the greater portion of the material fed, 
together with about 3,000 pounds of salted codfish freshened in sea 
water. 

For some reason, not ascertained exactly, a smaller number of 
foxes passed through the house and box traps during the winter in 
question than ever before since feeding the foxes and selective trap- 
ping began. Whether this is the result of an actual diminution m 
the herd, or whether other conditions, such as an abundance of food 
outside the traps or an instinctive fear of entering the traps, were the 
cause, can not be stated definitely. 

During the winter of 1909-10 only 335 foxes passed through the 
traps on St. George Islpaid. To show the smallness of tliis number 
as compared with former years, a table with the total number of 
foxes handled in the various years during which selective trapping 
has been followed is given below : 



1S9S-99 842 

1899-1900 973 

1900-1901 1,335 

1901-2 1,104 

1902-3 1,011 

1 903-4 1. 061 



1904- 



766 



1905-6 1, 061 



1906- 



882 



1907-8 1, 006 



1908-9. 
1909-10. 



798 
33.5 



In trapping the practice is to catch all animals alive, to release as 
breeders a certain number of pairs of the most vigorous, and to kill 
those that are not considered the best examples of the species. Those 
released are marked, so as to be thereafter recognizable, by clipping a 
ring out of the hair on the tail of the animal, the marks differing for 
the sexes. Such foxes as escape being trapped, not being marked of 
course, can be distinguished at sight. 



1036 SEAX, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

No such number of foxes not marked was seen in the winter men- 
tioned as to lead unquestionably to the conclusion that the herd has 
not diminished. There are, on the other hand, good grounds for 
beUeving that it has diminished. The causes of this probable fact, 
however, are obscure and conjectural. The very few found dead did 
not justify the belief that any epidemic had occurred. 

A summary of the statistics of trapping on St. George Island dur- 
ing the winter of 1909-10 is appended: 

Marked and released: 

Blue males 51 

Blue females 57 

Killed for pelts: 

Blue males 126 

Blue females 86 

"\^1iit.e males 5 

White females 4 

Skins from animals found dead, etc 6 

Skins accepted by lessee, blue 203 

Skins rejected by lessee, blue 6 

Skins mangey, etc . , thrown away 9 

White fox skins accepted by lessee 9 

Total number of animals handled 335 

These pelts, having been taken during the period covered by the 
contract of the North American Commercial Co., were delivered to 
it upon payment at the stipulated rate of $5 for each blue skin and $1 
for each white skin. The money thus derived was used exclusively 
for the support of natives. 

TRAPPING ON ST. PAUL ISLAND. 

During the winter of 1909-10, for the first time since 1904, there 
were considered to be foxes enough on St. Paul to justify trapping, 
which accordingly was carried on during a period of six days. 

On this island, unlike St. George, notwithstanding repeated efforts 
to secure it, the foxes do not congregate in large' groups, permitting 
systematic feeding and selective trapping. Any trapping therefore 
on St. Paul must be done with the spring steel trap, in the use of 
which the native trappers must scatter over the entire island. 

In the six days of trapping mentioned, the St. Paul natives secured 
on that island 130 blue and 35 white foxes. In addition, a boat load 
of native men went over to Otter Island, and there secured 19 blues 
and 1 white. Observations made during the past summer indicate 
that the fox herd on St. Paul Island has not dmiinished appreciably 
as the result of this trapping bi the previous winter. 

The skins taken on St. Paul and Otter Islands were delivered to 
the North American Commercial Co. and payment made at the same 
rate as on St. George. This difference between the management of 
the two islands exists, however, that whereas the earnings on St. 
George from fox skins are formed into a community fund, on St. 
Paul each individual trapper is given the use of the money from such 
fox skins as he has been able to secure. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1037 

RECOMMENDATIONS. 

KILLING OP BACHELOR SEALS. 

The methods used in taking seals during the past season of 1910 
were the same as those used by the two lessees m the preceding 40 
years' tenure of the seahng right, and the same, in fact, in all funda- 
mental respects as those pursued b}^ the Russians since 1840. They 
are the result of years of experience and are the best that .can be 
devised to meet the conditions. No change in them should be made. 

The practice of killing bachelor seals for sldns as well as for natives' 
food should not be abandoned unless a cogent reason presents itself. 
No harm to the seal herd can result from the killing of surplus males. 
No benefit to the herd covdd accrue from the maturing of males 
unnecessary for purposes of reproduction, wliich, when of adult age, 
would have no female consorts, but which, by incessant and furious 
fighting, would destroy or cripple the breeding bulls and themselves 
as well. 

It is true that a test to insure the survival of the fittest should be 
appUed to the male fur seal, as in fact it should to all breeders. It 
is not true, however, that tliis test can only be made through trial 
of combat. With respect to some groups of animals, such as the 
Pinnipedia, conditions of their natural environment may be so severe 
as to eliminate weaklings as eifectually or even more so than would 
fighting among themselves, and nature provides an ehminative 
process in the case of the fur seal entirely apart from the struggHng 
of bulls with each other for supremacy on land. This test begins 
almost with a seal's birth. 

When the baby seal has scarcely learned to swim bej'^ond the borders 
of the rookerv' on which it is born, wliile it is still a suckling and 
knows not how to seek other food, it is separated from its mother 
and driven off the land by the rigor of the climate. W^eak and 
unskillful swimmer as the pup is, not only must it %vithstand the 
severe winter storms in the northern ocean but in the same unfa- 
vorable element pursue and capture its food and elude its natural 
enemies of the sea. As the result of this struggle with the natural 
conditions in wliich it is placed it is estimated that one-half of the 
pups die during the initial migration. Only the strongest and most 
wary can survive tliis trial. 

Tliis struggle for existence continues incessantly during the ani- 
mal's life. From each migration it sends back to the breeding grounds 
only those animals hardy enough to withstand its severity. That 
animal leaving the rookeries with any physical imperfection does 
not return. It dies at sea. Those that do return -are the most 
perfect examples of their class. 

With this severe eliminative tpst occurring as the result of natural 
environment, to superimpose a violent struggle with his own kind 
after the animal has reached the breeding ground would be to sub- 
ject him to further stress entirely unnecessary to prove his ability 
as a breeder. Having passed successfully through the winter's migra- 
tion, the animal returns to the rookeries a perfect specimen of its 
kind. A severe trial by combat could not have the effect of increasing 
its breeding efficiency, but, on the other hand, could only seriously 
impair if not wholly destroy it. It would be the same if two valuable 



1038 SEAL ISLANDS OP ALASKA. 

stallions, each physically perfect, and matched in strength and 
courage, were allowed to fight with each other until one were killed. 
The survivor, if one did survive, would be so seriously injured by its 
opponent as to be rendered incapable of service for the time being, 
if not permanently. 

To breed a large number of surplus male seals merely that they 
may fight among themselves and determine the strongest in combat 
is useless. By the time the strongest individuals have proved their 
superibrity they have expended so much of their energy in fighting 
that physically weaker but fresh animals ma}^ overpower them and 
take their cows. Such is the history of the Pribilof rookeries during 
the time when thousands of idle bulls were present. Instances to 
substantiate this conclusion were witnessed many times. 

Since physical combat is not required to test the ability of a male 
fur seal, no reason is known for providing a number of males beyond 
that necessary to fertilize the females in the herd. Therefore the 
practice of killing surplus males at the time when their pelts have a 
considerable commercial value should be continued. Surely no purely 
sentimental reason should prevail over those of practical weight. 

SUPPORT OF NATIVES. 

The present system of supportmg the natives on the Pribilof 
Islands should be changed. Under it the native receives enough 
food, fuel, and clothing to sustain life, but only a portion of the sum 
necessary for his maintenance comes to him as compensation for 
labor performed, the remainder being donated as a gratuity through 
an appropriation of Congress. This latter feature is the most objec- 
tionable of all and the one which it is sought to eliminate. Better to 
explain the situation, thefollowmg brief summary is given of the man- 
ner in which the natives have been supported since they were first 
transported to these islands. 

In 1787, the year following the discovery of St. George Island, the 
discoverer, Pribilof, brought to the islands a number of native fami- 
lies, principally from Unalaska, and landed them there to serve as 
laborers in taking skins from the animals with which the islands 
abounded. Several other adventurers also brought natives to these 
islands and founded small villages at several points thereon. In 
1799, upon the taking over by the Russian-American Co. of the 
administration of the whole of Alaska, the competing traders were 
sent away from the Pribilofs and the islands passed under the auto- 
cratic control of Baranof. A cessation of killing was ordered, and 
in 1806-7 nearly all the natives were removed to Unalaska. 

In 1808 seal killing began again, with accessions of laborers mainly 
from Unalaska and adjacent villages. On St. Paul Island the natives 
were drawn together and huddled into one settlement at Halfway 
Point. About 1825, for convenience in handling cargo, the village 
was again changed to its present site. 

On St. George Island several settlements existed originally, but 
were consoHdated at the present site about 1830-1835. 

Under the Russian regime, especially under the management of the 
Russian American Co., which provided the machinery of govern- 
ment for the territory during the tenure of its privilege, the natives 
were mere slaves. They had no redress for any injury or insolence 



SEAJj ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1039 

which theh^ masters might see fit to inflict upon them. Their habita- 
tions were large communal dwelHngs of earth, half underground, cold, 
and filthy. Here they Hved and died unnoticed and uncared for. 
They subsisted on fish and the flesh of seals, with the addition of roots 
and a very httle flour. 

In 1835, Veniaminof states, the natives worked at whatever was 
found and whatever they were directed to do. Payment was not 
estabhshed by the day or year, but for each skin taken by them or 
for what was placed to their credit. They received no specific wage, 
though they were not all of equal abihty, there being usually three or 
four classes. In these classes the sick and old workmen were counted, 
although they were only burdens, and therefore received the smallest 
shares, about 150 rubles, and the other and better classes 220 to 250 
rubles a year. Those who were zealous were rewarded b}^ a present 
of 50 to 100 rubles. The wives of the Aleuts, who worked only at seal 
kiUing, received from 25 to 35 rubles. These rubles were scrip cur- 
rency, made of leather, equal in value to a franc, or about 20 cents. 

In 1868, at the time of the purchase of Alaska by the United States, 
the natives were Hving in semisubterranean houses built of turf and 
such pieces of driftwood and whalebone as they were able to secure 
on the beach. Their food was seal meat and a few articles furnished 
in meager quantity by the Russian company. They had no fuel 
except driftwood and blubber, and depended for heat upon crowding 
.ogether in the sod houses, sleeping upon the dried grasses secured 
upon the islands. 

In 1870 the Alaska Commercial Co. took charge of the islands 
under a lease. It at once built neat frame dwellings for the natives, 
and paid them 40 cents apiece for each sealskin taken. As 100,000 
were taken annually this gave the natives about $40,000 each year, 
enough to support them in quahfied comfort. While this sum was 
divided on a communal basis, some natives by thrift and economy 
were able to save sums amounting to perhaps $2,500 each. No 
interference with the expenditure of their earnings was made by the 
agents. 

Wlien, however, after 1890, under the lease of the North American 
Commercial Co., the take of tkins was reduced to a few thousands 
annually, the natives faced starvation. Their earnings at this time, 
at the rate of 50 cents for each skin, were entirely insufficient. 
To relieve this stuation, the Government did not increase the wages 
of the natives for taking skins, but, as the reduction of the catch was 
due mainly to arbitrary restrictions by the Government, furnished 
an annual appropriation of $19,500 to supplement the natives' 
earnmgs for their support. 

This appropriation, while keeping the natives from starving, made 
an important change in their fiscal relations. Heretofore the native 
could expend his earnings as he pleased. After the appropriation, 
however, the earnings were sequestered by the agents, and the natives 
had no voice whatever in the expenditure of the money for which 
they toiled. Each native was aUotted articles of necessity to a cer- 
tain amount each week payable from his wages, and after the latter 
were expended the appropriation was drawn upon at the same rate 
until another sealing season intervened. 

This practice exists to-day. The natives now receive $1 for each 
skin taken, in addition to the annual appropriation of $19,500. 



1040 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Their total mcome from taking 3eals and foxes, with the appropria- 
tion, was last year about $34,000, or somewhat more than SlOO for 
each person. 

The system of distribution of these earnings is one of pure com- 
munism. The native men are divided into about four classes, 
according to ability in taking seals. The members of each class 
receive a like sum, those in the first class being given more than 
those in the second, and so on to the fourth class, the lowest, which 
embraces apprentices. These sums, whatever they may be, are 
credited to each native and are drawn upon each week by orders on 
the store issued by the agent to the head of each family, the amount 
of the order varpng with the size of the family. This plan of com- 
pensation, while assuring provision for the natives' immediate needs 
IS highly objectionable when considered from a sociological stand- 
point, its weakness being that it reduces all to a common level. It 
prevents that progress that accrues from the cultivation of superior 
skill or -greater self-denial, and makes a virtual almsiiouse of the 
Pribilof reservation by dealing with the inhabitants as indigents. 
It requires Avilling service of the native, but takes from him his wage 
and expends it for his benefit without his consent. Incentive to 
increased individual efficiency is lacldng because effort to that end is 
fruitless in bringing any greater benefit than if it had not been made. 

It is reasonable to assume that the Government, while operating 
on the seal islands for its own profit, at the same time desires to better 
the condition of the native residents upon whose efforts it must depend 
for successful conduct of its business. The first step in that direc- 
tion is to do away with the appropriation of Congress for their sup- 
port and to increase the wage earned through the taking of skins to a. 
sum at least equal to the amount necessary for their maintenance. 
This would at once eliminate the objectionable element of charity in 
the present system and allow each man to support himself and family 
from his own earnings. Such a course is in my opinion not only an 
act of simple justice, the consummation of which would, moreover, 
involve no additional expense to the Government, but would go far 
toward increasing the moral tone of the native, by making him more 
self-reliant and self-respecting. It can be taken without additional 
legislation, the Secretary of Commerce and Labor now having the 
power under existing law to fix the natives' compensation for taking 
skins. 

SCHEME OF COMPENSATION OF NATIVES. 

The scheme of compensation embodied in the foregoing recom- 
mendations may be summarized as follows: 

1. The appropriation for natives' support to be discontinued. 

2. For natives' labor an allotment should be made of, say, $3 for 
each sealskin. 

3. The moneys thus derived should be formed into a general fund, 
which should be prorated among all the natives of both islands. 

4. This fund, by agreement with the natives, to be used for their 
support at the rate of a certain weekly amount based upon the 
number of mouths in each family. 

5. The balance or remainder of each native's account at the close 
of each year to be paid to the native in cash. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1041 

It must be understood that the native is restricted by his work 
to tlie seal islands and can not go forth to pursue any other vocation, 
be it more or less profitable. It is not fair to this laborer to deny 
him all progress in the world and to confine him in his necessarily 
restricted sphere to such compensation only as permits the bare nec- 
essaries of life to him and his family. Wliatever a corporation hav- 
ing a lease of the sealing privilege may have done, the United States 
Government ought not to put its laborer into the condition of con- 
stant and continuous vassalage with all progress denied him. 

NATIVES ON THE ALEUTIAN ARCHIPELAGO. 

The Aleut race is not found on the mainland, but inhabits the 
Aleutian Archipelago and several of the islands along the coast of 
the Alaskan Peninsula. It was nevsr numerous and now embraces 
probably fewer than 1,000 souls, whose numbers are decreasing 
rapidly from disease and insufficient food. Some action should be 
taken to ameliorate their condition. 

When discovered by the Russians in the eighteenth century, these 
Aleuts were a hardy race of fishermen and aquatic hunters. In their 
tiny bidarkis or skin boats they made long journeys and in them 
successfully weathered storms tliat would have sent the European 
rowboat to the bottom. They subsisted upon fish and the flesh of 
such warm-blooded animals as they could capture. 

Being a tractable race, except when goaded to desperation, they 
were at once made use of by the Russians as hunters of the sea otter, 
which was the fur tl*e white men most eagerly sought. Whole fleets 
of bidarkis with hundreds of native hunters would be transported 
hundreds of miles from their homes, and thence with a little food 
supplied them were put to sea to buffet with the storms of the north- 
ern ocean wliich withal were not so greatly feared by the natives as 
by their white masters. Thousands of them never returned. 

Aleuts in numbers were taken to Sitka by the Russians as hunters 
and laborers, and kept there until they died. Entire fleets of bidarki 
hunters were loaned by the Russian company to foreign vessels to 
hunt sea otter, the profits of the venture being shared equally by the 
vessel and the company. The ship was required to pay the Russian 
company about 200 Mexican dollars for every Aleut lost at sea or 
killed by coast Indians. In 1805, 20 bidarkis were fitted out at 
Kodiak and with a colony of natives were taken to San Quinten Bay 
in Lower California, where they were required to hunt for fur seals. 
This colonv struggled on until 1841, when it was abandoned. 

In the draft of the terms upon which the Russian- American Co. 
should receive an extension of its charter, after its expiration in 1891, 
or thereabouts, the following paragraph is found: 

10. The Aleuts and other peaceful natives within the colonies are relieved from 
compulsory labor on behalf of the Russian-American Co. They shall be allowed to 
settle in localities which they may find convenient, and shall be free to absent them- 
selves from the places of their residence, subject only to such rules of police as may be 
established by the board of administration of the colonies. 

This clause in the proposed charter was inserted to cure abuses in 
respect to the treatment of natives reported by Golovnin and the 
Creole Kashevarof. In short, the Government would renew the 
charter only under such terms as the company would not accept. 

2403— H. Doc. 93, 62-1 66 



1042 SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 

When the Russian- American Co. acquired control of Alaska the 
Aleuts were paid nothing for sea-otter skins, but in lieu of compen- 
sation received subsistence and "exemption from imperial taxes and 
dues." When this practice was forbidden by the Emperor Alexander 
I and the company instructed to pay the natives for every skin 
deposited by them with the company, the natives received for every 
sea otter 10 rubles in leather scrip, the equivalent of S2, but each 
hunter was required to furnish his own subsistence. The company 
sold the sea-otter skins for at least $100 each. 

Upon the occupation of the territory by Americans, the native, 
from a condition of abject misery and want, was plunged into a state 
of affluence of which he knew not how to take advantage. Rival 
trading companies established stations along the coast where sea 
otters abounded, and bid eagerly for the furs brought in by the native 
hunters. But while paying him liberally for the skins, the traders 
adroitly exposed for sale in the stores articles of sheer luxuiy to 
tempt the native's cupidity and encourage him to expend the money 
received for his skins. During the seventies and eighties the Aleut 
sea-otter hunter clothed his women in satins and silks of the gaudiest 
colors; his hut contained a brussels carpet and a parlor organ; his 
church received large donations ; in short, a great deal of his earnings 
was expended at once for luxuries and he was forced to hypothecate 
his next year's catch of skins to obtain supplies to support his family 
during the winter. 

With the commercial disappearance of tiie sea otter,' however, 
the native again relapsed into a condition of penury bordering 
on starvation. Whereas in the days of plenty he lived on tinned 
meats and luxuries from the trader's store ; now to sustain life he was 
driven again to fish and to hunt. Having contracted the vice of 
drunkenness, even in his poverty he would barter his skins for rum, 
or for sugar and flour with which to make tlie Russian strong beer. 
Disease sapped his vitality and decimated his villages. 

Such practically is the condition to-day of the native on the 
Aleutian chain. While formerly he had to subsist upon what he 
could wrest from nature, he was then as free from the vices of civili- 
zation as he is now of its saving benefits. His contact with the 
white race has encouraged appetites of which the native was pre- 
viously ignorant and has taken away his self-reliance and ability to 
cope with his surroundings. In his state of poverty the furs he is 
still able to gather are the object of desire of small traders, who 
visit his settlements annually and exchange trade goods for furs. 
The native has no resource but to part with his furs at such prices 
as the trader may wish to give. 

Unless the Government takes active measures this interesting race 
of people will become extinct. And since the Government is trying 
to save species of the lower animals which are threatened with that 
calamity, it would seem proper that similar attention should be 
paid to a race of human beings which is rapidly disappearing. A 
simple and yet it is believed an effective plan to accomplish this end 
is offered and earnestly recommended to the attention of the depart- 
ment: 

1. The entire archipelago to be made a special reservation. This 
can be accomplished without difficulty or friction. There are no 
vested rights in the entire range of islands, so far as known, except 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1043 

at Dutch Harbor, a small portion of which lias been surveyed and 
patented. The property of the Alaska Commercial Co. at Una- 
laska is built on a Government reservation on which it has only 
squatter's rights. For its buildings it should receive compensation. 
The islands in this cliain are devoid of timber. Coal or minerals 
have appeared only in too small quantities to justify exploiting. 
Agriculture on any scale to support life is impossible. Grazing is 
impracticable. There are no good harbors except at Dutch Harbor 
and Unalaska. Fish are plentiful, but the streams are so small that 
commercial fishing will not pay. In short, there exists no good rea- 
son why these islands should not be set apart for the use of those 
aboriginal inhabitants claiming them as their native land. 

2. Trading by private persons or corporations to be prohibited. 

3. The Government to maintain a station at each principal settle- 
ment, of which there are not over five. Each station to contain a 
store and a school, with a storekeeper and school-teacher, the whole 
to be under the supervision of a general agent. 

4. The storekeepers should buy the natives' peltries and such other 
articles as they may have for sale, including baskets, at a fair price; 
the native should be encouraged to self-support and thrift. 

5. Small fishing stations could be maintained, the product of which 
could be marketed for natives' account. 

This plan can be worked out and operated with little trouble and 
expense. Without some provision of this nature the Aleuts on the 
archipelago will be wiped out by disease and lack of food. With the 
Government willingly expending thousands of dollars to prevent ex- 
termination of the lower animals, surely no justification is needed for 
expenditure to prevent the extinction of a race of men who were 
hardy and self-reliant until brought into contact Avith European races. 

MANUAL TRAINING FOR NATIVES. 

During the Russian occupation certain native youths exhibiting 
special aptitude were trained in the useful arts, such as carpentry, 
boat building, iron and copper working, etc. 

But those natives so educated in Russian times have nearly all 
died, and the new generation can not build its own houses or boats. 
No training of this character, although greatly needed, has been pro- 
vided by our Government. 

Some arrangements should be made to teach the Aleuts how to 
work at other employments than their natural one of hunting. A 
teacher of the useful trades should be provided on each of the Pribilof 
Islands. A small school could also be established at Unalaska, and 
the young, men from the entire archipelago sent there for a course of 
instruction. I recommend this to careful consideration. 

FIRE PROTECTION FOR PRIBILOF ISLANDS. 

The villages of St. Paul and St. George are entirely without fire pro- 
tection, and with the high winds that prevail are fortunate indeed in 
never having had a disastrous conflagration. Aside from the money 
loss entailed, such a contingency, should it occur in winter and destroy 
the food supply in the warehouses, would probably result in the star- 
vation of the inhabitants. Native dwellings have been ignited by 
overturned kerosene lamps and in one case a whole native family 



1044 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

while asleep was asphyxiated by fire in the interior of their house. In 
every case so far, however, the blaze has been discovered and extin- 
guished before it could take serious hold upon the framework of the 
building. 

I strongly urge the provision of adequate fire protection for both 
islands. The isolation of the locality demands that some means be 
supplied for the prevention of conflagration, which there would be a 
catastrophe. The investment of a small amount for this purpose 
would be sufficient to provide protection for years, and would be the 
cheapest fire insurance that could be obtained. Should these build- 
ings burn, the business not only would be seriously interfered with 
and the native and white inhabitants threatened with starvation, but 
the Government would lose the amount of its investment and be 
obliged to spend twice as much to replace the plant as was paid for it. 

As to means, chemical apparatus could be used in summer time, but 
would be of little avail in winter because of the likelihood of freezing 
while not in use. 

In winter running water under pressure would be the only resort. 
Running water is not available at present, but could be supplied by 
any of the following means: 

On St. Paul. — 1 . Sea water could be pumped through a small stand- 
pipe by a gasoline engine and distributed through mains in the village. 

2. Fresh water from a lake a mile away could be piped to the village 
by pumping, and held in a large reservoir of sufficient capacity to fur- 
nish fresh water not only for fire protection but for natives' use. 

3. Water from wells a half mile from the village could be pumped 
and used in the same manner as in suggestion 2. 

On St. George. — 1. Salt water could be pumped as in the preceding 
suggestion 1. 

2. The water system already in use there, whereby water is brought 
by gravity and siphoning from a lake to the village, could be adapted 
to furnish a stream that would reach over any native dwelling and 
probably any larger warehouse or dwelling. 

Laws and Regulations Relative to Fur-Seal Fishing. 

The following act of Congress, approved December 29, 1897, and 
the annexed regulations of the Paris Tribunal of Arbitration, con- 
cluded at Washington, February 29, 1892, in relation to the fur seals, 
are published for the information of all concerned : 

ACT OF congress APPROVED DECEMBER 29, 1897. 

Be it enacted hy the Senate and House of Representatives of the United 
States of America in Congress assembled, That no citizen of the United 
States, nor person owing duty of obedience to the laws or the treaties 
of the United States, nor any person belonging to or on board of a 
vessel of the United States, shall kill, capture, or hunt, at any time or 
in any manner whatever, any fur seal in the waters of the Pacific 
Ocean north of the thirty-fifth degree of north latitude and including 
Bering Sea and the Sea of Okhotsk. 

Sec. 2. That no citizen of the United States, nor person above 
described in section one, shall equip, use, or employ, or furnish aid in 
equipping, using or employing, or furnish supplies to any vessel used 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1045 

or employed, or to be used or employed in carrying on or taking part 
in said killing, capturing, or hunting of fur seals in said waters, nor 
shall any vessel of the United States be so used or employed. 

Sec. 3. That every person guilty of a violation of the provisions of 
this Act, or of any regulations made thereunder, shall, for each offense, 
be fined not less than two hundred dollars or more than two thousand 
dollars, or imprisoned not more than six months, or both; and every 
vessel, its tackle, apparel, furniture, and cargo, at any time used or 
employed in violation of this Act, or of the regulations made there- 
under, shall be forfeited to the United States. 

Sec. 4. That if any vessel of the United States shall be found within 
the waters to which this Act applies, having on board fur-seal skins, 
or bodies of seals, or apparatus or implements suitable for killing or 
taking seals, it shall be presumed that such vessel was used or em- 
ployed in the killing of said seals, or that said apparatus or imple- 
ments were used in violation of this Act until the contrary is proved 
to tlie satisfaction of the court. 

Sec. 5. That any violation of this Act or of the regulations there- 
under may be prosecuted either in the district court of Alaska or in 
any district court of the United States in California, Oregon, or 
Washington. 

Sec. 6. That this Act shall not interfere with the privileges accorded 
to Indians dwelling on the coast of the United States under section six 
of the Act of April sixth, eighteen hundred and ninety-four, but the 
limitations prescribed in said Act shall remain in full force. 

Sec. 7. That this Act shall not affect in any way the killing or tak- 
ing of fur seals upon the Pribilof Islands, or the laws of the United 
States relating thereto. 

Sec. 8. That any officer of the Xaval or Revenue Cutter Service of 
the United States, and any other officers duly designated by the Presi- 
dent, may search any vessel of the United States in port or on the 
high seas suspected of having violateil or of having an intention to 
violate the provisions of this Act, and may seize such vessel and the 
offending officers and crew and bring them into the most accessible 
port of the States and Territory mentioned in section five of this Act 
for trial. 

Sec. 9. That the importation into the United States by any person 
whatsoever of fur-seal skins taken in the waters mentioned in this 
Act, whether raw, dressed, dyed, or manufactured, is hereby pro- 
hibited, and all such articles imported after this Act shall take effect 
shall not be permitted to be exported, but shall be seized and de- 
stroyed by the proper officers of the United States. 

Sec. 10. That the President shall have power to make all necessary 
regulations to carry this Act into effect. 

Approved, December 29, 1897. 

Under the provisions of the foregoing act of Congress it is unlawful 
for any citizen of the United States or any vessel thereof to engage in 
pelagic sealing at any time or in any manner, in the waters of the 
Pacific Ocean north of the thirty-fifth degree of north latitude, in the 
Bering Sea, and the Sea of Okhotsk, and it shall be the duty of vessels 
of the Revenue-Cutter Service of the United States to seize any United 
States vessel found violating this law, whether during the open or 



1046 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

closed season prescribed in the reo;ulations of the Paris Arbitration 
Tribunal, and to send or bring such vessel, her ofFicers and crew into 
the most accessible port of the United States for trial. 



REGULATIONS OF THE PARIS TRIBUNAL OF ARBITRATION. 

Whereas the following articles of the award of the Tribunal of 
Arbitration constituted under the treaty concluded at Washington 
the twenty-ninth of February, eighteen hundred and ninety-two, be- 
tween the United States of America and Her Majesty the Queen of 
the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, were delivered 
to the agents of the respective Governments on the fifteenth day of 
August, eighteen hundred and ninety-three : 

Article 1. 

The Governments of the United States and Great Britain shall for- 
bid their citizens and subjects, respectively, to kill, capture, or pur- 
sue at any time, and in any manner whatever, the animals commonly 
called fur seals, within a zone of sixty miles around the Pribilof Islands 
inclusive of the territorial waters. 

The miles mentioned in the preceding paragraphs are geographical 
miles, of sixty to a degree of latitude. 

Article 2. 

The two Governments shall forbid their citizens and subjects, respec- 
tively, to kill, capture, or pursue, in any manner whatever, during the 
season extending, each year, from the first of May to the thirty-first of 
July, both inclusive, the fur seals on the high sea in the part of the 
Pacific Ocean, inclusive of the Bering Sea, which is situated to the north 
of the thirty-fifth degree of north latitude, and eastward of the one 
hundred and eightieth degree of longitude from Greenwich till it strikes 
the water boundary described in article one of the treaty of eighteen 
hundred and sixty-seven between the United States and Russia, and 
following that line up to Bering Straits. 

Article 3. 

During the period of time and in the waters in which the fur-seal 
fishing is allowed, only sailing vessels shall be permitted to carry on 
or take part in fur-seal fishing operations. They will, however, be at 
liberty to avail themselves of the use of such canoes or undecked 
boats, propelled by paddles, oars, or sails, as are in common use as 
fishing boats. 

Article 4. 

Each sailing vessel authorized to fish for fur seals must be provided 
with a special license issued for that purpose by its Government, and 
shall be required to carry a distinguishing flag to be prescribed b}^ its 
Government. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1047 



Article 5. 



The masters of the vessels engaged in fur-seal fishing shall enter 
accurately in their official log book the date and place of each fur-seal 
fishing operation, and also the number and sex of the seals captured 
upon each day. These entries shall be communicated by each of the 
two Governments to the other at the end of the fishing season. 



Article 6. 



The use of nets, firearms, and explosives shall be forbidden in the 
fur-seal fishing. This restriction shall not apply to shotguns when 
such fishing takes place outside of Bering Sea during the season when 
it may be lawfully carried on. 



Article 7. 

The two GovernmeTits shall take measures to control tlie fitness of 
the men authorized to engage in fur-seal fishing ; these men shall have 
been proved fit to handle with sufficient skill the weapons by means 
of which this fishing may be carried on. 

Article 8. 

The regulations contained in the preceding articles shall not apply 
to Indians dwelling on the coast of the territory of the United States 
or of Great Britain and carrying on fur-seal fishing in canoes or 
undecked boats not transported by or used in connection with other 
vessels and propelled wholly by paddles, oars, or sails, and manned by 
not more than five persons each in the way hitherto practiced by the 
Indians, provided such Indians are not in the employment of other 

Eersons, and provided that, when so hunting in canoes or undecked 
oats, they sliall not hunt fur seals outside of territorial waters under 
contract for the delivery of the skins to any person. 

This exemption shall not be construed to aft'ect the municipal law of 
either country, nor shall it extend to the waters of Bering Sea or the 
waters of the Aleutian Passes. 

Nothing herein contained is intended to interfere with the employ- 
ment of Indians as hunters or otherwise in connection with fur-sealing 
vessels as heretofore. 

Article 9. 

The concurrent regulations hereby determined with a view to the 
protection and preservation of the fur seals shall remain in force 
until they have been, in whole or in part, abolished or modified by 
common agreement between the Governments of the United States 
and of Great Britain. 

The said concurrent regulations shall be submitted every five years 
to a new examination, so as to enable both interested Governments to 
consider whether, in tlie light of past experience, there is occasion for 
any modification thereof. 

The above regulations of the Paris Tribunal of Arbitration are still 
in force as applicable to British vessels. The closed season for pelagic 
sealing is therein fixed from the 1st of May to the 31st of July, both 



1048 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 

inclusive, during which period it is unlawful for British vessels to kill, 
capture, or pursue the fur seals on the high seas in the Pacific Ocean 
north of the thirty-fifth degree of north latitude or eastward of the 
one hundred and eightieth degree of longitude. Under said regula- 
tions British vessels are permitted to engage in pelagic sealing after 
the 31st of July, but in the performance of said sealing they are for- 
bidden to enter within a zone of 60 miles around the Pribilof. Islands. 
It shall be the duty of vessels of the Revenue-Cutter Service detailed 
to patrol the waters above described to seize any British vessel found 
violating the said regulations of the Paris Arbitration Tribunal, and 
send or bring the vessel so offending, with all persons on board, to- 
gether with the proofs and declarations of the officer making the 
seizure, to UnalasTka and deliver her to the senior British naval officer 
present, or to the most convenient port in British Columbia, and there 
deliver her to the proper authorities of Great Britain or to the com- 
manding officer of any British vessel charged with the enforcement of 
said regulations. 

In addition to the foregoing laws for the protection of fur seals, 
the President has issued Executive orders creating Government reser- 
vations as follows in the vicinity of the islands of St. Paul and St. 
George, Alaska, and forbidding the disturbance of all animal life 
found thereon, under penalties described in the act of Congress ap- 
proved May 11, 1908: 

Walrus and Otter Islands, of the Pribilof Group, in Bering Sea, located approxi- 
mately in latitude 57° north, longitude 170° west from Greenwich; known as the 
"Pribilof Reservation." 

St. Matthew Island, Hall Island, and Pinnacle Islet, in Bering Sea, located approxi- 
mately in latitude 60° 30^ north, longitude 172° 30' west from Greenwich; known as 
"Bering Sea Reservation." 

Bogoslof Islands, Alaska, in Bering Sea, located approximately in latitude 53 degrees 
58 minutes north, longitude 167 degrees 53 minutes west from Greenwich, known as 
the "Bogoslof Reservation." 

The act approved June 14, 1906, prohibits aliens from fishing in the 
waters of Alaska within the jurisdiction of the United States. 

Charles Nagel, 
Secretary of Commerce and Labor. 



Part II. Communications Relative to Revenue-Cutter Patrol. 

March 21, 1910. 
The Secretary of the Treasury, 

M'ashington, D. C. 

Sir: In view of the activity displayed last season by pelagic seal- 
ing schooners in the close vicinity of the Pribilof Islands and the con- 
sequent necessity for the presence of enough Government vessels to 
safeguard the Federal interests on and about said islands, I have the 
honor to request that the same number of four revenue cutters be 
detailed for service on patrol duty in Bering Sea as was engaged last 
year, and that the period of patrol be made to commence on June 1, 
or as soon thereafter as practicable. 

I have to request, further, because of the uncertainty regarding the 
renewal of the lease of the sealing right and of the presence of the 
usual steamer of the lessee transporting agents of this department 



SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1049 

and supplies to the islands, that facilities be afforded on the cutters 
for the transportation of agents and employees of this department to 
the Pribilof Islands in the spring and from the islands as soon after 
the close of the seahng season as practicable, and for the transporta- 
tion to the islands of such supplies for the natives and others as the 
cutters may be able to carry. 

.Respectfully, Charles Nagel, 

Secretary. 



Treasury Department, 

WasUngton, March 30, 1910. 

The Secretary of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, B.C. 

Sir: In reply to your request of the 21st instant for the detail of 
revenue cutters to protect the fur seals in the vicinity of the Pribilof 
Islands, Bering Sea, during the coming season, I have the honor to 
inform you that three revenue cutters will be assigned to such duty. 
The demands upon the Revenue-Cutter Service in the public interests 
in other quarters will permit only of three cutters being so assigned, 
but from previous experience it is believed that this number will be 
ample to safeguard the Federal interests in those waters. The fol- 
lowing-named vessels will, therefore, be detailed: Talioma, Manning, 
and Perry. The Rush, which tliis season will perform duty in the 
M^aters of southeastern Alaska, will patrol oft' the coast between 
Yakut at Bay and Dixon Entrance (with base at Sitka) early in the 
season for the purpose of preventing violations of law by sealing ves- 
sels in that locality. The Bear, which will make the annual cruise 
mto the Arctic Ocean, will be directed to patrol from St. Paul Harbor, 
Kodiak Island, to Cape Pankof, Unimak Island, from the middle to 
the last of May, reacliing Unalaska June 1, previous to her departure 
for the far north. 

The vessels sailing for Bering Sea will leave the following named 

gorts on the dates indicated: Bear, San Francisco, May 2; Talioma, 
eattle, about April 26; Perry, San Francisco, May 5; Manning, Fort 
Townsend, May 20. 

All these vessels are equipped with wireless. 

Transportation will be given the agents and employees of the 
islands, and supplies will be carried to such extent as the facilities 
of the cutters will permit. It is suggested that a representative of 
your department confer with the captain commandant of the Reve- 
nue-Cutter Service regarding this matter. 
Respectfully, 

Franklin MacVeagh, 

Secretary. 

April 5, 1910. 
Senior Capt. D. P. Foley, 

United States Revenue- Cutter Sermce, 

Commanding Bering Sea Fleet, Port Townsend, Wash. 

Sir: 1. You are informed that the President has designated the 
revenue cutters Talioma, Manning, and Perry to cruise as far as may 
be practicable the present season in the north Pacific Ocean and Ber- 



1050 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

ing Sea, including the waters of Alaska, within the domain of the 
United States, for the enforcement of the act of Congress approved 
December 29, 1897, and the regulations of the Paris Tribunal of 
Arbitration, decreed the 15th day of August, 1893, for the preserva- 
tion of the fur seals. 

2. Under the provisions of the act of Congress above referred to 
it is unlawful for any citizen or vessel of the United States to engage 
in pelagic sealing at an}^ time or in any manner in the waters of the 
Pacific Ocean north of the thirty-fifth degree of north latitude and 
including the Bering Sea and the Sea of Oldiotsk. You are therefore 
directed to seize any vessel of the United States found navigating the 
waters as above indicated, in violation of the law, and send the same 
to the nearest or most accessible port of the United States; upon 
arrival there to be surrendered to the custody of competent authority 
having jurisdiction. 

3. Since, under the enactment by Congress above referred to and 
given in full in the Regulations, Fur-Seal Fishing Season of 1910 
(copies of which will be sent to you under separate cover), vessels 
of the United States are prohibited absolutely from engaging in 
fur-seal fishing within the geographical limits prescribed, it follows 
that the regulations of the Paris Tribunal of ArbitratioH (embodied 
in the regulations above mentioned) are applicable only to British 
vessels, and that fur-seal fishing is prohibited to subjects of Great 
Britain at any time or in any manner within a zone of 60 geographical 
miles around Pribilof Islands, inclusive of territorial waters, and 
from May 1 to July 31 in that part of the Pacific Ocean inclusive of 
Bering Sea, situated north of the thirty-fifth degree of north latitude 
and eastward of the one hundred and eightieth degree of longitude 
from Greenwich; until it strikes the water boundary described in 
article 1 of the treaty of 1867 between the United States and Russia, 
and following that line u]) to Bering Straits. 

4. You will arrange with the senior British naval officer at Una- 
laska engaged in carrying out the provisions of the award for the 
mutual delivery of vessels of the one country seized by olhcers of the 
other. 

5. The following instructions in relation to the enforcement of the 
fur-seal regulations are issued for your guidance: 

(a) The terms of the award apply only to vessels of the United 
States and Great Britain. The first duty of the boarding officer is 
to satify himself by an inspection of her documents as to the vessel's 
nationality. Vessels boarded beyond the legal jurisdiction of the 
United vStates and found to be of a nationality not included in the 
award are not to be searched or detained longer than is necessary to 
establish the fact. 

(b) Long chases are not advisable. After a vessel is brought 
within reach of your guns if she does not bring to, display the national 
ensign and open fire. Fire one blank and one solid shot as a warning. 
If she still neglects to come to the wind, aim to hit, and use the force 
at your command to compel her to submit to being boarded and 
searched. 

(c) A mere cursory or perfunctory search of vessels boarded is 
strictly forbidden. The search must be made by two commissioned 
officers, or one commissioned and one petty officer, and the necessary 
number of men who are required to remain on board until every part 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1051 

of the vessel where a sealskin or a sliotgun or rifle could be concealed 
has been searched. 

{d) Boarding officers are required to exercise courtesy and for- 
bearance and avoid all discussions. Ofl^ensive remarks or actions 
by members of the crew or others on board the vessel being searched 
are under no circumstances to be taken notice of. 

{e) Should a sealskin be found on board that bears satisfactory 
evidence of having been shot within the Bering Sea, or killed in any 
manner \vithin the area of the award in the Pacific Ocean between 
April 30 and August 1, or within 60 miles of the Pribilof Islands, at 
anytime, the vessel must be seized. 

(/) Any vessel of Great Britain found within the area of the award 
during the closed season engaged in fur-seal fishing or fitted for fur- 
seal fishing, and not being provided with the special sealing license, 
is ordered seized. When any licensed seahng vessel of Great Brit- 
ain is found within the area of the award during the closed season 
having on board a seal hunting outfit, she should be seized only if it 
be found that she was sealing or contemplating sealing within the 
area at that time. If the boarding officer finds evidence of the recent 
use of her boats and sealing outfit, or that they were in readiness for 
immediate use for taking fur seals, the matter should be closely in- 
vestigated, and, if the circumstances warrant, she should be seized. , 

ig) Only sailing vessels are permitted to engage in fur-seal fishing 
during the period of time and in the waters in which fur-seal fishing 
is allowed. Any vessel propelled in whole or in part by steam or 
other motive power than sail, found so engaged, is ordered seized. 

Qi) If a vessel which appears to be a sealing vessel is found within 
the area during the period of time in which fur-seal fishing is for- 
bidden, you will ascertain whether she has been engaged in fur-seal 
fishing; whether she was carried tliere by stress of weather, by a mis- 
take during fogg}^ or thick weather, or is there in the ordinary course 
of navigation, making the best of her way to any place. You must 
judge whether such vessel has been engaged in fur-seal fishing from 
the presence of sealskins or bodies of seals on board, or salt, and from 
other circumstances and indications. 

(i) If such vessel is found outside of the area of the award and it 
is evident that she has been engaged in fur-seal fishing within said 
area, and has thus committed an offense, you will seize her. A vessel 
may violate the law by her boats fur-seal fishing within said area 
while the vessel herself is outside of said area. 

ij) When you make a seizure you will at the time thereof draw up 
a declaration, in writing, stating the conditions on the seized vessel, 
the date and exact place of tlie seizure, giving latitude and longitude, 
and any additional data by which exact location may be determined 
and circumstances showing guilt. x\rms or skins found (the cause 
of seizure), as well as all papers must be examined on board the 
seized vessel, and so marked as to be readily identified by the board- 
ing officers when produced in court or elsewhere. This is important 
and must not be neglected. 

Qc) The seized vessel will be taken or sent, as soon as practicable, 
with all persons on board thereof, in charge of a sufficient force to 
insure delivery, together with witnesses and prcxyfs, and the declara- 
tion of the officer making the seizure; if American, to the most con- 
venient port of California, Oregon, Washington, or Alaska, and deliv- 



1052 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

ered to the officers of the United States court; and if British, to Una- 
laska, and there dehvered to the senior British naval officer present, 
or taken to the most convenient port in British Columbia and deliv- 
ered to the proper authorities of Great Britain, or deliver her to the 
commanding officer of any British vessel authorized to receive her. 

(I) A signed and certified list of papers of the seized vessel will be 
delivered to the master thereof, and duplicate copy transmitted with 
the declarations. 

(m) Any British vessel boarded and found not to be subject to 
seizure will be furnished with a copy of the Regulations, Fur-Seal 
Fishing Season of 1910. 

(n) Each vessel so boarded shall be given a written certificate 
showing the date and place of examination, the number of fur-seal 
skins, and the number of bodies of seals on board. A duplicate of 
said certificate shall be preserved. 

6. You will also cause careful attention to be given to the matter 
of preventing raids on the Pribilof Islands and guard as far as possible 
the 3-mile territorial limit, and to this end you will cause the agents 
of these islands to be frequently communicated with in order that 
the commanding officers of the cutters may avail themselves of any 
information in the possession of the agents touching the movements 
of marauding vessels. The agents on the islands have received 
instructions from the Secretary of Commerce and Labor that the 
cutters will cooperate with them to remove undesirable persons from 
the islands. You will arrange to have at least one vessel constantly 
stationed on patrol duty in the vicinity of the islands. 

7. Prior to August 1 the efforts of the vessels should be directed 
toward preventing raids on the islands. After that date, when the 
Canadians are allowed to begin sealing, one of the vessels should share 
with the British cruiser on patrol the duty of maintaining the 60- 
mile zone. As the Japanese fleet, however, will probably be most 
active in August, the patrol of the zone should be subsidiary to the 
protection of the islands. 

8. The patrol of Bering Sea should be continued until every sealer 
has left the sea, or until about October 15, and as the last cutter 
leaves the sea in the fall the commanding officer should make a 
special trip to the islands for the purpose of obtaining for the Gov- 
ernment the latest information regarding the conditions thereon. 

Respectfidly, 

C. D. HiLLEs, Assistant Secretary. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C. 
I concur in the above instructions. 

, Secretary. 



[Memorandum to Mr. Baldwin.] 

Department of Commerce x\nd Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
Washington, April 6, 1910. 
The attached letter from the Revenue-Cutter Service requests the 
decision of questions of an important legal nature involving consid- 
erable research through international law and British laws. In my 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1053 

opinion this letter should be submitted to the solicitor of this depart- 
ment for appropriate action. 

Geo. M. Bowers, 

Commissioner. 



United States Revenue-Cutter Service, 

School of Instruction, 
U. S. Practice Cutter ''Itasca," 

Arundel Cove, Md., March 31, 1910. 
The Captain Commandant, U. S. Revenue-Cutter Service, 

Treasury Department, Washington, D. C. 

Sir: Referring to the letter of the captain commandant. United 
States Revenue-Cutter Service, of the 30th instant (H. S. M.), request- 
ing a detailed explanation of certain extracts from m.j rejjort of 
October 28, 1909, as commanding officer of the Bering Sea Fleet, I 
have the honor to state as follows: 

1. Relative to the recommendation, "That additional instructions 
be issued for the future guidance of the commanding officers of the 
ships of the Bering Sea Fleet with reference to Canadian schooners 
licensed for both fur-seal and sea-otter hunting." This recommenda- 
tion was made because of the discovery by the United States revenue 
cutter Bear, about 15 miles north and east of Chirikof Island, on 
June 23, 1909, of three Canadian sealing schooners, the Pescawha^ 
the Thomas F. Bayard, and the Jessie. All of these schooners were 
within the ''area of the award," during the closed season, and were 
fitted out for hunting both fur seals and sea otters. Their hcenses 
were issued at Victoria, British Columbia, in proper form for both 
fur-seal and sea-otter hunting. When boarded, their masters informed 
the boarding officers that they were hunting sea otters and not fur 
seals. As they were found to have firearms and ammunition on board 
and could easily have used their appliances in taking fur seals, after 
the departure of the Bear, it was deemed expedient by the command- 
ing officer of that ship to have the arms put under seals, A\'ith written 
instructions that the seals were not to be broken while within the 
forbidden area during the closed season. The masters of the Canadian 
schooners protested against this action, but the arms were put under 
seals and the Bear proceeded on her waj". 

At a later date, m the discussion of various features of the patrol 
wdth the commanding officer of H. B. M. S. Algerine, he stated that 
his Government had always taken the attitude that firearms on 
Canadian vessels should not be sealed, and that the masters of these 
vessels would take the responsibilities of any detected violations of 
the terms of the agreement entered into by their respective Govern- 
ments. In the cases above referred to, I was informed, through 
unofficial sources, that claims for damages against the United States 
would be instituted to cover the supposed loss sustained by inability 
to hunt sea otters, owing to the firearms having been put under 
seals, and it was to prevent a recurrence of such possible suits for 
damages that I recommended the issuance of more definite and 
specific instructions in the matter. It would seem that the Canadian 
Government should not, in good faith, issue licenses to the sam& 
vessel for hunting both tlie fur seal and the sea otter, but such being 
done, the question with which officers of the Revenue-Cutter Service 



1054 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

is concerned is the proper action to be taken when such a vessel is 
found within the restricted area during the closed season, equipped 
with firearms and ammunition, presumably hunting sea otters, but 
fitted for taking fur seals as well. 

2. The recommendation, ''That additional and specific instruc- 
tions be issued relating to possible seizures of Japanese pelagic sealing 
schooners, where their small boats are hunting inside of territorial 
waters, while their vessels are outside of these waters/' was made in 
order that commanding officers of ships of the Bering Sea Fleet might 
act with greater certainty in the matter. The question has arisen, 
Should a sealing schooner be seized and held because its small boats 
have been taken in the act of sealing illegall}^, the schooner being out- 
side of territorial waters at that time? Such an instance occurred 
during the season of 1909. A small boat belonging to the Japanese 
schooner Tenyu Maru was seized by the commanding officer of the 
Perry within territorial waters on July 9, 1909, with the warm body 
of a dead fur seal in it. The boat and its crew were taken to the 
schooner ( Tenyu Maru) and the latter, together with crew and outfit, 
was seized as being accessory, and therefore also guilty of a violation 
of the same law. No evidence was found on the schooner of illegal 
sealing by the men on board, and the master stated that he had 
warned his boats to keep outside of territorial waters. In such a 
position as this, the question arises, "Should the schooner as well as 
the small boat be seized?" It was for enlightenment upon that 
point that I recommended additional instructions. 

3. The recommendation, "That information be furnished as to the 
powers of a United States commissioner to try and dispose of such 
a case as the above should a seizure be made, and the schooner be 
held as well as the small boats," was made in order that the command- 
ing oflicer of the Bering Sea Fleet might be better informed as to legal 
}:)rocedure in case of such a seizure as above cited. There was, during 
the season of 1909, a United States commissioner at Unaiaska, but 
there was no United States attorney nor Federal court. A question 
arose as to the powers of the United States commissioner in trying 
the Japanese seized with the schooner Tenyu Maru. As the trial 
involved the forfeiture of the schooner and outfit, it seemed that the 
commissioner had not authority to try, under these conditions, and 
if found guilty, sentence the Japanese subjects; but if such authority 
were his, it would be a great saving of expense to the Government, 
as trans])ortation to Valdez and back would be avoided. In the case 
of the Tenyu Maru, it was decided that the commissioner had not 
jurisdiction in the case, and the prisoners were sent to Valdez for 
trial. I have not been informed whether that action was necessary, 
and it would be of advantage to the commanding officer of the Bering 
Sea Fleet to know whether the trial could properly have been held 
before the United States commissioner. In the case of the seizure 
of the six Japanese subjects in small boats near Walrus Island, of the 
Pribilof group on September 2, 1909, for illegally conducting sealing 
operations, the schooner to which they belonged escaped. As there 
was no forfeiture of the schooner involved, it was decided that the 
United States commissioner had jurisdiction and power to act in the 
case. They were tried, found guilty, and sentenced in the commis- 
sioner's court. I have not been notified whether this procedure vras 
valid, and I think it would be of value to the commanding officer of 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1055 

the fleet for the season of 1910 to be mformed as to the vahdity of the 
proceedings in this case, as a guidance for future action under similar 
conditions, if the information be obtainable from the Department of 
Justice. 

Respectfully, W. V. E. Jacobs, 

Captain, V. S. R. C. S., Commanding. 



[Copy— original too faint for reproduction.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Secretary, 

WasMngton, August 2, 1910. 
Sir: Referring to the letter of Capt. W. V. E. Jacobs, of the Rev- 
enue-Cutter Service, dated April 2, 1910, forwarded to this depart- 
ment by indorsement, and acknowledged under date of iVpril 7, 1910, 
I have the honor to say that careful consideration has been given to 
the important questions raised l)y Capt. Jacobs. The questions, 
being of a legal nature, were referred to the sohlcitor for this depart- 
ment, and to the Attorney General. Copies of their opinions are 
inclosed herewith for your information, as well as copy of a letter 
this day addressed to the Secretary of State ])earing on one of the 
questions mvolved. The department deems it unfortunate that it 
is precluded b}'' law from approving all three of Capt. Jacobs's sug- 
gestions for additional instructions to the officers of the Bering Sea 
Patrol Fleet, and is correspondmgly gratified that a favorable response 
may be made to one of his suggestions. 
Respectfully, 

(Signed) ' Benj. S. Cable, 

Acting Secretary. 

The honorable the Secretary of the Treasury. 



May 24, 1910. 

[In re certain recommendations made by the commanding officer of the Bering Sea Fleet in his report 
dated Oct. 28. 1909, and explanations thereof in letter to the captain commandant, United States Rev- 
enue-Cutter Ser\"ice, Treasury Department, dated Mar. 31, 1910.] 

In response to a request therefor from the captain commandant, 
United States Revenue-Cutter Service, Trea.sury Department, the 
commanding officer of the Bering Sea Fleet, under date of March 31, 
1910, in a letter addressed to the former officer, furnished a detailed 
explanation of three recommendations contained in his report of 
October 28, 1909. The letter in question is referred to the Depart- 
ment of Commerce and Labor by the Acting Secretaiy of the Treas- 
ury Department "for decision on these recommendations." 

The recommendations will be considere<l in the order in which 
they are presented. 

1. That additional instructions be issued for the future guidance of the command- 
ing officers of the ships of the Bering Sea Fleet with reference to Canadian schooners 
licensed for both fur-seal and sea-otter hunting. 

In explanation of the foregoing recommendation the commanding 
officer says: 

This recommendation was made because of the discovery by the United States 
revenue cutter Bear, about 15 miles north and east of Chirikof Island, on June 23, 1909, 



1056 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

of three Canadian sealing schooners, the Pescaivha, the Thomas F. Bayard, and the 
Jessie. All of these schooners were mthin the "area of the award" during the closed 
season and were fitted out for hunting both fur seals and sea otters. Their licenses 
were issued at Victoria, British Columbia, in proper form for both fur-seal and sea- 
otter hunting. When boarded, their masters informed the boarding officers that they 
were hunting sea otters and not fur seals. As they were found to have firearms and 
ammunition on board, and could easily have used their appliances in taking fur seals 
after the departure of the Bear, it was deemed expedient by the commanding officer 
of that ship to have the arms put under seals, with written instructions that the 
seals were not to be broken while within the forbidden area during the closed season. 
The masters of the Canadian schooners protested against this action, but the arms were 
put under seals, and the Bear proceeded on her way. At a later date, in the discus- 
sion of various features of the patrol with the commanding officer of His Britannic 
Majesty's ship Algerine, he stated that his Government had always taken the atti- 
tude that firearms on Canadian vessels should jiot be sealed, and that the masters of 
these vessels would take the responsibilities of any detected violations of the terms 
of the agreement entered into by the respective Governments. In the cases above 
referred to I was informed, through unofficial sources, that claims for damages against 
the United States would be instituted to cover the supposed loss sustained by ina- 
bility to hunt sea otters owing to the firearms having been put under seals, and it 
was to prevent a recurrence of such possible suits for damages that I recommended 
the issuance of more definite and specific instructions in the matter. It would seem 
that the Canadian Government should not, in good faith, issue licenses to the same 
vessel for hunting both the fur seal and the sea otters, but such being done, the ques- 
tion with which officers of the Revenue-Cutter Service is concerned is the proper 
action to be taken when such a vessel is found within the restricted area during the 
closed season, equipped with firearms and ammunition, presumably hunting sea 
otters, but fitted for taking fur seals as well. 

Article 2 of the award of the tribunal of arbitration at Paris, under 
the treaty between the United States and Great Britain concerning 
the preservation of the fur seals, which was concluded in 1892, reads 
as follows (3 Comp. Stat., 3004): 

The two governments shall forbid their citizens and subjects, respectively, to kill, 
capture, or pursue, in any manner whatever, during the season extending each year 
from the first of May to the thirty-first of July, both inclusive, the fur seals on the 
high sea, in the part of the Pacific Ocean, inclusive of the Bering Sea, which is sit- 
uated to the north of the thirty-fifth degree of north latitude, and eastward of the one 
hundred and eightieth degree of longitude from Greenwich till it strikes the water 
boundary described in article one of the treaty of eighteen hundred and sixty-seven 
between the United States and Russia, and. following that line up to Berings Straits. 

Article 5 is: 

Each sailing vessel authorized to fish for fur seals must be provided with a 
special license issued for that purpose by its Government, and shall be required to 
carry a distinguishing flag to be prescribed by its Government. 

And article 6 provides that : 

The use of nets, firearms, and explosives shall be forbidden in the fur-seal fishing. 
This restriction shall not apply to shotguns when such fishing takes place outside of 
Behring Sea during the season when it may be lawfully carried on. 

Both the United States (act of Apr. 6, 1894, 28 Stat., 53) and 
Great Britain (Law Reports, the Statutes, 57 Victorias, sec. 1, Fed. 
Stat. Anno., 420) have enacted provisions to carry into effect the 
award. These provisions in each case are directed against the citi- 
zens of the country enacting the law. And each Government has, 
moreover, by suitable legislation, authorized the seizure, by duly 
commissioned officers of the other, of any of its vessels or citizens 
offending against the terms of its own enactment. (28 Stat. 55; 
British Order in Council, Apr. 30, 1894.) 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1057 

B}' section 10 of the act of April 6, 1894 (3 Comp. Stat., 3009), it 
IS further provided that: 

If any licensed vessel found in the waters to which this act applies, having on 
board apparatus or implements suitable for taking seals, but forbidden then and 
there to be used, it shall be presumed that the vessel in the one case and apparatus 
or implements in the other was or were used in violation of this act until it is other- 
wise sufficiently proved. 

Wliile a similar presumption was created by the British act of 
1891, it was omitted from the act of 1894, and, as a result of this 
and other questions, there has been not a little difficulty in the 
enforcement of the regulations. (Moore's Int. Dig., vol. 1, p. 922.) 
The lack of such a presumption in the Britisli law was commented 
upon b}^ Sir Julian Pauncefote, Great Britain's ambassador to the 
United States, in a communication to j\Ir. Olney, Secretary of State, 
in 1896. It was there pointed out that the British order in council 
onl}^ empowers United States cruisers to seize British vessels con- 
travening the British act of Parliament, which contains no provision 
similar to that in section 10 of the United States act above set forth, 
and that, therefore, United States naval officers have no power to 
seize British vessels merely on the ground that they have sealing 
apparatus or implements on board. (For. Rel., 1896, p. 257.) 

The effect of the Paris award was to deny the jurisdiction claimed 
by the United States over Bering Sea (La Ninfa, 75 Fed. Rep., 
513), and, as has been previously stated, the act of Congress giving 
eiTect to the award in terms applies to citizens of the United States. 
It is also to be noted tliat wliile by article 6 of the award the use of 
firearms is to be forbidden during the closed season, and wliile each 
Government in pursuance thereof has enacted such a provision, yet 
outside the presumption created by section 10 above referred to, 
neither in the award nor in the legislation of the two nations is there 
any express provision with respect to the mere possession of arms. 
The question of providing for the sealing of arms found upon vessels 
during the closed season has been the subject of considerable cor- 
respondence between the United States and Great Britain. The 
former has uniformly insisted that the spirit of the regulations of the 
tribunal of arbitration demands that vessels should not be permitted 
within the area of the award with arms and equipment for taking 
seals, while Great Britain on the other hand has been equally insist- 
ent in opposing any agreement to that end. In a letter of iiistic*^- 
tions dated May 10, 1897, from the Secretary of State to Mr. Hay, 
ambassador to Great Britain, in which there was an extended dis- 
cussion of the Bering Sea fur-seal fisheries, it was stated: 

The detailed enforcement of the regulations has further developed on the part of 
the British, Government a strange misconception of the true spirit and intent of the 
arbitrators. Under article G of the regulations the use of firearms in Bering Sea was 
prohibited, and to enforce that prohibition it was agreed between the two Govern- 
ments for the year 1894 that sealing vessels might have their arras and ammunition 
placed under seal. But on May 11, 1895, although this Government had every reason 
to believe from the order in council that the British Government had given its concur- 
rence to the arrangement, the British Ambassador gave notice that his Government 
would not renew the arrangement as to the sealing of arras for the coming season, 
and defended its action on the ground that the possession of arms, etc., by a sealing 
vessel was "not forbidden by the award regulations." 

This tardy action of the British Governm.ent in refusing to renew the arrangement 
of 1894 led to much trouble and inconvenience in connection with the patrol of Bering 
Sea. The British Government made grievous complaint against the severe measures 

2403— H. Doc. 93, 62-1 67 



1058 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

of search resorted to by the American cruisers, which gave rise to a lengthy corre- 
spondence. On July 2, 1896, Secretary Olney submitted a proposition to put an 
end to the controversy by an examination of vessels entering Bering Sea and an 
inspection by a representative of the United States at British Columbian ports of 
all skins taken in Bering Sea, to discover whether or not firearms were used, but this 
proposition was not accepted. A further attempt was made by Secretary Olney to 
procure some agreement for the season of 1897, when it was urged that American 
vessels frequenting Bering Sea were required to have their arms sealed, and on return- 
ing to their home ports their skins were carefully inspected, while Her Majesty's 
Government refuses to enforce the provision as to arms and declines the inspection 
of skins — measures which this Government regards as "absolutely essential for pre- 
venting the unlawful destruction of the seals." Nevertheless another season has 
been entered upon without any settlement of this vexed question. (S. Doc. 40, 
50th Cong., 2d sess.; and see also as to the enforcement of the regulations, For. Rel., 
1895, 1," 590-592, 615, 616, 643-660; For. Rel., 1896, 255-281; For. Rel., 1897, 258-289.) 

In 22 Op. At. Gen., 64, discussing the provision in section 10 of 
the act of Congress to which reference has been made. Attorney Gen- 
eral Briggs said : 

* * * that the mere possession of apparatus for killing seals upon a vessel in 
the North Pacific or Bering Sea established a presumption that article 6 had been 
violated. In other words, given the presence of a shotgun fit for killing seals, it 
was unimportant whether the gun itself or circumstances otherwise established a 
reasonable suspicion of the actual use of guns in killing seals. 

This was a principle which Congress saw fit to apply to American vessels, and these 
naval officers seem to have pre.sumed it to be equally applicable to British * * *. 

But the principle was not applicable to British vessels in the absence of a British 
statute. Without that it was improper to seize a vessel, whatever guns were on 
board, unless, in the opinion of the seizing officer, there was good reason to believe 
she had been actually guilty of \'iolating article 6. The vessel was entitled to the 
officer's deliberate opinion as to her guilt or innocence. 

Unless the United States can, notwithstanding the absence of a 
mutual agreement to that end, board British vessels and seal arms 
there found, it is perfectly manifest that any attempt to enforce the 
regulations of the Paris tribunal in the spirit in which they were 
written is certain to be ineffectual, besides, by reason of the presump- 
tion in section 10 of the act of Congress, resulting in a most unjust 
discrimination against vessels of the United States. As against the 
refusal of Great Britain to enter into an agreement looking to the 
seahng of guns, in no less degree than as against her action in licensing 
vessels for the seal fisheries in the circumstances described by the 
commanding officer of the Bering Sea Fleet in his letter, the principle 
of contra bonos mores suggested by Mnister Phelps in the Bering 
Sea controversy might, it seems to me, well be invoked with a view 
to prevent the undertaking to e.Tectuate the real purpose of the 
Paris a,ward from becoming flagrantly abortive. At all events, as 
was said by the court in the case of the Alexander (60 Fed. Rep., 
914) with respect to foreign vessels hunting sea otters in the waters 
of Alaska, such conduct on the part of Great Britain can "hardly be 
considered good manners." 

Upon careful reflection, however, I am of opinion that the points 
raised by the first recommendation of the commander of the fleet 
are to be regarded as unprovided for in the present state of the law, 
and that the doctrine announced by the Attorney General as above 
indicated is equally applicable thereto. For this reason the depart- 
ment is, in my judgment, without power to legally instruct the 
officers of the Bering Sea Fleet to seal arms found on "British vessels 
in the manner described by the commanding officer in the explana- 
tion of his first recommendation. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1059 

In conclusion, it is deemed proper to suggest that it would be most 
expedient and proper to bring the subject to the attention of the 
State Department, in order that there may be a renewal of negotia- 
tions calculated to secure some appropriate and adequate agreement 
between the United States and Great Britain by means of which the 
present extremel}^ unsatisfactory conditions may be remedied. 

2. That additional and specific instructions be issued relating to possible seizures 
of Japanese pelagic sealing schooners, where their small boats are hunting inside 
of territorial waters while their vessels are outside of these waters. 

Of the foregoing recommendation in the explanation of the com- 
manding officer it is said it — 

was made in order that commanding officers of shijDs of the Bering Sea Fleet might 
act with greater certainty in the matter. The question has arisen, Should a sealing 
schooner be seized and held because its small boats have been taken in the act of 
sealing illegally, the schooner being outside of territorial waters at that time? Such 
an instance occurred during the season of 1909. A small boat belonging to the Japanese 
schooner Tenyu Maru was seized by the commanding officer of the Perry within 
territorial waters on July 9, 1909, with the warm body of a dead fur seal in it. The 
boat and its crew were taken to the schooner ( Tenyu Maru) and the latter, together 
"with crew and outfit, was seized as being accessory, and therefore also guilty of a 
violation of the same law. No evidence was found on the schooner of illegal sealing 
by the men on board, and the master stated that he had warned his boats to keep 
outside of territorial waters. In such a position as this the question arises, Should 
the schooner as well as the small boat be seized? It was for enlightenment upon 
that point that I recommended additional instructions. 

That a vessel which is carrying on illegal seal fishing by the use of 
small boats, wliich are found witliin territorial waters, although the 
vessel itself is without those waters, is as amenable to the law as if 
the vessel herself were within the limits described, there can, in my 
opinion, be Kttle if any doubt. 

Russia in 1888 seized the British Columbian schooner Avannah for 
taking seals in Bering Sea. It appeared "that the crew of the 
schooner were carrying on operations in canoes between the schooner 
and the land." Lord Salisbury, discussing the case, is quoted as 
saying that Her Majesty's Government were "of opinion that, even 
if the Avannah at the time of the seizure was herself outside the 3-mile 
territorial limit, tJie fact that she was, by means of her boats, carrying 
on fishing within Russian waters without the prescribed license, 
warranted her seizure and confiscation according to the provisions of 
the municipal law regulation the use of these waters." (Moore, 
Int. Arg., vol. 1, p. 824, 825.) 

In United States v. The Jane Gray (77 Fed. Rep., 908), it was de- 
clared that a vessel and her cargo, etc., are subject to forfeiture if 
her boats go inside the prohibited area (60 miles of the Pribilof 
Islands) and take seal there, even though she herself remain just 
outside the line. Among other things the court in that case said: 

Nor would it make any difference in law whether, at the time of killing, the schooner 
were just outside the prohibited area, while her boats were inside. If the boats were 
along inside, and killed seals therein, the schooner, her tackle, apparel, furniture, and 
cargo, are, in law, just as much subject to condemnation and forfeiture. Otherwise it 
would result that the statute would prove impractical in its operation, and the protec- 
tion to fur seals a delusion. By far the greater part of seal hunting is done from the 
email boats. This was admitted by the captain of the schooner himself. 



1060 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

In the Alexander (60 Fed. Rep., 914), which involved a question 
as to the killing of sea otter, the court used the following pertinent 
language: 

Now, the question upon which this case turns is whether the Alexander was "engaged 
in violation" of this statute or not. Webster defines "engage" as: "To embark; to 
take a part; to devote attention and effort." It is admitted that the Alexander was 
engaged in sea-otter hunting. That was her business on the cruise. These animals 
are not usually killed from the deck of a schooner. To successfully hunt them it is 
necessary to send out the hunters in small boats or bidarkas, the latter always being 
used by the Al.euts. I think where a vessel is out on a hunting voyage her masters, 
oflBcers, and crew, or hunters on board, are all to be considered as engaged in a common 
enterprise or business, and every necessary action for the effectuation of the common 
purpose constitutes an essential part of the res gestae of any violation of law committed 
by one of the party, and the vessel must be held responsible for such violation. If the 
Alexander was in Alaskan waters while the boats were out under control of her master, 
killing said animals, or received their catch while in such waters, then she violated 
the statute. 

The last-mentioned case was on appeal to the Circuit Court of 
Appeals (75 Fed. Rep., 519), reversed, expressly upon the ground, 
however, that tlie IdUing was done outside the territorial waters. It 
was declared that by the award of the arbitrators under the treaty 
between the United States and Great Britain it was settled that the 
United States have no jurisdiction to forbid the killing of fur-bearing 
animals in the waters of the Bering Sea more than 3 miles from the 
shore. Ihe action of the Circuit Court of Appeals does not, however, 
in my opinion, detract in the sliglitest from the principle stated by 
the lower court, as above set forth, with respect to the culpability of 
all persons engaged in a common enterprise, notwithstanding they do 
not" all personalty participate in the culminating act of unlawfulness. 
Hence, I can see'no objection to advising the officers of the Bering Sea 
Fleet accordingly. That is to say, that a vessel should be seized when 
it is their deliberate opinion from all the circumstances that the vessel 
is a party to the illegal sealing, although the tangible e\ddence is 
furnished by small boats found within territorial waters, while the 
vessel itself is without these limits, as described by the commanding 
officer in the explanation of his second recommendation. 

3. That information be furnished as to the powers of a United States commissioner 
to try and dispose of such a case as the above should a seizure be made and the 
Bchooner be held as well as the small boats. 

This recommendation, it is said, "was made in order that the com- 
manding officer of the Bering Sea Fleet might be better informed as 
to legal procedure in case of such a seizure as above cited." The 
explanation continues as follows: 

There was during the season of 1909 a United States commissioner at Unalaska, but 
there was no United States attorney nor Federal comt. A question arose as to the 
powers of the United States commissioner in trying the Japanese seized mth the 
schooner Tenyu Mam. As the trial involved the forfeiture of the schooner and 
outfit, it seemed that the commissioner had not authority to try, under these condi- 
tions, and if found guilty, sentence the Japanese subjects, but if such authority were 
his, it would be a great saving of expense to the Government, as transportation to 
Valdez and back would be avoided. In the case of the Tenyu Maru it was decided 
that the commissioner had not jurisdiction in the case, and the prisoners were sent to 
Valdez for trial. I have not been informed whether that action was necessary, and it 
would be of advantage to the commanding officer of the Bering Sea Fleet to know 
whether the trial could properly have been held before the United States commis- 
sioner. In the case of the seizure of the six Japanese subjects in small boats near Wal- 
rus Island, of the Pribilof group, on September 2, 1909, for illegally conducting sealing 
operations, the schooner to which they belonged escaped. As there was no forfeiture 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1061 

of the schooner involved, it was decided that the United States commissioner had 
jurisdiction and power to act in the case. They were tried, found guilty, and sen- 
tenced in the commissioner's court. I have not been notified whether this procedure 
was valid, and I think it would be of value to the commanding officer of the fleet for 
the season of 1910 to be informed as to the validity of the proceedings in this case as a 
guidance for future action under similar conditions, if the information be obtainable 
&om the Department of Justice. 

Sections 1 and 2 of the criminal code of Alaska (act Mar. 3, 1899, 
2 Supp. K. S., 1003) provides: 

Sec. 1. That the District of Alaska consists of that portion of the territory of the 
United States ceded by Russia by the treaty of March thirtieth, eighteen hundred 
and sixty-seven. 

Sec. 2. That the crimes and offenses defined in this act, committed within the Dis- 
trict of Alaska, shall be punished as herein provided. 

Section 173, title 1 (2 vSupp. R. S., 103) of the criminal code is in 

part as follows : 

That no person shall kill any otter, mink, martin, sable, or fur-seal, or other fur- 
bearing animal within the lim'its of (1) Alaska Territory, or in the waters thereof; 
and every person guilty thereof shall, for each offense, be fined not less than two hun- 
dred nor more than oiie thousand dollars, or imprisoned not more than six months, 
or both; and all vessels, their tackle, apparel, furniture, and cargo found engaged in 
violation of this section shall be forfeited ; * * * 

Section 184, title 12 (Supp. R. S., 1034), declares all crimes other 
than those ' ' punishable with death, or which is or may be punishable 
by imprisonment in the penitentiary," to be misdemeanors. And by 
section 6 of the act of June 6, 1900', entitled "An act making further 
provision for a civil government for Alaska, and for other purposes" 
(2 Su])p. R. S., 1194), district judges are authorized to appoint com- 
missioners in and for that district. This section also contains the 
provision that : 

The commissioners shall be ex officio justices of the peace, * * * and shall per- 
form all the duties and exercise all the powers, civil and criminal, imposed or con- 
fen-ed on the United States commissioners by the general laws of the United States 
and the special laws applicable to the district. 

By section 410 of the criminal code it is provided that a justice's 
court shall have jurisdiction as follows: 

First. Larceny, where the punishment therefor may be imprisonment in the county 
jail or by fine. 

Second. Assault, or assault and battery, not charged to have been committed with 
intent to commit a felony, or in the course of a riot, or with a dangerous weapon, or 
upon a public officer in the discharge of his duties. 

Third. Of any misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in the county jail, or by 
fine, or by both. 

By section 1, title 3, of the civil code (2 Supp. R. S., 1369) it is pro- 
vided that — 

it shall be the duty of the judge of each division of the district court for the District of 
Alaska * * * to divide the respective divisions of the district into precincts, etc. 

And by section 2 of the same title it is provided that — 

The boundaries of the ]ireciucts shall be so established that, considering distance 
and means of travel, public convenience may be promoted by requiring the appoint- 
ment of commissioners by the division of the district court most readily accessible to 
the area embraced in the precinct. Precincts shall bear such name or number as the 
court in the order of creating it may designate. The precinct lines shall only be 
regarded for piu-poses of convenience in fixing identity, but shall not be limitations 
on the jurisdiction of commissioners as established by law. 



1062 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

There appears to be no express limitation in the criminal code with 
respect to the jurisdiction of justices' courts, territorially, although 
section 704, title 2, of the civil code (2 Supp. R. S., 1318) contains 
the further provision that — 

In an action in a justice's court to recover a penalty or ferfeitiu^e given by statute 
the cause of action or some part thereof must have arisen wdthin the precinct where 
the action is commenced, or upon a lake, river, or other water bordering upon such 
precinct and opposite thereto; but otherwise than this the jurisdiction of justice's 
com-t does not depend upon where the cause arose, provided that the defendant shall 
reside in the district where the action is commenced, or personal service can be had 
on the defendant in such precinct; and if the defendant do not reside in the district 
the action may be commenced in the precinct in which the plaintiff resides. 

From a careful consideration of the foregoing provisions I am of 
opinion that under the statutes relating to Alaska a United States 
commissioner as ex officio justice of the peace has jurisdiction of 
cases against persons charged with a violation of section 173 of the 
criminal code. 

The jurisdiction ascribed to a commissioner, as above indicated, 
is, however, in my opinion, necessarily restricted to the territorial 
waters of Alaska. This jurisdiction should not, therefore, be con- 
founded with the jurisdiction as to violations of the act of 1894, 
giving effect to the Paris award, which jurisdiction for obvious rea- 
sons vests in the district court, or of the act of 1897, prohibiting the 
killing of fur seals in the North Pacific Ocean (3 Comp. St., 3011). 
The forfeiture provided for by action 173 of the criminal code remains 
to be considered. 

Section 698, title 2, of the civil code (2 Supp. R. S., 1317), is as 
follows : 

The judicial power in the District of Alaska is vested in a district, in commissioners 
exercising the power of probate courts, and in commissioners as ex officio justices of 
the peace. 

Section 699 reads: 

The district court is a court of general jurisdiction, civil and criminal, and also 
shall have admiralty jurisdiction. 

Section 702 provides that: 

A justice's court has jurisdiction, but not exclusive, of the following actions: 

First. For the recovery of money or damages only, when the amount claimed does 
not exceed one thousand dollars; 

Second. For the recovery of specific personal property, when the value of the 
property claimed and the damages for the detention do not exceed one thousand 
dollars: 

Third. For the recovery of any penalty or forfeiture, whether given by statute or 
arising out of contract, not exceeding one thousand dollars; 

Fourth. Also, to give judgment without action upon the confession of the defendant 
for any of the cases specified in this section, excejit for a penalty or forfeiture imposed 
by statute. 

And section 703 reads as follows: 

The jurisdiction conferred by the last section does not extend, however — 
First. To an action in which the title to real property shall come in question; 
Second. To an action for false imprisonment, libel, slander, malicious prosecution, 

criminal conversation, seduction, upon a promise to marry, in actions of an equitable 

nature, or in admiralty causes. 

The provisions last above set forth considered in connection with 
section 704 of title 2 of the civil code clearly show, in my opinion, 
that Congress did not intend to confer upon the justices' court juris- 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1063 

diction of actions for the forfeiture of vessels, tackle, etc., as pre- 
scribed by section 173 of the criminal code. Such actions are civil 
causes of Admiralty jurisdiction, which from the language used in 
the provisions referred to, is plainly reserved to the district court. 
{The General Pinhiey, 5 Cr., 281; La Vengeance, 3 Dall, 297; The 
Betsey and Charlotte, 4 Cr., 442; Lees v. United States, 150 U. S., 476; 
Benedict's Admiralty, sees. 602 and 606a.) 

In conclusion, however, I deem it proper to call attention to sec- 
tion 4 of title 3 of the civil code (2 Supp. R. S., 1370), which treats 
of commissioner's precincts. The section reads as follows: 

The Attorney General may, from time to time, make such rules and regulations, 
not in conflict with law, as he may deem necessary to insure the efficient administra- 
tion of the law and to avoid conflicts of jurisdiction or of officials in the district. 

It seems to me, therefore, that it would be peculiarly appropriate 
to submit the question as to the jurisdiction of the commissioners to 
the Attorney General for determination. 

Respectfully submitted. 

(Sgd.) Charles Earl, Solicitor. 

The honorable the Secretary of Commerce and Labor. 
Approved and referred to the Bureau of Fisheries. 

(Sgd.) Ben. S. Cable, 

Assistant Secretary. 



[Copy.] 

Department of Justice, 

^YasMngto7}, July 15, 1910. 
The Secretary of Commerce and Labor. 

Sir: Lender date of June 3, 1910, 3'ou transmitted for my considera- 
tion a memorandum prepared b}^ the solicitor of 3^our department, 
Mr. Charles Earl, dated luay 24, 1910, in respect to the fur-seal situa- 
tion in Alaskan waters. 

As the first two questions discussed in the memorandum involve 
our relations with foreign powers, I deem it unwise to render a formal 
opinion thereon. Suffice it to say, for jowv personal advice, that I 
concur in tlie views expressed by jNir. Earl. 

The third question relates to the jurisdiction of United States com- 
missioners in Alaska, as ex officio justices of the peace, of violations 
of section 173 of the criminal code, where a forfeiture of the vessel 
is involved. In view of the fact that the jurisdiction of a justice's 
court is limited by section 410 to misdemeanors punishable by fine 
and imprisonment, and the exception from its jurisdiction by section 
703 of Admiralty causes, as pointed out by Mr. Earl, I think it clear 
that commissioners would not have jurisdiction in the case suggested. 
Respectfully, 

(Signed) William R. Harr, 

Acting Attorney General. 



1064 seal islands of alaska, 

Treasury Department, 

Office of the Secretary, 
WasMngton, Septernher 21, 1910. 
The honorable the Secretary of Commerce and Labor. 

Sir: By direction of the Secretary, I have the honor to transmit 
the following extract from a report received from Senior Capt. D. P. 
Foley, United States Revenue-Cutter Service, commanding the Bering 
Sea Patrol Fleet, dated August 31, 1910: 

On the order of the United States commissioner, the Manning brought down the 
boats, guns, ammunition, and equipments of the three boats which landed on St. Paul 
Island, but not the sealskins found in one of the boats which Mr. Lembkey states 
were thrown on the beach and had rotted. The United States commissioner has a 
deposition from one of the guards that these skins were salted and stored in the salt 
house. Capt. Carden reports that Special Agent Lembkey at first declined to turn 
over these things, but afterwards did so. A co])y of his letter to First Lieut. O'Malley, 
in his capacity as deputy United States marshal, is appended to Capt. Garden's report, 
a copy of which is herewith inclosed. It is not understood why Mr. Lembkey did not 
send the boats, guns, skins, etc., with the prisoners when he delivered them to the 
Manning to be brought to this port for trial, and much less why he should hesitate to 
obey the order of the commissioner to produce them, as even a conviction of unlawful 
landing under section 5 of the act involves no forfeiture of these things. They, there- 
fore, remain the property of the prisoners or the vessel to which they belong, to be 
returned to them when directed by the court. The United States marshal is the proper 
custodian of such things. The boat which landed at Northeast Point and the guns, 
ammunition, skins, etc., in it were necessary as evidence in the prosecution of the 
complaint of illegal sealing, which had been made against the men. In this instance 
the case was not pressed, not because of the absence of these things, but because the 
evidence of the witnesses was not deemed sufficiently positive. However, had their 
evidence been satisfactory, the case against the defendants and the schooner to which 
they belong would have been materially weakened, if not lost, because of the failure 
to produce the boats, guns, and skins as evidence. The skins shotild not have been 
thrown on the beach and allowed to rot, but should have been carefully preserved. 

The matter is brought to the attention of the department merely to provide against 
a repetition of it. The question as to whether a United States commissioner has juris- 
diction over the islands is trivial compared with the desirability of producing evidence 
necessary to secure a conviction. 

The copy of the letter of the agent in charge of the seal fisheries, 
referred to in the extract is transmitted herewith. 
Respectfully, 

A. Piatt Andrew, 

Assistant Secretary. 



[Copj- of copy.] 

»St. Paul Island, Alaska, August 16, 1910. 
Mr. W. A. O'Mally, 

United States Deputy Marshal. 
Sir: Replj'ing to your verbal demand, under order of the United 
States commissioner at Unalaska for the delivery to you for the pur- 
poses of evidence, of the boats, arms, ammunition, etc., which were 
brought ashore by the Japanese now held at Unalaska, Alaska, for 
a violation of section 5 of the act of April 21, 1910, which forbids 
landing upon this reservation, I have to inform you. that, these 
islands being a special Government reservation under the authority 
of the Secretary of Commerce and Labor, are outside the jurisdiction 
of the said commissioner or any other judicial or quasi-judicial 
officer, and that any legal process of said commissioner does not 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1065 

run therein. Your demand, therefore, for the articles mentioned, 
is hereby refused. 

It ma}^ be stated parenthetically, that the articles mentioned are 
unnecessary for establishing the illegal landing of these Japanese as 
native witnesses of such landing have already been furnished and 
are now within the command of the commissioner's court. 
Respectfully, 

(Signed) W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge of Seal Fisheries. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, October 22, 1910. 
The Commissioner of Fisheries. 

Sir: I have been shown a letter dated the 21st ultimo from the 
Assistant Secretary of the Treasury containing an extract from a 
report dated August 31, 1910, of Capt. D. P. Foley, United States 
Revenue-C/Utter Service, commanding the Bering Sea Patrol Fleet, in 
which criticism is made of my action in connection with the arrest 
and prosecution of 11 Japanese who landed on St. Paul Island July 
30 and 31, last. 

The circumstances attending the landing of these Japanese follow: 

On July 30 at 8 a. m. a small boat containing four Japanese landed 
at Northeast Point, St. Paul Island. The occupants dragged their 
boat up on the sand beach and were proceeding in the direction of 
the watch house there, when they were taken in charge by the native 
guard. Upon examination by the native guard, the boat was found 
to contain four sealskins, two boxes of shotgun shells two shotguns, 
together with several sealing knives, two sails, and eight oars. The 
occupants of the boat stated that they were from the IIoTvO Maru. 
The}^ were brouglit to the village, a distance of 12 miles from the place 
where they landed. 

On the same day another small boat from the same schooner landed 
on the sand beach near Lukanin rooker}^ on St. Paul Island. The 
occupants were four Japanese, who were taken in charge by native 
watchmen and brought to the village. This boat contained two 
shotguns, one case of sliotgun ammunition, one compass and a com- 
plement of oars and sails. 

On July 31, at about 3 a. m., another small boat landed at Rocky 
Point, near the wreck of the Perry, the occupants of which, three 
Japanese, were intercepted several hours later while wandering about 
the island. This boat contained the usual oars, sails, and guns and 
came from the Dornei Maru. 

All three of these boats' crews alleged that they wei-e l)lown away 
from their respective schooners by a gale, while their vessels were 
within a few miles of tlie island. No evidence could be obtained to 
prove that these men landed upon the island to kill seals, and no 
charge of that nature could be substantiated. However, they had 
landed upon the islands ^^-ithout authorit}" from the wSecretarv of Com- 
merce and Labor, and for this reason were liable to fine and imprison- 
ment under section 5 of the act of April 21, 1910, which forbids unau- 
thorized landings upon the reservation. As the Manning was at 



1066 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 

anchor at St. Paul at this time I wrote a letter to Capt. Carden, of that 
vessel, detailing the facts and requesting the removal of the Japanese 
from the islands and their transportation to Unalaska for commit- 
ment. A copy of my letter to Capt. Carden is attached hereto, 
marked "Inclosure 1." 

In reply, in a letter of which a copy is attached also, marked 
"Inclosure 2," Capt. Carden suggested that the Japanese could be 
tried at the islands, as the captains of the Perry, Tahoma, and Man- 
ning were, respectively. United States commissioners, and the first 
officer of each vessel was a deputy United States marshal. This was 
the first knowledge of this fact that I had received. 

I at once went aboard the Manning and conferred personally with 
Capt. Carden, heartily indorsing his proposition to try the prisoners at 
St. Paul, and offering, at Capt. Carden's suggestion, to prepare the 
necessary warrants, informations, and other legal processes. Upon 
my return to the island from the ship I did prepare such papers. 

Capt. C^arden told me, however, that liis suggestion to try the men 
at St. Paul would be contingent upon the favorable indorsement of 
Capt. Quinan, of the Tahoma, the senior captain. After a conference 
with Capt. Quinan, at which I was present, the latter stated his 
opinion that the Japanese should not be tried by an officer of the 
Revenue-Cutter Service at the islands, as that would seem to be some- 
what summary; that they should be tried at Unalaska, where they 
could have the benefit of counsel and would be brought before a reg- 
ular commissioner. 

TJie prisoners therefore were placed on the Manning at the time of her 
sailing for Unalaska, together with four native witnesses who appre- 
hended the Japanese. It was not advisable for myself or an assist- 
ant agent to accompany the Japanese at that time, but I designated 
one of the natives, an intelligent man who spoke good Enghsh, to act 
as complaining witness. It was thoroughl}- understood at the time 
that a charge of attempt to Idll seals could not be proven; that the 
only chance of conviction was upon a charge of illegal landing, to 
prove which the testimony of witnesses was tlie best evidence, and 
that to substantiate this charge the sealing gear, sealskins, and boats 
were unnecessary. 

Upon the arrival of the prisoners and witnesses at Unalaska the 
commissioner. Brown, presented an order to Lieut. O'Mally as deputy 
marshal to bring to the court the boats, arms, sealskins, and other 
contents of the boats. Upon presentation of this order by Mr. 
O'Mally he was informed by me that the commissioner at Unalaska 
had no jurisdiction over the Pribilof Islands, which was a reservation 
under control of the Secretary of Commerce and Labor, and that for 
this reason the articles mentioned would not be delivered to him by 
me. I stated further that witnesses to prove the illegal landing were 
alread}^ in attendance upon the court and that the boats and other 
gear were superfluous as evidence to prove illegal landing and there- 
fore unnecessary. I furnished Mr. O'Mally a letter embodying my 
views, a copy of which is attached hereto, marked "Inclosure 3." 

Mr. O'Mally left the island after this interview without the articles 
requested. Two days afterwards, however, after a conference with 
Capt. Carden, in which that gentleman stated to me that Capt. 
Foley was anxious for a conviction and that it would be unfriendly 
to deprive him of any evidence that might tend to convict, I delivered 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1067 

the boats and gear to the Revenue-Cutter Service, through Lieut. 
O'Mally two days after Mr. O'Mally, as deputy marshal, had made 
apphcation for them, with the result as stated before. 

I refused to recognize the order of the commissioner at Unalaska 
because I believed and do still believe that he has no jurisdiction 
over the Pribilof Islands Reservation, on which it is qnlawful for any 
person to land or remain without the authority of the Secretary of 
Commerce and Labor. (Sec. 5, act Apr. 21, 1910.) 

I have been annoyed by the action of this Commissioner Brown for 
several years. On June 24, 1909, I received a rather curt letter from 
him directing me to make provision on the islands for a resident of 
Unalaska who previously had lived on St. George. I replied that 
the Pribilof Islands did not come within the scope of action of him- 
self or any other judicial or quasi-judicial officer. A copy of his letter 
to me and of my reply is attached hereto, marked '' Inclosure 4." 

In October, 1909, after some Japanese in small boats had been 
arrested by Mr. Judge for sealing within the 3-mile limit, and after 
these prisoners with native witnesses had been sent to Unalaska for 
trial, and after the prisoners had been tried, convicted, and sentenced, 
Commissioner Brown sent a formal order to Mr. Judge, at St. Paul, 
for the deliver}' of the boats and gear belonging to these Japanese, 
on the ground that the clerk of the court was the proper custodian 
thereof. Mr. Judge re])lied that the property was part and parcel 
of the schooner; that the schooner, with her paraphernalia, could be 
forfeited only through proceedings against the schooner; and that 
until such proceedings were instituted the agents on the islands were 
the proper custodians. The third order from the commissioner is the 
one in connection with which Capt, Foley has made his repoi't. 

I did not deliver the four sealskins found in the boat at Northeast 
Point for the reasons that they were 12 miles from the village; that 
I did not know their exact location; that I believed at the time of Mr, 
O'Mally's visit that they had been left on the beach at the place 
where the boat landed. The guard at Northeast Point stated to me 
that these sealskins had been left on the beach. From what I 
learned afterwards, I believe that the guard afterwards brought these 
skins to the Government salt house at Northeast Point and salted 
them there; that they became merged with the island catch and 
w^ere shipped to London with the island skins. LTpon counting out 
the skins from this salt house at the time of shipment, Mr. Judge 
informed me that the number counted out was four in excess of the 
number counted in. 

As the matter stands, the prisoners were sent to L^nalaska for trial, 
with proper witnesses; the boats and gear, although refused to the 
marshal at Unalaska, were delivered to the Revenue-Cutter Service 
and taken to Unalaska, and the prisoners convicted. Therefore 
everything asked for by the commissioner, except the sealskins, was 
furnished. 

Just what Capt. Foley has to complain about I am unable to 
discover. It would seem, from reading carefully his report, that while 
he did not consider these boats, etc., necessary for evidence, he was 
anxious to have them on hand to return to the Japanese convicts 
after they had served their sentences. And that seems to be the 
basis of his complaint with regard to the sealskins. 



1068 SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

I have acted upon the prmciple that it should be made as disagree- 
able as possible for Japanese to land upon the islands, in order to 
deter them from comins; there in numbers. If they came in, they 
forfeited their boats whether they were sent to jail or not. To 
dolivor this gear to th^^m after conviction, and furthermore to trans- 
port this gear over 200 miles in order to deliver it to them, looks very 
like placing a premium upon landing on the islands from which we 
desire to keep these Japanese farthest away. As a matter of policy 
I believe these boats and gear brought ashore on the islands should 
be kept there unless essential as evidence. 

The captain, in my opinion, is in error in ascribing among the duties 
of the agents that of "carefully preserving" the skins which may 
happen to be found in the boats of those sealers guilty of illegal land- 
ing upon the islands. The Pribilof herd of seals is being exterminated 
by the killing in the sea of breeders. This Government has taken every 
possible precaution to curtail this killing and to discourage the prac- 
tice. It provides arms and ammunition on the islands and an efficient 
patrol about the islands for this purpose. It prescribes penalties for 
killing seals in United States territory, forbids unauthorized landings 
on the islantls, and prevents its citizens from furnishing to foreign 
sealers anything of use in the operation of a pelagic schooner on the 
high seas. After placing by statute and regulation every possible 
obstacle in the way of killing seals in the water, to remove sealsldns 
from boats belonging to sealers landing on the islands without author- 
ity; to arrest the men, but place the sealskins in salt with the island 
catch of skins ; to use the employees of the Government in caring for 
and curing these skins; and, after the men were convicted of violat- 
ing the law by unauthorized landing, to hand back the cured skins, 
enhanced in value through the efforts of the Government, to be sold 
in London at increased ]irofit to these wrongdoers, would seem to me 
the very climax of maladministration. 

The possession of skins b}^ Japanese sealers mthin the 3-mile limit 
should be deemed prima facie evidence? of illegal sealing; the landing 
of these men was in defiance of the law, and their conviction renders 
them obnoxious to its penalties, and certainly should disqualify 
them to make any claim for the boat which furnished them the means 
of committing an infraction of the law and for the arms and seal- 
skins which were in their possession when apprehended. To give up 
the skins to these culpiits after enhancinf^ their value would be a 
stultification of the Government's action in trying and convicting 
them, and as much a violation of th^ act of December 29, 1897, as 
to furnish supplies with which to continue pelagic operations. If 
not actually in contravention of law, it would be so inconsistent with 
the spirit of the law as to appear absurd and ridiculous. 

The suggestion is made that the question whether the United States 
commissioner has jurisdiction on the seal islands is a trivial one. 
I think I may justly challenge that view. The question is the reverse 
of trivial. The Congress has considered it so important as to provide 
that the islands shall be a special Government reservation and that 
the Secretary of Commerce and Labor shall have sole charge of that 
reservation. Under the Secretary, the agent is primarily the guardian 
and protector of the seals. Under that provision he certainly should 
be the judge of what evidence and what articles and appliances shall 
be submitted in the trial of persons charged with invading the islands. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1069 

It is clearly the purpose of the law to remit the islands altogether 
to the care of the agent under the Secretary of Commerce and Labor, 
It would be ridiculous to assert that the authority of the Secretary of 
Commerce and Labor, when exercised with respect to a special Gov- 
ernment reservation over which he is givin exclusive control by the 
Congress, should be rendered ineffective by the order of a United 
States commissioner. 

Respectfully, W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent Seal Fisheries. 



[Copy— original too faint for reproduction.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington , Marcli 7 , 1911. 

Sir: By indorsement under date of November 14, 1910, the letter 
to Senior Capt. D. P. Foley, United States Revenue-Cutter Service, 
in reply to the letter of Agent W. I. Lembkey, addressed to the Com- 
missioner of Fisheries, under date of October 22, 1910, was referred to 
this department. 

After a consideration of the pomts involved in the controversy 
between Capt, Foley and Mr, Lembkey, it appears to this department 
that Mr. Lembkey AYas justified in assuming that the boats and their 
contents taken from the Japanese ^Yho landed on St. Paul Island 
the latter part of July last, would not be needed as evidence to con- 
vict such Japanese on the charge of landing in violation of section 5 
of the act of April 21, 1910. He was not, however, justified in assum- 
ing that the jurisdiction of the commissioner at Unalaska did not 
extend over the Pribilof Islands, and he was not justified in refusing 
to deliver the articles in question when demanded by a deputy 
United States marshal on an order by the commissioner at Unalaska. 
The record does not show that the Japanese referred to were charged 
with any offense other than landmg on St. Paul Island, and although 
it is not seen how the production of the boats and contents could add 
to the evidence of such landing, Mr. Lembkey did, two days later, 
surrender the property, with the exception of the sealskins, wliich 
had been salted down with the Government supply. In thus surren- 
dering the property demanded, Mr. Lembkey did the proper thing. 
It is believed, however, that Capt. Foley was in error in assuming 
that the four sealsldns should have been seized and destroyed. See 
the opinion of the Attorne}^ General, under date of February 8, 1910. 
(28 Op, At. Gen., 173-175.) 

The agents of this department in charge of the seal business in 
Alaska will be instructed to recognize tlie jurisdiction of L^nited 
States commissioners over the Pribilof Islands and to respect all orders 
issued by a United States commissioner and properly served. If any 
commissioner capriciously or without justification persists m issuuig 
orders for the production of projierty not needed as evidence, or not 
involved in any case coming before him, our agents will report the 
matter to the department, so that it may, if deemed advisable, be 
taken up with the Department of Justice. Further, the officers and 
agents of this department will be instructed to avoid, in ever}^ rea- 
sonable way, any friction with the officers and agents of any other 



1070 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

departmeiit, and* it will be impressed upon them that the provisions 
of the statute can be successfully and efficiently enforced only by a 
harmonious cooperation of all the United States officials and em- 
ployees who have to deal with the execution of the law. If, never- 
theless, differences arise, they will be reported to this department, 
to the end that they may be investigated by the two departments 
involved and the cause of friction removed. 

The letter of Capt. Foley, above referred to, is returned herewith. 
Very respectfully, 

(Signed) Charles Nagel, 

Secretary. 
The honorable the Secretary of the Treasury. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, March 7, 1911. 

Sir : After a consideration of the points involved in the controversy 
between Capt. Foley, of the Revenue-Cutter Service, and Agent W. I. 
Lembkey, of tliis department, I conclude that Mr. Lembkey was 
justified in assuming that the boats and their contents taken from 
the Japanese who landed on St. Paul Island the latter part of July 
last would not be needed as evidence to convict such Japanese on the 
charge of landing in violation of section 5 of the act of April 21, 1910. 
He was not, however, justified in assuming that the jurisdiction of the 
commissioner at Unalaska did not extend over the Pribilof Islands, 
and he was not justified in refusing to deliver the articles in question 
when demanded by a deputy United States marshal on an order by 
the commissioner at Unalaska. He was not required to transport 
them, and it was not for him to determine whether or not the com- 
missioner was warranted in issuing the order. Otlier charges than 
landing on the Pribilof Islands, though they may not have been 
known to Mr. Lembkey, might have been made against the Japanese, 
and the production of the articles mentioned in the order might have 
been necessary. In at first refusing to deliver the articles and then 
giving them up two days later, Mr. Lembkey was prompted, no doubt, 
by the best of motives. It is assumed that after he had refused to 
deliver the articles he realized that the determination of the j urisdiction 
of the commissioner or the exercise of discretion as to what evidence 
might be needed did not come within the scope of his authority. 

Capt. Foley was in error in assuming that the four sealsldns taken 
should have been seized and destroyed. Tliis contention was based 
upon section 9 of the act of December 29, 1897, concerning which 
section the Attorney General, in his opinion of February 8, 1910 
(28 Op. At. Gen., 173-175), said: 

The meaning that is usuallj^ given by the courts to the word "importation " as used 
in the customs laws is the bringing of goods into ports of the United States for the 
purpose of introducing them into the commerce of the country, and I think the same 
meaning should be given to the word as used in this section. 

You are directed to instruct the agents of this department in 
charge of the seal business in Alaska to recognize the jurisdiction of 
United States commissioners over the Pribilof Islands, and to respect 
all orders issued by a United States commissioner and properly 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1071 

served. If any commissioner capriciously or without justification 
persists in issuing orders for the production of property not needed 
as evidence or not involved in any case coming before him, the matter 
should be reported to this department, so that it may, if deemed 
advisable, be taken up with the Department of Justice. As to the 
officers of the Treasury Department, or any other department, you 
are directed to instruct the agents of this department to avoid, in 
every reasonable way, any friction. The officers of all departments 
must cooperate and work in harmony for the efficient enforcement of 
the law. If, notwithstanding all reasonable effort on the part of the 
officers and agents of this department to work in harmony with the 
representatives of another department, it is found that friction can not 
be avoided, the matter should be reported to the end that it may be 
investigated by the two departments involved and the cause of the 
friction removed. 

The papers received from your bureau are returned herewith. 
Respectfully, 

Charles Nagel, 

Secretary. 

The Commissioner of Fisheries. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

^¥ashington, March 10, 1911. 
Mr. W, I. Lembkey, 

Agent at Seal Fisheries in Alaslca, 

Washington, D. C. 
Sir: Inclosed for your information is copy of a letter from the 
Secretary, dated March 7, relative to the controversy between Capt. 
Foley, of the Revenue-Cutter Service, and yourself. "^ 

Therefore, you are hereby mstructed to recognize tlie jurisdiction 
of United States commissioners over the Pribilof Islands, and to 
respect all orders issued by a United States commissioner and prop- 
erly served. If any commissioner capriciously or without justifica- 
tion persists m issuing orders for the production of property not 
needed as evidence or not involved in any case coming before him, 
the matter should be reported to this department, so that it may, if 
deemed advisable, be taken up with the Department of Justice. 
You are instructed further to avoid, in every reasonable way, any 
friction with any officer of the Treasury Department, or any other 
department. The officers of all branches of the Government must 
cooperate and work in harmony for the effi.cient enforcement of the 
law. If, notwithstanding all reasonable effort on your part to work 
in harmony with the representatives of another department, it is 
found that friction can not be avoided, the matter should be reported, 
to the end that it may be investigated by the two departments in- 
volved and the cause of the friction removed. 
Respectfully, 

Geo. M. Bowers, 

Commissioner. 



1072 seal islands of alaska. 

Treasury Department, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, July 20, 1910. 
The Secretary of Commerce and Labor. 

Sir: By direction of the Secretary, I have the honor to transmit 
herewith extract from the report dated the 4th ultimo of Senior 
Capt. D. P. Foley, United States Revenue-Cutter Service, com- 
manding the Bering Sea Patrol Fleet. 

Respectfully, A. Piatt Andrew, 

Assistant Secretary. 



[Extract from letter dated Uualaska, Alaska, June 4, 1910, from Senior Capt. D. P. Foley, United States 
Revenue-Cutter Service, commanding the Bering Sea Fleet, to the honorable the Secretary of the 
Treasury.] 

I called on Collector Newberry and obtained from him the names 
of the six Canadian vessels licensed for sealing this year. These ves- 
sels, previous to entering Bering Sea, are to hunt sea otters within the 
limits of the award of the Paris Tribunal of Arbitration and carry 
arms and implements suitable for their killing, which are different in 
no respect from those employed in seal hunting, except that because 
of the wariness of the sea otter, it is necessary to use rifles instead of 
shotguns. The same is true of traveling seals. The masters of these 
vessels protest against the sealing up of their rifles, as was done last 
year by Capt. Bertholf, claiming that there is nothing in the regu- 
lations of the Paris tribunal authorizing it, or even forbidding vessels 
fitted for the taking of fur seals being ^^dt}lin the limits of the award 
during the closed season. So far as I could learn from Collector New- 
berry, Great Britain has enacted no law similar to our law of April 6, 
1894, subjecting sealers to seizure on the presumption of guilt, merely 
because of their presence within the limits of the award during the 
closed season. Collector Newberry told me that he could clear a 
vessel for hunting and fishing, and such clearance would permit the 
vessels to go within the limits of the award during the closed season 
with arms, implements, or apparatus suitable for the lolling of sea 
otters, which, as stated above, are also suitable for the taldng of fur 
seals. Such vessels, however, would be subject to seizure under par- 
agraph "f " of the instructions issued to the commanding officer of the 
Bering Sea Fleet, but there are no mstructions authorizing the seizure 
of licensed vessels, under similar circumstances or the sealing up of. 
their arms. 

If Canadian sealers enter within the limits of the award during the 
closed season, ostensibly to hunt the sea otber, and at the time when 
the seals are making their way to their rookeries on the Pribilof 
Islands, there is nothing to prevent them taking seals except the fear of 
being caught red-handed by aUnited Statesrevenue cutter, tlie chances 
Ox which are remote because of the cloak which the hunting of sea otters 
gives them, and of the ease with which conclusive e^ddence of their 
guilt may be destroyed previous to a search, even if the latter be not 
evaded by the ruse of flying the Japanese flag. So far as I could 
understand from my conversation with Collector Newberry, no instruc- 
tions were given Canadian sealers to fly their flags wiien within the 
limits of the award. It is a mooted question with them, whether it 
is not sufflcient to have it on board. The Canadian sealers and cus- 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1073 

toms authorities apparently fall back on the strict letter of the regu- 
lations and lose sight of their intent and purpose. 



Treasury Department, 
Office of Assistant Secretary, 

Washington, August 19, 1910. 
The Secretary of Commerce and Labor. 

Sir: By direction of the Secretary I have the honor to transmit 
herewith for your information extracts from the reports of the oper- 
ations of the Bering Sea Patrol Fleet in the present season. 
Respectfully, 

A. Piatt Andrew, 

Assistant Secretary. 



[Extracts from reports on operations of Bering Sea Fleet, 1910. From report of Senior Capt. D. P. Foley, 
commanding fleet, dated June 29, 1910.] 

FOR DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND LABOR. 

Information was obtained (through Capt. Quinan, commanding 
the Tahoma) of the visit of the Tokei Maru to Chirikof Island June 
4th, the 7th, and of the landing thereon of some of her crew drunk and 
insolent, of attempts to trade whisky or saki, and the theft of 17 
fox traps from a white man on the island. (Japt. Quinan is of the 
opinion that this white man carries on a small trade with these seal- 
ers, but evidence is difhcult to obtain in the case. 

Information was also obtained of four Japanese sealers apparently 
bound for ports in Shelikof Strait, but nothing was seen of them by 
the Tahoma, though she returned from Seward by that way. Four 
small American trading vessels were boarded at Kodiak. Some of 
the small American vessels trading in Alaska are without other 
papers than a letter from the collector of customs at Juneau, stating 
that they will be measured when opportunity offers and papers 
given them. Many of these vessels are a long distance from Juneau, 
and it would be a hardship to require them to go there for admeas- 
urement, and it would be unjust to deny them for a long period the 
privilege of engaging in lawful trade merely because the Government 
IS unable to document them at once, and yet the practice is irregular 
and should be avoided. It is suggested that the commanding officers 
of our vessels be made special deputy collectors of customs at large 
for Alaska, with authority to admeasure vessels and to issue tempo- 
rary docuinents, but without placing them otherwise under the 
jurisdiction of the collector at Juneau than to report such docu- 
menting. 

Capt. Quinan learned that part of a wreck was washed ashore on 
the north end of Chirikof Island in November last, and that on the 
main boom were carved the number 136486, and the tonnage, 56.88 
tons. These may be the means of identifying the wrecked vessel. 

vSince the receipt of a letter of the honorable Secretary of Com- 
merce and Labor deciding that section 3109, Revised Statutes, as 
amended by the act of February 17, 1898, applies to foreign sealing 

2403— H. Doc. 93, 62-1 68 



1074 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

vessels, the commanding officers of the patrol vessels have been 
instructed to order all whom they learn have come within the terri- 
torial waters of Alaska to report at this customhouse and to seize 
all who neglect or refuse to obey the order. Next season no warning 
should be given, but all who do not voluntarily report at the nearest 
customhouse, as required by law after entering Alaskan waters, 
should be seized and confiscated. I believe that the practice of 
closing all Aleutian ports or places to foreign sealing vessels, except 
when in actual distress, and the infliction of full penalties for viola- 
tions of law, will go far toward reducing the number engaged in 
pelagic sealing. At the present time they use our ports as the bases 
of operations against the seal islands, trade with the natives and 
with unprincipled white people, water ship, take fish, and break our 
laws with impunity, and are a]:)parently getting bolder every year. 
Nothing will prevent this but the presence of our vessels in Alaska 
at the time when they are entering and leaving Bering Sea and the 
strict enforcement of the law. 

It is rumored that a Japanese company has been trying to secure 
a lease of the property (that of Alaska Commercial Co. at Dutch 
Harbor) for the purpose of engaging in the whale fishery in these 
waters. In my opinion it would be distinctly objectionable to have 
such a lease made. The company could not, of course, fish within 
territorial waters, and it is a question whether, if it owns vessels 
engaged in pelagic sealing, it could be prevented from furnishing 
them with supplies and water in this port and also beyond the mari- 
time jurisdiction of the United States. If it would be lawful for 
this company to lease its property to a foreign corporation, so, also, 
would it be lawful for any private person having a grant of land in 
any of the hai-bors of the Aleutian Islands to give such a lease. The 
recommendation made last year by the commanding officer of the 
patrol fleet, though for another purpose, that the shores of all these 
islands to a distance of 5 miles back from the water be made Gov- 
ernment reservation, therefore, seems to me a wise one in view of 
such a contingency as this. 



July 5, 1910. 
The seizure of the Tokai Maru (by the Perry June 28, 1910) was a 
piece of good luck attending the assistant to the Koyei Maru and 
illustrates the statement in my previous report that the Japanese 
sealers are visiting the uninhabited bays and harbors for the purpose 
of getting water and catching fish. I feel certain that could I spare 
a vessel to look into the several harbors adjacent to the passes by 
which these vessels enter the sea we would be able to catch others, 
and it is only in that way that we can make pelagic sealing less easy 
tli^n it is at present. Compelling sealers to report at a custom- 
house is merely an annoyance to them, involving only the loss 
of a few days in making the trip, and accomplishes nothing so 
far as preventmg them from using our harbors is concerned. For- 
feiture for neglecting to report will help, but the law has been so 
many years on the statute books without being enforced that I 
think the exaction of the penalty without warning would hardly be 
proper. I do not know whether it is against the law for these peo- 
ple to take water in unfrequented bays or to land on our islands, but 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1075 

it should be, and if all the islands to the southward and westward of 
Unimak Pass were made special reservations for Government pur- 

f)oses, as the PribUofs are (sec. 5 act of Apr. 21, 1910), making the 
anduig thereon, except through stress of weather or other like un- 
avoidable cause without authority of the proper department of the 
Government, a misdemeanor punishable by a fuie not exceeding 
$500 or imprisonment in jail not exceeding six months, or by both 
fine and imprisonment for every person so offending, making the 
fine a hen against any vessel or other property of the offendmg party 
and empowering officers of the United States Revenue-Cutter Serv- 
ice to make searches, seizures, and arrests under the law as is done 
in the act of June 14, 1906, the hands of the patrol officers will be 
greatly strengthened for the purpose of practically closing all ports 
and places in Alaskan waters to foreign sealing vessels. 

I do not beheve the sealing schooners can carry water enough to 
last them four or five months, and if we can prevent them from 
obtaining any m our territory we will handicap them seriously. I 
regard the water as a supply in the same sense as food or any other 
article necessary for the operation of a vessel and alike forbidden to 
be furnished to those engaged m seahng, and have issued orders 
accordiiigly to parties concerned both in Dutch Harbor and Unalaska, 
and all Japanese sealmg vessels entering either of these ports have 
been denied supplies of any kind whatsoever. It is true a vessel 
enteriag port mthout water may claim to be in distress, but she 
would be equally so if out of food, and the law undoubtedly forbids 
the furnishing of the latter. In any case I should furnish her with 
a supply of either to last merely while in port but not for the purpose 
of sealing. 

Converting these islands into Government reservations would also 
prevent, as stated in my report of the 28th of June, the possible 
securing by a foreign company, of a lease to property in any of the 
harbors of the islands, and also, in case the Interior Department 
should, as suggested, gather together in one settlement the natives 
of Attn and Atka Islands and of other villages, not only prevent the 
rapid and complete extinction by poachers of the fur-bearing ani- 
mals on the abandoned islands, but permit of their increase under 
proper regulations. I am reliably informed that the law forbidding 
the killing of fur-bearmg animals in Alaska Territory (sec. 1956, R. S., 
as amended by the act of Apr. 21, 1910) is not enforced on the main- 
land of Alaska nor is it, so far as I can learn, on the Aleutian Islands. 
The law above referred to provides that the Secretary of Commerce 
and Labor may authorize the killmg of fur-bearing animals under 
such regulations as he may prescribe. There is need for such regu- 
lations and their enforcement. Notvyithstanding that pelts taken 
out of proper season have little value compared with those taken in 
season these animals are being killed at all times of the year wherever 
found, and it is believed that poison is being used by some in taking 
them. The regulations should provide for a closed season and forbid, 
under penalty, the sale or purchase of pelts during it. As tliis is one 
of the laws we are expected to enforce, I ask that copies of the regula- 
tions be furnished me for the information of the patrol fleet. 

The Perry sailed for the seal islands at 9 a. m. of the 2d instant 
and will return on the 11th for the session of the district court. The 
Tahoma sailed at 9 a. m. of the 3d instant and the Manning 



1076 SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

returned to Dutch Harbor at 9.35 p. m. of the 3d. The commanding 
officer of the latter vessel reports that about 1,000 seals, half of 
\Yhicli are females, are on the rookery at Northeast Point, St. Paul 
Island, and that but three Japanese sealing vessels were seen, all of 
which were boarded. A copy of the report is herewith inclosed. 



[Extract of letter addressed to the honorable the Secretary of the Treasury, Washington, D. C, dated July 

30, 1910.] 

United States Revenue-Cutter Service, 

TJnalaska, Alaska, August 25, 1910. 

The navigation about the Pribilof Islands, and in particular about 
St. Paul Island, which is fringed with dangerous reefs, is very difficult 
because of the fogs, dense at times, which prevail during the sealing 
season, the treacherous currents, varying in force and direction accord- 
ing to no known law, and the absence of aids to navigation about the 
islands. The vessels must cruise in fogs to make the patrol efficient, 
because it is in foggy weather that the sealers approach the rookeries, 
and they must keep in touch with the land in order not to lose the 
islands. In a past season the Bear lost them tlu*ee days, and other 
vessels have cruised about them for days at a time without finding 
them. We are risking valuable ship property continuing under 
present conditions, and I, therefore, recommend that for another 
season buoys be placed about St. Paul Island as follows: Bell buoy 
on the reef off Northeast Point; whistling buo}'' near Sea Lion Rocks, 
Reef Point; first-class can buoy on the reef oft' Tonki Point; first- 
class nun buoy on the reef oft' Southwest Point; and spar buoy on the 
2-fathom shoal to the southward of Polovina Point. Wooden bea- 
cons or day marks should also be ])laced on some of the low-lying 
points of this island, to distinguish them from others adjacent. The 
Perry mistook Polovina Point, seen indistinctly in the fog, for Tonki 
Point, and having run her distance hauled down for East anchorage 
too soon. 

I am informed that when vessels of the Navy were patrolling these 
islands they placed buoys of their own on the dangerous points. 

The lighthouse tender Armeria makes two trips each summer to 
Bering Sea, one at the beginning and the other at the close of the 
season, and could easily place these buoys and remove them again 
before the ice forms in the fall. They can be stored at Unalaska for 
the winter. 

It was Tonki Point the U. S. S. Adams struck in 1898. Other of 
our vessels besides the Perry have also struck about the island — the 
Corwin, Bear, McCullocJi, and Manning — but these vessels have 
wooden bottoms and escaped; the Perry is of iron and was lost. 
Respectfullv, 

p. P. Foley, 
Senior Captain, TJ. 8. R. C. S., 

Commanding Bering Sea Fleet. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1077 

[Telegram.] 

Seward, Alaska, August 30, 1910. 
Hon. Benjamin S. Cable, 

Acting Secretary of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C: 
Referring to Capt. Foley's letter of July 27, I indorse his recom- 
mendation and suggest that he be instructed by telegraph to disband 
f)atrol fleet when satisfied all Canadian and Japanese sealers have 
eft Bering Sea. 

Charles Nagel. 
9.24 A. M., August 31, 1910. 



August 31, 1910. 
Sir: I have just received a telegram from Secretary Nagel, dated 
Seward, Alaska, August 30, reading as follows: 

Referring to Capt. Foley's letter of July 27, I indorse his recommendation and 
suggest that he be instructed by telegraph to disband patrol fleet when satisfied all 
Canadian and Japanese sealers have left Bering Sea. 

Will you please furnish this department, if entirely consistent, with 
a copy of Capt. Foley's letter of July 27, and also issue the necessary 
instructions by telegraph, and advise this department. 
Very respectfully, 



The Secretary of the Treasury. 



Acting Secretary. 



[Copy. 



Treasury Department, 

Office of the Secretary, 
Washington, September 2, 1910. 
The Secretary of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C. 
Sir: By direction of the Secretary I have the honor to state in 
reply to your communication of the 31st ultimo tliat the commanding 
officer of the Bering Sea Patrol Fleet has been directed by wire tliis 
date to disband the patrol fleet October 1 if satisfied that all sealers 
have left the sea. 

Agreeably to your request there is transmitted herewith copy of 
Senior Capt. Foley's report of the 27th of July last. 
Respectfully, 

(Signed) C. D. Hilles, 

Assistant Secretary. 



United States Revenue-Cutter Service, 

TJnalaska, Alaslca, July 27, 1910, 
The Secretary of the Treasury, 

Washington, D. C. 
Sir: Continuing my report of the 13th instant, I have the honor to 
inform you that the Perry sailed on ])atrol duty on the 14th instant, 
having on board Prof. Jochelson, the Russian scientist, who has been 



1078 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

making ethnological and ethnographical observations on the Aleu- 
tian Islands and who has permission from the Secretary of Commerce 
and Labor to visit the Pribilof Islands. On her departure the armed 
guard which had been maintained at the local jail practically since 
the 28th of June was discontinued, the deputy marshal having ob- 
tained a sufficient number of civil guards. 

The Talioma arrived from the seal islands on the 16th instant. 
Her commanding officer reports that there are between 15 and 18 
Japanese sealing vessels about St. Paul Island, but that they are 
keeping well beyond the 3-mile limit; their boats, however, at times 
getting dangerously near that limit, about Otter and Walrus Islands. 
The Talioma on her recent cruise boarded 10 of these vessels. Among 
them was one, the Clutose Mam No. 2, which, by the admission of 
her master, had visited Attu June 16th. This vessel was ordered to 
report to the collector of customs at Dutch Harbor, as required by 
section 3109, Revised Statutes, as amended by the act of February 17, 
1898. Up to this date she has not reported, and orders to seize her, 
if found in the sea, have been given to the patrol vessels. As two or 
three other Japanese sealers have reported here in obedience to 
orders and have been permitted to proceed thereafter unmolested, 
and this fact is known to all, there is apparent ground for Capt. 
Quinan's surmise that the Clutose Maru No. 2 had violated some 
other law on that visit, and fearing that we had knowledge or evidence 
of it preferred to leave the sea. Another of the vessels boarded 
reports a catch of 58 seals in Unimak Pass. This agrees with infor- 
mation received through the captain of the lighthouse tender 
Armeria from the keeper of Scotch Cap Lighthouse, that some of 
these vessels had their boats down and were sealing close inshore 
while going through the pass. We have no evidence fixing this 
violation of law on any particular vessel, not even on the one reporting 
the catch. Unimak Pass is about 20 miles wide in its greatest width, 
and a vessel near its center would be outside territorial waters. The 
report, however, shows the necessity of having a patrol vessel in that 
vicinity when the sealers are entering Bering Sea. 

A Japanese schooner w^as seen at anchor off Hog Island in Unalaska 
Bay in the evenmg of the 1 5th instant. On the arrival of the Talioma 
the next morning her launch was sent to board a.nd search her, but 
she could not be found, having sailed in the meantime. It is a 
little provoking to have them come so close to us and escape without 
even bemg boarded. 

Referring to so much of Capt. Quinan's report as regards our right 
to demand and examine the papers of Japanese sealers outside ter- 
ritorial waters, it appears to me that we have that right in order to 
determine not only their nationality but also whether they are 
properly documented vessels of the nation to which they claim to 
belong and whose flag they fly, and I instructed him accordingly. 
It also confomis to instructions contained in paragraph b-a of depart- 
ment instructions of April 5, 1910, to me, which have been incorpo- 
rated in fleet circular letters. We have, of course, no right of search 
outside the 3-mile Hmit. The case of these sealing vessels is dis- 
tinct and different from that of ordinary merchant vessels pursuing 
their course on the high seas, since these sealers hover for weeks just 
beyond our territorial waters near enough to make a sudden descent 
and raid on the rookeries, and in fact have within recent 3'-ears made 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1079 

such raids. A proper supervision over them, inchiding the examina- 
tion of their papers to estabhsh beyond a doubt their nationaUty, 
their identity, and their character, whether as documented or undocu- 
mented vessels, is a right of self-defense not different from that which 
we exercise over foreign vessels foimd within 4 leagues of our coast 
and bound to our ports. A copy of Capt. Quinan's report is inclosed. 

Transportation on the Talioma from St. Pa\d Island to St. George 
Island was given to Mr. Harold Heath, professor of zoology in Stan- 
ford University, who is takmg a census of the seals on tlie islands. 

The Tahoma returned to patrol duty on the 20th instant. By my 
direction she received on board for transportation to wSt. Paul Island 
Theodore Kochutin, a native, and his sister, Mrs. \Tassoff, who is 
insane at intervals and who has been living alone at Dutch Harbor 
in the absence of her husband on a sea-otter schooner. It was 
desired to take her to her parents that she might have proper care. 
They had permission from special agent I^embkey to return to St. 
Paul Island. 

The Japanese sealing schooner Koyei Maru, which was towed into 
port in a disabled condition by the Perry June 28, sailed on the 17th 
instant, having effected repairs to her rudder entirely from her own 
resources, except repairs to one of her rudder braces, which were 
made by the Manning. This vessel was given permission to unlade 
her stores and ballast on a small uninhabited island in the harbor 
during repairs and was allowed to take on board additional stone 
ballast and a supply of fresh water sufficient to last until she reaches 
her own country on assurance from her master that he would leave 
Bering Sea. She was not allowed to purchase supplies of any kind 
whatever. Her status as a vessel in distress, coupled with the assur- 
ance that she would abandon sealing in Bermg Sea for this season, 
warranted, in my judgment, the privileges accorded her. 

The Manning returned from the Pribilof Islands on the 22d 
instant and sailed again on the 26th. During her recent cruise she 
steamed 780 miles and boarded 14 Japa^nese sealing vessels. The 
total number of these vessels boarded by the fleet to date is 20, 
which I believe comprises the entire sealing fleet of this season. Of 
these one has been seized for a violation of the alien fishing laws 
and two have returned to Japan, leaving 17 at the Pribilof Islands. 
The complement of these 17 is 564 men, 12 of whom are white men. 
They have 133 boats, none of which are motor boats. In reply to 
questions by the boarding officers the masters of the great majority 
of these vessels stated that* they expect to leave the sea the latter 
part of August, four or live only expecting to remam until Septem- 
ber 10. They leave this early in order to get home before the begin- 
ning of the typhoon season in tlie China Seas. The Canadians also 
leave earl}' m September. It is therefore recommended that the 
patrol fleet be disbanded October 1, provided it is found that all the 
sealers have left the sea b}^ or before that time. 

The Manning parted her chain in Village Cove due to the spreading 
of a shackle, but recovered her anchor and the cliain attached to 
it, the anchor having been buoyed before it was let go. Her com- 
manding officer reports a noticeable increase in the number of seals 
about the islands over what was seen on the previous cruise, and 
also that every effort was made to carry on the drills and routine 
exercises notwithstanding active cruising. 



1080' SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Copies of the reports of the commanding officers of the Tahoma 
and Manning are inclosed herewith, and also carbon copies of my 
previous report and accompanying papers, which went out by the 
Homer. 

The Russian transport Kolima arrived at Dutch Harbor on the 
17th instant for Prof. Jochelson. Official calls were exchanged with 
her. She sailed on the 18th instant for the seal islands, where the 
professor had gone on the Perry, and returned on the 23d instant. 
Her commanding and wardroom officers gave a dmner to the com- 
manding officer of the patrol fleet and the commanding and ward- 
room officers of the Manning. A return dinner was given the Rus- 
sian officers by the officers of the Manning. The Kolima sailed at 
8.25 a. m. to-day for Kamchatka. 

The Tahoma arrived at 1.10 p. m. to-day and reports that the 
Ferry had gone ashore on Tonki (Rocky) Point Reef, St. Paul Island, 
about 7 a. m. of the 26th instant, and is hard on the rocks forward 
and amidship and afloat aft. Her fireroom and holds are full of 
water and the tide ebbs and flows in her. Her stores and outfits 
have been landed on the beach. The Tahoma came in quest of a 
donkey boiler, pump, and wrecking apparatus, but none are to be 
had either here or at Dutch Harbor. I go on the Tahoma to-morrow 
morning to the scene of the wreck. 

Capt. Quinan reports having seized by my orders the Japanese 
schooner Tbra J/aru for violation of section 3109, Revised Statutes, 
as amended by the act of February 17, 1898, that vessel having 
visited Sitka May 7 and 8 last and having been ordered at that time 
by the collector of customs of Juneau to report at Cordova or Dutch 
Harbor and having neglected to do so. Because of his desire to 
reach this port at the earliest possible time in search of wrecking 
appliances for the Perry, Capt. Quinan placed a prize crew com- 
posed of the gunner and four men on board the schooner and anchored 
her off St. George Island until he could return for her. 

I am informed by the assistant district attorney that because of 
the inability of Capt. Haake and the other witnesses on the Perry 
to be in this port to-morrow for the hearing of the libel proceedings 
against the Tolcai Mara that the case against that vessel will be trans- 
ferred to Valdez. The case against the Tora Maru will also be tried 
at that place early in September, and it will therefore be necessary 
to send the Tahoma there for the trial, and also Capt. Plaake and 
the other witnesses against the Tolcai Maru. The complements of the 
two seized vessels will also have to be taken there by the Tahoma. 

The Russian transport Kolima returned to port at 6 p. m. for some 
minor repairs to her machinery. She sails again at midnight. 

The mail boat Dora has not yet arrived. This report will go out 
on her. 

Respectfully, 

(Signed) D. P. Foley, 

Senior Captain, United States Revenue- Cutter Service, 

Commanding Bering Sea Fleet. 



seal islands of alaska. 1081 

United States Revenue-Cutter Service, 

Steamer "Manning," 
TlTialaska, Alaska, September 15, 1910. 
Senior Capt. D. P. Foley, 

United States Revenue- Cutter Service, 

Commanding Bering Sea Fleet, UnalasTca, Alaska. 
Sir: * * * On September 3 I proceeded from East Landing 
to the eastward, rounding Northeast Point, thence to the northward 
and eastward. One sealing vessel was observed, the Eiun Maru. 
This vessel is the same one which was boarded by the Manning on 
June 29 last. The data as secured in connection with this vessel is 
as follows: 

1. Name and hail port: Eiun Maru No. 2, Rikuzen Miyado, Japan. 

2. Master's name: Kosaburo Yoshida. 

3. Date and position of vessel when boarded: September 3, 1910; latitude 57° 24'' 
N.; longitude 169° 52^ W. 

4. When vessel left Japan: February 20, 1910. 

5. When she entered Bering Sea: June 25, 1910. 

6. By what pass: Unimak Pass. 

7. Alaska ports visited : None. 

8. When vessel arrived at seal islands: June 29, 1910. 

9. License: Deep-sea fishing; unlimited. 

10. Number of men in crew : Thirty-one. 

11. Number of white men in crew: None. 

12. Nimaber of boats: Nine. 

13. Number of motor boats: None. 

14. Number of sealskins on board: Three hundred and ninety-two. 

15. Where caught: Southeastern Alaska coast, off Sitka, and Bering Sea. 

16. Number caught in Bering Sea: Two hundred and eight. 

17. Expects to leave Bering Sea: September 10, 1910. 

The data covering the boarding of the Eiun Maru No. 2 on June 
29 last has been previously submitted. * * * 
Respectfully, 

(Signed) G. L. Garden, 

Captain, United States Revenue- Cutter Service, 

Commanding. 

Treasury Department, 
Office of Assistant Secretary, 

Was}iingto7i, November 3, 1910. 

The Secretary of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C. 

Sir: B}^ direction of the Secretary, I have the honor to transmit 
herewith for your information copy of extracts from the report of 
Senior Capt. D. P. Foley, United States Revenue-Cutter Service, 
commanding the Bering Sea Fleet, upon the operations of the fleet 
for the season of 1910. 

Your attention is invited to the request of Senior Capt. Foley for 
decisions upon a number of questions, set forth on pages 14, 15, and 
16 of the accompanying copy of extracts from his report. This 
department will be pleased to obtain your decisions u])on the points 
raised by Senior Ca]:)t. Foley in order that the commanding ofhcer of 
the Bering Sea Fleet for the next season may be pro])erly instructed 
in the pi-emises. 

Respectfully, C. D. Hilles, 

Assistant Secretary. 



1082 SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

[Extracts from the report of Senior Capt. D. P. Foley, United States Revenue-Cutter Service, commanding 
Bering Sea Patrol Fleet, on the operations of the patrol fleet for the season of 1910.] 

United States Revenue-Cutter Service, 

Port Townsend, Wash.., October 20, 1910. 
The Secretary of the Treasury, 

Washington, D. C. 

Sir: * * * j respectfully renew the recommendation made in 
my letter of July 30, for the placing of buo3^s about St. Paul Island 
and the erection of day marks on some of the low lying points to 
distinguish them in foggy weather from adjacent points. These 
beacons or day marks should be placed on the shore line, as that is 
often visible when the higher parts of the land are enshrouded in fog. 
These aids would not only add greatly to the safety of navigation 
about St. Paul Island, but would enable vessels to cruise when now 
they must lie at anchor. In this connection I have to report that 
there is a reef extending from the southern side of Otter Island not 
shown on the chart. This should be surveyed. With suitable 
weather this work could be done in a week. 

The TaTioma returned to Unalaska July 30, having in tow the 
Japanese sealing schooner Tora Maru, which was seized for a viola- 
tion of sections 2773 and 3109, Revised Statutes. This vessel had 
visited Sitka May 7 and 8 last and had been ordered by the collector 
of customs at Juneau to report to the deputy collector of customs 
either at Cordova or Dutch Harbor, as required by law, and had not 
done so. Her master's only excuse for not reporting at Cordova as 
directed was that he didn't care to go there. He was accordingly 
seized July 26 and anchored off St. George Island, while the TaJioma 
was engaged with the Perry. On arrival at Unalaska the vessel was 
tiu'ned over to the deputy collector of customs and the master fined 
$400 under section 2773, Revised Statutes. Proceedings against the 
vessel under section 3109, Revised Statutes, were not instituted for 
the reason that there was some question as to whether Japan can be 
considered foreign territory adjacent to the northern, northeastern, 
and northwestern frontiers of the United States, including Alaska; 
whether the vessel, being engaged in sealing only, could be considered 
as in trade with or through Alaska; and whether forfeiture of the 
vessel should include also forfeiture of tackle, apparel, and cargo. It 
is respectfully suggested that a decision be obtained on these points. 
The crew could not be punished for the offense committed by the 
vessel, neither could they, under our immigration laws, be permitted 
to land. They would therefore have to be deported at the expense 
of the United States. The simplest way out of these difficulties 
seemed to be the imposition of a fine on the master. This was in 
due time paid by an arrangement through the Japanese consul in 
Seattle, and the vessel was released on receipt of advices, September 
4. She was not, however, permitted to leave until three of her crew 
who deserted were retaken. . She sailed September 8. 

She (the Manning) brought down 11 Japanese, members of boats' 
crews from sealing vessels who had landed on St. Paul Island, one 
boat at Northeast Point at 8 a. m. July 30, another near Lukanin 
rookery at 2 p. m. the same day, and a third near the wreck of the 
Perry on Tonki Point at 3 a. m. July 31. The boats which landed 



SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1083 

July 30 had crews of four men each and carried the usual outfit of 
shotguns, ammunition, seahng knives, etc., and in addition one had 
three sealskins and the dead bodj^ of a seal, not skinned. The third 
boat had a crew of three men and carried the usual hunting outfit. 
None of these boats were seen to land by the guards on the island 
and were not discovered until later. One crew reached the guard- 
house at Northeast Pomt before being seen, another had built a fire 
on the beach to dry their clothes, and the third had w'andered about 
the island several hours searching for the village before they were 
found. Complaints against these men were made before United 
States Commissioner Brown at Unalaska, and they were brought to 
trial August 10. Because of the absence of important evidence a 
continuance was granted until August 27. Subsequently, counsel 
for defense having withdrawn the plea of not guilty and substituted 
a plea of guilty of unlawful landmg, the case was tried. August 26 
and a sentence of five days' imprisonment imposed. The charge of 
unlawful sealing agamst the boat's crew which had the skins was 
nolle prossed for want of sufficient evidence to secure a conviction. 
A light sentence was imposed in order that the men might be deported 
on the Tora Maru and the Government saved the expense of deport- 
ing them later from Seattle. Two, however, walked out of the local 
Jan and hid until after the Tora Maru had sailed, when they surren- 
dered themselves. These were taken to Port Townsend and turned 
over to the immigration officials. The fact that two of the boats 
landed unobserved near important rookeries and the crew of another 
wandered for hours about the island before being found proves the 
inefficiency of the present guard system. 

This will be pretty well known to the entire sealing fleet next year, 
and unless a better guard is maintained or the law is changed we may 
expect similar landmgs to take place. I believe the fines imposed 
on the men should be made a lien on the ships, as it is in the case of 
illegal fishmg. This would work a hardship m case a boat's crew, 
in order to get even with the master, deliberately involves the vessel, 
but I do not know that that is any of our business or that w'e are 
required to make pelagic sealing entirely safe and profitable. These 
vessels are not around the islands at our invitation and should bear 
the responsibility for risks which grow out of their own organization. 
Making the fine a lien on the vessel would have one good eft'ect, 
greatly desired by us, namely, of compelling the sealers to keep their 
boats witliin signal distance and not, as now, permitting them to go 
from 10 to 12 miles away and get lost in the fog or caught out in a 
blow and be furnished with an excuse for landmg on the island. It 
is no punishment on the men to imprison them in our jails, where they 
are well fed, comfortably housed, and furnished with clothing when 
necessary, and at the expiration of their sentence sent home in an 
ocean liner. 

******* 

The sealing fleet. — The Japanese sealing fleet of this season as shown 
by the boarding hsts of the patrol vessels was composed of 25 schoon- 
ers carrying 816 men and 201 boats. Of the crews 19 were white 
men distributed among six vessels. The remainder were Japanese. 
There were no motor boats m the fleet. 

These vessels left Japan between December 5, 1909, and May 22, 
1910, the majority leaving after March 1. As some reported two 



1084 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



different dates of leaving Japan, one in February and tlie other in 
May, it is probable that after sealing in the Sea of Japan they returned 
to their home ports before starting for Bering Sea. Nine entered the 
sea from the ^Yest\Yard between June 16 and July 1, 15 through 
Unimak Pass between June 20 and July 1, and one through Unimak 
Pass May 20. All arrived at the seal islands between June 24 and 
July 13. They operate under a variety of licenses, namely: To seal 
in Bering Sea and the North Pacific for a limited period, also for an 
indefinite period; deep-sea seal and sea-otter fishing, unlimited as to 
place; deep-sea seal and sea-lion fishing, unlimited as to place; special 
sealing hcense, renewable yearly, and others. None were found that 
were not sealing under some kmd of license, but some were found 
operating under hcenses which had expired. The total catch of these 
vessels as reported at date of last boarding was 4,448 skins, of which 
2,333 were taken in Bermg Sea. The remamder were taken in the 
Sea of Japan, about the Commander Islands, on the coast of Alaska 
from Dixons Entrance to Unimak Pass, and in Unimak Pass; off Sitka, 
the Fairweather Grounds, and oft' the Sannak and Semidi Islands 
being the favorite places on our coast. One vessel, the Sliimushu 
Maru, followed the herd from Lower California to Bering Sea and had 
the largest catch reported. It must be borne m mind that the fig- 
ures representmg the catch are based on information received from 
the sealers and are probably not exact and that the reports in most 
cases do not cover the height of the season, namely, the latter part of 
July and the month of August. It is fair to assume that both totals 
should be increased by about 2,000. These vessels were boarded 64 
times by the patrol fleet and usually within 4 leagues of the Pribilof 
Islands, though a few were boarded from 15 to 18 miles offshore. 
The following is a list of the Japanese vessels boarded, giving hail 
port, date of entering Bering Sea and by what pass, date of arrival 
at the seal isiands, when last boarded, and the number of skins taken: 

Japanese sealing schooners boarded during season of 1910. 



Name. 


Hail port. 


Entered 
sea. 


Arrived ,,,1, ^ „„„„ 
islands. ' What pass. 


last 
boarded. 


Bering 

Sea 
seals. 


Total 
skins. 


1. Boso Maru No. 2.. 

2. Chidori Maru 

3. Chitose Maru .... 


Tateyama 

Tokyo 

do .... 


June 26 
July 1 
June 21 
June 16 

...do.... 

June '24 
June 25 
June 21 


June 29 
July 5 
July 1 


Unimak i Julv 18 

do • July 25 

Froin westward Rer)t 1 


67 

26 

225 

3 

102 

176 

208 

210 

138 

188 

112 

34 

91 



158 

77 

12 

77 

90 

49 



58 



09 
173 


161 
136 
225 


4. Chitose Maru No. 

2. 

5. Chiyokuni Maru. . 


Hakodate 

.... do 


June 25 do July 4 

June 24 do i Julv 25 


7 
206 


6. Doraei Maru 

7. Eiun Maru 

8. Funakoshi Maru 


Tokyo 

Sendai 

lyogashima... 

Tokyo 

do 

do 

Gogoshima ... 
do 


June 29 
...do.... 

June, 27 


do 

Unimak 

do 


A ug. 8 
Sept. 3 
Aug. 8 
July 25 
Aug. 14 . 
July 14 
July 8 
Aug. 8 
June 28 
Aug. 11 
Julv 14 
July 21 
July 25 
Aug. 25 


176 
392 
216 


9. Hoan Maru 

10. Hoko Maru 


June 28 ] July 7 
July 1 Julv 4 


From westward . . . 
Unimak 


300 
338 


11. Kaiwo 


May 20 
June 24 


July 3 
July 1 


do 


120 


12. Kofugi Maru 


From westward... 


34 
91 




Ishihama 

do 

Tokyo 

do 


June 26 
June 24 
June 20 
June 14 
July 1 
June 28 




U nalga 


160 


15. Kwanvo Maru . 


July i 
...do 


Unimak 


220 




.... do 


245 




July 6 
July 5 
...do.... 


From westward. . . 

do 

Unimak 


20 


18. NittoMaru 


Miyakomachl . 
Tokyo. 


201 
470 


20. ToeiMara 






49 


21. Tokai Maru 


Miyakominato 
Tokyo 


June 26 
July 1 
...do 




ijnimak 

do 


June 28 
Julv 25 
Julv 14 
July 11 

Aug. 8 


95 


22. Tora Maru 


July 13 
July 12 


148 


23. Tovei Maru No. 1. 


do 


23 


24. Tovei Maru No. 2. 

25. Unohi Maru 


Shimosato 


June 29 
...do 


July 7 
...do 


do 

.... do 


242 
173 














Total 


2,333 


4,448 

















SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1085 

Through the visit of the Talioma to the westward in the middle of 
September, it was learned that five or six Japanese schooners had 
visited Attn in June after the Perry's visit, though in rej)h^ to ques- 
tions of the boarding olhcers during the season, but one admitted 
having been there. As was to be expected, after it became known to 
them that for entering an Alaskan port without subsequently report- 
ing at the nearest customhouse, they were liable to seizure and fine 
or forfeiture, they denied having entered such ports. Because of 
the smallness of the patrol fleet and the essential part of its work 
being the protection of the Pribilof Islands, the movements of its 
vessels must necessarily follow certain defined routes, which are 
known to the sealing vessels. They accordingly know where to go 
and when, to avoid them, x'^fter the first visit of a cutter to 
Attn at the beginning of the season, the whole coast of Alaska, 
except the port of Unalaska and the Pribilof Islands, is Oj^en to them 
for the purpose of watering ship and stocking up with fish. Alaska 
is the land of promise to them; its shores supply them with an 
abundance of pure water, its harbors with fish, its seals with meat 
and furs. They, therefore, need bring with them only rice and 
nerve, and they bring little else. They can never be induced to give 
up aU these good things which are to be had for the taking until it is 
made too expensive. In devoting all our efforts to protecting the 
Pribilofs, it appears to me we are acting merely on the defensive. 
It is like locking one's self up in his own house ready to shoot all who 
break in, but leaving everything on the outside to the marauder. 
In preventing these vessels from obtaining fresh water in our terri- 
tory, we will do more to discourage pelagic sealing on our coasts, or 
at least to shorten the season, than if we had a cordon of 100 ships 
around the Pribilofs. The Japanese do not need to get inside the 
3-mile limit to kill seals; they are to be found outside; but because 
they are more plentiful close inshore and on the rookeries, it is neces- 
sary to have })atrol vessels and guards. But these sealing schooners 
can not carry more than three or four months' supply of water, and 
when we consider the time they spend following the herd along the 
Alaskan coast and in returning home at the close of the season, we 
may judge how vital to them it is to be able to replenish their supply 
of it in our territory. Fresh water should be declared to be one of 
the supplies contemplated by the act of December 29, 1S97, which 
citizens and su])jects of the United States are forbidden to furnish 
vessels engaged in pelagic sealing, and which presumably they are 
barred from taking without pay. 

It is no more a necessity than food is, and a vessel out of water is 
no more in distress than one out of food. The}^ should therefore be 
prevented from getting water not only on entering Bering Sea and 
while there, but also on leaving the sea, so that they will be obliged 
to leave the islands so much the sooner. An exception should, of 
course, be made in the case of a vessel actually out of water. She 
should be furnished with enough to supply her wants daily until 
the close of the season, when she might be given a full supply. This 
would be relieving her distress without aiding her to carry on pelagic 
sealing. I can suggest no better plan for preventing sealing vessels 
from watering ship, catching fish, and otherwise using our harbors as 
a base of operations against our seals than to make the islands to the 
westward of Unimak Pass Government reservations, as the Pribilofs 



1086 SEAL ISLANDS OP ALASKA. 

are; making the landing thereon, except through stress of weather 
or other hke unavoidable cause without authority from the proper 
department of the Government, a misdemeanor, punishable by a nne 
not exceeding .f;500 or imprisonment in jail not exceeding six months, 
or by both fine and imprisonment for every person so offending; 
making the fine a lien against the vessel from which he landed and 
empowering ofiicers of the United States Revenue-Cutter Service to 
make searches, seizures, and arrests under the law as is provided in 
the act of June 14, 1906. Sections 2773 and 3109, Revised Statutes, 
do not meet the situation, since they require foreign vessels to report 
only at the nearest customhouse after having visited some other 
port. This is merely a slight annoyance to them, causing them the 
loss of a few days, but does not prevent them from watering ship in 
the port first visited. There is also some question whether Japan is 
such foreign territory adjacent to the United States as is contem- 
plated by section 3109 as amended by the act of February 17, 1898, 
and whether sealing vessels may be considered as being in trade with 
or through Alaska. The alien fishing act of Jwne 14, 1906, is effective, 
provided satisfactory evidence be obtained, but that is difficult to 
get unless the aliens are caught in the act of fishing, or the fish is so 
fresh that a claim that they were taken outside the 3-mile limit 
can not be sustained. Evidence of illegal landing is, however, much 
more easily obtained, and vessels can not obtain fresh water without 
sending their boats ashore for it. 

I can see no objection to making these islands Government reser- 
vations, as there are no private rights to be injured thereby. Such 
a course, in addition to the aid it would give us in checking pelagic 
sealing, is necessary to prevent the extermination of the fox and 
other fur-bearing animals. It is not enough to enact -this new law, 
but it must be enforced by a patrol vessel cruising among the islands 
when the Japanese are entering and leaving Bering Sea. The vessel 
to be employed on this duty should have good coal capacity and 
should leave Unalaska not later than May 25 and return July 1. 
She should first visit Attu and, leaving there an officer and boat's 
crew to protect that port, continue her cruise among the other islands. 
I am of the opinion that the Japanese in order to avoid observation 
visit the uninhabited islands. There are a number of good harbors. 
Kiska, for instance, is a very good harbor, except in heavy northeast 
gales, and would supply an abundance of fresh water and good fish- 
ing. The Bay of Waterfalls and the Bay of Islands (Adak Island) 
are also good harbors. These should be visited and another officer 
(or warrant officer) and boat's crew left in one of them, preferably 
Kiska. The harbors above enumerated have been surveyed and are 
safe for the entrance of our vessels. In Kiska Harbor there are still 
standing two good houses, built by the Navy, one of which could be 
used as temporary quarters for the guard and the other transported 
to Attu for the guard at that place. By guarding two harbors in 
that way and cruising among the other islands a very effective check 
could be placed on the sealing vessels. The chance of having a cut- 
ter drop in on them at unexpected times would have a very deterrent 
effect. It would also enable us to obtain definite information and 
competent evidence of violation of law, which it is now impossible 
for us to get. The officers and boats' crew left at the two harbors 
should be taken on board when the time came to return to Unalaska. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



1087 



The same course should be followed from the middle of August to the 
middle of September. 

Of the six Canadian vessels licensed for sealino; this season but 
three were fallen in with in Bering Sea; two, the Fescawha and the 
Eva Marie, being spoken on the edge of the 60-mile zone by H. B. M. S. 
Algerine, and one, the Thomas F. Bayar^d, boarded in Dutch Harbor 
by Capt. Haake. All reported their catch as taken about the Com- 
mander Islands. The number of skins reported at date of board- 
ing: was as follows : 





Vessel. 


When 
boarded. 


Number of 
skins. 




Aug. 19 

Aug. 2G 

Sept. 13 


94 


Eva Marie 


266 




530 








Total 


890 









The Thomas F. Bayard came into Dutch Harbor for water Septem- 
ber 13, it being her master's intention to seal in Bering Sea for another 
month. I refused to let him have water for that purpose, but offered 
to supply him daily -with water as long as he remained in port, or to 
give him enough to take him home, provided he promised to leave 
the sea. He accepted the latter offer, took on board 500 gallons, 
and sailed the next day. He was not seen in the sea subsequently. 
He told me that the Canadian sealers were instructed by the col- 
lector of customs at Victoria, British Columbia, that they have a 
right to use shotguns in Bering Sea to the westward of the water 
boundary between United States and Russian possessions, and that 
they do use them tliere. This right depends upon the construction 
placed on the phrase "Bering Sea" in article 6 of the regulations of 
the Paris Tribunal of Arbitration — whether what is known geograph- 
ically as Bering Sea is meant, or only that part of it referred to in 
article 2. I respectfully ask for a decision on this matter, in connec- 
tion with paragraph (E) of instructions to the fleet commander, 
wliich requires that a vessel found with a sealskin on board ''that 
bears satisfactory evidence of having been shot in the Bering Sea 
* * * must be seized." If the Canadians are to be permitted to 
use shotguns to the westward of the water boundary, it will be a very 
difficult matter to prevent their use to the eastward of it, or to con- 
vict them of a violation of the regulations there, unless a freshly 
taken or freshly salted skin be found on board. So apparent is this 
and so easy would it be to destroy the evidence by throwing the skin 
overboard that it would be a waste of tkne for a patrol vessel to go 
through a pile of skins searching for one with shot holes in it. The 
Canadian contention for the right to carry firearms unsealed within 
the area of the award, and even in Bering Sea, and to use shotguns 
there to the westward of the water boundary is in evident bad faith, 
and undoubtedly is made for the express purpose of evading all super- 
vision over their operations by United States patrol vessels, except 
as such as can be had by constant attendance on them throughout 
their cruise, which they know to be impracticable. We can, how- 
ever, and we should have constant supervision over them while they 
are on the sea-otter grounds and when they enter Bering vSea. 



1088 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

From information received this year it is learned that they hunt the 
sea otter between Chirikof Island and the Semidis. They can not, of 
course, be prevented from doing so outside the 3-mile limit, but the 
presence of a cutter will prevent them chasing an otter inside the 
limit and will be a check on pelagic sealing, as they are still subject to 
search. It is said they enter the sea the latter part of July and water 
ship and otherwise make ready for the sealing season in the bays in the 
vicinity of Unimak Pass, and that at the end of the ^eason they visit 
Akutan Harbor and purchase the sealskins taken by the natives. I 
do not know that they can be prevented from entering Bering Sea 
before the first of August, though it is the closed season and they have 
not the excuse of hunting sea otters there, but they can be and should 
be prevented, as the Japanese are, from using our harbors as a base of 
operations, since the same law applies to both. Tliis, however, can 
not be done with a patrol fleet of less than four vessels. 

It is respectfull}^ asked that a decision be had for the information 
of the commanding officer of next season's patrol fleet on the fol- 
lowing points: 

1. Whether British Columbia and Japan or either of them is con- 
sidered such foreign territory adjacent to the northern, northeastern, 
and northwestern boundaries of the United States, including Alaska, 
as is contemplated in section 3109, Eevised Statutes, as amended by 
the act of February 17, 1898; whether, if so considered, sealing vessels 
of those countries may be considered as in trade with or through Alaska, 
and whether forfeiture of vessel provided for in that section includes 
forfeiture of tackle, apparel, furniture, and cargo. 

2. Whether section 2773, Kevised Statutes, applies to the sealing 
vessels of either or both of the countries above referred to and 
whether the pursuit of such vessel leaving a port without reporting 
must be a "hot pursuit," or whether she may be seized as the Tora 
Maru was some weeks later when found within 4 leagues of our coast, 
or on the liigh seas, she not having in the meantime completed her 
voyage, by touching at her own or some foreign port; whether such 
vessel remaining in port 48 hours can be compelled to enter as 
required by section 2774, Revised Statutes; whether if she enter she 
can be compelled to ])roduce a consular bill of health, as required by 
the act of February 1.5, 1893, and whether a vessel having on board 
sealskins taken in the waters specified in the act of December 29, 1897, 
would be allowed to enter under section 9 of that act. 

3. What action should be taken in the case of a sealing vessel 
entering an Alaskan port a second time and leaving without reporting, 
provided she had already reported as required by sections 2773 and 
3109, Revised Statutes, for a previous entry the same season? To 
put the case more definitely, a certain Japanese sealer visited Attn at 
the beginning of the season and reported in due time at Unalaska. 
She is again found in the harbor of Attn at the close of the season. 
What action should be taken by the commanding officer of the patrol 
vessel in this case ? 

4. Has the commanding officer of a patrol vessel the right to board a 
Japanese sealer and to examine her papers outside the 3-mile limit 
about the Pribilof Islands ? This question was put to me this season 
for definite iirstructiorrs by the commanding officer of the Tahoma, 
and I directed him to board all found within 4 leagues of the islands 
and to demand to see their papers. It seems to me a proper super- 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1089 

vision over these vessels, ineliidiiig an examination of their papers, to 
establish beyond a doubt their nationality, their identity, and their 
character whether as documented or undocumented vessels is a right 
of self-defense not diiferent from that which we exercise in boarding 
foreign merchant vessels found within 4 leagues of our coast and 
bound to our ports. It is true these vessels are not bound to our 
ports, but they hover for weeks just beyond tlie territorial waters 
about the islands near enough to make a sudden descent and raid on 
the rookeries, and in fact have made such raids within recent years. 
Theii' case is different from that of merchant vessels pursuing their 
course on the high seas. 

In years passed it has been the custom for patrol vessels to board 
these sealers outside the 4-ieague limit and to fire a blank cartridge, 
followed by a solid shot if they failed to heave to in response to a 
signal on the steam whistle. I think this action is unwarranted and 
should be disco-ntinued, as we have no right of search outside the 
3-mile limit nor right of self-defense beyond 12 miles, and besides 
the information given in reply to our inquiries is wholly gratuitous, 
often inaccurate, ajid of no great practical value for the protection of 
the seals. 

The patrol fleet was composed of the Tahoma, Manning, and Perry. 
The latter was wrecked July 26 on Tonki Point Reef, St. Paul Island. 
The Bear joined the fleet September 4, The patrol of the Pribilof 
Islands, which was begun June 7, was maintained until September 20, 
at which time all the Japanese sealers had left the sea, the last of 
them to leave the islands being boarded September 3. As a result of 
the work of the fleet the Tokai Maru was seized b}^ the Perry June 26 
for illegal fishing in Kalekta Bay, Unalaska Island, and is held pending 
the result of libel proceedings for nonpayment of fines imposed for 
that offense. The Koyei Maru was towed into port in distress by the 
Perry June 26 and remained undei-going repairs until July 17, when 
she left for home. Neither of these vessels reached the Pribilof s. 
The Tora Maru was seized by the Tahonia off St. George Island 
July 25 for a violation of the customs laws and was fined $400. 
Notice of the payment of this fine was received September 4 and the 
vessel was released. She was, however, unable to leave at once 
because of the desertion of some of her crew. These were recaptured 
three days later, and she sailed for home September 8. The sailing 
master of the Koyei Maru was found to be an American citizen and 
was arrested and taken off the vessel. He was tried, pleaded guilty of 
illegal sealing, and was sentenced to a fine of $100 and costs. On 
July 30 and 31, 11 members of the crews of the Hoko Maru and 
the Domei Maru were found on vSt. Paul Island and were brought by 
the Manning to Unalaska for trial. They were convicted of illegal 
landing, sentenced to five da3''s' imprisonment, and, excepting two, 
who escaped from the local jail, were, together with their boats, guns, 
equipment, etc., placed on board the Tora Maru for transportation to 
Japan. The two who escaped from the jail surrendered themselves 
after the sailing of the Tora Maru and were brought to Port Town- 
send and turned over to the immigration officials. 

In addition to patrolling the Pribilof Islands the following work was 
done by the fleet: Two cruises were made as far westward as Attn, 
one by the Perry in June, and the other by the Tahoma in September. 

2403— H. Doc. 93, 62-1 69 



1090 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 

On both these cruises supplies of food and clothing furnished by the 
Bureau of Education were distributed among the most destitute of 
the natives and medical attention and medicines given them. 
Bogoslof Island was also visited on both cruises and observations 
made of geological changes which have taken place since last year. 
The Tahoma cruised to the eastward as far as Seward from June 7 to 
June 22. 

In the latter part of June the Tahoma made a cruise to Atka and 
intermediate islands with Dr. J. H. Romig, special agent of the 
Department of Commerce and Labor, to take a census of the natives 
and to inquire into their condition. 

Immediatelv after the seizure of the Toliai Maru and at the request 
of the United States marshal an armed guard was placed over the 
local jail and maintained day and night for 16 days until the 
marshal was able to secure a sufficient number of civilian guards. 
Sick calls were also made at the jail throughout the season, at first by 
the surgeon of the vessel in port and later by the fleet surgeon. 

While medical attention and medicines were freely given to all 
applying for them at all places visited by vessels of the fleet, particular 
attention was paid to the physical ailments of the natives of Unalaska 
and Dutch Harbor, the surgeons of the fleet assisting Dr. Komig, the 
superintendent of schools, southwest district of Alaska, in his 
medical examination of them and in the performance of surgical 
operations. After it was learned how large a percentage of these 
people are suffering from conjunctivitis and trachoma, a day was set 
apart after the arrival of each vessel in port for the treatment of all 
who applied. Later, when a surgeon was detailed for duty ashore, a 
determined effort was made to reach all who were afflicted, and armed 
guards were sent after those who failed to come voluntarily. Medical 
and surgical services were not confined to the natives and the Japanese 
prisoners, but were cheerfully given to all in need of them. 

4: 4: )|: 4: H: >i: H: 

The islands will never be fully protected until an efficient guard is 
maintained on them at important points to cooperate with the patrol 
vessels. Northeast Point, St. Paul Island, is the most important 
point to protect in this way, not only because it contains the largest 
rookery and a salt house, but also because it is farthest from the vil- 
lage and most likely to be raided. This matter was mentioned 
informally to the honorable the Secretary of Commerce and Labor 
on the occasion of his visit to Unalaska this summer, and he seemed 
to consider it favorably. This guard should be provided with two 
power dories carried in slides, one on each side of the point, so that 
either might be launched as required and depending on the state and 
direction of the sea. Three inexpensive plotting stations connected 
with one another by telephone should be established on the point for 
the purpose of accurately locating the position of any boat which 
might be within the three-mile limit. When a boat is so found, the 
power dory could be sent after it and chase it until caught. The 
patrol vessel could then be notified of the name of the schooner to 
which the boat belongs, that she might be seized. The guard and 
motor dories would make it unnecessary for the patrol vessels to hug 
the shore so closely as they do now and there would be less danger of 
their getting ashore. They would also permit of the patrol ve.ssel 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1091 

stationed about Northeast Point being sent occasionally to St. Mat- 
thews Island to protect that reservation and to prevent the Japanese 
watering ship there, as I am informed is their custom. Owing to the 
prevalence or fogs, visual signals are of little practical value ; therefore 
]t is essential that wireless stations be installed on St. Paul and St. 
George Islands. The station on St. Paul Island should be powerful 
enough to communicate with Unalaska and Nome. A 1 K. W. plant 
would be sufficient for St. George. 

5); ***** * 

The captured Japanese sealers under charge of the United States 
marshal and small trading and sea-otter hunting schooners monop- 
olize the best bertlis in Unalaska Harbor, to the serious inconvenience 
of the patrol and other vessels in going alongside of and leaving the 
wharf and in anchoring. It is respectfully recommended that the 
Department of Commerce and Labor be asked to extend the anchor- 
age laws to Unalaska Bay and harbors, and that the commanding 
officer of the Bering Sea Fleet be made supervisor of anchorages there. 
There is also in the inner harbor of Unalaska the sunken wreck of a 
schooner, which materially reduces the available anchorage space. 
It is recommended that permission of the War Department be ob- 
tained for one of the patrol vessels to blow up this wreck. 

There is also need of two post lights — a white light on the sand spit 
at the entrance to Dutch Harbor and a red light on the reef at the 
entrance to Unalaska Harbor. These post lights are inexpensive and 
could be cared for by the station force during the season and would 
be of great assistance to vessels making port at night. 
Respectfullv, 

(Signed) D. P. Foley, 
Senior Captain, TJ. S. Revenue-Cutter Service, 

Commanding Benng Sea Fleet. 



November 8, 1910. 
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt from your depart- 
ment of a letter dated November 3, transmitting for my information 
copy of extract from the report of Senior Capt. D. P. Foley, United 
States Revenue-Cutter Service, commanding the Bering Sea Fleet, 
upon the operations of the fleet for the season of 1910, and inviting 
my attention to the request of Senior Capt. Foley for decisions upon a 
number of questions. 

Respectfully, Charles Nagel, 

Secretary. 
The Secretary of the Treasury. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
Washington, December 28, 1910. 
The Secretary of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C. 
Sir: Referring to the department's recent request regarding the 
number of vessels of the Revenue-Cutter Service engaged in the patrol 
of Bering Sea and the portion of the year devoted to this work, I have 



1092 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

the honor to state that during the calendar year 1910 three vessels 
were assigned, two of wliich remained about the islands during the 
full season, from June 1 to October 1, the other being wrecked in the 
latter part of July. 

The number of cutters which performed patrol service in Alaskan 
waters during the 20 years from 1890 to 1909 has been stated by 
the Revenue-Cutter Service to be 55. That service states, however, 
that "all of these vessels were not exclusively engaged in patrol duty 
about the seal islands, as some of them performed various other duties 
in Alaskan waters, and it is hardly practicable, therefore, to separate 
the work.'^ From the figures given it would seem that a yearly 
average of 2.75 vessels were engaged in this work. The patrol season 
usually occupies about four months of the year — from June 1 to 
September 30. 

It may be suggested that if the cutters are not engaged on the 
Bering Sea patrol they will be actively employed elsewhere, so that, 
as far as this bureau is aware, no additional cost of maintenance is 
involved. 

Respectfully, H. M. Smith, 

Acting Commissioner. 



Paet III. Communications Relative to Appraisement of Prop- 
erty OF North American Commercial Co. 

[Copy — original too faint for reproduction.] 

Department of Commerce and' Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, May 7, 1910. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 
Sir: You are directed hereby to confer with the North American 
Commercial Co., and, if possible, to arrive at a fair and just valuation 
to be placed upon the property of that company on the Pribilof 
Islands, with a view of the purchase of said property by the Gov- 
ernment. You will report to the department the result of said 
conference. 

Respectfully, 

(Signed) George W. Bowers, 

Cominissioner. 



San Francisco, Cal., May 29, 1910. 
The Commissioner of Fisheries, 

Washington, D. C. 
Sir: Referring to your letter of the 7th instant, in which I am 
instructed to confer with the North American Commercial Co., and, 
if possible, to arrive at a fair and just valuation to be placed on the 
property of that company on the Pribilof Islands, with a view to the 
purchase of said property by the Government, I now have the honor 
to inclose a list of said property showing the company's valuation 
thereon and my appraisement of it. No settlement can be made 
until an inventory of movable property on the islands can be taken, 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



1093 



which will be done upon my arrival there. The company will accept 
settlement according to the terms of the inclosed list. 
Respectfully, 

W. I. LexMbkey, 

Agent Seal Fisheries. 



[Copy.] 
INVENTORY NORTH AMERICAN COMMERCIAL CO., ST. PAUL ISLAND, ALASKA. 



Arms aud ammunition 

Boots and shoes 

Carpets and furniture 

Cigars and tobacco 

Clothing 

Crockery, glass, and lamps... 

Dry goods and notions 

Groceries and provisions 

Hardware and cutlery 

Hats and caps 

Lumber, sash, and doors 

Musical instruments and jew- 
elry 

Paints, oil, and glass 

Ship chandlery 

Stationery 

Stoves and tinware 

Wood and willow ware 



Tools and implements. 
Drugs and instruments. 
Household furniture... 



Dispensary furniture. 
Boats and bidarrahs. . 



Telephone line .... 

School supplies 

Company buildings. 
Native buildings. . . 

Sea-lion skins 

Live stock 

Salt and seal twine. 

Fox skins 



Library 

Wharf, ways, and derrick. 
Coal, 80 tons 



$239. 49 

1, 086. 89 

28.59 
144. 78 
531. 17 
139. 28 

2, 375. 03 

3, 466. 73 
695. 77 

82.52 
381. 86 

189. 20 
676. 94 
415. 84 

90.33 
295. 51 

61.00 

10, 900. 93 

3, 594. 71 

858. 05 

3, 010. 48 

172. 66 

4, 152. 06 



373. 92 

310. 56 

25, 683. 45 

17,269.11 

58.00 

858. 25 

1,271.22 

66.00 

1,012.91 

804. 63 

1, 600. 00 



San Francisco invoice cost on 
island inventory of Apr. 30, 
1910, corrected to date of 

transfer 

50 per cent of inventory 

Inventory cost 

25 per cent deduction from 

inventory 

25 per cent reduction from 

inventory 

Launch $2,000 

Boat 400 

Boat 275 

3 bidarrahs, at $175. . 525 



Lump sum 

Lump sum 

50 per cent 

50 per cent 

Inventory cost 

Inventory cost 

San Francisco invoice cost 
after inspection 

Fox traps to be taken at valu- 
ation. 

Lump sum 

50 per cent 

$17 per ton 



$10, 900. 93 

1, 797. 35 
858. 05 

2, 257. 86 
129. 50 



3, 200. 00 

90.00 

257. 00 

12, 841. 72 

8, 634. 55 

58.00 

858. 25 

1,271.22 



200. 00 

402. 31 

1, 360. 00 



71, 996. 94 45, 116. 74 
Company buildings. 

Company dwelling $4, 958. 28 

5,000-gallon water tank above on hill 250. 00 

2,800-gallon water tank under dwelling 100. 00 

1,800-gallon water tank south of kitchen 100. 00 

Store building and fixtures 2, 332. 83 

Dispensary shelving and fixtures 503. 24 

Chicken house 100.60 



1094 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



Company buildings — Continued. 

Schoolhouse $2,080.39 

Barn and stable 1, 151. 29 

1,800-gallon water tank under stable 100. 00 

Shop building 2, 883. 44 

1,800-gallon water tank side of shop 100. 00 

Blacksmith shop 52. 58 

Beef house 130. 00 

Ice house at the lake 100. 00 

Well house '. 250. 00 

Powder and oil house 300. 00 

Warehouse, old magazine 600. 79 

Warehouse, old store 906. 08 

Warehouse, east landing 76. 28 

Warehouse point at wharf 1, 677. 87 

Salt house village 2, 232. 17 

Salt house cove 1, 408. 50 

Salt house, rear village salt house 500. 00 

Salt house, Rocky Point 302.43 

Salt house, Northeast Point 1, 430. 49 

Webster House, Northeast Point 350. 00 

Native watch house. Northeast Point 420. 21 

Native watch house. Otter Island 15. 00 

Native watch house, Zapadine 200. 98 

Flagstaff on Village Hill, west side 35. 00 

Flagstaff, east side 35. 00 



Double: 

No. 

No. 

No. 
Single: 
^No. 

No. 

No. 

No. 

No. 

No. 

No. 

No. 

No. 

No. 

No. 

No. 

No. 

No. 

No. 

No. 

No. 

No. 

No. 

No. 

No. 

No. 

No. 

No. 

No. 



Native dwellings. 
Single- 



9 

10 

11 

12, large. 

13 

14 

15 

16 

17 

18 

19 

20 

21 

22 

23 

24 

25 

26 

27 

28 



$475. 00 
475. 00 
475. 00 

250. 00 
375. 00 
375. 00 
250. 00 
250. 00 
250. 00 
375. 00 
250. 00 
669. 11 
375. 00 
250. 00 
375. 00 
250. 00 
375. 00 
375. 00 
250. 00 
250. 00 
250. 00 
250. 00 
250. 00 
250. 00 
375. 00 
375. 00 
250. 00 
375. 00 



No. 
No. 
No. 
No. 
No. 
No. 
No. 
No. 
No. 
No. 
No. 
No. 
No. 
No. 
No. 
No. 
No. 
No. 
No. 
No. 
No. 
No. 
No. 
No. 
No. 
No. 
No. 



■Continued. 

29 

30 

31 

32 

33 

34 

35 

36 

37 

38 

39 

40 

41 

42 

43 

44 

46 

47 

48 

49 

50..... 

51 

52 

53 

54 

55, large 

56, large 



25, 683. 45 



1250. 00 
250. 00 
375. 00 
250. 00 
250. 00 
250. 00 
375. 00 
250. 00 
250. 00 
250. 00 
250. 00 
250. 00 
375. 00 
250. 00 
400. 00 
250. 00 
400. 00 
250. 00 
250. 00 
400. 00 
250. 00 
250. 00 
250. 00 
250. 00 
250. 00 
400. 00 
450. 00 



55 dwellings, total 17, 269. 11 



33 dwellings, at $250 

13 dwellings, at 1375 

4 dwellings, at $400 

1 dwelling, large, single 

3 dwellings, double, at $475. 
1 dwelling, large, single 



Recapitulation. 



$8, 250. 00 
4, 875. 00 
1, 600. 00 

450. 00 
1, 425. 00 

669. 11 



17, 269. 11 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



1095 



IXV'ENTORY KORTH AMERICAN COMMERCIAL CO., ST. GEORGE ISLAND, ALASKA. 



Arms and ammunition 

Boots and shoes 

Clothing and furnishing 

Cordage and woodenware 

Crockery and glassware 

Dry goods 

Fancy goods 

Furniture and carpets 

Groceries 

Hats and caps 

Hardware 

Lamps and lamp goods 

Leather and findings 

Lumber and building mate- 
rials 

Paints, oils, and glass 

Rubber goods 

Stationery 

Stoves and tinware 

Tobacco 



Coal 25 tons , 

Dispensary , 

Fox-skin account. 



Live-st^ck account 

Groceries in company house. 
Salt and seal twine 



$304. 59 

394. 41 

1, 016. 49 

564. 67 

89.49 

1, 697. 62 
257. 88 
147. 71 

2, 449. 46 
166. 77 
595. 10 

87.80 
75.19 

113. 43 
218. 93 
422. 43 
39.38 
214. 89 
134. 86 

8, 991. 10 

500.00 

703. 32 

17.00 

417. 28 
594. 96 
310. 40 



Sea-lion skins 63. 71 

Boats and bidaras 1, 215. 96 

Company buildings 11, 604. 04 

Derrick and landing, includ- 
ing cars and track 1, 737. 23 

Household and office furniture. 2, 043. 63 

Library '. 670. 64 

Native dwellings 6, 646. 96 

Telephone 297. 25 

Tools and implements 1, 164. 47 



San Francisco invoice cost on 
island inventory of Apr. 30, 
1910, corrected to date of 
transfer 

$17 per ton 

50 per cent 

Fox traps to be taken at valu- 
ation. 

Inventory cost 

San Francisco invoice cost 

San Francisco invoice cost 
after inspection 

Inventory cost 

Lump sum 

50 per cent 

50 per cent... 
25 per cent 
inventory.. 
Lump sum... 
50 per cent... 
50 per cent... 
50 per cent... 



, 99L 10 
425. 00 
351. 66 



417. 28 
594. 96 

310. 40 

63.71 

700. 00 

5, 802. 02 



deduction from 



36, 977. 95 
Company buildings. 

1. Barn $753. 45 12. Paint house. 

2. Bidarrah house 1, 001. 50 



868. 61 

1,532.72 
100. 00 

3, 323. 48 
148. 62 
582. 23 

24, 211. 79 



3. Carpenter shop 361. 85 

4. Silo 10L15 

5. Chicken house 42. 78 

6. Cistern house 113. 89 

7. Coal house 380.83 

S. Dwelling house 2, 916. 71 

9. Powder magazine 31. 52 

10. Flagstaff.... 27.13 

11. Fox house 204.19 



$101. 12 

13. Salt house 1, 206. 98 

14. Schoolhouse 670. 08 

15. Sheep house and fence 80.60 

16. Store 1,830.64 

17. Warehouse 804.62 

18. Well house 25. 00 

19. Zapadine house 100. 00 

20. Zapadine salt house 850.00 



11, 604. 04 



1096 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

NeAive dwellings. 

21 $329.31 34 $277.25 

22 225.00 35 277.30 

23 228.45 36 344.15 

24 225. 05 37 351. 55 

25 253.48 38 312.06 

26 250.84 39 316.51 

27 250.14 40 316.06 

28 255.95 41 323.84 

29 256. 88 42 354. 22 

30 276.71 43 200.91 

31 275.93 44/48(5) 196.87 

32 276.11 

33 272.39 6,646.96 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
Washington, June 9, 1910. 

Memorandum to Br. Evermann. 

From what you know of the plant of the Xorth American Commer- 
cial Co. on the Pribilof Islands, please give me your estimate of the 
sum that would probably be required for the Government to replace 
the same. 

Geo. M. Bowers, 

Commissioner. 

Copies to Messi-s. Alexander, Marsh, and Chichester, List and 
inventory to be passed along. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, June 11, 1910. 
The Commissioner: 

Complying with your request of 9th instant, to give you an estimate 
of the sum of money that would probably be required for the Govern- 
ment to replace the dwellings and other buildings on the islands of 
St. Paul and St. George, Pribilof group, we have to report as follows: 

We assume that the prices given on the inventory sheets submitted 
for our consideration are the prices which the North American Com- 
mercial Co. paid the Alaska Commercial Co. for these buildings at 
the time the transfer was made. We also assume that the buildings 
actually cost the Alaska Commercial Co. more than these prices. The 
total amount of the inventory appears to be S61, 203.56. 

From our knowledge of these buildings and considering the increased 
cost of labor and building material as compared with conditions when 
these buildings were originally constructed, we are of the opinion that 
these buildings could not be replaced for less than $95,000. We wish 
to say in this connection that none of us presumes to be an expert in 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1097 

matters of this kind, and we give the above figure simply as our best 
judgment. 

Very respectfully, 

Barton W. Evermann. 

A. B. Alexander. 

H. D. Chichester, 

M. C. Marsh. 



Department of Justice, 
Office of United States Attorney, 

Northern District of Illinois, 

Chicago, June 13, 1910. 
Hon. George M. Bowers, 

Commissioner of Fisheries, ^yashington, D. C. 

Dear Sir: I am in receipt of your letter of the 10th instant inclos- 
ing a list and requesting me to give you my opinion as to the probable 
cost of replacing the plant of the North American Commercial Co. on 
the Pribiiof Islands. 

At the time I was on the islands my observations were made largely 
with a view to determining the treatment of the natives as to housing, 
etc., and conditions in general. I did not, at the time I made these 
observations, take into consideration the cost or value of the plant. 
I am, therefore, not in a position to express an opinion as to whether 
or not the values given on the list are fan" values nor as to the probable 
cost of replacing the plant. All I can do is to give you some general 
observations. 

My opinion, based upon my experience in making the trip, the land- 
ing at the islands, and on general conditions, is that it would cost the 
Government or anyone else a great deal more to erect a plant similar 
to that of the North American Commercial Co. on the Pribiiof Islands 
than it would to erect a similar plant in any of the States. 

The voyage to the islands is long and difficult, and after the vessel 
reaches there she is usually several hours and sometimes several days 
in finding the islands, which are almost always enveloped in a fog. 

In the second place, there are no landing facilities at the islands, 
and all of the material taken up there would have to be lightered off 
in small boats. The only method I can think of for ascertaining the 
cost of the plant in question would be to figure the cost of the material 
and the construction plus the cost of getting it on the islands. This 
latter item would, in my judgment, be one of the largest items, and it 
occurs to me it is an item which I would want to look into very care- 
fully before attempting to express any opinion in the matter. The 
cost of erecting a plant on the Pribiiof Islands would be so much 
more than the cost at a point where transportation is available that 
one could not j)roperly express any opinion without having it backed 
up by detailed information. 

Very respectfully, Edwin M. Sims, 

Vnited States Attoi-ney. 



1098 seal islands of alaska. 

American Museum of Natural History, 

New York, June 15, 1910. 
Dear Mr. Commissioner: If the buildings in the accompanying list 
are in about the same condition as when last I saw them in 1900; I 
am of the opinion that the estimate is fair. I am viewing the situa- 
tion as a whole. Some of the buildings may have greatly deteriorated. 
I should be inclined to refer details to the resident agents on the 
islands. 

Most of the buildings are good enough for continued use. Many 
of the houses occupied by natives will still be serviceable if raised 
somewhat from the ground and refloored. All the houses of natives 
should be disinfected, improved, and enlarged. 

New buildings could not, of course, be erected at anything like the 
figures quoted. 

Very truly, yours, C. H. Townsend, 

Acting Director. 
Hon. George M. Bowers, 

United States Commissioner of Fisheries, 

Washington, D. C. 

P. S. — For the information of your office, I will state that my 
address will be American Museum of Natural Historv until Decem- 
ber 15. 



Smithsonian Institution, 
United States National Museum, 

Washington, D. C, July 16, 1910. 
Hon. George M. Bowers, 

Commissioner of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 
Dear Sir: In reply to your letter of July 10, requesting my esti- 
mate of what would be the probable cost of the North American Com- 
mercial Co.'s plant on the Pribilof Islands, as enumerated in the list 
herewith returned, if the Government should wish to replace it, I 
regret to say that my laiowledge of the details of the plant, of the 
improvements made since my last visit there 14 years ago, and of 
the prices of lumber and labor on the Pacific coast, is so limited that 
it would be impracticable for me to mention oifhand any definite 
sum. However, the prices placed opposite the various items on the 
list seem to me to be moderate, and I can truthfully say that I do not 
believe the Government could replace the plant for less than the sum 
listed. 

Very respectfully, Leonhard Stejneger. 



The Museum, 
The Brooklyn Institute of Arts and Sciences, 

Brooklyn, N. Y:, June 18, 1910. 
Mr. George M. Bowers, 

Commissioner of Fisheries, Washington, B.C. 

Dear Sir: I fear that my estimate of the cost of buildings on the 

Pribilof Islands is not of much importance, but, knowing something of 

the conditions of work, the cost of material, it seems to me that to 

replace the existing buildings on St. Paul and St. George Islands would 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1099 

cost from two to three times the valuation given on the schedule. 
The buildings of the natives are, of course, very old and in poor con- 
dition. At the same time the valuation placed on them is small. 

I am sorry I can not give you a more definite opinion, but am always 
willing to do the best I can. 
Believe me, 

Faithfully, yours, F. A. Lucas, 

Curator in Chief. 



Part IV. Communications Relative to Personnel of Increased 

Force on Islands. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, May 3, 1910. 

Memorandum to the commissioner regarding employees required on 

seal islands. 

I have carefully considered the number and character of the em- 
ployees necessary to an efficient administration of affairs on the seal 
islands and the doing of the various kinds of work connected there Avith. 
After conferring with the four agents and with various others who 
have been to the islands and are more or less familiar with the con- 
ditions I am convinced that it is not necessary to have upon the 
islands employees equaling the aggregate number previously em- 
ployed by the lessee and the Government. 

It is believed that, in addition to the four agents and the chief 
naturalist, the only regular employees required are one clerk, two 
teachers, two doctors, two stockmen, and two cooks. 

The two stockmen would be natives, and the two cooks Chinese. 

The personnel on the islands and the compensation would be as 
follows : 

W. I. Lembkey, chief agent $3, 650* 

James Judge, assistant agent 2, 920* 

H. D. Chichester, assistant agent 2, 190* 

Ezra W. Clark, assistant agent 2, 190* 

Chief naturalist (to be selected) 3, 000* 

A. H. Proctor, clerk 1, 800 

S. Melovidof, teacher 900 

Teacher (to be selected) 1, 200 

H. C. Mills, doctor 1, 200 

Doctor (to be selected) 1, 200 

Native stockman 240 

Native stockman 240 

Chinese cook 780 

Chinese cook 780 

The salaries indicated by a star (*) are already fixed; the others 
are approximately those paid by the former lessee. 
Respectfully submitted. 

Barton W. Evermann, 
Assistant in Charge Scientific Inquiry. 
Approved. 

~) 
Commissioner. 



1100 seal islands of alaska. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
Washington, May 7, 1910. 
The Secretary of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C. 
Sir: In the administration of the seal islands under the act ap- 
proved April 21, 1910, the following employees \vill be necessary in 
addition to those already employed : 

St. Paul: 

A. H. Proctor,' storekeeper and bookkeeper $1, 800 

Simeon Melovidof ,' school-teacher 900 

H. C. Mills,! physician 1, 200 

, stockman 480 

, cook 780 

, chambermaid 180 



St. George: 



school-teacher i, 200 

physician 1, 200 

cook 780 

stockman ^ 300 

chambermaid 180 



9,000 



These salaries are to be in addition to board furnished at the mess. 

As the cooks, janitors, stockman, etc., will be either Chinese or 
natives, and as the names of the persons so to be employed can not 
be ascertained at present, it is believed that their employment should 
be left to the agent in charge of the islands. 

I respectfully request tnat authority for the employment of the 
persons herein mentioned be granted, and for the employment of 
suitable persons to fill the positions mentioned herein for which the 
names of persons are not designated. 

Respectfully, Geo. M. Bowers, 

Commissioner. 

Letter dated May 11, 1910, to be considered in lieu of this letter. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, May 11, 1910. 

Sir: The act of Congress approved April 21, 1910 (Public No. 146), 
requires that the entire business of taking sealskins and administer- 
ing the aff au-s of the Pribilof Islands will be done under the Secretary 
of Commerce and Labor. 

As the details of carrying out this act of Congress have been 
assimed to the Bureau of Fisheries, I have to invite your attention 
to tlie fact that it will be necessary to employ a bookkeeper, store- 
keeper, school-teachers, physicians, stockmen, cooks and charwomen. 
The conditions are such on the islands that I am in doubt as to how 
best to secure persons to fill these places, therefore I have to recom- 
mend that I be authorized to temporarily employ such persons as 
may be necessary to begin the new administration, upon requisitions 

1 No papers. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1101 

as is done for tempoi'Mry emplo3^ees in the administration of the field 
service of the Bureau of Fisheries, until such time as the agent in 
charge returns next fall with data upon which specific recommenda- 
tions can be made. 

Respectfully, Geo. M. Bowers. 

Commissioner of Fisheries. 
The Secretary of Commerce and Labor. 
This letter is to be considered in lieu of letter dated Mav 7, 1910. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, May 9, 1910. 

The Secretary of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. G. 

Sir: I have the honor to request that Mr. Harry D. Chichester, 
assistant agent, Alaskan seal fislieries, be designated as special dis- 
bursing agent in the Department of Commerce and Labor, giving 
sufficient bond to permit the placing in his custody of Government 
moneys to the amount of S;2,000 for expenditure in connection with 
the protection of the seal fisheries of Alaska. 

The reasons for this request are the followiffg: Mr. Chichester's 
work is for a considerable portion of each year on the Pribilof Islands, 
which are remotely situated and with which mail facilities are very 
poor, and, therefore, the settlement of certain accounts in the usual 
manner is impracticable. Funds immediately available on the islands 
will be necessary with which to pay for labor and for other purposes 
in order to put into effect the act approved April 21, 1910, to protect 
the seal fisheries of Alaska. 

Respectfully, H. M. Smith, 

Acting Commissioner. 



Department of Commerce and Labor. 

oath of office. 

1, Harry D. Chichester, do solemnly swear that I will support and 
defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, 
foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to 
the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental 
reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully 
discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So 
help me God. 

Harry D. Chichester. 

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 12th day of May, A. D. 1910. 

I. H. Dunlap, Chief Cleric. 

Bureau or office to which assigned : 



1102 seal islands of alaska. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, May 11, 1910. 
Sir: Upon the recommendation of the Commissioner of Fisheries 
you are hereby appointed, under the provisions of section 3614, United 
States Revised Statutes, a special disbursing agent of this department, 
without additional compensation, for the disbursement of moneys 
from the appropriation "For protecting seal fisheries of Alaska." 

You will, before entering upon the duties of this office, execute a 
bond on the form inclosed herewith in the penal sum of $5,000, with 
sufficient sureties, conditioned upon the faithful performance of your 
duties, and forward the same to the department for examination, 
approval, and file. 

Great care should be exercised in filling out the form, and the 
instructions on the first page of the bond should be carefully read 
before you attempt to execute the same. Return the signature cards 
Avith the executed bond. 
Respectfully, 

Benj. S. Cable, Acting Secretary. 
Mr. Harry D. Chichester, 
Special Disbursing Agent, 

Department of Commerce and Labor 
(Through the Commissioner of Fisheries). 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, May 11, 1910. 
Sir: Referring to the act of Congress approved August 5, 1909, 
regarding the rates of premium which surety companies may charge 
for executing bonds of Government officers, the department incloses 
herewith a copy of the act mentioned and states for your information 
that a majority of the special disbursing agents of other bureaus of 
the department who are bonded in the sum of $5,000 paid $7.50 for 
their bonds in 1908. 

In returning to the department your executed bond, assuming that 
it is executed by a surety company, please forward also the premium 
receipt which you receive from the surety company. 
Respectfully, 

Benj. S. Cable, Acting Secretary. 
Mr. Harry D. Chichester, 
Special Disbursing Agent, 

Department of Commerce and Labor 
(Through the Commissioner of Fisheries). 



seal islands of alaska. 1103 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, May 11, 1910. 
Mr. Harry D. Chichester, 

Special Disbursing Agent, 

Department of Commerce and Labor. 
Sir: To enable this department to verify your indorsement of 
Treasury warrants payable to you or your order, in your official 
capacity, you are hereby req^uired to fill in the inclosed cards, in tripli- 
cate, in your own handwritmg, giving your official signature, official 
title, residence, and date of signing. The signature on the card, 
indicated with an X, should correspond with the signature on the 
bond, which will be regarded as your official signature; and your 
signatures to official papers and your indorsements on the United 
States Treasury warrants should in all cases correspond as nearly as 
possible with your official signature. 

After being properly filled in, the cards should be returned to this 
office with the bond. 

Respectfully, Benj. S. Cable, 

Acting Secretary. 
Through the Commissioner of Fisheries. 



[Copy — original too faint for reproduction.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, May I4, 1910. 
Sir: The department has approved your official bond as special 
disbursing agent appropriation ''For protecting seal fisheries of 
Alaska," given in the penal sum of So, 000 and bearing date of May 
12. 1910. 

Respectfully, 

(Signed) Ben.i. S. Cable, 

Acting Secretary. 
Mr. Harry D. Chichester 

(Through the Commissioner of Fisheries). 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
Washington, May 9, 1910. 
The Secretary of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C. 
Sir: I have the honor to request that Mr. Walter I. Lembkey, 
agent Alaskan seal fisheries, be designated as special disbursing 
agent in the Department of Commerce and Labor, giving sufficient 
bond to permit the placing in his custody of Government moneys to 
the amount of S2,000 for expenditure in connection with the pro- 
t.ection of the seal fisheries of Alaska. 

The reasons for this request are the following: Mr. Lembkey's 
work is for a considerable portion of each year on the Pribilof Islands, 
which are remotely situated and with which mail facilities are very 
poor, and, therefore, the settlement of certain accounts in the usual 



1104 SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

manner is impracticable. Funds immediately available on the 
islands will be necessary with which to pay for labor and for other 
purposes in order to put into effect the act approved April 21, 1910, 
to protect the seal fisheries of Alaska. 

Respectfully, H. M. Smith, 

Acting Commissioner. 



[Copy— original too faint for reproduction.] 

» 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, May 11, 1910. 
Sir: Upon the recommendation of the Commissioner of Fisheries, 
you are hereby appointed, under the provisions of section 3614, 
United States Revised Statutes, a special disbursing agent of this 
department, without additionaj compensation, for the disbursement 
of moneys from the appropriation "For protecting seal fisheries 
of Alaska." 

You will before entering upon the duties of this office execute 
a bond on the form inclosed lierewith, in the penal sum of $5,000 
with sufficient sureties conditioned upon the faithful performance 
of your duties, and forward the same to the department for examina- 
tion, approval, and file. 

Great care should be exercised in filling out the forms, and the 
instructions on the first page of the bond should be carefully read 
before you attempt to execute the same. Return the signature cards 
with the executed bond. 
Respectfully, 

(Signed) Benj. S. Cable, 

Acting Secretary. 
Mr. Walter I. Lembkey 

(Through the Commissioner of Fisheries), 
Special Disbursing Agent, 

Department of Commerce and Labor. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, May 11, 1910. 
Mr. Walter I. Lembkey, 

Special Disbursing Agent, 

Department of Commerce and Labor. 
Sir: To enable this department to verify your indorsement of 
Treasury warrants payable to you, or your order, in your official 
capacity, [y'ou are hereby required to fill in the inclosed cards, in 
triplicate, in your own handwTiting, giving jour official signature, 
official title, residence, and date of signing. The signature on the 
card, indicated with an X, should correspond with the signature on 
the bond, which will be regarded as your official signature; and your 
signatures to official papers and your indorsements on the United 
States Treasury warrants should in all cases correspond as nearly 
as possible with your official signature. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1105 

After being properly filled in, the cards should be returned to this 
office with the bond. 

Respectfully, Benj. S. Cable, 

Acting Secretary. 
Through the Commissioner of Fisheries. 
Inclosure No. 362. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, May 11, 1910. 
Sir: Referring to the act of Congress approved August 5, 1909, 
regarding the rates of premium which surety companies may charge 
for executing bonds of Government officers, the department incloses 
herewith a copy of the act mentioned, and states for your informa- 
tion that a majority of the special disbursing agents of other bureaus 
of the department who are bonded in the sum of S5,000 paid $7.50 
for their bonds in 1908. 

In returning to the department your executed bond, assuming 
that it is executed by a surety company, please forward also the 
receipt which you receive from the surety company. 
Respectfully, 

Benj. S. Cable, 

Acting Secretary. 
Mr. Walter I. Lembkey 

(Through the Commissioner of Fisheries), 
Special Disbursing Agent, 

Department of Commerce and Labor. 
Inclosure No. 362. 



Department of Commerce and Labor. 

oath of office. 

I, Walter I. Lembkey, do solemnly swear that I will support and 
defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, 
foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the 
same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reserva- 
tion or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge 
the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God. 

Walter I. Lembkey. 

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 12th day of May, A. D. 1910. 

I. H. DuNLAP, Gliief Cleric. 
Bureau or office to which assigned: Fisheries. 



[Copy— original too faint for reproduction.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, May 14, 1910. 
Sir: The department has approved your official bond as special 
disbursing agent appropriation "For protecting seal fisheries of 

2403— H. Doc. 93, 62-1 70 



1106 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Alaska/' given in the penal sum of $5,000 and bearing date of May i 
12, 1910. 

Respectfully, 

(Signed) Benj. S. Cable, 

Acting Secretary. 
Mr. Walter I. Lembkey 

(Through the Commissioner of Fisheries) . 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, May 9, 1910. 
The Secretary of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C. 
Sir: I have the honor to request that Mr. James Judge, assistant 
agent Alaskan seal fisheries, be designated as special disbursing agent 
in the Department of Commerce and Labor, giving sufficient bond to 
permit the placing in liis custody of Government nioneys to the 
amount of $2,000 for expenditure in connection with the protection 
of the seal fisheries of Alaska. 

The reasons for this request are the following: Mr. Judge's work is 
for a considerable portion of each year on the Pribilof Islands, which 
are remotely situated and with which mail facilities are very poor, 
and, therefore, the settlement of certain accounts in the usual manner 
is impracticable. Funds immediately available on the islands will be 
necessary with which to pay for labor and for other purposes in order 
to put into effect the act approved April 21, 1910, to protect the seal 
fisheries of Alaska. 

Respectfully, H. M. Smith, 

Acting Commissioner. 

[Copy — original too faint for reproduction.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, May 10, 1910. 
Sir: You are hereby appointed as assistant agent at seal fisheries 
in Alaska, with compensation of $2,920 per annum. 
This appointment will take eft'ect May 10, 1910. 
Paj'^ment of the compensation herein authorized is subject to the 
oath of office being taken. 

(By change from assistant Treasur}^ agent for seal fisheries of 
Alaska. Position transferred to this department by act of Feb. 14, 
1903.) 

Respectfully, 

(Signed) Benj. S. Cable, 

Acting Secretary. 
Mr. James Judge 

(Through the Commissioner of Fisheries) . 

(Appropriation: Salaries, agents at seal fisheries in Alaska.) 



seal islands of alaska. ' 1107 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, May 11, 1910.* 
Sir: Upon the recommendation of the Commissioner of Fisheries 
you are hereby appointed, under the provisions of section 3614, 
United States Revised Statutes, a special disbursing agent of this 
department, without additional compensation, for the disbursement 
of moneys from the appropriation ''For protecting seal fisheries of 
Alaska." 

Before entering upon the duties of this office you will execute a 
bond on the form inclosed herewith in the penal sum of $5,000, with 
sufficient sureties conditioned upon the faithful performance of your 
duties and forward the same to the department for examination, 
approval, and file. 

Great care should be exercised in filling out the forms, and the 
instructions on the first page of the bond should be carefully read 
before you attempt to execute the same. Return the signature cards 
with the executed bond. 
Respectfully, 

Benj. S. Cable, Acting Secretary. 
Mr. James Judge, 

Special Disbursing Agent, 

Department of Commerce and Labor. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the vSecretary, 

Washington, May 11, 1910. 
Mr. James Judge, 

Special Disbursing Agent, 

Department of Commerce and Labor. 
Sir: To enable this department to verif}^ your indorsement of 
Treasury warrants payable to you, or your order, in your official 
capacity, you are hereby required to fill in the inclosed cards, in 
triplicate, in your own handwriting, giving your official signature, 
official title, residence, and date of signing. The signature on the 
card indicated with an X should correspond with the signature on the 
bond, which will be regarded as your official signature; and your sig- 
natures to official papers and your indorsements on the United States 
Treasury warrants should in all cases correspond as nearly as possible 
with your official signature. 

After being properly filled in, the cards should be returned to this 
office with the bond. 

Respectfully, Benj. S. Cable, 

Acting Secretary. 
Through the Commissioner of Fisheries. 



Department of Commerce and Labor. 

oath of office. 

I, James Judge, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend 
the Constitution of the United States against aU enemies, foreign and 
domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I 



1108 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose 
of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of 
the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God. 

James Judge. 
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 1st day of July, A. D. 1910. 

W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent Seal Fisheries. 

Bureau or office to wliich assigned : Bureau of Fisheries. 



[Copy— original too faiut for reproduction.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, August 5, 1910. 
Sir: The department has approved your official bond as special 
disbursing agent, appropriation "For protecting seal fishenes of 
Alaska," given in the penal sum of $5,000 and bearing date of May 13, 
1910. 

Respectfully, (Signed) Charles Earl, 

Acting Secretary. 
Mr. James Judge 

(Through the Commissioner of Fisheries). 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
Washington, May 9, 1910. 
The Secretary of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C. 
Sir : I have the honor to request that Mr. Ezra W. Clark, assistant 
agent, Alaskan seal fisheries, be designated as special disbursing agent 
in the Department of Commerce and Labor, giving suflicient bond to 
permit the placing in his custod.y of Government moneys to the 
amount of $2,000 for expenditure in connection with the protection 
of the seal fisheries of Alaska. 

The reasons for this request are the following: Mr. Clark's work is 
for a considerable portion of each year on the Pribilof Islands, which 
are remotely situated and with which mail facilities are very' poor, 
and, therefore, the settlement of certain accounts in the usual manner 
is impracticable. Funds immediately available on the islands will 
be necessary with which to pay for labor and for other purposes in 
order to put into effect the act approved April 21, 1910, to protect 
the seal fisheries of Alaska. 

Respectfully, H. M. Smith, 

Acting Commissioner. 



SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1109 

[Copy — original too faint for reproduction.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, May 11, 1910. 
Sm: Upon the recommendation of the Commissioner of Fisheries, 
you are hereby appointed under the provisions of section 3614, 
United States Revised Statutes, a special disbursing agent of this 
department, without additional compensation, for the disbursement 
of moneys from the appropriation "For protecting seal fisheries of 
Alaska." 

Before entering upon the duties of this office, you will execute a 
bond on the form inclosed herewith, in the penal sum of S5,000, with 
sufficient sureties conditioned upon the faithful performance of your 
duties and forward the same to the department for examination, 
approval, and file. 

Great care should be exercised in filling out the forms, and the 
instructions on the first page of the bond should be carefully read 
before you attempt to execute the same. Return the signature cards 
with the executed bond. 

Respectfully, (wSigned) Benj. S. Cable, 

Acting Secretary. 
Mr. Ezra W. Clark, 

(Through the Commissioner of Fisheries) , 
Special Disbursing Agent, 

Department of Commerce and Labor. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, May 11, 1910. 
Mr. Ezra W. Clark, 

Special Disbursing Agent, 

Department of Commerce and Labor. 
Sir: To enable this department to verify }our indorsement of 
Treasury warrants payable to you, or your order, in your official 
capacity, you are hereby required to fill in the inclosed cards, in 
triphcale, in your own handwriting, giving your official signature, 
official title, residence, and date of signing. The signature on the 
card indicated with an X should correspond with the signature on 
the bond, which will be regarded as your official signature; and your 
signatures to official papers and your indorsements on the United 
States Treasury warrants should in all cases correspond as nearly as 
possible \\'ith your official signature. 

After being" properly filled in. the cards should be returned to this 
office with the bond. 

Respectfully, Ben.j. S. Cable, 

Acting Secretary. 
Through the Commissioner of Fisheries. 



1110 seal. islands of alaska. 

Department of Commerce and Labor. 

oath of office. 

I, Ezra W. Clark, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend 
the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and 
domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that 
I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose 
of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of 
the ofRce on which I am about to enter: So help me God. 

Ezra W. Clark. 
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 28th day of June, A. D. 1910. 

W. I. Lembkey, 



Agent Seal Fisheries. 



Bureau or office to which assigned: 



August 25, 1910. 
Sir: The department has approved your official bond as special 
disbursing agent, appropriation "For protecting seal fisheries of 
Alaska," given in the penal sum of $5,000 and bearing date of May 13, 
1910. 
By direction of the Secretary. 

Respectfully, A. Gordon Cumming, 

Chief Cleric. 
Mr. Ezra W. Clark 

(Through the Commissioner of Fisheries). 



[Copy — original too faint for reproduction.] 



June 6, 1910. 



W. I. Lembkey, 

216 Mills Building, San Francisco, Cal.: 
Can you find physician at twelve hundred? None available here. 

Bowers. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
Washington, May 19, 1910. 
The Secretary of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C. 
vSir: The act of Congress "to protect the seal fisheries of Alaska and 
for other purposes," approved April 21, 1910, provides in section 9 that 
the Secretarj" of Commerce and Labor shall have authority to appoint 
such additional officers, agents, and employees as may be necessary 
to carry out the provisions of this act and in the same section the 
Secretary is likewise given authority to provide among other tilings for 
the education of the native inhabitants of the Pribilof Islands. It will 
therefore be necessary to employ one or more school-teachers. 



SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1111 

I have the honor to recommend the employment or appomtment of 
Rev. Ned. B. Campbell as school-teacher on the island of St. George at 
a salary of $900 per annum. Mr. Campbell is believed to possess all 
of the educational qualities necessary for the position and in addition 
is competent to perform clerical duties. Mr. Campbell is in position 
to proceed without delay to Alaska. 
Respectfully, 

Geo. M. Bowers, Commissioner. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, May 20, 1910. 

Sir: Receipt is acknowledged of the bureau's letter of the 19th 
instant recommending "the employment or appointment of Rev. 
Ned B. Campbell as school-teacher on the Island of St. George at a 
salary of S900 per annum." 

It was represented to the department that the bureau would 
employ in the additional positions mentioned in section 9 of the act 
approved April 21, 1910, those persons who had been previously 
employed upon the same work by the North American Commercial 
Co., and the department's request upon the Civil Service Commission 
for authority to employ these persons was so framed that there could 
be no misunderstanding as to the bureau's intention. 

The department desires a statement from the bureau showing 
whether Mr. Campbell has ever been employed by the company above 
mentioned, and if not, why the bureau did not recommend some per- 
son who had been so employed. 

Under the terms of the commission's letter of the 19th instant, the 
contents of which have been communicated to the bureau, it will be 
necessary to obtain antecedent authority from the commission for 
the employment of the school-teacher or school-teachers, and this 
authority can only be granted under the provisions of Schedule A, 
subdivision 1, Section IX of the rules. 

Respectfully, Benj. S. Cable, 

Acting Secretary. 

The Commissioner of Fisheries. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, May 20, 1910. 

The Secretary of Commerce and Labor, • 

Washington, D. 0. 
Sir: Replying to the department's letter relative to the employ- 
ment or appointment of Rev. Ned. B. Campbell as school-teacher on 
the Island of St. George at a salary of $900 per annum, I have the 
honor to say that the bureau's letter of May 11 contained no inference 
that the employees who would be required on the Pribilof Islands were 
necessarily to be selected from those people who had previously been 
in the service of the North American Commercial Co. Neither is it 
conceivable that the Government is under any obligations to give these 



1112 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

people employment. It is the intention, however, to make selec- 
tions from this force as far as is consistent with good administration 
and the obtaining of competent employees. 

Section 9 of the act approved April 21 gives the Secretary full 
authority to appoint such additional officers, agents, and employees 
as may be necessary to carry into effect the act. It says nothing 
about appointing persons who may have been in the employ of the 
North American Commercial Co. 

The school-teachers employed by the North American Commercial 
Co. have not been recommended to me, but, on the other hand, there 
is inclosed herewith a memorandum from the seal agent, Mr. Lemb- 
key, heartily recommending Mr. Campbell, and a communication 
from Mr. Chichester, one of the assistant seal agents, relative to the 
qualifications of the school-teacher who was in the employ of the com- 
pany, which explain themselves. 

The bureau conceives that it is its duty to make the best selections 
possible for all positions necessary to carry out the provisions of the 
act of April 21 irrespective of the previous status of the persons 
chosen. 

Respectfully, Geo. M. Bowers, 

Com/missioner. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

BxjREAU OF Fisheries, 
Washington, May 17, 1910. 

Memorandum in re employment of school-teacher for St. George Island, 

Alaslca. 

Under the act of April 21, 1910, which requires the Secretary of 
Commerce and Labor to provide for the education of the native 
inhabitants on the Pribilof Islands, it will be necessaiy to employ a 
school-teacher for St. George Island. 

For this position I respectfully recommend the employment of Mr. 
Ned B. Campbell, who I oelieve possesses all of the educational quali- 
ties necessary for the position, and in addition can be used to advan- 
tage in performing clerical duties. Mr. Campbell has assured me of 
his willingness to accept and to proceed at once to Alaska. 

W. I. Lembkey. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
Washington, Hay 20, 1910. 

Memorandum in re school-teacher on St. George Island. 
The present school-teacher on St. George Island, in my opinion, 
lacks the necessary educational qualifications to fill the position of 
teacher or to take charge of the island accounts. It is therefore 
necessary to send some one at once who is competent to carry on this 
work. 

H. D. Chichester, 

Assistant Agent. 



SE.VL> ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1113 



GENERAL APPOINTMENT. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Chief Clerk, 

Washington, May 25, 1910. 

Sir: You have been appointed, subject to taking the oath of 
office, school-teacher (St. George, Pribilof Islands, Alaska) in the 
service of the Bureau of Fisheries at a salary of $1,200 per annum, 
effective beginning May 25, 1910, or as soon thereafter as you enter 
upon duty in the above-mentioned position. (New position.) 

In addition to the compensation stated above, your actual and 
necessary expenses of travel from Washington, D. C, to St. George, 
Pribilof Islands, Alaska, and return, including subsistance while 
en route and on said island, will be reimbursed you. 

(In accordance with the provisions of Schedule A, subdivision I, 
sec. 9, civU-service rules.) 

By direction of the Secretary: 

Respectfully, A. H. Baldwin, Chief Clerk. 

Rev. Ned B. Campbell (through the Commissioner of Fisheries). 
Appropriation: Protecting seal fisheries of Alaska. 



personal question sheet. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, December 17 , 1906. 
To ike chiefs of bureaus of the Department of Commerce and Labor: 

For the purpose of enabling the department to maintain a complete 
record of its officers and employees, you are requested to have every 
person hereafter appointed or employed in your bureau, immediately 
upon his entrance on duty, answer each of the questions in Part I of 
this form and sign the same. The officer in immediate charge should 
review the information given by the appointee or employee, and if 
correct, should forward the form to the chief of the bureau without 
dela)'-. The information called for by the questions in Part II should 
then be supplied and the form forwarded to the department. 

Oscar S. Straus, 

Secretary. 
Part I. 

(Part 1 should be executed by the appointee or employee: but, if he is unable to 
write legibly, another person may write the answers at his dictation. In either case 
the statement should be signed by the appointee or employee. If he is unable to 
write, he may sign by mark in the presence of one witness. If he is unable to answer 
any question, he should indicate that fact.) 

1. What is your full name? (Do not use initials, but spell out each name and state 
whether Mr., Miss, or Mrs. Example: Mr. John Richard Doe.) Neddie Bums 
Campbell. 

2. How do you write your name on the pay roll? (This should agree with signature 
to your oath of office.) Ned. B. Campbell. 

3. What is your present legal (voting) residence? (Give city or town. State or 
Territory, county, and congressional district.) Martinsburg, W. Va.; Berkeley; 
second. 

4. WTiat is your race? (Answer "white," "colored," or Mongolian.") WTiite. 

5. Where were you born? Near Martinsburg, W. Va. 

6. When were you born? March 31, 1867. 



1114 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

7. Are you pensioned by the United States Government? (Answer "Yes" or 
"No.") No. 

8. Are there any members of your family, besides yourself, in the civil service of 
the United States? (If so, give below their names, relationships, the departments and 
bureaus or services in which they are employed, and the positions they occupy.) 
None. 

9. If you were appointed through a civil-service examination, state as near as you 
recollect the name and date of the examination. If not so appointed, state how you 

entered the service. (Examples: "By reinstatement," or "by transfer from ." 

stating department, bureau or service, position, and salary, if known.) . 

10. Have you any physical disabilities? (If so, describe briefly. If you have 
defective eyesight, state whether corrected by glasses.) None. 

11. Have you ever held any other position in the civil service of the United States? 
(If so, give below the department and bureau or service in which you served, the 
position held, the salary you received, and the dates of your appointment and separa- 
tion from the service.) None. 

12. Were you in the military or naval service of the United States during the Civil 
or Spanish-American War? (If so, give the information called for by the blanks 
below.) No. 

13. If you served in the military or naval service of the United States at any time 
other than during the Civil or Spanish-American Wars, indicate such service in the 
spaces below. — . 

14. What was your occupation prior to entering the United States civil service? 
(It is intended that the answer to this question shall state briefly the lines of work 
followed by you before receiving your present appointment, with the exception of 
your service for the Government indicated in your answers to questions 11, 12, and 13.) 
Preaching. 

15. What education have you received? (Indicate the grades of schools you have 
attended, and, in case you have attended schools of higher grade than high schools, 
give the institution, degrees received, and date in each case. Example: Public 
school; high school; business college; Cornell University, A. B., 1900; Columbia 
University, LL. B., 1903.) Hampden Sidney College and Union Theological Semi- 
nary. 

16. What special qualifications have you — professional, technical, mechanical, etc.? 
(Examples: Qualified as "lawyer," or "civil engineer," or "draftsman," or "car- 
penter.") As above. 

17. What, if any, civil-service examinations have you passed? (Give names and 
dates as near as you recollect.) None. 

18. Were the answers to the foregoing questions written by you? (If not, state the 
name and address of the person who wrote them for you.) Yes. 

19. State the date upon which the above blanks were filled. May 27, 1910. 

Ned. B. Campbell, 

St. George Island, Alaska. 
Part II. 

(Part II should be executed by the executive officers of the various bureaus of the 
department, or, at their direction, by some official who can give the information 
desired. If unable to answer any question, indicate that fact.) 

1. State the bureau or service, place, and district in which the person who answered 
the foregoing questions is employed. Fisheries, St. George, Pribilof Islands. 

2. To what position has he been appointed? School-teacher. 

3. State the date of appointment. May 25, 1910. 

4. State the date the appointment was effective. (If appointment was made to 
take effect on date of oath, so state.) May 27, 1910. 

5. State the date of the oath. May 27, 1910. 

6. State the date the appointee or employee entered on duty. May 27, 1910. 

7. What is his salary? Nine hundred dollars per annum. 

8. From what appropriation is he paid? Protecting seal fisheries of Alaska. 

9. Is the position excepted, competitive, or unclassified under the civil-service 
rules? Excepted. 

10. If classified, state the date of classification. 

11. In what manner did the appointee or employee enter the service? (Examples: 
"From stenography and typewriting examination"; or "without examination"; or 

"by reinstatement"; or "by transfer from , " stating department, bureau, or 

service, position, and salary, if known.) Without examination. 

12.. Is the appointee or employee required to give bond? No. 

I. H. DuNLAP, Chief Clerk. 
May 28, 1910. 



SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



1115 



Department of Commerce and Labor. 

OATH OF office. 

I, Ned. B. Campbell, do solemnly swear that I will support and 
defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, 
foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to 
the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental 
reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully 
discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So 
help me God. 

Ned. B. Campbell. 

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 27tli day of May, 1910. 

I. H. DuNLAP, CMej Cleric. 



Office of Agent Seal Fisheries, 

St. Paul Island, Alaska, July 3, 1910. 
The Commissioner of Fisheries, 

Washington, D. C. 
Sir: Conformably to the verbal arrangement made previous to 
my departure from Washington, I have the honor to report that the 
following temporar}^ employees, formerly in the employ of the North 
American Commercial Co., have been retained. 

On St. George. 



Name. 



Annual 
salary. 



Position. 



Period. 



James Murtha 

C. M. Cunningham 

(Chinese) . 

M. Lestenkof 

Selected natives . . . 
Do 



$1,200 
1,200 
720 
300 
240 
180 



Storekeeper 

Physician 

Cook 

Stockman 

Janitor Government house 
Janitor company house 



Until fall. 

Do. 

Do. 
Indefinitely 

Do. 

Do. 



I was forced to hire Murtha for about two months to assist Maj. 
Clark with the inventory, stock of merchandise, and bookkeeping, 
and to instruct Mr. Campbell in the above duties. Dr. Cunningham 
is a partial invalid and not adaptable to other work than his profession, 
but I was obliged to retain him until fall or to allow the island to be 
without a physician, a condition highly undesirable. The cutter 
doctors are available only at infrequent intervals. The cook wished 
to leave immediately, but was persuaded to remain until September, 
when he will leave on the Honker. 

It must be understood that the duties of sealing, taking inventory, 
opening new books, storing and caring for merchandise, and the trans- 
fer of the property all fall within a period of about five weeks. It 
would have been impossible for Maj. Clark and Mr. Campbell, who, 
although capable, is unused to these duties, to have performed them 
without temporary assistance, which I secured in the person of Murtha, 
who at first desired to leave at once. 

It will be necessary to provide a Chinese cook and a physician for 
St. George Island, to arrive on the second trip of the Homer. 



1116 



SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 
On St. Paul. 



Name. 



A. H. Proctor.. 

S. Melovidof 

H. C. Mills 

• (Chinese) 

N. Bogadanof . . 

Selected natives 

Do 



Annual 
salary. 



81,800 
1,200 
1,200 
720 
300 
240 
180 



Position. 



Store and book keeper 

School-teacher 

Physician 

Cook 

Stockman 

Janitor Government house 
Janitor company house 



Period. 



Indefinite. 

Do. 

(?) 
Indefinite. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 



In regard to the above employees, Mr. Proctor was willing to re- 
main, and at once began to assume charge of his duties as bookkeeper 
in charge of merchandise under the new conditions. Ilis experience 
renders his services invaluable at this time. vSimeon Melovidof, 
although about to remove with his family to San Francisco, will re- 
main as school-teacher and assistant storekeeper. Dr. Mills, having 
served his agreed time of two years upon this island, will have to re- 
turn to San Francisco, unless his wife, who is awaiting him anxiously, 
will join him on St. Paul, in which case he will stay another winter. 
As to him, I will inform you by wire, if possible, in time to arrange 
for a relief if necessary. 

Wing, the Chinese cook on St. Paul, must return to China this fall, 
having been away from his family for several years. He has prom- 
ised me that he will return to the islands next spring. The laundry- 
man on St. Paul, however, is a cook, and will take Wing's place during 
the winter. Wing will remain until the second trip of the Homer, 
and the laundryman will be loaned to Dutch Harbor until that time, 
at no expense to us. 

The salaries mentioned are the same as those paid by the late lessee, 
except that its stockman was paid $720. I have endeavored as far 
as possible to maintain the same conditions as prevailed heretofore, 
as the lessee's system was evolved from 40 years' careful experimen- 
tation, and to allay the distrust of the natives who had received the 
impression that, under the new conditions, they would be slaves to 
this Government, as they were formerly under Russian control. 

In respect to the matters heretofore outlined, having received no 
written instructions, I have been guided by the verbal understanding 
mentioned and my best judgment. I respectfully request approval 
of my action. 

Respectfully, W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent Seal Fisheries. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, July 30, 1910. 
Mr. Walter I. Lembkey, 

Chief Agent Fur-Seal Service, 

St. Paul Island, AlasTca. 
Sir: The receipt is acknowledged of your letter of 3d instant, 
reporting the temporary arrangements and assignments which you 
have made regarding storekeepers, physicians, cooks, stockmen, 



SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 111? 

janitors, etc., on the islands. Your temporary assignments are 
approved, except as to Maj. Clark. 

it is understood that James Murtha, C. N. Cunningham, and 
Assistant Agent Clark will leave the islands by the last steamer. 
In the event that Dr. Mills should not consent to remain another 
year on St. Paul, you are instructed to assign Dr. de Figaniere to 
St. Paul instead of to St. George. Dr. Chichester in that case would 
have to act both as agent and doctor for St. George. According 
to this arrangement, the assignments for the two islands would be 
as follows: 

St. George Island. — Dr. H. D. Chichester, assistant agent and for 
the time being acting doctor (in the event that Dr. P. A. de Figaniere 
is assigned to St. Paul to relieve Dr. Mills; other\^dse Dr. de Figaniere 
is assigned to St. George); Ben Campbell, school-teacher; M. Les- 
tenkof, stockman; Chinese cook; native janitor for Government 
house; native janitor for company house. 

St. Paul Island. — James Judge, assistant agent; Dr. Walter L. 
Hahn, naturalist; Dr. P. A. de Figaniere, doctor, or H. C. Mills, 
if he should consent to remain; S. Melovidof, school-teacher; N. Bog- 
adanof, stockman; Chinese cook; native janitor for Government 
house; native janitor for company house. 

KespectfuUy, I. H. Dunlap, 

Acting Commissioner. 



[Copy — original too faint for reproduction.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Chief Clerk, 

Washington, July 6, 1910. 
Sir: Referring to the bureau's letter of October 1, 1909, in the 
case of Ezra W. Clark, assistant agent at seal fisheries in Alaska, to 
the effect that it would not be practicable to transfer liim to another 
position at that time, for the reason that he had left for a year's 
tour of duty in Alaska, but that his case would be borne in mind 
for the future, the department w^ill be pleased to be advised whether 
the bureau is now in a position to submit a recommendation look- 
ing toward the final disposition of Mr. Clark's case. 
By direction of the Secretary. 
Respectfully, 

(Signed) A. H. Baldw'in, 

Chief Cleric. 
The Commissioner of Fisheries. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
Washington, July 11, 1910. 
The Secretary of Commerce and I^abor, 

Washington, D. C. 

Sir: Replying to the department's letter of July 6, relative to Mr. 

Ezra W. Clark, I have the honor to call attention to the bureau's 

letter of October 1, 1909. The bureau has no further recommendation 

to make than that therein contained. Mr. Clark's services have been 



1118 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

eminently satisfactory in every respect, and the only reason that the 
case was ever mentioned by the bureau was in the hope that at some 
time it might be possible to transfer him to a position carrjdng with 
it equal responsibility and pay to that which he now holds but in a 
less rigorous climate than that of Alaska. It is probable that such 
an opportunity will not occur in this bureau. 
Respectfully, 

Geo. M. Bowers, 

Commissioner. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Appointment Division, 
Washington, July I4, 1910. 
Memorandum for the Acting Secretary: 

In Jul}', 1909, Ezra W. Clark, assistant agent at seal fisheries in 
Alaska, with pay at the rate of $2,190 per annum, was rated 10/10 
on quantity and excellent on qualit}^ and interest manifested, but the 
statement was made that "on account of his age and the peculiar 
conditions obtaining on the seal islands, it is thought Mr. Clark should 
be transferred to some suitable position elsewhere than Alaska." 

When this report was considered by the committee that reviewed 
the efficiency reports, it was decided that the bureau should submit a 
recommendation as soon as possible in line with the statement just 
quoted. 

On October 1, 1909, the bureau made the following report: 

Mr. Clark's services have been eminently satisfactory; he takes great interest in his 
work, and is thoroughly competent, but on account of his age (69) it would seem 
proper that duty be given him in some place where the climate is less rigorous and the 
surroundings more suitable. It is probable that immediate action will not be practi- 
cable as Mr. Clark has recently left for a year's tour of duty in Alaska, but it is hoped 
that the case will be borne in mind for the futm-e. 

In reply to the department's inquiry of the 6th instant, requesting 
the bureau to state whether Mr. Clark's case could now be disposed of, 
the commissioner calls attention to his letter of October 1, 1909, and 
states that — 

The bureau has no further recommendation to make than that therein contained. 
Mr. Clark's services have been eminently satisfactory in every respect and the only 
reason that the case was ever mentioned by the bureau was in the hope that at some 
time it might be possible to transfer him to a position carrying with it equal responsi- 
bility and pay to that which he now holds but in a less rigorous climate than that of 
Alaska. It is probable that such an opportunity will not occur in this bureau. 

It is apparent from the foregoing report that there are no immediate 
prospects of effecting a suitable transfer for Mr. Clark. It would 
seem, however, that the bureau should be requested to find a place 
for him in a less rigorous climate at the earliest practicable date. 

Geo. W. Leadley, 
Chief of Appointment Division. 

Approved. — B. S. C. 

7/15/10. Dr. Leadley said this case could now be regarded as 
■closed as far as the efficiency records are concerned. — F. 

Wrote bureau 7/15/10. 



SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1119 

[Copy— original too faint for reproduction.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Chief Clerk, 

WasMngton, July 15, 1910. 
Sir: Receipt is acknowledged of the bureau's letter of the 11th 
instant relative to the case of Ezra W. Clark, which has been under 
consideration on account of the remarks set forth in his efficiency 
report of July, 1909. 

The department has carefully noted your statements w"ith respect 
to Mr. Clark, and requests that you endeavor to find a place for him 
in a less rigorous climate at the earliest practical date. 
By direction of the Secretary. 
Respectfully, 

(Signed) A. Gordon-Cumming, 

(Jliief Clerk. 
The Commissioner of Fisheries. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Chief Clerk, 

Washington, July 17, 1910. 
Sir: You have been appointed, subject to taking the oath of office 
and to actual entrance upon duty (unless on authorized leave) on the 
date indicated, naturalist in the Alaska fur-seal service of the Bureau 
of Fisheries, at a salary of $3,000 per annum, effective September 10, 
1910 (vice Harold Heath). 

(In accordance with the provisions of Schedule A, subdivision I, 
sec. 9, civil-service rules.) 

By direction of the Secretary. 

Respectfully, A. Gordon-Cumming, 

Acting Chief Clerk. 
Mr. Walter L. Hahn 

(Through the Commissioner of Fisheries). 

Appropriation: "Salaries, Alaska seal fisheries." 



Department of Commerce and Labor. 

OATH of office. 

I, Walter L. Hahn, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend 
the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and 
domestic; that I w^ll bear true faith and allegiance to the same; 
that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or 
purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the 
duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God. 

Walter L. Hahn. 

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 23d day of July, A. D. 
1910. 

I. H. DuNLAP, Chief Clerk. 

Bureau or office to which assigned: Fisheries. 



1120 seal islands of alaska. 

peksonal question sheet. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Secretary, 
Washington, December 17, 1906. 
To the chiefs of bureaus of the Department of Commerce and Labor: 

For the purpose of enabling the department to maintain a complete 
record of its officers and employees, you are requested to have every 
person hereafter appointed or employed in your bureau, immediately 
upon his entrance on duty, answer each of the questions in Part I of 
this form and sign the same. The officer in immediate charge should 
review the information given by the appointee or employee, and if 
correct should forward the form to the chief of the bureau without 
delay. The information called for by the questions in Part II should 
then be supplied and the form forwarded to the department. 

Oscar S. Straus, Secretary. 

Part I. 

(Part I should be executed by the appointee or employee; but, if he is unable to 
write legibly, another person may write the answers at his dictation. In either case 
the statement should be signed by the appointee or employee. If he is unable to 
write, he may sign by mark in the presence of one witness. If he is unable to answer 
any questions, he should indicate that fact.) 

1. What is your full name? (Do not use initials, but spell out each name and state 
whether Mr., Miss, or Mrs. Example: Mr. John Richard Doe.) Mr. Walter Louis 
Hahn. 

2. How do you write your name on the pay roll? (This should agree with signature 
to your oath of office.) Walter L. Hahn. 

3. What is your present legal (voting) residence? (Give city or town. State or 
Territory, county, and congressional district.) Springfield, S. Dak.; Bonhomme; 
S. Dak. 

4. What is your race? (Answer "white," "colored," or "Mongolian.") White. 

5. Where were you bom? Bascom, Ind. 

6. When were you bom? May 20, 1879. 

7. Are you pensioned by the United States Government? (Answer "Yes" or 
"No.") No. 

8. Are there any members of your family, besides yourself, in the civil service of 
the United States? (If so, give below their names, relationship, the departments 
and bureaus, or services in which they are employed, and the positions they occupy.) 
None. 

9. If you were appointed through civil service examination, state, as near as you 
recollect, the name and date of the examination. If not so appointed, state how you 

entered the service. (Examples: "By reinstatement" or "by transfer from ," 

stating department, bureau, or service, position, and salary, if known.) Scientific 
assistant. Bureau of Fisheries, March 30, 1910. 

10. Have you any physical disabilities? (If so, describe briefly. If you have 
defective eyesight, state whether corrected by glasses.) None. 

11. Have you ever held any other position in the civil service of the United States? 
(If so, give below the department and bureau or service in which you served, the posi- 
tion held, the salary you received, and the dates of your appointment and separation 
from the service.) Aid, United States National Museum; $720 per annum. 
Appointed July 1, 1903; resigned September, 1906. 

12. Were you in the military or naval service of the United States during the Civil 
or Spanish- American War? (If so, give the information called for by the blanks 
below.) No. 

13. If you served in the military or naval service of the United States at any time 
other than during the Civil or Spanish-American Wars, indicate such service in the 
spaces below. No. 

14. What was your occupation prior to entering the United States civil service? 
(It is intended that the answer to this question shall state briefly the lines of work 
followed by you before receiving your present appointment, with the exception of 
your service for the Government, indicated in your answers to questions 11, 12, and 



SEAL, ISLANDS OP ALASKA. 1121 

13.) Student and fellow, Indiana University; professor of biology, State Normal 
School, Springfield, S. Dak. 

15. What education have you received? (Indicate the grades of schools you have 
attended, and, in case you have attended schools of higher grade than high schools, 
give the institution, degrees received, and date in each case. Example: Public 
school; high school; business college; Cornell University, A. B., 1900; Columbia 
University, LL. B., 1903.) Public school; high school; Indiana University, A. B., 
1903; A. M., 1907; Ph. D., 1908. 

16. What special qualifications have you^ — professional, technical, mechanical, 
etc.? (Examples: Qualified as "lawyer," or "civil engineer," or "draftsman," or 
"carpenter.") Qualified as zoologist. 

17. What, if any, civil service examinations have you passed? (Give names and 
dates as near as you recollect.) Aid, United States National Museum, March, 1903; 
scientific assistant, Department of Agriculture, 1905; scientific assistant. Bureau of 
Fisheries, 1910. 

18. Were the answers to the foregoing questions written by you? (If not, state the 
name and address of the person who wrote them for you.) Yes. 

19. State the date upon which the above blanks were filled. July 23, 1910. 

Walter L. Hahn, 
Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 
Reviewed, approved, and forwarded July 23, 1910. 

I. H. DUNLAP, 

Actijig Commissioner. 
Part II. 

(Part II should be executed by the executive officers of the various bureaus of the 
department, or, at their direction, by some official who can give the information de- 
sired. If unable to answer any question, indicate that fact.) 

1. State the bureau or service, place, and district in which the person who answered 
the foregoing questions is employed. Fisheries; Pribilof Islands. 

2. To what position has he been appointed? Naturalist. 

3. State the date of appointment. July 19, 1910. 

4. State the date the appointment was effective. (If appointment was made to 
take effect on date of oath, so state.) September 10, 1910. 

5. State the date of the oath. July 23, 1910. 

6. State the date the appointee or employee entered on duty. Appointment effec- 
tive September 10, 1910, when he will enter on duty. 

7. What is his salary? $3,000 per annum. 

8. From what appropriation is he paid? Alaskan seal fisheries. 

9. Is the position excepted, competitive, or unclassified under the civil-service 
rules? Competitive. 

10. If classified, state the date of classification. June 25, 1910. 

11. In what manner did the appointee or employee enter the service? Examples: 
"From stenography and typewriting examination"; or "without examination"; or 

"by reinstatement"; or "by transfer from ", stating department, bureau or 

service, position, and salary, if known. Scientific assistants' examination. 

12. Is the appointee or employee required to give bond? No. 

I. H. DuNLAP, 

Chief Cleric and Acting Commissioner. 
July 23, 1910. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Chief Clerk, 

Washington, July 25, 1910. 

Sir: You have been appointed, subject to taking the oath of ofRce, 
physician in the service of the Bureau of Fisheries (Pribilof Islands, 
Alaska), at a salary of SI, 200 per annum, effective beginning July 25, 
1910, or as soon thereafter as you enter upon duty in the above- 
mentioned position. (New position.) 

In addition to the compensation stated above, your actual and 
necessary expenses of travel from Washington, D. C, to the Pribilof 

2403— H. Doc. 93, 62-1 71 



1122 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Islands, Alaska, and return, including subsistence while en route and 
on said islands, will be reimbursed you. 

(In accordance with the provisions of Schedule A, subdivision I, 
sec. 9, civil-service rules.) 

By direction of the Secretary. 

Respectfully, A. Gordon-Cumming, 

Acting Chief Cleric. 
Mr. Pedro A. de Figaniere 

(Through the Commissioner of Fisheries) . 
Appropriation: "Protecting seal fisheries of Alaska." 



personal question sheet. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Secretary, 
Washington, December 17, 1906. 
To the chiefs of bureaus of the Department of Commerce and Labor: 

For the purpose of enabling the department to maintain a complete 
record of its officers and employees, you are requested to have every 
person hereafter appointed or employed in your bureau, immediately 
upon his entrance on duty, answer each of the questions in Part I of 
tliis form and sign the same. The officer in immediate charge should 
review the information given by the appointee or employee, and if 
correct, should forward the form to the chief of the bureau without 
delay. The information called for by the questions in Part II should 
then be supplied and the form forwarded to the department. 

Oscar S. Straus, 

Secretary. 

Parti. 

(Part I should be executed by the appointee or employee; but, if he ia unable to 
write legibly, another person may write the answers at his dictation. In either case 
the statement should be signed by the appointee or employee. If he is unable to write, 
he may sign by mark in the presence of one witness. If he is unable to answer any 
question, he should indicate that fact.) 

1. What is your full name? (Do not use initials, but spell out each name and state 
whether Mr., Miss, or Mrs. Example: Mr. John Richard Doe.) Dr. Pedro Alcantara 
de Figaniere. 

2. How do you write your name on the pay roll? (This should agree with signature 
to your oath of office.) Pedro A. de Figaniere. 

3. What is your present legal (voting) residence? (Give city or town, State or 
Territory, county, and congressional district.) North East, Md.; Cecil. 

4. What is your race? (Answer "white," "colored," or "Mongolian.") White. 

5. Where were you born? Zion, Cecil County, Md. 

6. When were you born? July 19, 1883. 

7. Are you pensioned by the United States Government? (Answer "Yes" or 
"No.") No. 

8. Are there any members of your family, besides yourself, in the civil erevice of 
the United States? (If so, give below their names, relationships, the departments 
and bureaus or services in which they are employed, and the positions they occupy.) 
None. 

9. If you were appointed through a civil-service examination, state, as near as you 
recollect, the name and date of the examination. If not so appointed, state how you 

entered the service. (Examples: "By reinstatement," or "by transfer from ," 

stating department, bureau, or service, position, and salary, if known.) 



SEAL ISLANDS OP ALASKA. • 1123 

10. Have you any physical disabilities? (If so, describe briefly. If you have defec- 
tive eyesight, state whether corrected by glasses.) No. 

11. Have you ever held any other position in the civil service of the United States? 
(If so, give below the department and bureau or service in which you served, the 
position held, the salary you received, and the dates of your appointment and separa- 
tion from the service.) No. 

12. Were you in the military or naval service of the United States during the Civil 
or Spanish-American War? (If so, give the information called for by the blanks 
below.) No. 

13. If you served in the military or naval service of the United States at any time 
other than during the Civil or Spanish-American Wars, indicate such service in the 
spaces below. Medical Corps, United States Navy; enlisted October 5, 1908; dis- 
charged April 21, 1909; failure on examination. 

14. What was your occupation prior to entering the United States civil service? (It 
ia intended that the answer to this question shall state briefly the lines of work followed 
by you before receiving your present appointment, with the exception of your service 
for the Government, indicated in your answers to questions 11, 12, and 13.) Interne, 
University of Virginia Hospital, Charlottesville, Va.; resident physician. Tuberculosis 
Hospital, District of Columbia. 

15. What education have you received? (Indicate the grades of schools you have 
attended, and, in case you have attended schools of higher grade than high schools, 
give the institution, degrees received, and date in each case. Example: Public 
school; high school; business college; Cornell University, A. B., 1900; Columbia 
University, LL. B., 1903.) Public school; preparatory school; University of Virginia, 
1908. 

16. What special qualifications have you — professional, technical, mechanical, etc.? 
(Examples: Qualified as "lawyer," or "civil engineer," or "draftsman," or "car- 
penter.") Physician. 

17. What, if any, civil-service examinations have you passed? (Give names and 
dates as near as you recollect.) None. 

18. Were the answers to the foregoing questions written by you? (If not, state the 
name and address of the person who wrote them for you.) Yes. 

19. State the date upon which the above blanks were filled. July 26. 

Pedro A. de Figaniere, 

North East, Md. 

Part II. 

(Part II should be executed by the executive officers of the various bureaus of the 
department, or, at their direction, by some official who can give the information desired. 
If unable to answer any question, indicate that fact.) 

1. State the bureau or service, place, and district in which the person who answered 
the foregoing questions is employed. Fisheries; Pribilof Islands. 

2. To what position has he been appointed? Physician. 

3. State the date of appointment. July 25, 1910. 

4. State the date the appointment was effective. (If appointment was made to 
take effect on date of oath, so state. ) Julv 25, 1910. 

5. State the date of the oath. July 26, 1910. 

6. State the date the appointee or employee entered on duty. July 26, 1910. 

7. What is his salary? §1,200 per aununi. 

8. From what aj^propriation is ne paid? Protecting seal fisheries of Alaska. 

9. Is the position excepted, competitive, or unclassified under the civil-service 
rules? Excepted. 

10. If classified, state the date of classification. ■ 

11. In what manner did the appointee or employee enter the service? Examples: 
' 'From stenography and typewriting examination " ; or ' 'without examination " ; or "by 

reinstatement"; or "by transfer from ," stating department, bureau, or service, 

position, and salary, if known.) Without examination. 

12. Is the appointee or employee required to give bond? No. 

I. H. DuNLAP, Chief Clerk. 
July 27, 1910. 



1124 ' seal. islands of alaska. 

Department of Commerce and Labor. 

oath of office. 

I, Pedro Alcantara de Figaniere, do solemnly swear that I will 
support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all 
enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and alle- 
giance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any 
mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and 
faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to 
enter. So help me God. 

Pedro A. de Figaniere. 

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 26th day of July, A. D. 
1910. 

I. H. DuNLAP, CJdej Clerk. 

Bureau or office to which assigned: Fisheries. 



[Copy — original too faint for reproduction.] 

general appointment — prior date. 

Department of Commerce and I^abor, 

Office of the Chief Clerk, 

Washington, October 2J^ 1910. 
Sir: You have been appointed, subject to taking the oath of office, 
physician in the service of the Bureau of Fisheries, Pribilof Islands, 
Alaska, at a salary of $1,200 per annum, effective May 1, 1910, on 
and after which date you have continuously served in the above- 
mentioned position until the close of September 12, 1910, (New 
position.) 

Your appointment will continue not longer than until the close of 
September 12, 1910. 

In addition to the compensation stated above, your actual and 
necessary expenses of travel from the Pribilof Islands to San Francisco, 
Cal., including subsistence while en route and on said islands, will 
be reimbursed you. ^ 

(In accordance with the provisions of Schedule A, subdivision I, 
sec. 9, civil-service rules.) 

By direction of the Secretary. 
Respectfully, 

(Signed) A. Gordon-Cumming, 

Acting Chief ClerJc. 

Dr. H. C. Mills (through the Commissioner of Fisheries). 
Appropriation: Protecting seal fisheries of Alaska. 



Department of Commerce and Labor. 

OATH OF office. 

I, Herbert C. Mills, do solemnly swear that I will support and de- 
fend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign 
and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; 



SEAI/ ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1125 

that I take this obHgation freely, without any mental reservation or 
purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the 
duties of the oflEice on which I am about to enter: So help me God. 

Herbert C. Mills. 

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 11th day of November, 
A. D. 1910. 

E. E. Keyes, 

Notary Public, in and for the County of Alameda, 

State of California. 

The above appointee entered on duty May 1, 1910. 

W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent Seal Fisheries, 



(Telegram.] 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, June 10, 1910. 
Harold Heath, 

Stanford University, Palo Alto, Cal.: 
You are hereby appointed naturalist to accompany Agent W. I. 
Lembkey to the Pribilof Islands. Boat leaves San Francisco to- 
morrow at noon. Have wired Clark to issue instructions. Am 
greatly pleased that you accept under the existing circumstances. 

Charles Nagel, Secretary. 



Department of Commerce and Labor. 

oath of office. 

I, Harold Heath, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend 
the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and 
domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that 
I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or pur- 
pose of evasion ; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties 
of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God. 

Harold Heath. 
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 11th day of June, A. D. 
1910. 

W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent Seal Fisheries. 

(Authority to administer oaths, sec. 19, R. S., U. S.) 



1126 seal islands of alaska. 

Department of Commerce and Labor. 

OATH OF office. 

I, Harold Heath, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend 
the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and 
domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that 
I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or pur- 
pose of evasion ; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties 
of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God. 

Harold Heath. 

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 24tli day of August, A. D. 
1910. 

W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent Seal Fisheries. 



Part V. Communications Relative to Supplies and 
Accounts. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Division of Supplies, 

Washington, Mar cli 30, 1910. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

United States Fur-Seal Agent, 

Washington, D. C. 
Dear Sir: Referring to voucher in your favor in the sum of $10.06 
for reimbursement for freight and drayage on one case of personal 
effects and one case photographic goods shipped from San Francisco, 
Cal., to Washington, D. C, via Southern Pacific Railroad, in the fall 
of 1907, it is requested by the auditor's office that you furnish a 
receipt from the North American Commercial Co. for the amount of 
the charges advanced by such company which, it is understood, you 
have paid that company for and are asking reimbursement through 
the voucher referred to. 

Will you please obtain this receipt and forward it to me at the earliest 
possible date ? 

Very tridy, yours, Wilbur W. Fowler, 

Chief of Division. 

[Note. — Pages 1127-1138, which are facsimiles of certain requisi- 
tions received from the fur-seal agents, are reproduced as full-page 
photolithographic illustrations, owmg to the difficulty of reproducing 
the forms in type.] 



»EA)j ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



1127 



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1128 



&EAla ISLANDS OF ALASKA 



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lo¥ 



NOTR.-Bwvl9t «*d r«Curn thU BttqalaltU* to l^m IHrM«a of S«p|rUeii imrnaedlHicly After iK* arllclM »r« delWarMk 



F//.^ 



SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



1129 



REQUISITION FOR SUPPLIES 






l£'$!artiar»l of dkunmrrrr and fiahor 



tBuTMU, OI&<«, or Divlitou.) 

January. 21 , iao 

To the CHIEF CLERK: 

Please cause the supplies specified, below to be furnished for the official use of this 

Pcj-seal Servlc©. 

(BurMW. OlhiH. or Dr------ ' 




.,„„ U.d^ 

27 1910 *W Chief of x^y^u^^ iUoJ.,^ir*it.^^ 



l^'^' 



1/ 
St.v. Paul isiandL, 



r 



"/^MAR 



19 j0(t^^ 



v/ 



yire extingai^Jiers j^i i ^imt r ^ifJiAut^u^h^^ _ 




/ 



-If 
/«5 



^ 



«r-*1,>- 7 







( y* . e ta Tj . Siai Jl aj p to tno .fumialigCL la -i»^) 



r 






/l . '^.'^'!;c2 9wriO 









^ 



"jh^dhtzS^^J::: 



^^4r~(-T. 



T.'*r^J. 



/a MAlliK^JIli,; 



-, St. George Island. 

l>Firs^extWui82Ie^^M'•'^**''^^^ 

Tbp typevfrlting.macMnfi Is essential as on extra one to 

those •p. either islar*ft whan necessary to send them "below for 
Thje off ice. deak. and ohatr are essential to replace th.ose 
In tise,; vMch are falling to pieces. 



X'^ 



lyi 



TBpia z* 
repaijra. 
now 



Z'"""^^^ 



^^S\ 



M^tL 



•hS^jjg^ 



(TO 
\^0 



ro 



fxo 



Received the above , 19 



^0 



'•7 * ill 



KOTi:.~nMelpt aod rftom thU lt«qi<rt.Uloo to th. Dl.l.toa of SupjtiU* ^noMrfUtuly nftt^r tH.- 



FILE 



1130 



SEAT^ ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



REQUISITION FO« SUPPLIES 



Benartxaxnl nf (Lemattttf wsh 






14441 



Jamuiry 81 jpio 

Tu ih,' CHIEF CLERK: 

PIvuse rttuse lln sni.i/jlifn sne c/'iaL. b elow to be fufninJf^d for the o/Jlcial use of iku 

Pur-Seal Service 
U^ C7\ .. . 

CKif>f Clerk- 



a/uul^^'*M^>^ 




Received the above . 



.19 



If 9-0 



r>Wt%.-M»tmVrH ud iMairm tlila K««iiMtl<». w llui OKUtea ml Dafirtifs ibaruU'el]' atur ttu- t 



FILE 



SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



1131 



turrau Bf. 



REQUISITION FOR SUPPLIES 



Dep'l Rcq. Ni 






Bpimttnrtil of (tlmnm(rt» ani Habar 



lurMU, OSiM, or EMvUioa.) 

January 21.... ., iSio 



To the CHIEF CLERK: 

Please cause the su/jpues specified below to be furnished Jo r the offloial U9t of this 

Tur-SaaX SazvloA 




y MAR 

" v« • 



lJp// 



\i ^atfi 



lilAR S. 



a 9 



■PhQ-tograohlc -Supitliiaa ^.. 

Si- ..Pau\ lalaf4» ^ .. 










...St. O^rfte Inland. 

,i5wrir[fl pya - XQ A v --fla»aj-^T<B ^^ p 



iio 



/ 






6T' 



oo 
^5 



5 
00 

75 



/ 
/ 
/ 






JUceived ihf ahotie 



-B^M^ft MMl M4«r» thU a«qutaMl4 



' DlvUl»» Af a«|ipt«r« 






^/i/>e; 



1132 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



Burma Htq. 



REQUISITION FOR SUPPLIES 



Brpartfltrnt of Qlonunrrrr onJt Xalaax 



^ Abstrait So. 






o 



/ 



.January. SI, , 19 lo 

To the CHIEF CLERK: 

Please cauae the aupplles spe<M'fled below to be furnished for the official use of this 

Pur-Beal aervice. 

*-oved: 



d'C^ 

Chi,f Clerk. 





M,. 

Chief of GfitfM.^*9ieJ^^ii^****f^ 



§.t..Paul..M3:a?j^.r.._ 

gor-Hinal ] arms, and ..ar.tlHery.:.. 



i^ee g.(g. ^ tft j- ^CC^dWL^ e,oi?. .|/ 

For gasoline launcu: ^ ^ 

R <:vv VC^.^ :■: _>,^ •»-, f«**i 

NQIX-f lUta. oil ,4^4*- f^^--*-^<^-r^ <g J^-tC- 

2M&Boxinet 

Hever.&in&.i:9iqir8...f or Jaeger .10 "b.jp,...eriglxie Set- 
type T, series «, Ho. 635 <^(<u "^ Q<u(W^c 
QTtableXjPlatfOTm o a oloq (Falr^ 



J 



<><f 



//f 



?r 



f.#/ 




—eiTTtf 



■(- 9 .j^ * . .^jg- ' ...JlQ ^/.".> T* y *gv..?^ !?>.>. ■''^I^*??^. 



aJUuJiJO 



Spr ing "baiapgeVja caaes , •w « lgTiin g-a/4--a;bs . V 

( CMtfellon liXe sainple). rrd;ir:'^-'o'^d-/96l3 



VU><A>^ 



(^aJUM-^^t-t^ 



Sa. 



10 



(ho 



.(C[iQ 




1.9 ^^^o.cs^g_fy^ 
cOM/CmriK 



^^/^'D 



f7iLjE 



SKAL ISLANDS OP AbASRA. 



1133 



-/ r 



V' 



,/ 



Burma Kfq 
Ho _ 



nEQuisiTioN FOH suppues 



fiir)iartt3fnt of ilomimertt and Habm 



^ 



De/, I Ra/. Su. 
AMraii Hil. 



14438 



.January. .81 , i9io 



To the CHIEF CLERK: 

Please cause tin- suijpUoi sped fled below to be, furnisJied for the official use of this 

IMT-Se&i Service. 




/<»<7 3fviop ya;!4fl V^'^eeseclpto ,'!i<^^^ ..,0.3.. 



'f "?- ' 



;^, 



'/tn? 



9t:j^i Lii ^ Xir,. A.U. JO J. ^¥^.. 






;>— Oj^flO-i-'ltflO j*,_ 



//fr:/r^,^ 



^ 






ij ^ 



(JO 



/ 



Becfired the nbovc , 19 



NOTF:.— BM^»lpt asd r.lurn thla K*9«ivlilo'3 to the Ditieinn of Sur'pl><-a intoi^dUt^ly uttfr tLe 



i^/i^i? 



1134 



SKAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



Bureau fifq. 



REQUISITION FOR SUPPLIES 



department of (Lamtaerte snb Cabar 




-Q 




. Olio, or DliWon.) 

Jaaxar; 27, 1910. jgo 
To thr CHIEF CLERK: ^^i^^ foomtmi.* "" 

1 'tense cause the supplies specified below to be furnished for^he official use of this 

Frxr-Seal Fisherlas. 



J/jj 




/ 



^A ^^^"-"^^ 



Chi,.f Clerk. 



Chief a^LJlgsnW £aal^laher iea^. 



•flAJR. 



Y 







:j^9Y0 8T? B&DL.. _ 

Universal, joint. with. l.aetflim^es to. f.l^...l.-g/6 la. 
shaft with all Ic^s to f it toj'roya an f laages. 






Coupliiig, flexil>le_.i!hfli:t.^..iro., .2, .fe)ard-.*.l£fl!y..j8eatad.. 




l/3f''ir*r*^- 



'^"^^^Yj^rl-^B^Omtti. 

H(L,^^^«:: r. ; 








^?^^^ 



Received the above ...., JPO 



rfOTK Bei'Clpt anil Milurn thin ft*c|aliilll< 



I DItUIou or Supp)l«i l«lu«ill«te)7 after th« artlclei nre <leHver*4> 



FILE 



HBiAI, ISLAXDS OF ALASKA. 



1135 



B^jrartmrnt 



REQUISITION FOB SUPPLIES 



/> 



Dcp't RcQ. No. 
Abstract A'o. 



14439 




jauiary 27,..191Q.- , 190 

To the CHIEF (JLERK: -^^^ cotiMtacej^ " ' 

Please cause the supplies spe^ifted helow to be furnished fac the official use of this 
Fur-Seal Service. 

(Bti..-.,. !•«... , or Bii-iiloo.j 



Chi<'f Clerl-. 




Chief l^J^seati. R^Sflal. Fi sharisju.. 



<5i^ 



ST.JPAUL. .^.IP.".}. 

jotMdaf ..SaJ.utijg.powler».fflr..Blgna,llliag«...-<^rrV:f^ 



-^ 



«^ 



.St...SSaElC£G.. 



.+fi 



.15?^ 



rcunda. Shell for HotcHklxt S-pomid 



gy//,6-^c«AJt*-- 



pound a^. . SalutI ag. .poMrder*-. 







^^^^^StZ) 



.<L)^l\..Mu^^ tj,M^ 



x\.^]n<t'y_ 



fiiUL\.Mf^k.M^. 



10.. 



«?T^. 



Received the above _ — , 190 



NOnc-v-BM^Ipk aad rwtam tUl* Beqnlaltlon to tb* Dlrlalon of VuppllN lm«i«dl»Ul/ aflvr ill* M«i«lM ar* d«llv«i«4. 



FILE 



1136 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



REQUISITION rOR SUPPLIES 



fip^artnxpul of (Lotsvaatte anb ttahar /A 

Bureau of' llsheriea. 






To t/n- CMIEF CLEBK 

Pkuisi' caiixe the su-itpUe^t 

.. Bureau. 



April se, , 7510 








4^ arfvre.<ni>^^ ^3 .r' — ")(' 



To .jMtograpljic ^jcL. ot Jier. BWEPlles 
recDiired on St., oeorjga laland. ..syniiwsr 
of 3,910, 

10, regnlar (UAA-vfh y'^^^. i^jl 



'; 6>^£ — , <iMA£*f-j, — ,/ ... . 

'^jiMfelox\pap§r4.8 X 10, regular dtA/t-vi^ -/i*^. U 

^ l^ro^M^N^d^^^ /J^ @.M 

{S\ Metol l/^^i***^^„'^fej^^^ .• 



1^ 






^1, 009 I ^ ^ ^ BliiiK: cards, tSx 8, 



Received I In; (ibuv 



(TO 




X3 

s-o 
3 So 



"^-/^^ 



fc 



MAY 2 T 1910 ^^,^^, 



SEAT. ISLANDS OF ALuVSRA. 



1137 



Bureau Fe^. 

*„. 84 



r<>.'//r CHTEF CLERK: 
lieuse cauxe the iu/ipUsti 



•KQUISITION FOn ftUPPUCS 



Dept Reg. Hr, 
AUtraU No. 



.1M28 



Bureau of fisjieries 

APTii.ga 1^0 

'umishi;d for tke^Mnicial une of thi» 





Chisfof .AgSJll,. Al&alsa_ 
Seal Fisiv 




TO UliQtQ^aphlc, and other siippllafl -reyiirfta 



an St. J^ixl Islarid, summer of 1910. 
PajiCTatl?S,|elp-51gJ_3/l«j*» '-;^ I J .^^ol 



(?/:^x. 



}^fy. 10 crameT^scrown\^iates^^ 
/•'/eloxozaEfiri 8 x lo, regular e«A.£«s4iMi«4#4 



/i^/^- 






X 3< 



w^ 



1/ 



my 




/^eJ< 






^ ^\ 36 powders ) Eastman developing jx>igQ,gj^ fsr 




^ o"blnet for 5 x: 8 cards 



/' r 



wvc ..._.X.., i5 




;^r 



/7v?-<- 



y/j C.rft»»*.*«--<*- 



licccived lUn iibo 



MAY X7 1910 



JFZX^iE 



1188 



SfiAIi ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



A 86 



To thr CHIEF CLERK. v^^ 

PLea.'ie cause ihe sa/j/jlies xp. 



REQUISITION FOR SUPPLIES 




Jft^y .6. ..J9J CW«t«l. 

/ 6-i-/ 9 



/aj %. 



r.ar.AlaisKA Pu.i^sea.l..5e«r.lGe* 




Received the aboi'e , 19 



MOTK.-R.«>«;i>t KKd 1 



(THi..) 
• turn thU a«qiiF«ltlod to tho DlvUi«>n of SuppllM liiEBvdIntely after ih« artlrle* mr* dfUvercd. 



FTLE 



seal islands of alaska. 1139 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Division of Alaskan Fisheries, 

Washington, April 19, 1910. 
Mr. Wilbur W. Fowler, 

Chief Division of Supplies, 

Department of Commerce and Labor. 
My Dear Sir: As requested in your letter of the 30th ultimo, I 
inclose herewith duplicate receipts from the North American Com- 
mercial Co. for the amount of the charges advanced by that company 
on my account in connection with the shipment of one case of photo- 
graphic negatives and one case of personal effects froni San Fran- 
cisco to Washington, for which I have been asking reimbursement from 
the department. 

Very truly, yours, W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries. 
(Inclosur e . ) 

May 11, 1910. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Washington, D. C. 
Sir: Order No. 10-2146, of May 11, 1910, for one No. 7 Reming- 
ton typewriter, equipped with elite type, rubber cover, and blue 
copying ribbon, for the use of the fur-seal agents, to be delivered 
securely packed for shipment, has been sent the Remington Type- 
writer Co. 

That company has been requested to have this machine at their 
San Francisco office open for your in:; ^tion, and they have been 
informed it is expectecl you mil reach San - . -^isco next week. 

As soon as you have inspected and accepted . "^ machine, have 
them fill out the accompanying invoice, you to note the acceptance 
thereon in the place provided in the upper left-hand corner, and mail 
it to the Division of Supplies in the inclosed envelope. 
Respectfully, 

A. H. Baldwin, 

Chief Cleric. 
. (Incls.) 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Division of Supplies, 
Washington, May 19, 1910. 
My Dear Mr. Lembkey: I have received information by in- 
dorsement from the Quartermaster's Department this morning that 
one case of hand grenades, weight 70 pounds, for St. George Island, 
is in the quartermaster's hands in San Francisco, having arrived 
too late to be placed on the revenue cutter Bear, and I have informed 
the Quartermaster's DeparUnent that you may now be communicated 
\\\i\\, care of the North American Commercial Co., Mills Building, 
San Francisco, and that, upon receipt of information from him, you 
will take care of the disposition of this case. 
Very truly, yours, 

Wilbur W. Fowler, 

Chief of Division. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Care of Nortli American Commercial Co., 

Mills Building, San Francisco, Cal. 



1140 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

San Francisco, Cal., May 25, 1910. 
To Bowers, 

Gommissioner Fisheries, Washington, D. C: 
■ Blank vouchers form number forty-three for settlement merchants 
goods purchased not arrived; please mail sufficient supply immedi- 
ately. 

Lembkey. 



May 26, 1910. 
Lembkey, 

218 Mills Building, San Francisco, Cal.: 
Youcher forms number forty-three mailed you to-day. 

Bowers. 



[Memorandum for Mr. Chichester regarding coal for steamer Homer.] 

Homer burns per day: Screenings, 12 tons; clean coal, 10 tons. 

The Western Fuel Co., of San Francisco, has agreed to furnish 
Comox screenings for the Homer at $5.25 per long ton, f. o. b. vessel 
at their bunkers in bulk. Their bid for Comox clean coal for the 
islands, sacked, we to furnish the sacks, was $9.50 per long ton, 
delivered to steamer. Their bid has been accepted. 

Homer will burn approximately the following amounts of coal: 

First trip: Tons. Where purchased, 

San Francisco to Dutch Harbor, 12 days, at 12 tons 144 

San Francisco to Dutch Harbor, 2 days safety, at 12 tons. . . 24 San Francisco. 

Dutch Harbor to islands and return, 5 days, at 12 tons 60 Dutch Harbor. 

Coal trip: 

Dutch Harbor to islands and return, 5 days, at 12 tons .... 60 Dutch Harbor. 

Dutch Harbor to San Francisco, 12 days, at 12 tons 144 Dutch Harbor. 

Second trip (H. D. C. to purchase): 

San Francisco to Dutch Harbor, 14 days, at 12 tons 168 San Francisco. 

Dutch Harbor to islands and return, 5 days, at 12 tons 60 San Francisco. 

Dutch Harbor to San Francisco, 12 days, at 12 tons 144 San Francisco. 

I have already purchased the coal for the trip to the islands and 
will purchase the coal for the ship at Dutch Harbor. Mr. Chichester 
is to purchase the coal necessary to take th& Homer from San Fran- 
cisco and return on her second trip. The coal estimated above prob- 
ably is 30 tons in excess of what the ship will burn. 

W. I. L. 

June 7, 1910. 

[Telegram via Western Union.] 

San Francisco, Cal., June 80, 1908. 
Secretary Commerce and Labor, 

Washington,' D. C: 
Have been requested to send the following telegram: Secretary 
Commerce and Labor: Stationery and other supplies requested for 
seal islands through Division of Supplies not received. Respectfully 
request same to be forwarded by company's steamer leaving San 
Francisco July 25, proximo. 

W. I. Lembkey, 
Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries. 
8.28 A. M., July 1, 1908. 



SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1141 

Washington, July 27, 1910. 
H. D. Chichester, 

Care North American Commercial Co., 

Mills Building, San Francisco, Cal.: 
Your requisition for medical supplies and equipment approved and 
mailed you to-day. Purchase in San Francisco. 

DUNLAP, 

Acting Commissioner. 



San Francisco, Cal., August 2, 1910. 

The Commissioner of Fisheries, 

Washington, D. C. 
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your telegram of 
the 27th ultimo advising me that requisition for medical supplies and 
equipment have been approved and mailed. The requisitions were 
received yesterday and 1 will purchase the supplies to-day. 
Respectfully, 

H. D. Chichester, 
Assistant Agent Seal Fisheries. 



[Copy— original too faint for reproduction and partially mutilated.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, October 3, 1910. 

[Memorandum in re overtime to crew of United States chartered steamship Homer on the first trip from 

June 1 to July 23, 1910.] 

Under the charter and according to settled practice the crew 
while in port or at anchor work from 7 a. m. to 5 p. m., with an hour 
for dinner. All time at work outside these hours is "overtime" to 
be paid by the charterer and subject to his judgment. It is to the 
interest of the owners to have the charter prolonged; it is to the 
interest of the charterers to have the charter terminate as soon as 
possible. To expedite the work of discharging cargo and taking 
aboard other cargo, the crew must work from daylight in the morning 
until dark. This necessitates the payment to the crew of "overtime, " 
for which the bill is rendered. 

The period the bill covers is, as stated, June 1 to July 23. 

Overtime for any day is marked on the ship's log in red ink by the 
mate, after being checked up with the mate by a delegate of the labor 
union on board^ The master then approves the log for that date. 
The master gets no overtime. 

The Homer's log shows the following overtime charged from June 1 to 
July 23, 1910: June 28, 8 J hours; June 29, ^ hours; June 30, 6 hours; 
July 3, 6 J hours; July 7, 3^- hours; July 8, 5 hours; July 9, 7 hours; 
July 10, h\ hours; July 11,2 hours; total, 49i hours. 

This represents the overtime of the seamen on the Homer as 
marked on the log. The mates, cooks, firemen, and waiters worked 
less time than the seamen. While the log shows 49^ hours for the 



1142 SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

crew, the bill shows 50f hours, a difference of 1^ hours. It is a small 
difference, but should be susceptible of explanation. 

It must be remembered that the log in my possession is a duplicate 
copy of that kept by the mate on the ship, Capt. Mathew Buckard. 
I know Mr. Buckard to be an honest man and old seaman and that 
he would under no circumstances put in the log anything other than 
facts. It is probable, that being unused to clerical duties, in copying 
the log Buckard omitted to mark an hour and a half's overtime some- 
where on my copy that should have appeared, and that would account 
for the difference. Undoubtedly Mr, Fritch can give a list of the 
overtime by dates. 

Agent Seal Fisheries. 



(Copy— original too faint for reproduction.) 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, Octoher 4, i '910. 

[Memorandum in re meals furnished by J. Homer Fritch Co., on the S. S. Homer, to various persons in the 
employ of the United States Department of Commerce and Labor, Seal Fisheries.] 

A reference to the log book of the S. S. Homer while under Gov- 
ernment charter from June 1 to September 13, 1910, shows the 
following : 

Ned B. Campbell went aboard the Homer June 13 at 1 p. m., after 
lunch, and arrived at Dutch Harbor 6.30 p. m., June 24, 1910. He 
ate on board Homer June 25. At 6 a. m., June 26, the Homer sailed 
for St. George, leaving Mr. Campbell at Dutch Harbor to weigh coal. 
He remained in Dutch Harbor until July 6, when the Homer left 
Dutch Harbor at 4 a. m. on that date, discharging him at St. George 
after breakfast on July 7. This would indicate a total of 41 meals, 
while the bill charges him with 44 meals. 

Probably Mr. Campbell had three more meals aboard the Homer 
while at Dutch Harbor, but I was not with the ship at that time and 
can not certify to them. 

Mr. Heath went aboard the Homer on June 13, at 1 p. m. after 
lunch and remained aboard continuously until June 29, at 5 a. m., 
when he was landed on St. Paul Island. This would indicate a total 
of 46 meals, or 2 less than charged on the bill. 

The eight laborers on the first trip from Dutch Harbor left that 

Eort on June 26 at 6 a. m. and landed on St. George on June 28 after 
reakfast. They probably ate dinner and supper ashore that day. 
At 11 p. m., June 28, they went aboard and arrived at St. Paul June 
29 at 5 a. m. Probably they had breakfast on the ship June 29, but 
ate on shore the remainder of the day, and on the 30th, and break- 
fast July 1. They went aboard for lunch July 1, and landed at noon 
July 2 at Dutch Harbor, a total of 96 meals, as charged on the bill. 
On the coal trip eight native laborers left Dutch Harbor on the 
Homer at 4 a. m. on July 6. They landed at St. George at 6.30 a. m., 
July 7. They probably ate dinner and supper ashore on the 7th, 
three meals ashore on the 8th, and three meals ashore on the 9th. 
They left St. George at 8.30 a. m. after breakfast on the 10th and 



SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1143 

arrived at St. Paul at 1.40 p. m., after dinner of the same day. They 
left St. Paul at 9.25 a. m. on July 11 after breakfast and landed back 
at Dutch Harbor at 1.30 p. m., after dinner, July 12. This would 
make a total of 72 meals, agreeing with the charge on the bill. 

(Signed) W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent Seal Fisheries. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, October 5, 1910. 

rMemorandum in re wireless messages sent "collect" to North American Commercial Co. from St. Paul 
Island, Alaska, on official business.] 

When purchases for the Pribilof Islands were made in May, 1910, 
the requisition prepared by the employees of the North American 
Commercial Co. was followed explicitly. On it were only 32 pairs of 
women's good shoes and 39 pairs of men's heavy shoes to supply 
approximately 50 people of each sex for a year. No amplification of 
the requisition was made, because the stock already on the islands 
was not known. 

When the ship arrived at the islands, the time of everyone was fully 
occupied with taking inventory, arranging for the transfer of the 
property, and with taking seals. It was not until after the ship left 
for San Francisco that the cargo was opened, checked up with goods 
on hand, and the supply of shoes found to be inadequate for the 
people's use for a year. As the necessity for an additional supply of 
shoes was urgent, the only recourse was to communicate with San 
Francisco before the Homer left there on her second trip. This ordi- 
narily would be impossible, as ships going back and forth to Nome 
and Seattle do not pass within 50 miles of the islands. With the aid 
of "wireless," however, it was possible to communicate with some 
one of these steamers as it was passing the islands. 

As the bureau had no station at San Francisco, the only hope of 
communicating witli the Homer was by sending the message to the 
North American Commercial Co. Accordingly several copies of a 
message regarding the shoes and several other necessary articles were 
prepared and given to the captain of each patrol cutter in the hope 
that one of them might be able to get the message through. After 
about two weeks of failure the TaJioma finally got into touch with 
a Nome steamer and delivered the message, which reached the com- 
pany at San Francisco on August 2, four days before the sailing of 
the Homer, and in time to purchase the articles desired. 

In view of the haste and the informality involved in the incident, 
it is submitted that the North American Commercial Co., which had 
no interest in the matter, should not be held out of the money it 
advanced as a favor on the messages in question. If, however, it 
is decided that the Government can not pay the rate charged for the 
messages, it is suggested that the telegraph company be asked to 
refund the amount collected directly to the North American Com- 
mercial Co. and to render an account de novo to the Government for 
payment of the message at Government rates. 

W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent Seal Fishenes. 



1144 seal islands of alaska. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
Washington, October 6, 1910. 
Disbursing Clerk, 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C. 

Sir: There is returned herewith voucher of the North American 
Commecial Co., in amount $98.51, on which there is suspended the 
amounts $28.34 and $4.82 on account of two telegrams which are 
charged at the full commercial rate, together with a memorandum 
from Mr. Lembkey, the agent on the seal islands in Alaska, in regard 
thereto. 

Kespectfully, Geo. M, Bowers, 

Commissioner. 
(Inclosures.) 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Disbursing Clerk, 

Washington, September 30, 1910. 

Suspended account: Bureau, Fisheries; name, North American 
Commercial Co.; amount, $98.51. 

Cause of suspension: The charges of $28.34 and $4.82, for two tele- 
grams to North American Commercial Co., San Francisco, Cal., one 
from St. Paul Island and one from U. S. revenue cutter Manning at 
sea, via Nome and Seattle, are suspended, being charged at full com- 
mercial rate, whereas telegrams should have been indorsed "Official 
business, Government rate," and forwarded to Seattle over Govern- 
ment lines. The Western Union Telegraph Co. is entitled to Govern- 
ment rate only between Seattle and San Francisco. 

W. L. SOLEAU, 

Disbursing Cleric. 

ITelegram.] 

St. Paul Island, Alaska, 

July 29-August 2. 
North American Commercial Co., 

Mills Building, San Francisco ^ Cal.: 
Send St. Paul 600 gunpowder; 1 barrel vinegar; 4 dozen Lea & Per- 
rin's Worcester; 6 dozen Lyons tooth powder; 20 pounds Barber's 
shoe threads. No. 10; also 60 pairs woman's Angeles shoes, sizes 3, 4, 
5, 6, 7 — 12 pairs each size; 48 pairs woman's Wear Wells, sizes 3, 4, 
5, 6 — 12 pairs each; also 36 pairs men's American, sizes 6, 7, 8 — 12 
pairs each, 

Lemky. 



(Telegram.] 

U. S. R. C. "Manning," at Sea, August 6-9-10. 

North American Commercial Co., 

Mills Building, San Francisco, Cal.: 

Ship powder and shoes by freight if too late for Homer. 

Lembkey. 



seal islands of alaska. 1145 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 
Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, October 12, 1910. 
Respectfully returned to the disbursing clerk, calling attention to 
the explanatory memorandum attached. 

H. M. Smith, 
Acting Commissioner. 



[Copy.] 



Suspended account: Bureau, Fisheries; name, H. Morris; amount, 
$20.50. 

Please furnish, for the information of this office and the Treasury 
in the examination of my accounts, a clear statement of the service 
rendered in each case — the articles hauled, where from and to, and for 
what purpose. 

W. L. SoLEAu, Disbursing Cleric. 



[Memorandum in re bill of H. Morris for drayage in San Francisco.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 
Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, October 12, 1910. 

Morris is a drayman who has been doing the company's work for 
years and is personally well known to me. I liired him this fall to do 
such drayage as was necessary in connection with the personal bag- 
gage of the officers and Government property arriving on 'the Homer. 
The bill is reasonable and just. 

The items in Morris's bill may be explained as follows: 

September 12, express, steamer Homer to Hotel Stewart, two bags 
mail, $0.50; these bags came from St. Paul and St. George, respec- 
tively, and contained mail, as well as packages which were not to be 
mailed, such as requisition books, samples of sealing knives, invento- 
ries, etc. They were taken by Morris, at my request, to my room at 
the hotel, where the contents were assorted and properly disposed of. 

September 14, express, steamer Homer to coal yard of Fritch, two 
tanks, $7.50; two large iron tanks, holding about 1,000 gallons of 
water, are necessary to be placed on the island ship each year to con- 
tain an auxiliary supply of fresh water for the journey. These tanks 
now owned by the Government must be stored from September until 
the follo\ving June. I arranged with Fritch to store these tanks in his 
coal yard. It was necessary to haul them thither from the Homer. 
Morris, at my request, furnished the drayage. 

September 14, express, steamer Homer to Quartermaster's Depart- 
ment, 12 cases, $5; these cases consisted of personal baggage of the 
agents, which they, by instructions from the Secretary, were obliged 
to send by freight, through the quartermaster; also, specimens for the 
department and a case of machinery. As this stuff was dumped from 
the Homer onto a public dock and could not be left there without a 
watchman, I had Morris take the lot to the quartermaster's stores 
until arrangements could be made for final disposition. 



1146 SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

September 15, express, quartermaster's to warehouse, one case 
machinery; steamer Homer to warehouse, blankets, covers, and 
slings, $3. 

Of the 12 cases taken to the quartermaster's stores on the 14th, one 
case of machinery was taken thence to the storage warehouse to 
remain until it can be sent back to the islands. Six blankets, the 
property of the Government, for use of cabin passengers on the 
Homer, two "covers," i. e., large canvas tarpaulins to cover deck 
cargo, and two net slings, to take aboard and discharge sealskins, 
were hauled from the Homer to the storage warehouse to remain until 
needed next spring. 

September 17, express, quartermaster's to Washington, two cases, 
$3.50: It was ascertained that two large cases of specimens taken to 
the quartermaster's had to be shipped to Washington under special 
manifest, and for that reason had to be drayed by shipper from 
quartermaster's stores to Southern Pacific freight station. Morris 
did this service in addition to attending to the shipment of the cases. 

September 19, express, Crowley to warehouse and office, one load, 
$1 : 'The.jmauls, stencil, marking pots, etc., used for packing sealskins 
at Oakland Long Wharf were brought back to San Francisco in one 
of Crowley's gasoline launches, and were taken by Morris from 
Crowley's wharf to a storage warehouse for storage. The marking 
pots were borrowed from the North American Commercial Co., and 
were returned by Morris to the company's office. 

W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent Seal Fisheries. 



* Office of the Disbursing Clerk, 

Octoher 18, 1910. 

Suspended account: Bureau, Fisheries; name. North American Com- 
mercial Co.; amount, $51.95. 

Cause of suspension: Explanation is desired showing the "3 pairs 
white blankets, $26.55" is a proper charge against the appropriation 
for contingent expenses. Department of Commerce and Labor. For 
what purpose were they purchased ? . 

Referring to charge of $8.40, * ' Repairs to W. & W. sewing machine, " 
the certifying officer will please furnish statement whether the sewing 
machine is property of the Government or not. 

W. L. SOLEAU, 

Disbursing Cleric. 

Explanation : The blankets are part of the furniture of the Govern- 
ment houses and are as necessary as chairs and bedsteads. The sew- 
ing machine is and has been for years the property of the Government, 
and the repairs were necessary to put it into condition for use. 

W. I. Lembkey. 
Approved. • • 

Geo. M. Bowers, 

Commissioner. 



SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1147 

[Memorandum in re letter of J. Homer Fritch, Oct. 12, 1910, making explanation regarding meals fur- 
nished to Government employees and overtime on S. S. Homer.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, October 26, 1910. 

Having read the letter, I believe the meals should be paid as 
charged without deduction. If the department is not satisfied with 
Mr. Fritch' s answer regarding the overtime, I suggest that the differ- 
ence be suspended and let him explain it later, as he has been writing 
repeatedly to me asking for the expedition of the account and wants 
the money. As the payment of overtime w^as made before the United 
States shipping commissioner, who took the crew's statement, as well 
as that of the ship's officers, it must be correct. Mr. Fritch does not 
seem to have at hand the data from which to make a detailed state- 
ment. 

W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent Seal Fisheries. 



[Memorandum in re suspended account of J. Homer Fritch (Inc.) for miscellaneous expenditures in con- 
nection with the second trip of the United States chartered steamer Homer.] 

Washington, November 26, 1910. 
The following statements follow the same arrangement as that in 
the suspension slip : 

1. If Walter L. Hahn's expenses should, in the opinion of the dis- 
bursing clerk, be paid from the appropriation ''Inquiry respecting 
food fishes," no objection is perceived to such arrangement. 

2. The appointment of Dr. Morgan now is on file in the department. 

3. In charging for meals for ''Dr. Fagars," Mr. Fritch means 
De Figaniere, but not having been informed of that gentleman's cor- 
rect name, was obliged to do the best he could at spelling it. 

4. The appointments of Dr. Mills, J. Murtha, and Dr. Cunningham 
have been made, and are on file in the department. 

5. Harold Heath's appointment as naturalist was made to expire 
on September 9 because it was believed that the Homer would arrive 
in San Francisco by that date. Owing to stress of weather, how- 
ever, the Homer did not arrive in San Francisco until the 12th of 
September. Had this been known, Mr. Heath's services would 
have been terminated on the latter date. It is submitted that the 
department is in duty bound to return Mr. Heath to San Francisco, 
and, furthermore, that Mr. Fritch, who is an innocent third party, 
should not have disallowed from his account charges for meals of a 
Government employee, concerning whom he was under contract to 
furnish ineals without exercise of any discretion. 

6. These Chinamen, whUe employed as cooks for the Government 
mess, receive no regular appointments, and occupy the same status 
in that regard as janitors and stockmen on the islands and steve- 
dores on board ship. The authority for the employment of these 
cooks is contained in section 37 of the annual instructions of May 9, 
1910, to the agent, seal fisheries, signed by the Commissioner of 
Fisheries and the Secretary. The cooks are not personal servants. 
They change constantly, and their designation and employment 
must be left to the agent or assistant agents on the ground. Two 
of the cooks mentioned in the meal list of Mr. Fritch were going to 



1148 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

the islands to take service there, while the other two were returning 
from the islands after having completed their duty there. One of 
these cooks was procured by Assistant Agent Chichester, while the 
other three were hired by Agent Lembkey, and the department 
notified. 

7. George C. Davis was foreman of the gang packing sealskins into 
casks on Oakland Long Wharf. He is an expert and has done this 
work for years. He was hired by Agent Lembkey and was paid by 
Mr. Fritch in accordance with notification from that agent as to 
the length of his service and rate per day. He served two days, 
September 13 and 14, at $5 per day, making no charge for overtime 
on the 13th. 

8. The overtime marked on the Homer's log follows: 

Hours. 

Aug. 21. Dutch Harbor (Sunday) 8^ 

23. St. George 3f 

24. St. George and St. Paul Z\ 

25. St. Paul 2 

26. St. Paul 5J 

27. St. Paul 2J 

28. St. Paul (Sunday) ?! 

Sept. 1. Dutch Harbor 4 

12. San Francisco 2 

38f 

The character of the work performed by the crew when making 
overtime is the same as when employed during usual hours, the crew 
discharging or loading ship and the firemen and engineers at their 
several posts. Beyond this it is impossible to state the nature of 
services rendered by each person. It is also not possible to state 
the amount of the overtime of each person under separate dates. 

9. The charge of S20 for moving, etc., of tanks is all right. Mr. 
Fritch stored the tanks in his coal yard, gratis, and had the painting 
and cementing of them done by his own employees. The charge of 
5 per cent commission on this, however, while perhaps technically 
correct, might well be eliminated. 

It must be remembered that Mr. Fritch has been kept out of his 
money on the attached account for over two months for reasons 
entirely beyond his power to remove. Being under contract to fur- 
nish meals to aU Government employees, he could not inquire con- 
cerning them, whether they had been regularly appointed, or the 
numerous requirements of departmental usage complied with. Not- 
withstanding this, however, his account has not been paid. It would 
seem in this case that the informaUties occurring in the account by 
reason of the peculiar circumstances surrounding seal-island affairs 
this summer might weU be waived by the Secretary in order that 
Mr. Fritch may obtain his money. 

W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent Seal Fisheries. 



1911. 
Part I. Instructions to Agents and Agents' Reports. 

[Memorandum in re application of H. M. Hanson for employment as watcliman on the seal islands of 

Alaska.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, January 7, 1911. 
During the period that fur seals are on or about the Pribilof Islands — 
that is to say, from May to December, inclusive, of every year — an 
armed guard is stationed at each seal rookery remote from the village. 
This guard patrols the rookeries under its supervision day and night. 
The guardhouses are in communication wdth the village by telephone, 
and in case of a raid reenforcements go at once to the point of attack. 
Guard duty is highly technical and is performed wholly by the natives, 
who, owing to their life-long knowledge of the topography, the habits 
and haunts of seals, the natural change of position of those animals 
from time to time due tc climatic and other conditions, are the best 
sort of watchmen, are thoroughly reliable, and perform their duties 
in an efficient maimer mtJiout compensation in money. 

The services of i\Ir. Hanson in the manner indicated can not be 
utilized to advantage on the seal islands. 

Barton W. Evermann. 
Approved and forwarded. 

H. M. Smith, 
Acting Commissioner. 

[Memorandimi to Mr. Lembkey.J 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 
Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, January 14, 1911. 
It is suggested that you take up this matter with Dr. Evermann 
and attempt to reach a decision as to what policy should be pursued 
under the circumstances. 

H. M. Smith, 
Acting Commissioner. 

Note. — "This matter" refers to negotiations for a vessel for the 
transportation of supplies for the season of 1911. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
Washington, January 14, 1911. 
Dr. Walter L. Hahn, 

Naturalist, Pur-Seal Service, St. Paul Island, Alaslca. 
Sir : Mr. Henry L . Ward, director of the Public Museum of the City of 
Milwaukee, Mlwaukee, Wis., desires to secure a series of fur seals, in- 
cluding at least a bull, half bull, bachelor, cow, and pup for the pur- 

2403— H. Doc. 93, 62-1 72 1149 



1150 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

pose of preparing a group of these animals for exhibition purposes in 
that museum. The bureau is advised b}^ Mr. Lembkey that some 
3^ears ago a similar series was obtained for the museum of the Brook- 
lyn Institute of Arts and Sciences by searching the rookeries and 
hauling grounds from time to time and saving examples that had 
recently died. You are instructed to make similar search during the 
season of 1911, selecting the best material that can be found and 
prepare it for shipment to Milwaukee. You will, of course, under- 
stand perfectly how to care for the specimens so that they will make 
good exhibition material. The Milwaukee museum has been in- 
formed that the expense will probabl}^ be about $5 per seal for con- 
tainer and preparation. The material can be brought to San Fran- 
cisco b}^ the department's vessel on its last trip from the islands, and 
from there shipped direct to the Milwaukee museum. 
Respectfully, 

H. M. Smith, 

Acting Commissioner. 



Depaetment of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, January 21, 1911. 
Dr. Walter L. Hahn, 

Naturalist, Fur-Seal Service, St. Paul Island, Alaslca. 
Sir: There is inclosed herewith copy of a letter just received from 
Prof. Henry L. Ward of the Public Museum of the City of Milwaukee, 
which exphiins itself. If possible, secure for this museum the speci- 
mens which it desires if suitable material can be found among the dead 
seals on the rookeries and hauling grounds. Please note that Prof. 
Ward desires the measurements, etc., which will be helpful in mount- 
ing the specimens. He also desires to have extra skulls. These also 
can doubtless be secured. If necessary, a few of those killed in the 
drives could be killed in some other way than by injuring the skulls. 
Respectfully, 

H. M. Smith, 

Acting Commissioner. 



Public Museum of the City of Milwaukee, 

MilwauTcee, Wis., January 18, 1911. 
Mr. H. M. Smith, 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 
Sir: I am very grateful for your favor of the 14th instant, in which 
you inform me that the bureau will be pleased to issue instructions 
to Dr. Walter L. Hahn, the resident naturalist, to secure and prepare 
for this museum any old bulls, half bulls, cows, pups, and bachelors 
which may recently have died on the rookeries, and are in suitable 
condition for making exhibition specimens. 

■ I have the authorization of the board of trustees of this museum 
to pay the expense connected with this for the securing of 8 speci- 
mens. We should have, I think, 1 bull, 4 cows, and, say, 3 pups for 
the making of a satisfactory group. If Dr. Hahn will take the trouble 



SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1151 

to give US measurements of the different specimens it will greatly aid 
in the proper mounting of the same, said measurements of course 
being taken before the specimens are skinned. 

I should also greatly like to have a few extra skulls for our collec- 
tion, provided he can readily secure them. 

The trustees will heartily appreciate your courtesy in this matter, 
and I trust that they will meet with success. 
Respectfully, yours, 

Henry L. Ward, Secretary. 

Postscript: WiU it be necessary or desirable for me to communi- 
cate direct with Dr. Hahn as to details of this, and if so, how should 
I address him ? 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
Washington, January 26, 1911. 
The honorable the Secretary of Commerce and Labor. 

Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith a report of this date 
by the agent, seal fisheries, upon the question of the performance by 
the North American Commercial Co. of its obligations under its 
expired contract for the sealing right on the Pribilof Islands. I trans- 
mit also the original letter on the subject, which it seems has been 
referred to the solicitor of the department, and which was loaned the 
agent mentioned for the purpose of determining the scope of his 
report. 

Respectfully, ' H. M. Smith, 

Acting Commissioner. 
Inclosures. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
Washington, January 26, 1911. 
The Commissioner, 

Bureau of Fisheries. 

Sir: A letter has been received dated the 23d instant, addressed to 
the Secretary of this department, by the North American Commercial 
Co., in which the latter requests that it be furnished by this depart- 
ment with a written statement to the effect that all taxes, rentals, and 
dues accruing to the United States by reason of said company's 
expired lease of the sealing right on the Pribilof Islands, have been 
fuUy adjusted and settled; that said company has abided by and 
observed the laws and requirements of Congress and the regulations 
of the department in the taking of fur seals; and that it has performed 
the covenants and agreements in said lease. 

Mr. Earl, solicitor of the department, to whom the said letter was 
referred, requested by telephone that I make a report upon the 
matter, and for that purpose forwarded the letter to me, without 
formal transmittal. In connection with the matter, I have respect- 
fully to report that so far as the records of the dej^artment are con- 
cerned, and so far as it is within my knowledge, the said company has 
satisfactorily performed all of the obligations of its contract as lessee 



1152 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

of the sealing right, and compUed with all of the conditions of its bond 
required by section 1964 of the Revised Statutes. 
Respectfully, 

W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent Seal Fisheries. 

Washington, D. C, January 23, 1911. 
Hon. Charles Nagel, 

Secretary of the Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C. 

My Dear Sir: The North American Gommercial Co., the lessee 
during the last 20 years of the seal islands in Alaska, having closed all 
its transactions as lessee and finally adjusted its accounts with the 
Government, respectfully requests from the department a letter 
stating that all rentals, taxes, and dues accruing to the United States 
by reason of its lease have been fully adjusted and settled, and that so 
far as at present appears, it has abided by and observed the laws and 
requirements of Congress, and the regulations of the department in the 
taking of fur seals and has performed the covenants and agreements 
in said lease. 

This is important, as the bond executed at the time of the lease by 
the company has upon it several sureties who have since departed 
this life and whose estates are in the process of settlement, and as the 
company is informed that the Government can not surrender the 
bond, a statement we hope may be given to the company that there 
is no known pecuniary liability resting upon said at this time. 
Respectfully, 

North American Commercial Co., 
By A. B. Davis, Secretary. 

Please address reply to A. B. Davis, secretary North American 
Commercial Co., care of Hon. Charles J. Faulkner, Kellogg Building, 
Washington, D. C. 

January 28, 1911. 
Gentlemen: Receipt is acknowledged of your communication of 
the 23d instant, stating that your company, the lessee during the last 
20 years of the seal islands of Alaska, having closed all its transactions 
as lessee and finally adjusted its accounts with the Government, is 
desirous of having the department furnish it with a statement rela- 
tive to the performance of all its obhgations under the lease for the 
occupancy of those islands. 

Pursuant to your request, the department hereby advises you that 
all rentals, taxes, and dues accruing to the United States by reason 
of the lease above referred to have been fully adjusted, and that, so 
far as at present appears, your company has abided by and observed 
the laws and requirements of Congress and the regulations of the 
department in the taking of fin- seals and has performed all covenants 
and agreements under the said lease. 

Respectfully, , 

Secretary. 
Mr. A. B. Davis, 

Secretary North American Commercial Co., care Hon. Charles J. 
Faulkner, Kellogg Building, Washington, D. C. 



seal, islands of alaska. 1153 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
Washington, January 31, 1911. 

[Memorandum to Dr. Evermann.] 

Now that the fur-seal service and all matters pertaining thereto 
have been taken over by this bureau, it is desirable that the office 
should have a complete detailed statement of the property and sup- 
phes on the seal islands and that arrangements should be made for 
an annual property return hereafter. You will therefore confer \Yith 
the agent and assistant agents -vy^ith reference to this matter. There 
should be dra\Yn up at once in duphcate (one copy to be retained in 
Washington and one to be taken to the seal islands) a detailed state- 
ment showing the following : 

1. Equipment. 

(a) That belonging to the Government prior to the transfer made 
July 1, 1910. 

(6) That purchased from the N. A. Co. July 1, 1910. 

2. Supphes. 

(a) Those purchased from the N. A. Co. and turned over to the 
Government July 1, 1910. 

(6) Those purchased in San Francisco and elsewhere subsequent 
to June 1, 1910, and taken to the islands. 

A separate list should be made for each island. 

This would be essentially a property return showing the condition 
of affairs on July 1, 1910. A similar property return should be made 
on July 1, 1911, this to include a statement of the supplies sold during 
the fiscal year then ending. 

It is understood that the necessary records for (5) under "Equip- 
ment" and (a) and (b) under "Supphes" are available at this office. 

H. M. Smith, 
Acting Commissioner. 



HENRY W. ELLIOTT. 

Arrived St. Paul Island, Alaska, as assistant agent seal fisheries, 
April 24, 1872. Married Alexandra Molovidov, a native of St. Paul 
Island, July, 1872. Left St. Paul Island with wife and baby May 28, 
1873. Spent remainder of that summer on St. George Island. 

Under authority of an act of Congress, approved April 22, 1874j, 
visited the islands, remaining on St. Paul from July 14 to August 3 of 
that year. Visited St. Paul Island from September 22 to September 
26, 1876, " as a confirmatory inspection" (p. 3, vol. 3, Seal and Salmon 
Fisheries and General Resources of Alaska) "on my own responsi- 
bility." (Hearing before Committee Merchant Marine and Fisheries, 
January 29, 1889, 50th Cong., 2d sess., Rpt. 3883, p. 135.) 

Under act of Congress approved April 5, 1890, he was on April 7, 
1890, appointed a special agent of the Treasury, and visited the 
islands with his wife and two children from May 21 to August 10 of 
that year. 

In 1890 prepared a monograph, "The Seal Islands of Alaska," for 
the Twelfth Census. 



1154 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

EMPLOYEE OF THE ALASKA COMMERCIAL CO. 

Entered the service of the above company ''two years after his 
employment in tlie Treasury" (i. e., 1876) as ''counsel and advisor'^ 
and "under salary of the company" (p. 36, H. R. 2027, 48th Cong., 
1st sess.) and "accepted and had at their hands a retainer to appear 
whenever it was necessar}^ from 1881 until the date the lease was 
lost, the 12th of March, 1890." (In re Seal Fisheries, hearing before 
Secretaiy of the Treasury April 15, 1897, MS.) 

"I was paid for it; I was well paid for it." (Hearing before Com- 
mittee on Ways and Means January 25, 1907, p. 69, MS.) 

From this it is evident that when Elliott visited the islands in 1876 
"on my own responsibility" he was actually employed by the Alaska 
Commercial Co., on whose vessel, the steamship St. Paul, he traveled. 
He was likewise so employed when the monograph was written, 
although he specifically denied the same (H. R. 2027, p. 36, above 
cited) and also while lobbying for the bill in 1890, under which he 
was appointed special agent and of which he boasted "in four weeks 
we had that act." (Hearing first above cited, pp. 2 and 3.) 

In answer to the specific question, "Were vou not an employee of 
the Alaska Commercial Co. ?" he replied, "1*^0, sir; I never was an 
employee ol the Alaska Commercial Co." (Hearing before Committee 
of Ways and Means, March 9, 1904, 58th Cong., 2d sess., p. 13.) 

At a hearing before the same committee in January, 1907, he 
was confronted with quotations from two official documents, viz, 
H. R. 2027, 48th Congress, page 36, and the hearing of March 9, 1904, 
page 13, above cited, the former showing his employment with the 
Alaska Commercial Co., the latter his express denial thereof. Several 
quotations from the writings of his contemporaries and others were 
produced at the Janviary, 1907, hearing, all of which assailed the truth 
and veracity of his Alaskan reports. The exposure of his connection 
with the commercial interests which he had previously denied, 
together with his statements of a scandalous nature affecting public 
men, most of whom were dead, not only resulted in his being thor- 
oughly discredited by the committee, but disgusted and incensed the 
latter to such an extent that it prohibited further printing of the 
proceedings and practically suppressed the entire hearings. (Fur 
Trade Review, March, 1907, pp. 190 and 192.) 

SECRET CONFIDENTIAL AGENT FOR GREAT BRITAIN. 

On November 17, 1890, Elliott filed his report of conditions on the 
seal islands. The report was not published immediately, but on the 
contrary was carefully suppressed by this Government pending fur- 
ther investigation because it contained grave charges of mismanage- 
ment on the part of this Government, which were entirely at variance 
with its position assumed in the negotiations then leading to the 
convention of the Paris Tribunal of Arbitration, namely, that sea 
killing of breeders and not land killing of surplus males w^as the cause 
of the herd's decline, Elliott's report specifically held that land kill- 
ing was the primary cause of the herd's decrease, while sea killing 
was of only secondary importance; that overdriving of males in 1890 
(by the successful rival of Elliott's company) so injured the testes of 



SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1155 

these animals as to make them impotent; tliat the remedy required 
for the rehef of conditions as found by Elhott was the stoppage of 
land killing, thereby causing the ruin of the company that had 
obtained the lease tlirough competitive bidding, against the com- 
pany that had subsidized Elliott since 1876. 

Upon further investigation by competent investigators, appointed 
by the Secretary of the Treasury, the charges of misconduct by Elliott 
were found baseless. The Secretary of the Treasury then refused 
to publish the report, assigning as his reasons (Treasury to State, 
Feb. 23, 1893, Seal and Salmon Fisheries, vol. 2, p. 302) that "it 
was pervaded with a spirit of aggressive criticism instead of being 
a dispassionate statement of facts ; that !Mr. Elliott's views had been 
imduly influenced by his relations toward certain individuals" (mean- 
ing the Alaska Commercial Co.); that upon examining this report 
in the light of the additional information furnished by other investi- 
gators, it was further found that Elliott had "so used extracts taken 
from the records of the islands as to make them appear to substan- 
tiate his assertions that mismanagement on the part of the United 
States has played an important part in the diminution of seal life, 
which assertions are unsupported b}^ the unabridged records." 

It appears, however, that while this Government was attempting 
to suppress this biased and mi truthful report, Elliott was busily 
engaged in secretly conveying an exact knowledge of its contents to 
the British Government at a time when Elliott was a Federal em- 
ployee. Sir George Baden-Powell, the British Bering Sea commis- 
sioner, who was engaged at the time in preparing the British case, 
was informed intimately of the report, its contents, and Elliott's 
views, by letters from Elliott to Dr. Guillomard, who was an assistant 
of Baden-Powell (p. 11-12, hearing, Apr. 15, 1897, MS., before Secretary 
of Treasmy above cited). In addition, while urging the adoption of a 
modus vivendi abolishing Idlling on the islands by the rival of Elliott's 
company, after having been rebuffed b}" the Ainerican Secretary of 
State, Elliott visitetl tlie British minister at Washington and had at 
least one extended conference with him on the subject of the adoption 
of this modus vivendi by Great Britain (hearing before Secretary 
of Treasury, Apr. 15, 1897, before cited). Acting, possibl}-, from a 
variety of motives, Elliott, while yet an employee of the United 
States Government, published a digest of his suppressed 1890 report 
in the New York Evening Post of April 24, 1891, thereby making 
public at a critical stage those damaging allegations of mismanage- 
ment in his report which this Government had been endeavoring to 
suppress. For this grave infraction of duty he was dismissed the 
service on April 25, 1891 (hearing, Apr. 15, 1897, before cited), and 
has not been employed since by this Government. 

As a result of these secret negotiations with the British agents and 
of the unauthorized publication by Elliott of a synopsis of his sup- 
pressed report, the British Government demanded the production 
of the report, or a certified copy, on the second day of the hearing 
before the tribunal of arbitration, and this Government was forced 
to produce it (vol. 2, pp. 3-24, Fur-Seal Arbitration). 

The report was hurriedly printed in Paris by the British Govern- 
ment (Ibid., vol. 1, p. 8). 



1156 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA, 

That the report in question was written by Elliott with a delib- 
erate intention to deceive is manifest from a letter of his to Mr. D. O, 
Mills, March 31, 1891, wherein he states: 

I know that I have been repeatedly represented as working to injure your interests 
on the seal islands, but I have felt that as soon as my report was published you would 
at once recognize the untruth of the charge and respect me all the more. 

But my report has not been published, because after a consultation with ]Mr. Blaine 
I_ freely left it in his hands to use in his own time and manner during the pending nego- 
tiations, for unless we can do something to stop this raid of open-water sealers, then 
there is no use in our attempting to save the seal life by new regulations on the islands. 

Further on he says: "Assuming that pelagic sealing would be 

checked, when I finished my report last December, it seemed to me 
* * * " 

The motive of the letter, which inclosed "a brief epitome of the 
status of the seal life as I found it in 1872-1874 and again 16 years 
later, last summer, " has always been construed by the North Ameri- 
can Commercial Co. as an offer to enter its employ in a capacity 
similar to that occupied by him for so many years with the Alaska 
Commercial Co. The furnishing of an epitome of his 1890 report to 
the lessees prior to its publication was of course a violation of official 
confidence. 

That Elliott well knew pelagic sealing to be the sole cause of the 
herd's decrease is evident not only from his letter to Mr. Mills, above 
cited, but also from a memorandum filed bv him February 28, 1890, 
entitled '/Effect of Poaching, 1886-1889.""^ In this paper he stated 
that statistics at his command showed that 40,000 adult fur-seal skins 
had been taken annually for the past four years in the North Pacific 
and Bering Sea; tliat nine-tenths of this number were female seals 
heavy with young, making the real total nearly 80,000; that for every 
skin secured at least 5 seals are mortally wounded, making the loss 
actually suffered on the breeding and hauling grounds of the Pribilof 
Islands du;'ing the last four years 1,600,000. He ended the paper by 
stating that conditions would not warrant extreme driving ''or the 
least attempt to select large male seals;" that sealing next summer 
should be conducted with moderation, " or disaster will speedily ensue 
and the whole matter be in ruin, scandal, and disgrace." This was 
the first note of alarm ever sounded by Elhott as to the condition of 
the seal herd. September 17, 1888, he stated the annual increment 
was 100,000. Asked "Can any more be killed?" he replied, "I 
would not hke to try the experiment." (H. R. 3883, 50th Cong., 2d 
sess., p. 146.) 

It is a significant fact that the above memorandum was prepared 
while the different bidders were wrangling %vith tlie Treasury Depart- 
ment over the particular merits of their respective bids for the new 
lease, the bids Laving been opened eight days previous, i.e., February 
20, 1890. 

SUCCESSFUL LOBBYING AND METHODS PURSUED. 

Elliott's experience on the islands, 1872-73, encouraged him to 
lobby for and secure the passage of "An act to enable the Secretary 
of the Treasury to gather authentic information as to the condition 
of the fur trade in the Territory of Alaska,'" approved April 22, 1874. 



SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1157 

After his appointment under this act a revenue cutter was placed at 
his disposal (hearing before Committee on Ways and Means, Mar. 
9 and 10, 1904, p. 8), and he spent the summer of 1874, with the excep- 
tion of a short stay on the islands, traveling about the Territory. 

This brought him in contact wdth all the outlying stations of the 
Alaska Commercial Co., v/hich then and for many years afterwards 
controlled the fur trade of Alaska and rivaled, if it did not surpass, 
the Hudson Bay Co. in the fur markets of the world. The enemies 
of the company charged that it violated the laws of the United States, 
abused the natives from wliom it purchased furs and w^hom it sup- 
plied with provisions, and retarded the development of the Territory 
by its desire to keep the country a producer of furs exclusively. 

Elliott, by his ability to speak the native language, had > ecome 
familiar with the real or fancied grievances of the natives at every 
place the company had a station. Besides this knowledge of local 
affairs he had a reputation as a lobbyist with a wide acquaintance 
among the lawmakers at Washington, was known as possessing 
ability with both pen and brush, and had at the time considerable 
standing as a scientist. He was also well aware of the wants and 
ambitions of the company. By virtue of his peculiar knowledge and 
ability and the training he had received while employed by the Gov- 
ernment, he was enabled to deal v/ith Alaskan subjects in an authori- 
tative manner and was well fitted for the employment furnished him 
by the A. C. Co. His supposed duties were to prevent legislation at 
Washington which might be considered hostile to the interests of the 
compan}^ and to mislead the public by his books and articles in the 
magazines decrjang Alaska generall}^ and endeavoring to keep it a 
terra incognito. 

While he \Yas employed as ' ' counsel and adviser ' ' the counsel and 
advice he gave had to do AY^th the action and policy of the company 
throughout the Territory at large rather than on the seal islands, 
the management of \Yhich A^as in able hands. During this interval 
the company succeeded in keeping do^yn competition in the purchase 
of furs other than sealskins, of which it had a monopoly, yet it did 
this only at considerable expense to itself, and in the meantime the 
supply of furs ^Yas being rapidly reduced. In 1888 the company 
abandoned some of its less profitable stations and began curtailing 
its efforts in remote places, apparently giving up the fight for undis- 
puted control of the Territory, Vtdiich in spite of its efforts and the 
misrepresentations of Elliott "VYas becoming known and some of its 
possibilities appreciated. The loss of the sealing lease in 1890 further 
encoiu"aged the })olicy of retrenchment and forced the retirement of 
Elliott from its pay roll. (Current talk on the seal islands among 
ex-employees of the Alaska Commercial Co.) In an official report 
by William Gouverneur Morris, special agent of the Treasury Depart- 
ment (vol. 4, pp. 92 to 138, Seal and Salmon and General Resources 
of Alaska), an article of Elliott's \Yhich appeared in the November 
number of Harper's, 1877, is carefully dissected and roughly handled 
and Elliott himself referred to (p. 138, ibid.) as a "na,tural foe of 
Alaska." Another article by Elliott of the same tenor but later 
date \Yas severely attacked by Kate Field in the North American 
Review, but the citation is not at hand. 



1158 SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Gen. O. H. Howard, in a report to the War Department of a tour 
that he made in 1875, among other things says: 

* * * Mr. Elliott's report is now just as the Alaska Commercial Co. desires, and 
might be mistaken for a statement written by a member of that company. 

******* 

The aim and purpose of such arguments are too transparent to need comment, and 
although we have no doubt that it does not pay for Mr. Elliott to have any different 
views, yet we are surprised to find him so little shrewd as to come out with such 
undisguised and clumsy praise of the Alaska Commercial Co.. which lets at once the 
cat out of the bag. 

The governor of Alaska, in his report of 1886, speaking of Elliott, 
sa5^s : 

* * * He has no interest whatever in Alaska; the "fox farm" of which he claims 
the ownership is a myth, his only interest in Alaska, according to his own statement 
before the House Committee on Territories last spring, is that of a paid lobbyist of 
the Alaska Commercial Co. in Washington, where he is invariably to be found at every 
succeeding session of Congress ready to bob up and give wholly disinterested (?) 
information to the honorable Senators and Members whenever any measure designed 
to promote the settlement and development of Alaska or better the condition of her 
people is broached in either House. 

* * * * * * * 

The fact is, either Mr. Elliott entertains a mistaken idea of the duty he owes to his 
employers (the Alaska Commercial Co., by whom I am unwilling to believe him 
prompted in his persistent misrepresentations of Alaska and her people) or else he 
must be governed by a malicious hatred of the peo2:)le of this Territory, among whom 
he is chiefly noted on account of the colossal impediment with which his veracity seems 
to be afflicted. 

In a letter addressed to the Secretary of the Interior by the gov- 
ernor of Alaska, August 30, 1902, Elliott is described as having 
"been constantly the enemy of Alaska." "I am told," the governor 
says, "that during the arbitration of the seal question he played 
wholly into the hands of the British. I think he may well be looked 
upon with suspicion by any of the departments at Washington, and 
that nothing should be accepted on his mere statement." . 

At a hearing before the Committee on Ways and Means, February 
18, 1902, he denied having any personal interest in the seal question 
(H. R. 2303, 57th Cong., 1st sess., p. 17), and at a hearing before 
the same committee, March 9 and 10, 1904 (58th Cong., 2d sess., p. 
9), he in effect reiterated this statement. 

In contradistinction to this disinterested attitude his activity as a 
lobbyist for his personal interest, apparent in the various measures 
he sought to have enacted into law, is especially brought out in a 
memorandum prepared by him March 27, 1905, on file in the Depart- 
ment of Commerce and Labor. In this he relates having lobbied 
from May 4 to May 28, 1900, for an appropriation, and that on the 
latter date Secretary Hay asked for an appropriation of $4,000 to 
purchase drawmgs made by Elliott which he wished to dispose of 
to the Department of State. He relates in this same memorandum 
that on March 3, 1903, he succeeded in getting a $20,000 item in the 
sundry civil bill for a new examination of the seal question, etc., 
presumably to be conducted by himself. His ambition in this direc- 
tion was frustrated by the Secretary of State informing him that all 
sealing matters were in the hands of the Joint High Commission. 
In the same memorandum he states that on April 2, 1904, he secured 
the passage of joint resolution No. 18, which was approved April 8, 
1904. 



SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1159 

On April 12, 1904, he filed a memorandum with the State Depart- 
ment showing the United States indebted to him in the sum of 
$5,000 for 17 charts, and S4,256 for 34 pictures of seal rookeries, etc., 
made b}^ him during his stay on the islands, 1872-1874. 

The Secretary of State, undoubtedly annoyed by Elliott's impor- 
tunities, informed him April 13, 1904, that he would pay the first 
item in the bill, viz, $5,000 for the charts; that he did this only after 
"mature deliberation and consultation with several persons inter- 
ested," and that he would not purchase the pictures, and that the 
latter were at the department, subject to his (Elliott's) orders. 

At about this time many of Elliott's pictures were reproduced by 
jobbing fur houses in New York and given wide circulation as ad- 
vertisements through the trade. 

On September 4, 1906, he advised the Department of Commerce 
and Labor that the seal raids which occurred on St. Paul Island the 
previous summer had been planned in San Francisco and Victoria.. 
In repl}^ to a request for information on the subject he stated Octo- 
ber 3, 1906, that only he "could place the guilt where it belonged"; 
that no one else could handle his data, etc. (Files Department of 
Commerce and Labor.) No attention was paid by the Government 
to this indirect request for employment. 

KECORD AS SEAL PROPHET. 

On January 8, 1904, Elliott addressed a memorandum to the 
Secretary of Commerce and Labor, insisting on a cessation of aU 
killing on land, in order that (p. 1) "the fur-seal species of Alaska 
shall not be completely destroyed, root and branch, on the Pribilof 
Islands during the coming season, under existing rules and regu- 
lations." On page 6 of this memorandum he states: "In this clear 
light of the close killing of the young male life as given above it 
will be observed that no young or fresh male blood has been per- 
mitted to mature and reach the breeding grounds since 1S96." On 
page 7 he states: "The close killing of the season of 1904 will show 
at least 20 per cent reduction again, and in 1905 again 20 per cent,, 
at least; to entirely cease by 1907 unless steps are taken at once to 
stop the run on this life by land (and sea killing) clnbbing in 1904 
of the choice young male seals, yearlings and upward, to the end of 
the season of 1906 — stop it entirely." On page 8 he states: "No 
young male seal above 2 years of age will appear next season 
(1904) on the hauling grounds. Unless an order prohibiting the kill- 
ing of all choice male seals above 10 months of age shall be made 
for the seasons of 1904, 1905, 1906, and 1907 on the seal islands of 
Alaska, no fresh j^'oung male blood can mature quicldy enough to 
come onto the breeding grounds and save the birth rate from total 
collapse in 1907. Even if this is done it will be a close call for that 
life, anyhow; to postpone such an order to 1905 would be too late, 
if the species itself is to be saved from complete extirpation. This 
result will ensue as sure as fate unless the killing is at once held up 
on the seal islands." 

On page 7 he submits "a tabulated statement" in the form of a 
prophecy, * * * which shows the annual rate of progress in the 
extermination of the fur-seal herd of Alaska which will take effect 
under existing rules and regulations by 1907 unless checked in 1904. 



1160 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



According to his table the different classes of seals would decrease in 
numbers annually until 1909, at which time the remnant of the herd 
of approximately 150,000 was to consist of 3,000 ''pupping cows" 
and no more; the bulls, bachelors, virgin cows, pups, male and female 
yearlings having in the meantime become extinct. 

The utter worthlessness of his "prophecy" and the ingenious 
arguments adduced in support of it are apparent by a glance at the 
seal census of July, 1910, one year after total extermination was to 
have occurred, which shows approximately 43,000 breeding cows and 
130,000 animals of all descriptions in the herd. 

His prophecies relative to the jjrospective land and pelagic catches 
were equally worthless as shown by the following tables: 

LAND KILLING. 



Year. 


Elliott's 
prophecy. 


Actual 
catch. 


1904 


16,000 
8,000 


11, 724 


1905 


14,857 
14 659 


1906 


1907 


14,501 


1908 




14.277 


1909 




14,382 
'11,265 


1910 










SEA KILLING. 


1904 


20,000 
15,000 
12,000 
10,000 
6,000 


29,006 
25,320 
21,236 
16,036 
18, 151 
14,373 
2 4,352 


1905 


1906 


1907 


1908 


1909 


1910 









I Exclusive of autumn food killing. 

* Includes only Canadian catch as reported by the United States consul at Victoria. Catch of the Japanese 
fleet of twenty-odd vessels not reported. 

In a letter addressed to Senator Nelson, February 6, 1 905 (S. Doc. 
No. 149, 5Sth Cong., 3d sess.), Elliott indulges in more prophecies, 
giving the herd a little better chance for its life than he gave it in 
1904, and fLxir^ the number of ''fur seals of all classes alive on the 
Pribilof Islands, October 15, 1908, 29,900." Again, on page 7, ibid., 
""From 1908 on, if we save all the choice young male seals for breeders 
and kill nothing on the islands practically, then during 1909, 1910, 
1911, 1912, 1913, 1914, and 1915, there will possibly be a variation 
of as much as 2,500 to 3,000 fewer and then more cows and pups; 
between 1908 and 1915 there will be less than 6,000 to 7,000 cows 
and 200 to 300 bulls; yet, with the steady following of 5 or 6 pelagic 
vessels, out of the 22 now engaged (in 1904), this life can not be 
increased, even though it can not be much more diminished." He 
ends the letter with a plea that we restrain "our butchers" and 
insist that Great Britain do the same to its butchers" in order that 
the herd may be restored. 

The Japanese, as a factor in the case, are entirely ignored in this 
letter. 

Elliott's pro])hecies concerning seals and sealing matters in 1904 
and 1905 are on a par with his sweeping predictions of 1877 (Har- 
per's Magazine, November number) as to the worthlessness of the 



SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1161 

entire Territory of Alaska, except for the production of furs, to wit: 
"We have learned enough of the country and climate by this time 
to know that the lands and fishing waters now occupied by the 
natives of Alaska will never be objects for the cupidity of our people." 
The salmon output of Alaska for 1910, to say nothing of the other 
Alaskan fisheries, exceed SI 1,000,000 in value. 

RECORD RE KILLING OF SEALS ERRATIC AND INCONSISTENT. 

On September 17, 18S8, Elliott stated before the Committee on 
Merchant Marine and Fisheries that he would not like to try the 
experiment of killing more than 100,000 seals annually on the islands. 
(H. R. 5883, 50th Cong., 2d sess., p. 146.) On page 139, ibid., 
speaking of the seals he states, ''I do not think there are very much 
more there now than there were when I was there. Some of my 
friends insist there are not quite so many, and others insist there are 
more; but I think they have not increased much since I was there." 

On February 28, 1890, he prepared a memorandum stating that 
owing to the disastrous effects of pelagic sealing during the preceding 
four years, sealing in 1890 should be conducted with moderation and 
no attempt made to select large seals on the killing grounds. 

On November 17, 1890, he recommended, in the report subsequently 
used by the British in support -of their case at Paris, that all killing 
be prohibited for the next seven years (p. 324, vol. 3, Seal and Salmon 
and General Resources of Alaska). 

According to his statement before the Secretary of the Treasury,. 
he spent the months of December, 1894, January and February, 1895, 
interviewing Mr. Gresham, Mr. Hamlin, and Mr. Wilson, soliciting 
the aid of these gentlemen for the passage of a measure having for its 
object the extermination of the seals unless Great Britain would 
agree to certain arrangements. (Hearing before the Secretary of 
the Treasury, April 15, 1897, MS., p. 22.) He addressed the Com- 
mittee on Ways and Means February 22, 1895, advocating the enact- 
ment of this measure into law. (Ibid., p. 22.) 

On February 18, 1895, he again appeared before the Committee on 
Ways and Means advocating the enactment of a similar measure 
into law. (H. R. 451, 54th Cong., 1st sess., pp. 15-17.) 

He still maintained this position April 15, 1897. (Hearing before 
Secretary Treasur}^ Apr. 15, 1897, p. 23.) He advised the Secretary, 
page 38, ibid., "If you do not get a modus vivendi get everything 
you can there;" that is to say, every sealskin. 

On February 18, 1902, he appeared before the Committee on Ways 
and Means advocating the enactment into law of a measure "to take 
and kill each and every fur seal, male and female, as it may be found 
on the Pribilof Islands." At the hearing, when the drastic nature 
of such a measure was pressed upon him, he suggested amending the 
bill so that all but 12,000 or 15,000 would be killed. (H. R. 2303, 
57th Cong., 1st sess., p. 6.) 

On March 9 and 10, 1904, Elliott appeared before the Committee 
on Ways and Means advocating the adoption of House Joint Reso- 
lution 124, Fifty-eighth Congress, second session, suspending all 
killing except 5,500 annuallj^ for food (see p. 3 of hearing), alleging 
that killing on the islands was too close and stating, "It becomes 
necessary at once to step in here and stop this work on the islands 



1162 SEAL ISLANDS OP ALASKA. 

for a period of some years; it may be four; it may be five; it may be 
seven years; we can not tell how long." Again on the same page 
he stateS; "We want to save the fur-seal species itself. If we do not 
stop this close slaughter of young male seals we can not save the 
;species. We want to save the life itself; we must save those young 
males from our own hands or lose the life itself, long before the female 
life itself goes out." 

While Elliott in his letter to Senator Nelson, February 6, 1905, 
above cited, showed great anxiety to restrain our "butchers" from 
killing seals on land, he appeared before the Committee on Ways and 
Means in January, 1907, advocating the enactment of a joint resolu- 
tion to kill down the seals found on the Pribilof Islands to 1,000 males 
and 10,000 females; conditional upon the inability of this Govern- 
ment, after the lapse of a reasonable time, to secure an amendment 
of the regulations made in pursuance of the award of the Bering Sea 
tribunal, governing pelagic sealing. This was the hearing referred to 
herein, at which Elliott was rebuked by certain members of the com- 
mittee and discredited by probably every member of it. 

At the hearings before the Senate Committee on Conservation prior 
to the passage of the fur-seal act in April, 1910, Dr. W. T. Hornaday 
appeared as the representative of the Camp Fire Club of New York, 
advocating the suspension of all killing on the islands, except for 
natives' food. In a letter to Representative Cassidy April 25, 1910, 
Elliott, after stating that the President had directed that the pen 
which he used in signing the seal bill be sent to Hornaday, says: 
"Good, for that recognizes me just as much as it does him, since the 
President has been told over and over again that Hornaday was only 
acting under the spur of my knowledge and desires in the premises." 
It is evident from the above extract that, whether Elliott was the 
motive power behind the Camp Fire Club and its spokesman on the 
■occasion referred to or not, that he has again reversed himself, and that 
the radical legislation he sought to have enacted in 1907 is in direct 
opposition to the measure indorsed by him in 1910. 

His connection with the Camp Fire Club was established February 
4, 1911, when he appeared with the president and counsel of that 
organization before the Senate Committee on National Resources, 
advocating the enactment of S. 9959, Sixty-first Congress, third ses- 
sion, which provided that no killing should take place on the seal 
islands for a period of five years from May 1, 1911. 

TO EPITOMIZE. 

Elliott's record re the killing of seals, as gleaned from the official 
documents and memorandum in his own hand, herein cited and on 
file in the Department of Commerce and Labor, show him to have 
been generally, with certain qualifications, in favor of killing in the 
years 1888, 1894, 1895, 1896, 1897, 1902, 1907; opposed to killing in 
the years 1890, 1904, 1905, 1910, 1911. 

Elliott was 46 years old in 1892. (Affidavit, p. 120, vol. 2, Seal 
;and Salmon Fisheries and General Resources of Alaska.) 

February, 1911. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1163 

J. Homer Fritch (Inc.), 
San Francisco, February 25, 1911. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Department of Commerce and Lahor, 

Wasliington, D. C. 
Dear Friend Lembkey: I kave been waiting very patiently to 
hear from you in regard to your plans for the coming season. About 
a week ago Mr. Davis telephoned to nie upon his return fi'om Wash- 
ington and delivered your kind messages, all of which was very 
interesting to me. 

I sincerely hope that friend Bowers has recovered from his indisposi- 
tion and is again able to be in the harness. 

The time is getting short, as it will be only a matter of a couple of 
months or so before you will require the steamer. The boiler is 
progressing very favorably, and I no doubt will have it ail installed 
and the ship ready for sea by May 10. I have turned down all out- 
side propositions m regard to her and left her entirely free for you. 
Naturally I am somewhat anxious to know what you are doing at 
that end, and if you can conveniently do so you will greatly oblige 
me if you will indicate what the plans are in regard to the vessel. 

With best wishes to you all and hoping that everything is going 
well with you and that I may get an early reply from you, I remain, 
Very truly, yours, 

J. Homer Fritch. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, March 7, 1911. 
The Solicitor, Department of Commerce and Labor. 
Sir: Returning the papers submitted with your memorandum of 
the 4th instant upon the subject of the request for stay of the sale 
of the Japanese sealing schooner Tokai Maru, I inclose also herewith 
a memorandum embodying the views of this bureau in the matter. 
Respectfully, 

Geo. M. Bowers, Commissioner. 



IMemorandiun in re request for instructions for postponement of sale of Japanese sealing schooner Tokai 

Maru at Unalaska, Mar. 22, 1911.1 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
Washington, March!, 1911. 
The ToTcai Maru was seized by a United States patrol vessel in 
Bering Sea. in territorial waters, in June or July, 1910 (exact date not 
known). Her officers and crew were convicted before the United 
States commissioner at Unalaska of a violation of the act of June 14, 
1906, and each of said officers and crew sentenced by him to pay a fine 
of $500; this conviction was sustained by the United States district 
judge at Valdez on January 31, 1911, who also, at the same time, 
placed a fine of $500 against the vessel for having been empl(wed in 
violation of the act cited; the vessel was advertised by the United 



1164 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

States marshal to be sold on March 22, 1911, at Unalaska; the corre- 
spondent, James Kiefer, desires to have a stay of sale pending an 
appeal to the circuit court of appeals, at the May, 1911, session, and 
makes request to the Attorney General for instructions to the United 
States marshal to that effect. 

The correspondent bases his appeal for such action upon two main, 
points, viz: 

1. (a) That the facts recited in the opinion of the court plainly 
bring the case v/ithin the exceptions of fishing with rod, spear, or gaft; 
and (b) a consideration of the entire statute must lead to the con- 
clusion that the act was intended to prevent co-mmercial fishing and 
not mere casual fishing for food, as plainly appears to have been the 
case here. 

2. Tjiat these men were not doing anything which could be con- 
strued as a violation of the statute when the treaty between the United 
States and Japan is considered; that this treaty gives to Japanese 
subjects in our waters the rights of our own citizens. 

These points may be considered in the order of their statement. 

1. It can not be said that the facts stated bring the case within the 
exceptions mentioned in the statute. It is true that the statute makes 
certain exceptions witliin which fishing by aliens is lawful. The 
exceptions are, fishing with "rod, spear, or gaff" — all of which are 
essentially operated from land. No other apparatus may be law- 
fully used by aliens in fishing in Alaskan waters. The officers and 
crew of t.iis vessel v/ere not fishing with "rod, spear, or gaff," but 
Avith hantl lines, essentially a commercial device and not covered by 
the specific exceptions in the statute, and therefore contrary to its 
provisions when used by aliens in Alaskan waters. We might well 
consider this objection as being disposed of. 

The correspondent alleges that the act was intended to prevent 
"commercial fishing" and not mere fishing for food, as appears to 
have been the case with the defendants. This statement necessarily 
must be challenged. The plain intention of the act was to prevent 
all fishing in Alaska by aliens except with "rod, spear, or gaff." In 
fact, the "alien fishing act" (June 14, 1906) under which this vessel 
was held, places the burden of proof upon any alien vessel having 
aboard implements for taking or killing fish to show that such imple- 
ments were not used in violation of the act. The prohibitions and 
exceptions in the act are alike, specific. If prohibited apparatus were 
used by an alien, it would be no legal defense to plead that he was 
fishing for food for himself or others, but not for the purpose of 
selling the fish he might catch. It can readily be seen that, if an 
alien were allowed under this act to fish "for food," the amount of 
supervision required to prevent him from going farther and fishing 
"commercially" would be so great as to be impossible of accomphsh- 
ment. The elfect of the act, therefore, would be destroyed. 

The real object of the act, however, was to prevent encroachments 
upon United States territory by the crews of alien vessels that landed 
at isolated points in Alaska to fish either for food or for other purposes 
and in so doing carrying themselves in such manner as to bring terror 
and great discomfort upon the native aboriginal mhabitants. The 
main pomt of such objectionable operations was in the vicinity of the 
westernmost islands of the Aleutian chain, notably Attn. Here it 
was the practice for ahen vessels bound for Bering Sea on a sealing 



SEAI, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1165 

voyage to call, lie in harbor while refitting, and to supply their vessels 
with water and fish with which to continue a long cruise to the north- 
eastward. Instances are known of these vessels taking charge during 
an entire summer of a small fishery upon which the Indian residents 
depended for their whiter's food, thereby deprivnig the natives of a 
natural source of food supply. Other instances have been reported 
of ahen crews terrorizing and looting small native settlements and of 
violating native women while landing for food or water. It was 
mainly to prevent such outrages that fishing by aUens in Alaskan 
waters was prohibited. In view of this fact, it can not be said that 
the intention of the act was only to prohibit "commercial" fishing 
and not "fishing for food." 

2. The correspondent claims that no statute was violated when 
the treaty between the United States and Japan is considered; that 
the treaty gives to Japanese subjects in our waters the rights of our 
own citizens. 

A copy of the treaty between this Government and Japan is not 
at hand. It is seriously doubted, however, whether this or any 
treaty contains a provision of this character, the effect of which would 
be to prevent tliis Government from taking any step toward saving 
for the benefit of its own citizens the natural resources of this coun- 
try. Undoubtedly the Japanese treaty contains a "favored nation 
clause," in respect to wliich the alien fishing act cited is not a viola- 
tion, as all foreign nations are alike affected by its enforcement. 

The real character, however, of this vessel must not be lost sight of. 
She was not a vessel engaged in the ordinary vocation of the mer- 
chant marine nor even in the business of ordmary fishing. She was 
a vessel fitted especially for the purpose of killing fur seals in the 
water and so used. This avowed purpose, of which no denial is made, 
takes her out of the usual category and places her in a class concern- 
ing which special legislation has been enacted apart from the alien 
fishing act cited. This Government, by stringent legislation, prohibits 
her own citizens and vessels from engaging in this business and even 
prohibits the furnishing to such vessels of supplies with which to 
carry on sealing operations (act of Dec. 29, 1897). The supplying of 
its crew in our territory \Yith food ^Yith w'hich to continue sealmg 
seems to have been the very act in which this vessel ^Yas engaged when 
apprehended. Had American citizens furnished the Japanese vessel 
with the fish which its crew captured, or with other food, they would 
have been guilty of a violation of our own laws, and an American 
vessel engaged in the business of sealing would have been hable to 
seizure not only in territorial waters but on the high seas. For this 
reason, the claim that tliis Japanese vessel was apprehended for an 
act for wdiich an American vessel would not have been punished, or 
that she was denied rights which are accorded an American vessel, 
has no basis in fact. 

In conclusion, whatever the views of the Department of Justice 
might be, it w'ould be impossible for it to communicate with the 
United States marshal at Unalaska before the 22d instant, on which 
date the sale, it is stated, ^Yill take place. 

2403— H. Doc. 93, 62-1 ^73 



1166 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, March 10, 1911. 
The Secretary of Commerce and Labor. 

Sir: Complying with your oral request, made several days ago, I 
now have the honor to transmit a memorandum on the subject of 
the disposition of the four fur-seal skins which were brought ashore 
by certain Japanese landing on St. Paul Island July 30, 1910. 
Respectfully, 

Geo. M. Bowers, Commissioner. 



[Memorandum for the Secretary. In re the disposition of four fur-seal skins brought ashore on St. Paul 

Island in July, 1910.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, March 9, 1911. 

On July 30, 1910, at 8 a. m., a small boat containing four Japan- 
ese landed at Northeast Point, St. Paul Island. The occupants had 
dragged their boat upon the beach and were proceeding in the direc- 
tion of the watch house, when they were taken in charge by the 
native guard. Upon examination by the guard the boat was found 
to contain four sealskins, two boxes of shotgun shells, two shotguns, 
together with several sealing knives, two sails, and eight oars. The 
occupants of the boat stated that they were from the HoTco Maru, a 
Japanese sealing schooner. 

They were brought by the guard to the village, a distance of 12 
miles from the place where they landed. Afterwards they were 
placed on board the revenue cutter Manning with native witnesses and 
taken to Unalaska, where they were tried before the United States 
commissioner, convicted of illegally landing upon the said island, 
which is a Government reservation, and each sentenced to a week's 
imprisonment at Unalaska. 

Before trial an order from the United States commissioner at 
Unalaska to Lieut. O'Malley, acting deputy marshal, was issued 
directing the latter to bring from St. Paul Island all the property 
of the prisoners left ashore by them. This order when presented 
was first refused by the agent in charge of the reservation on the 
ground that the island, being a special Government reservation, 
the jurisdiction of the said commissioner did not extend over it. 
Afterwards, to furnish full and sufficient means of securing a con- 
viction, all of the prisoners' property, excepting the four sealskins 
mentioned, was delivered to the Revenue-Cutter Service and taken 
to Unalaska. After the sentences of the prisoners had been served 
their property, already mentioned, was returned to them by the 
Cutter Service, and they, with their gear, were taken by the Revenue- 
Cutter Service into the sea and there placed aboard a Japanese 
sealing schooner for transportation to Japan. 

As regards the disposition of the four sealskins, an extract from a 
report on the subject from the agent in charge is quoted as best 
explaining the matter: 

I did not deliver the four sealskins found in the boat at Northeast Point for the rea- 
sons that they were 12 miles from the village; that I did not know their exact location; 



SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1167 

that I believed at the time of Mr. O'Mally's visit that they had been left on the beach 
at the place where the boat landed. The guard at Northeast Point stated to me that 
these sealskins had been left on the beach. From what I learned afterwards I believe 
that the guard afterwards brought these skins to the Government salt house at North- 
east Point and salted them there; that they became merged with the island catch 
and were shipped to London with the island skins. Upon counting out the skins 
from this salt house at the time of shipment Mr. Judge informed me that the number 
counted out was four in excess of the number counted in. 

In regard to the advisability and legal responsibility of delivering 
over to these Japanese their boats and the sealskins which might be 
contained therein when illegal landings are made, and after such 
persons have been convicted of such illegal landing, the following 
additional extract from the same report is made: 

I have acted upon the principle that it should be made as disagreeable as possible 
for Japanese to land upon the islands in order to deter them from coming there in 
numbers. If they came in they forfeited their boats whether they were sent to jail 
or not. To deliver this gear to them after conviction, and furthermore to transport 
this gear over 200 miles in order to deliver it to them, looks very like placing a premium 
upon landing on the very islands from which we desire to keep these Japanese farthest 
away. As a matter of policy I believe these boats and gear brought ashore on the 
islands should be kept there unless essential as evidence. 

The captain, in my opinion, is in error in ascribing among the duties of the agents 
that of "carefully preserving" the skins which may happen to be found in the boats 
of those sealers guilty of illegal landing upon the islands. The Pribilof herd of seals is 
being exterminated by the killing in the sea of breeders. This Government has taken 
every possible precaution to curtail this killing and to discourage the practice. It 
provides arms and ammunition on the islands and an efficient patrol about the islands 
for this purpose. It prescribes penalties for killing seals in the United States territory, 
forbids unauthorized landings on the islands, and prevents its citizens from furnishing 
to foreign sealers anything of use in the operation of a pelagic schooner on the high 
seas. After placing by statute and regulation every possible obstacle in the way of 
killing seals in the water, to remove sealskins from boats belonging to sealers landing on 
the islands without authority; to arrest the men, but place the sealskins in salt with the 
island catch of skins; to use the employees of the Government in caring for and curing 
these skins; and, after convicting the men of violating the law by unauthorized land- 
ing, to hand back to them the cured skins enhanced in value through the efforts of the 
Government, to be sold in London at increased profit to these wrongdoers, would seem 
to me the very climax of maladministration. 

The possession of skins by Japanese sealers within the 3-mile limit should be deemed 
prima facie evidence of illegal sealing; the landing of these men was in defiance of 
the law, and their con\'iction renders them obnoxious to its penalties, and certainly 
should disqualify them to make any claim for the boat which furnished them the 
means of committing an infraction of the law and for the arms and sealskins which were 
in their possession when apprehended. To give up the skins to these culprits after 
enhancing their value would be a stultification of the Government's action in trying 
and convicting them, and as much a violation of the act of December 29, 1897, as to 
actually furnish supplies with which to continue pelagic operations. If not a con- 
travention of law, it would be so inconsistent with the spirit of the law as to appear 
absurd and ridiculous. 

The suggestion is made that the question whether the United States commissioner 
has jurisdiction on the seal islands is a trivial one. I think I may justly challenge 
that view. The question is the reverse of trivial. The Congress has considered it so 
important as to provide that the islands shall be special Government reservation and 
that the Secretary of Commerce and Labor shall have sole charge of that reservation. 
Under the Secretary, the agent is primarily the guardian and protector of the seals. 
Under that pro\asion he certainly should be the judge of what evidence and what 
articles and appliances shall be submitted in the trial of persons charged with invading 
the islands. It is clearly the purpose of the law to remit the islands altogether to the 
care of the agent under the Secretary of Commerce and Labor. It would be ridiculous 
to assert that the authority of the Secretary of Commerce and Labor when exercised 
with respect to a special Government reservation over which he is given_ exclusive 
control by the Congress should be rendered ineffective by the order of a United States 
commissioner. 



1168 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

[Memorandum for the Secretary.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, March 11, 1911. 
Complying with the Secretary's oral inquiry as to the disposition 
of the four fur-seal skins brought ashore at Northeast Point, St. Paul 
Island, on July 30, 1910, at 8 a. m., by four members of the Japanese 
sealing schooner Hoko Maru, it is stated that these skins were first 
left on the beach at the place of landing, were afterwards taken to 
the salt house at Northeast Point and salted there, and were finally 
sliipped with the island catch of skins to London. 

W. I. Lembkey. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, March 21, 1911. 
The Commissioner: 

There is transmitted herewith the report of Assistant Agent James 
Judge of the operations on St. Paul Island, Alaska, covering the 
period from August 17, 1909, to June 28, 1910. 
Respectfully, 

Barton W. Evermann, 
Assistant in Charge Scientific Inquiry. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
Washington, March 8, 1910. 
Sir: I have the honor to submit the following report of affairs on 
St. Paul Island, Alaska, covering the period from August 17, 1909, to 
June 28, 1910: 

FOXES, ST. PAUL AND OTTER ISLANDS. 

Former attempts at feeding. — The experiment of providing arti- 
ficial food for the foxes on St. Paul Island began in 1897, when a 
small quantity of corn meal, cracklings, and dried salmon were landed 
for the purpose. During the ensuing winter the salmon was scat- 
tered about the island, but so far as observed the foxes paid no 
attention to it. In the fall of 1898 seals were killed at Zapadni and 
Northeast Point, with the expectation of leaving the meat for fox 
food, but all of it was eaten by the gulls. In the fall of 1900 seals 
were killed for the same purpose at Half Way and Northeast Points, 
the meat at the former place being stored in a pit, and at the latter in 
the salt house. The foxes during the ensuing winter ate some at 
either place, but the amount consumed was not large. Since the 
year 1900 seal meat has been preserved for fox food at Northeast 
Point each fall, only a small portion of which has been eaten by the 
foxes during the ensuing winters. During the interval from 1900 
to 1905, inclusive, no attempt at feeding was made at the Adllage, 
except occasionally the throwing out of a few salmon, little of which 



SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1169 

was ever eaten. In 1906 and 1907 seal meat and offal from the 
killing fields were buried at the village, and during the winters fol- 
lowing the pits were opened for the benefit of the foxes, but the gulls 
ate most of it. It was not until 1907 that the foxes came for food 
regularly. During the autumn of that year a large quantity of whale 
blubber came ashore at the southern end of Lagoon Reef; and sub- 
sequently a number of foxes were observed feeding on it daily. To 
facilitate this feeding numbers of natives were detailed from time to 
time to cut the blubber into small pieces. All of the blubber that 
came ashore except some tough parts was eaten, the foxes paying 
their visits daily until April, 1908. Beginning in February, 1908, 
salmon was freshened, thrown out on the village flat, and eaten by 
the foxes until the supply on hand, about 2^ barrels, was consumed. 
During that winter the foxes also ate the remains of two mules that 
had been shot by the sealing company the preceding autumn. From 
March 25 to May 17, 1909, salmon, sea-lion meat, and hog offal were 
supplied in varying quantities and eaten by the foxes. 

Feeding, winter 1909-10. — The partial success attending our efforts 
at inducing the foxes to partake of food set out for them during the 
two preceding winters encouraged further efl'orts in this direction 
last year. Late in July, 1909, the natives, under my direction, 
excavated a pit in which some 300 seal carcasses were stored. The 
pit was then sealed with 3 feet of earth and left for fox food. When 
the killing of seals for food for the natives Mas resumed in October 
the offal from the killing fields was likcM'ise saved and stored in another 
pit. The latter, especially that which was slightly frozen before 
burial, was removed from tlie pit in good condition and was fine fox 
food. The upper layer of the seal meat buried in July was taken out 
in fair condition, but the carcasses underneath when removed seldom 
held together, and as the bottom of the pit was reached the meat 
came out in small pieces only. These pits give off a vile odor, and the 
removal of the meat is not a pleasant task, but the foxes eat it with 
gusto, and as it is the only artificial food available, the inconvenience 
of handling will continue until better methods are devised. The 
meat as taken from the pit is no more offensive, however, than tlie 
seal meat salted for fox food in the silo on St. George. All offal from 
domestic animals slaughtered during the winter was also saved for 
fox food. 

^Vlien feeding began a runway was constructed into the pit, which 
was left open in order that the foxes could detect its location and help 
themselves. This scheme kept the meat from the gulls and worked 
satisfactorily until the pit was partially filled with snow. It was found 
that the foxes, though good diggers in sand during the summer, 
would not go down through the snow when it exceeded 1 foot in 
depth. A cover was then made for the pit and men assigned to 
remove meat daily and place it under a box or sack, where it was avail- 
able for the foxes and out of reach of the gulls. 

^Vliile food was exposed constantly from Octaber 20, it was not- 
until the middle of January that the foxes came in numbers for it. 
From January 18 to February 26 the amount consumed per day 
varied regularly — that is to say, about twice as much was consumed 
every alternate day. After the latter date there was little or no 
variation in the daily consumption. On November 13, 1909, 155 
seal carcasses were stored in the salt house at Northeast Point. 



1170 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



Occasionally during the winter parties were sent to the point to look 
around and throw out some of this meat for fox food. In addition 
to this, several hunting parties visited the point of their own volition, 
and always threw out some of this meat for the foxes. 

The latter, however, paid scant attention to the seal meat; but on 
several occasions the natives observed the foxes feeding on the 
remains of sea lions, which were killed at Northeast Point in May, 
1909. On March 2, 20 foxes were seen feeding on the remains of the 
sea lions. The total amount of food reserved for and consumed by 
the foxes of St. Paul last winter greatly exceeds all previous records, 
and lends encouragement to the hope that possibly the method of 
feeding and trapping as practiced on St. George Island may yet 
become practicable on St. Paul, thereby enabling us to study the 
animals to better advantage than before. 

Trapping. — Being unable to train the foxes to come to the village 
for food while the skins were prime, and therefore to inaugurate the 
methods of foxing pursued on St. George, I permitted the use of steel 
traps for a period of six days, beginning November 28. During the 
interval 130 blue and 35 white pelts were secured on St. Paul. On 
December 6 a party of five men visited Otter Island, remaining there 
until December 14, during which time 1 white and 19 blue were 
secured, making a total catch for both islands of 149 blue and 36 
white skins. 

Trapping in the vicinity of the village was carried on by the older 
men and those who, on account of sickness in their families or for other 
reasons, did not wish to leave the village. The remainder of the men 
divided themselves into congenial parties and took up their stations 
at various places where they located their traps and remained the 
six days. 

The distribution of the animals on the island, as shown by the skins 
secured, was as follows: 



Blue. 



White. 



Zapadni 

Southwest Point 

North shore 

Wreck of brig 

Two Lakes, north side 

Polovina 

Village, including Tolstoi 

Telegraph Hill, Kitooi, Lukanim, and Reef 
otter Island 

Total 



20 


12 


8 


fi 


4 


1 


7 


4 








39 


3 


11 


2 


41 


8 


19 


1 



149 



36 



Divided as to sex, 76 blue and 19 white, or 51.3 per cent of the 
catch, were males. 

This proportionately large number of white, comprising nearly 20 
per cent of the entire catch, exceeds all former records, except that of 
the winter of 1903, when a total of 20 animals were killed, 5, or 25 per 
cent, of which were white. 

From the statistics available it appears that in former years, with 
the exception above stated, the percentage of white skins in the catch 
of St. Paul varied from 1 to 10 per cent. Trapping on St. Paul prac- 
tically ceased in 1902-3, when 228 skins were secured. In the fol- 
lowing year trapping was carried on but the catch, as noted above, 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



1171 



consisted of only 20 skins, showing fox life then at a very low state. In 
the increase in fox life that has occurred since on St. Paul it is evident, 
as above indicated, that white foxes are proportionally more numerous 
than before. Just why is not clear. Thinkino; that perhaps some 
white foxes had arrived from the mainland on the ice 1 examined all 
white skins secured and found them blue at the base, thereby con- 
firming their island origin. It may be that when the life was reduced 
to its lowest point, the percentage of white, through some fortuitous 
circumstance, was larger than prior thereto and that afterwards those 
white survivors bred together more frequently than before. 

It is interesting to note that the percentage of white foxes on St. 
George Island tallied closely with that on St. Paul down to 1901. 
Since the latter date the percentage of white on St. George has not 
risen higher than 4 per cent, and that high only on one occasion. The 
reduction on St. George is probably due to the steady and continuous 
efforts put forth for the extermination of white foxes. 

Statistics. — Upon starting out, each foxing party was equipped with 
a small balance scale, a bottle of formaldehyde for the collection of 
parasites, and a supply of ruled paper for recording the information 
desired. All foxes killed by the men operating in the vicinity of the 
village were brought in by them for post-mortem examination by 
Dr. Mills and myself. 

The following tables show the average weights and approximate 
ages of 93 males and 76 females, together with the location of the 
traps : 





Males. 


Females. 




<u a 


to 
t-i bo 

< 


Approximate ages. 


X 

V . 
■a 

s 
'Z 


IB 

to 

1-1 ei 
aj'S 


Approximate ages. 




i 


•Z) M 


2 
o 


be 

a 
s 
o 

i» ■ 




•d 
O 


Zapadni 


16 
8 
8 
3 
21 
23 


12.3 
11.7 
11.5 
10.3 
11.6 
10.8 


5 

""s 

11 


4 
5 
2 
1 

13 
12 


7 
3 
6 
2 


16 
5 
6 
2 
26 
15 


11.5 
9.9 
9.0 
7.5 

10.2 
9.3 


9 

2 
2 
2 

14 
6 


5 
3 


2 


PoTovlna 




Southwest Point 


4 


North shore 




Northeast Point 


6 
9 


6 


Village 










. 1 


24 


37 


18 






35 


23 


12 


otter Island 


14 


9.0 


6 


7.4 



















The weights on St. Paul varies between 8^ and 15 pounds for males 
and 7 and 13 pounds for females, indicating that the animals trapped 
were in good physical condition and well supplied with food. Of 
those examined 55 males and 35 females were of breeding age, that is 
to say, 1 year and upwards in the spring of 1909, the remaining 39 
having been born at that time. If the females capable of bearing 
young in the spring of 1909 actually did so, supposing, of course, that 
a similar distribution as to age existed among the animals which 
escaped the trap, the percentage of young born which reached 
maturity was very small, as litters of new born foxes are known to 
vary between 5 and 12 in number. 

The weights on Otter Island varied between 7 and 10| pounds for 
males and 6^ and 9 pounds for females, indicating that those animals 



1172 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

were underfed and in poor condition. The relative abundance or 
scarcity of food suitable for foxes on the respective islands is appar- 
ently emphasized in the weights of the animals inhabiting them. 

From May until September birds are numerous on either island and 
furnish food for foxes in abundance. For the next four months Otter 
Island foxes have only the beach while those on St. Paul have a larger 
beach, the remains of the seal field and dead upon the seal rookeries 
to depend on. 

With the arrival of the ice in January the foxes travel from one 
island to the other, remaining where stranded when the ice departs. 

Contents of stomacJis and intestines. — Of tlie St. Paul foxes exam- 
ined seal or bird meat and bones were found in 23 stomachs, fish bones 
in 14, pulchld in 7, berries in 5, skin of hair seal in 2, ascidans in 1, 
grass and moss in 88, feathers in 30, sand and earth in 49, kelp in 1, 
crabs in 1, water in 4, fishline in 1, sea eggs in 9, seal fur in 3. Grass 
and moss were found in the intestines of 41 St. Paul foxes, sand and 
earth in 40, feathers in 9, worms in 31, sea eggs in 9, seal fur in 1. 

The contents of the stomachs and intestines of the Otter Island 
foxes showed considerably less variety than the above. 

Of the 20 killed at that place the stomachs of 9 carried grass and 
moss, those of 8 feathers, those of 6 sea eggs, those of 5 fish bones, 
those of 10 earth and sand. The intestines of the same animals 
carried grass in 3 cases, sand and earth in 2, and worms in 2. 

The worms found were of the round and tape varieties, probably 
like those usually found in domestic animals. 

Size and condition of shins. — The average length of the 76 blue 
male skins secured when dried and ready for market was 32.3, aver- 
age width 10.2, average length of tail 15.5. The average length of 
the 73 bkie females taken was 29.4, average width 9.3, average length 
of tail 15. Skins of the same size animals will vary in length and 
width, depending on the style of frame used for drying. 

The skins secured on St. Paul Island were of an unusually fine 

guality, being long furred, dark and lustrous, while those taken on 
•tter Island were inferior in quahty, being short furred, streaked 
with gray, and lacking luster. 

Otter Island skins are usually low grades, or at least have been on 
the three occasions within the last 20 years when foxing has occurred 
there. In 1894 the catch consisted of 8 skins, all of which were 
considered too poor to be sent to market. In 1904, 33 skins were 
secured there. Mr. Lembkey, who directed foxing operations that 
year, states that none of the catch ranked better than second class. 
It would seem that the extra hard conditions under which Otter 
Island foxes live is reflected in the low-grade quality of the fur 
produced. 

The foxing party last December was towed to Otter Island by the 
gasoline launch and I observed several foxes in the vicinity of the 
landing apparently much interested in the work of the natives taking 
their boat ashore. Shortly after their arrival the natives shot two 
hair seals, the offal of which was thrown to, and quicld}^ eaten b}'", the 
foxes, who showed strong evidence of hunger. That night the foxes 
hung about the watch house, eating bits of bread and meat thrown 
out, and taking their departure only after two of their number had 
been killed with pieces of firewood thrown by the natives, and 8 
others had been caught in traps set close by. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1173 

On May 30 last Dr. Mills, several natives, and I landed and spent 
several hours on Otter Island, but none of us saw any evidence of fox 
life, although the trappers reported that on their departure at least 
1 blue and 2 white foxes were still at large on the island. It is possi- 
ble that those animals crossed over to St. Paul on the ice in January 
and that their places were not taken by others from St. Paul, because 
of the plentiful supply of food available and constantly exposed for 
the benefit of foxes on the latter island. 

SEALS. 

The idea of confining specimen fur seals in captivity, for the enlight- 
enment and edification of the public, has probably occurred to every- 
one who has spent any time upon the seal islands. To this end many 
attempts to rear young pups have been made on the islands, and on 
one occasion several half-grown seals were sent to Woodwards Gardens, 
at San Francisco. These experiments ended in failure, owing to the 
fact that the animals in question could not be taught to feed and 
eventually died of starvation. For several years past the seal ag;ents 
have held that pup seals, if taken at about the time their diet is 
changed from mnk to fish, that is, to about the time they would ordi- 
narily begin their first migration, they could possibly be taught to eat 
fish, and, if so, kept in captivity indefinitely. (Lembkey to Townsend, 
Jan. 26, 1906; Judge to Baker, Apr. 24, 1906.) The opportunity to 
test this theory arrived last autumn, and was taken advantage of by 
my going upon the rookeries and selecting two healthy pups, a male 
of 38 and a female of 34 pounds, and placing them aboard the revenue 
cutter Manning for transportation to the Bureau of Fisheries at 
Washington. The pups were subsequently placed in charge of Mr. 
Judson Thurber, boatswain of the revenue cutter Bear, who, during 
September, 1909, proved his ability to rear seals by teaching an orphan 
pup to eat fish, said pup having been furnished the surgeon or the 
Bear for other purposes. Mr. Thurber stated that some years pre- 
vious Mr. Chichester had furnished him an orphan pup which he 
fed and kept on board until it escaped from the ship. He wished to 
renew his expermient with starved pups, but on my suggestion took 
the healthy ones as above stated. The details concerning the ship- 
ment are set forth in my letter to Dr. Barton W. Evermann, October 
9, 1909, while the success attending the experiment is now matter of 
common knowledge. 

Early in October, assisted by the natives, I made the regular enu- 
meration of dead pups, a detailed account of which was forwarded Mr. 
Lembkey October 8, 1909. Dr. Mills and I autopsied a number of 
the dead from each rookery, the total aggregating 23. In making 
these post-mortems, the stomachs, livers, hearts, and lungs were cut 
into, and about 1 foot of the large and from 3 to 5 feet of the small 
intestine carefully examined. The autopsies showed that death 
resulted in 20 cases from starvation, in 1 from pneumonia, and in 
1 from some cause unknown. One of pups autopsied was killed 
because found suffering and nearly blind from a disease of the eyes. 
The only parasites discovered were small threadlike worms found in 
the trachea of a pup from the Reef. These parasites, together with 
the diseased eyes above noted, were sent to Mr. Chichester for further 
investigation. Dr. Stiles, to whom the worms were forwarded, deter- 
mined that they were a new species of the genus Halarchne. 



1174 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



The killing of seals for food was resumed October 20 and was con- 
tinued at intervals as meat was needed until December 23, when 
the last seals of the season were secured on Sea Lion Rock. Three 
young cows were accidentally killed November 17. Two of these skins 
weighed 5 j pounds each, the other 6 pounds. Dr. MUls and I autop- 
sied these animals and found that neither was pregnant. The ova- 
ries were quite small and showed no scars. The teeth of two of the 
cows in question were white, while those of the other were somewhat 
yellow. All three were undoubtedly born during the summer of 1908. 
On August 21, 1909, a cow, dead as a result of a gunshot wound, was 
found at Rocky Point. These four cowskins went into the quota 
of 1910. 

November 13 1 found 5 pup skins in the possession of a young man 
returning from guard duty at Northeast Point. An examination 
of the skins showed that 4 of the animals had been either clubbed or 
stoned to death, and on investigation it was ascertained that the 
meat of all 5 was eaten by the watchmen. There is reason to believe 
that the surreptitious killing of pups is practiced by the natives to a 
limited extent every fall. It is said to be the work of young men who 
wish to distinguish themselves by bringing in a meal of choice meat, 
but it is evident the skins are an object also. The natives procure 
a few pup skins legitimately during the October counts of rookery 
dead. If these counts were abolished, and there seems no good 
reason for their continuance, the possession of pup skins by a native 
would be strong evidence of illegal killing. 

The seals were slow in taking their final departure for the winter. 
On January 4 I observed about 1 dozen seals on Sea Lion Rock and 
3 in the water off Reef Point. A bull seal was reported off East 
Landing January 18. The latter was the last fur seal observed for 
the season of 1909. The first bull for the season of 1910 arrived 
May 9, and took up his position on Reef Point. As opportunity 
presented itself I counted the rookeries in the vicinity of the village, 
until the arrival of the supply ship June 29, said counts being as 
follows : 

Count of rookeries. 



AMPHITHEATER OF KITOVI. 



Date. 


Bulls. 


Quitters. 


Harems. 


Cows present. 


Mav 27 . . 


2 
4 
6 
7 


1 
3 
3 
2 












June 20 






June 25 


1 


1 







KITOVI EXCLUSIVE OF AMPHITHEATEE. 



May 14. . 
May 19. . 

May 27. . 
June 5. . 
June 20. 
June 25 . 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



1175 



Count of rookeries — Continued. 

LUKANIN. 



Date. 



Bulls. 



Quitters. 



Harems. Cows present. 



May 9.. 
May 12. 
May 14. 
May 19. 
May 27. 
June 5. 
June 20 
June 25 



May 28. 
June 5. 
Junes. 
June 11 
June 27 




May 19. 
May 22. 
May 27. 
June 15 
June 21 



6 
23 
42 
74 
112 



May 9. 

May 12 
May 13 
May 19 
May 22 
May 27 



AEDIGUEN AKDIGUEN. 



May 19.. 
May 27.. 
June 15. 
June 21. 
June 24. 
June 25. 



rOLSTOI. 


May 19 


3 
52 
73 








6 
9 






June 22 . 


14 


25 






TOLSTOI CLUTS. 




17 
26 




1 


June 22 


2 


1 1 






ZAPADNI. 


May 11 


1 

1 

10 








May 15 
























UTILE ZAPADNI. 




37 
58 


4 
6 






June 22 













1176 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

In the absence of new instructions, early in June I conducted the 
business in accordance with the old ones, so far as they were appli- 
cable. A total of 493 bachelor seals, 291 two and 202 three year olds, 
were, upon this authority, marked and reserved for breeding pur- 
poses prior to the arrival of Mr. Lembkey with the current year's 
instructions June 29. 

PELAGIC SEALING. 

From the 16th until the 27th of August, 1909, from four to eight 
sealing schooners, all of which were outside territorial waters, were 
visible daily from the island. Early in the morning of August 26 a 
boat containing four Japanese sealers came alongside the Rush and 
asked to be taken aboard. They reported themselves lost, and stated 
their schooner had sailed for Japan. As their boat contained freshly 
killed seals Capt. de Otte took the sealers to Unalaska, where, after 
examination by the United States commissioner at that place, they 
were released. 

On September 2, with the aid of Messrs. Proctor and Dernnin and a 
native crew, I captured two boats, containing six Japanese belonging 
to the sealing schooner Eiun Maru, while engaged in sealing in terri- 
torial waters in the vicinity of Walrus Island. Three other boats, as 
well as the schooner, were in territorial waters at the time. Two 
revenue cutters on patrol were notified within three hours after the 
capture, but their failure to pursue immediately enabled the poaching 
schooner to escape in the darkness. My letters to the Commissioner 
of Fisheries, dated September 3 and 9, 1909, contain full accounts of 
this transaction. Our prisoners were tried by the United States 
commissioner at Unalaska and sentenced to three months in jail and 
to pay a fine of $200 each. 

IMPROVEMENTS. 

Shortly after the departure of the Homer I took possession of the 
hardware, lumber, cement, and other materials intended for improve- 
ments to Government property, authorized by the sundry civil act 
of March 4, 1909, finding same in accordance with the memorandum 
left for my guidance by Chief Agent Lembkey. In repairing the coal 
house, a structure 30 by 40 feet, the old wooden floor was removed, 
the studding and posts spliced and renewed where needed, and the 
roof properly braced and trussed. The attic was made available as 
a storage room for boats during winter. In making a new floor the 
building was paved with large rocks wheeled from the beach, the 
interstices between the rocks being filled, and the whole covered with 
8 inches of concrete, solidly rammed. This was topped with a 
smooth cushion of sand and cement. 

The Government house was raised with jack screws, old sills and 
joists removed and spliced or renewed, as the case required. Sub- 
sUls and wooden blocking were not renewed, but instead thereof piers 
of concrete were built, upon which the building now rests. 

A rather pretentious new building 18 by 24 by 9, with gable roof, 
was erected upon a foundation of concrete. This building is known 
as the "gun house," and is used for storing the ordnance, small arms, 
ammunition, and equipment intended for the protection of the island. 
Work on the foregoing projects kept all hands busy until winter set in. 



SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1177 

Under the direction of Company Agent Allis the Government whale- 
boat was strengthened and made into a launch, and subsequently 
the gasoline engine was removed from the old launch and installed 
therein. The new launch, named Kotik, is a safe, reliable, and very 
superior boat. I am under obligations to Capt. Henderson, of the 
revenue cutter Thetis, and Capt. O'Malley and Chief Engineer Porcher, 
of the revenue cutter Manning, for the rods, bolts, and nuts of brass 
and copper used in rejnodeling the KotiJc. 

During the winter several boxes of potatoes and onions belonging 
to the natives and in their possession were frozen and a total loss for 
the want of proper storage facilities. Excepting a few so-called cel- 
lars under native houses there was not a place on the island where 
winter vegetables could be kept safe from frost. To remedy this 
condition and prevent a recurrence of loss of vegetables in the future 
from frost, a large excavation was made under the natives' shop and 
a properl}^ braced and well -floored cellar built therein, the room 
when finished measuring 27 by 7 by 7 feet 2 inches. 

The construction of the above-mentioned cellar, the widening and 
grading of two streets, the erection of a small signal station at the 
flagstaff, and some improvements on the boathouse comprise the list 
of our activities last spring. 

NATIVE INDUSTRIES. 

Prior to 1907 there was no place on St. Paul Island where a man 
could repair his boat or do other work of a like character for himself, 
or where the natives could gather for social purposes or the holding 
of a general meeting, except the company buildings, access to which 
could be had only with the consent of the company agent. 

The natives are fond of tools, and ■v\ ithout exception each man had 
a greater or less number to ^^hich he kept addmg as opportunity pre- 
sented itself, but which, owing to the lack of a proper place, he could 
seldom use to advantage. A few had small shops in which to do their 
repairmg, but the great majority had no place to work except their 
homes, already crowded with their families and belongmgs. New 
work, except a small amount done on ivory, was not attempted. The 
men who had lived or grown up under the latter Russian and early 
American regimes and had assisted in building the village were d^dng 
off, and their sons, brought up under the paralyzmg influence of Gov- 
ernment support, were not the equal of their fathers in handicraft or 
self-reliance. 

To remedy these conditions and to give the present generation an 
opportunity to become conversant with the use of tools, I had the 
men, in the fall of 1906, gather such lumber as remained from the 
church demolished some time previous and was suitable for budding. 
The followmg spring shingles and necessaiy additional lumber were 
purchased and paid for by the natives wliich, with the material saved 
from the old church, was used in erecting a substantial, comfortable, 
and well-lighted building 40 by 22 feet, with a 9-foot ceflmg and large 
attic overhead. 

Tliis building is known as the natives' shop. It is well equipped 
v/ith iron and wood working tools, including forge, drfll press, vises, 
benches, etc., either contributed or purchased by the natives. A shop- 
keeper and assistant, elected by the natives and paid a small com- 



1178 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

pensation from the seal division, have full charge of the shop and dis- 
charge their duties with fidelity. Since its erection the shop has pre- 
sented a scene of activity among the natives hitherto unknown on the 
island. Individual work is of course performed by the person inter- 
ested, or by his congenial friends forming a gang when this is necessary. 
Community work is participated in by all, each man being assigned 
to that for which he is best fitted or for which he shows especial apti- 
tude. Under the community arrangement, oak was brought from the 
wreck of the Alexander on north shore and later cut to the proper 
dimensions and made into various articles, including wheelbarrows 
and sleds. The former were produced at one-third their previous 
cost, while the latter, costing $5 each when purchased from the com- 
pany, were made for almost nothing. Eveiy family is now supplied 
with wheelbarrows and sleds, whereas formerly only a few could 
aflord them. 

Last winter scarcely a day passed that the shop was not filled with 
men repairing guns, water barrels, boats, stoves, furniture, and what- 
not. Considerable new work was carried on in the making of Morris 
chairs, camp stools, and toys of various descriptions. Someone 
started the making of heavy clothes pins, the utility of which soon 
appealed to all, with the result that several thousand were produced 
in a short time, from refuse oak. The shop also answers a good pur- 
pose in providing a good loafing place for those who have nothing on 
hand, thereby removing them for the time being from their stuffy and 
Ul-ventilated houses. 

Under this head the work of the sewing circle may be noted. The 
winter of 1905-6 was one of unusual hardship for the natives. For 
several years preceding prices on the islands had gradually crept 
upward, while income was steadily going down, with the result that 
during the winter in question the available resources were scarcely 
sufficient for the purchase of the necessaries of life. The women and 
children were short of all kinds of clothing, while the native houses 
were almost destitute of bed linen and other things necessary for 
ordinary comfort and decency. To remedy these conditions, I pur- 
chased in the fall of 1906 all the flannel, muslin, canton flannel, 
denim, and cloth on the station, and Mrs. Judge, who had provided 
a large number of patterns, organized the native women into sewing 
circles and converted the material purchased into underwear, bed 
linen, mittens, overalls and jumpers for boys, capes and coats for girls, 
supplying and making everyone comfortable so far as possible and 
far beyond anything they had experienced previously. This scheme 
worked so well and proved so satisfactory from an economical stand- 
point that the following year and annually since material has been 
brought purposely from San Francisco for community sewing. Suits 
for small boys are now made for considerably less money than similar 
garments cost in the company stores. Every girl and woman now 
has at least one coat and cape of heavy material, where formerly only 
a few with money enough to purchase such clothing in San Francisco 
could afford it. The garments made on the island are neatly trimmed, 
and as everyone is measured and fitted separately the clothes made 
are of proper size and look well upon their respective owners. 

Several of the women are becoming good cutters, and all are 
improving in their work as a necessary incident of organization and 
community effort. While sewing is on. the shop is given over to the 



SEAIi ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1179 

women, who meet and quit on schedule time and who apparently 
enjoy the social aspect of the meeting. 

All social affairs, such as dancing and musical entertainments and 
lately amateur theatricals, take place in the natives' shop. On these 
occasions the shop is nicely decorated and well illuminated with lamps 
and Japanese lanterns. 

BIRD LIFE. 

Durmg the autumn and winter of 1909 and sprmg of 1910, I 
kept a record of the arrival of approximately all hirds coming either 
to breed or visit the island. In this I was assisted bv the natives at 
the village, and also by the watchmen on duty at the different rook- 
eries. Particular attention was paid to the direction and approxi- 
mate strength of the wind at the time of arrival. An attempt was 
likewise made to note exactly the departure of those birds, but the 
data collected, especially that relating to migrants, was confusing, 
for the reason tliat these species neither arrive nor leave in one body, 
and seem never to leave when one is watching and expecting them 
to do so. The record showed the latest date different species were 
seen on the island, which was the best that could be done toward 
fixing the exact time of departure. All data relating to birds was 
entered in a small book alphabetically arranged for the purpose, 
which, with a collection of eggs and bird skins, was unfortunately 
destro^'ed by fire while en route to Washington last autumn. 

On October 19, 1909, two swans arrived at Zapadni in a southeast 
wind. These birds were shot by the watchmen and found to weigh 
9 and 8^ pounds, res))ectively. They carried great numbers of 
ectoparasites, some of which were collected and sent to Mr. 
Chichester. 

Last summer was the first time, according to the natives, that a 
few chikies did not nest on Sea Lion Rock. I counted 1 6 of the nests 
of those birds there in 1909. No cause is assigned for their with- 
drawal at this time. 

On May 30, 1910, I visited Otter Island, spending several hours 
ashore. Fully 200 harlequin ducks were observed about the island. 
Careful search was made for the nests of these birds, but without 
result. Arries and redleg kitiwakes were ver\^ numerous, but no 
fiesh eggs were found. Owing to the press of other matters I was 
unable to devote any attention to bird life last summer. Wliile on 
Otter Island, a hair seal was observed eating a salmon. A concourse 
of gulls circled above, swooping down at intervals for such scraps as 
fell. One of the gulls perched for several seconds on the seal's hack, 
without apparent!}' disturbing its equanimity. 

WALRUS ISLAND. 

Attention is respectfully directed to my report upon conditions on 
Walrus Island, addressed to Mr. Lembkey, October 12, 1909. For 
the purpose of supplementing that report I examined the St. Paul 
Island records from the year 1872, the earliest available, to date. 
These records show that expeditions were made to Walrus Island for 
the purpose of procuring egj^s for natives' food in the following years, 
to wit: 1872, 4 times;' 1873, once; 1874, once; 1875, twice;' 1876, 



1180 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

twice; 1877, once; 1878, no record; 1879, no record; 1880, twice; 
1881, no record; 1882, twice; 1883, once; 1884, once; 1885, once; 
1886, no record; 1887, 3 times; 1888, once; 1889, twice; 1890, once; 
1891, once; 1892, once; 1893, twice; 1894, no record; 1895, no record; 
1896, once; 1897, once; 1898, once; 1899, once; 1900, no record; 
1901, once; 1902, twice; 1903, 3 times; 1904, once; 1905, once; 
1906, once; 1907, once; 1908, once; 1909, once; 1910, once. 

The record makes no distinction between trips for cleaning off and 
those for collecting purposes. It may be stated, however, that when 
the first trip was not made until late June or early July the fresh eggs 
were selected and the others swept aside. Probably one-fourth of 
the breeding area was thus treated on these occasions. The natives 
are of opinion that no harm resulted from the practice of cleaning off 
certain areas, said opinion being based on the fact that the denuded 
spots were shortly after covered with fresh eggs. 

On June 16, 1910, a boat's crew visited Walrus Island and took every 
egg found thereon, as all were fresh. The total of each kind found 
was as follows : 359 of chikie, 1 of Point Barrow gull, 6 of cormorant, 
2 of sea quail, 932 of arrie. 

It was my intention to visit Walrus Island later in the summer of 
1910 and gather several thousand arrie eggs for native food, as was done 
in 1909, but high seas prevented the trip during the period the eggs 
were good or should have been taken. 

It is evident that a large herd of bachelor walrus frequented the 
island bearing that name in former years to sleep and rest. On 
August 21, 1873, the number seen was estimated by Mr. Lessing at 
500. They appeared regularly until 1876, and occasionally from 
that time until 1893, when their last appearance on the island was 
noted. The last one killed there was on August 22, 1890, and was 
taken as a specimen for the Smithsonian Institution. That the herd 
became extinct is not due to the operations of the inhabitants of St. 
Paul Island. Three is the highest number of walrus the records show 
to have been killed at one time, and these were taken for specimens at 
the request of the white residents. The natives would eat the heart, 
but neither the ivory nor remainder of the carcass was of use to them. 
They probably killed a few for sport which were not recorded; but as 
ammunition was expensive, the number thus destroyed was not great. 
It seems likely that the quest for walrus farther north has resulted 
in the extermination of the source of supply whence these bachelors 
came. 

Sea lions of both sexes and aU ages haul on Walrus Island at all 
seasons in limited numbers. It was the custom during the fall and 
winter months for the St. Paul natives to visit Walrus Island occa- 
sionally for the purpose of killing sea-lion pups for food. On February 
23, 1887, 20 of these animals were secured. Aside from this the high- 
est killing recorded is five. Visits for this purpose ceased in 1895, 
with the promulgation of the order of the Secretary of the Treasury 
prohibiting the killing of sea-lion pups. 

On June 11, 1892, a boat's crew sailed to Walrus Island for eggs. 
They found one fox in sole possession and neither a bird nor an e^or in 
sight. The fox was shot, and the natives returned on the 27th of the 
same month and filled their boat with fresh eggs. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1181 

SCHOOL. 

Tlie report of the school-teacher for the term beginning September 
1, 1909, and ending April 29, 1910, is herewith appended, marked 
Exhibit A. 

The school was, as usual, conducted in a large room, the enrollment 
numbering 46 pupils of both sexes, ranging in age from 7 to 16 years. 
This has been about the average attendance for many years past. 
English only is taught in the school. Excepting the five hours a day 
during school term, the children with few exceptions speak little or 
no English. Only one teacher at a time has ever been employed on 
St. Paul Island, and his duties have not been confined exclusively to 
the school. It need surprise no one therefore that little progress has 
been made in educating the natives. The children as a rule are 
bright and learn readily when surrounded by proper influences, as has 
been demonstrated repeatedly by those who have left home and 
attended the Jesse Lee and Carlisle Indian schools. To entirely 
change their environment on the island at once is practicall}?^ impos- 
sible, but the school could be made more efficient by employing two 
teachers, preferably a competent man and wife, and by making the 
school term 10 months instead of 8; both of which changes are 
herewith earnestly recommended. 

The older people are taking considerable interest in the education 
of their children, and the influence of a well-conducted school in the 
future would be beneficial to the community. Prior to leaving St. 
Paul, I obtained the consent of the parents of three bright boys to 
their entering the Indian school at Chemawa, Oreg., and have since 
arranged for their reception at that institution next August. The 
training at Chemawa is largely industrial, and will be of benefit to 
the boys, and to the community also, should they again take up their 
residence on the island. 

Manual training would add materially to the efficiency of the school 
on St. Paul Island, and should be included in the curriculum. 

SEAL MEAT FOR NATIVES OF THE ALEUTIAN ISLANDS. 

While at Unalaska last August Capt. Foley, United States Revenue- 
Cutter Service, in charge of the fleet at that port, complimented our 
service on the amount of salted seal meat, about 100 barrels, shipped 
from the seal islands for the use of the natives in that vicinity. Capts. 
de Otte and Haake, of the Revenue-Cutter Service, were present and 
concurred in the suggestion of Capt. Foley that the salting of seal meat 
for the use of the natives on the Aleutian Islands be gone into more 
extensively, adding that the patrol fleet would cheerfully distribute 
the product. Th6se gentlemen were of opinion that at least 600 bar- 
rels of this meat should be preserved and delivered annually to the 
natives of Akutan, Kashega, Unalaska, Chinofsky, Attn, Atka, Maku- 
shin, and Biorka. The natives residing in the villages named are, 
with few exceptions, very poor, and a liberal supply of meat would add 
materially to their comfort and well-being and perhaps prevent sufi"er- 
ing among them during winter. The scheme contemplated possesses 
the advantage of utilizing a large quantity of good food, which, under 
present arrangements, is waste on the seal fields of St. Paul Island. 

2403— H. Doc. 93, 62-1 74 



1182 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Owin^ to the operations on the island, it is not Hkely that the services 
of the St. Paul workmen would be available for preserving the meat 
during the sealing season. I would therefore recommend that two 
Unalaska natives be taken to St. Paul Island and employed at this 
work from June 20 to August 20, proximo, and that 500 barrels for 
holding seal meat and 100 kegs for holding seal oil be purchased for 
the purpose. I am informed by Mr. William T. Lopp, chief of the 
Alaska Division, United States Bureau of Education, that the Inte- 
rior Department will arrange for the payment of the expenditures 
involved in this transaction. 

EEINDEEE. 

Large areas of the islands of St. Paul and St. George are covered 
with what is known as reindeer moss, sufficient in amount to support 
large numbers of reindeer. Some years ago arrangements were about 
completed for introducing a few of these animals on the seal islands, 
but objection was made by the lessee of the sealing privilege that rein- 
deer would disturb the bachelor seals and interfere with its business. 
The presence of reindeer on the islands in sufficient numbers to furnish 
food for the inhabitants during winter would be highly beneficial. It 
is not believed those animals would frequent the vicinity of the seal 
rookeries, as these places are void of the moss upon which they feed, 
and if they went there anyway adequate measures could be taken to 
prevent their doing harm. 

I would therefore recommend that negotiations be entered into 
with the Interior and Treasury Departments for procuring and trans- 
porting to the islands of St. Paul and St. George such numbers of male 
and female reindeer as may be deemed advisable and can be conven- 
iently carried by the revenue cutter Bear. 

Respectfully submitted. 

James Judge, 
Assistant Agent Seal Fisheries. 

The Commissioner of Fisheries. 



[ Memorandum In re sources from whicli fur-seal skins, which composed the 1910 catch, were obtained.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, March 21, 1911. 

Number shipped, both islands, for Government account 12, 920 

Left from previous season, St. George 4 

Found dead on beach, St. Paul 1 

Left on beach by Japanese, who landed on St. Paul July 30, 1910, without 

authority 4 

9 

Total taken in drives of 1910 12, 911 

W. I. Lembkey. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1183 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, March 28, 1911. 
Messrs. B. W. Evermann, Chief Division of Alaska Fisheries, and 
C. W. ScuDDER, accountant. Bureau of Fisheries. 
Gentlemen: In view of tlie fact that the Alaska fisheries service, 
with a large appropriation, is a new division of tliis bureau, with 
untried duties and responsibilities, it is imperative that a satisfac- 
tory method of accoim ting— both for property, including its purchase, 
issue, and sale, and for a proper and expeditious handling of ac- 
counts — ^be inaugurated. You are appointed a board to formidate 
and submit for approval, without delay, proper methods and forms. 
It may be desirable that you confer with the disbursing clerk of the 
department, and you will, of course, call on any employee of this 
bureau for such information as may be necessary. Since the busi- 
ness for the succeeding year wiU soon begin, this report is desired at 
the earliest possible date. 

Kespectfully, Geo. M. Bowers, 

Commissioner. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, March 31,1911. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent in Charge Seal Fisheries, 

Washington, D. C: 

1. Order to 'proceed to the islands. — ^You are directed to leave Wash- 
ington at a date to be determined hereafter and to proceed to the 
Pacific coast. There you will purchase at reasonable prices, after 
first securing competitive bids whenever practicable, such merchan- 
dise as will be required on the Pribilof Islands for the natives and 
others. Preliminary arrangements have been made by this bureau 
for chartering the steamer Homer to transport these supplies to the 
islands and to bring the sealskins from the islands in the fall. You 
are directed to complete the arrangements for such chartering and to 
sign such charter for the Government, subject to the approval of the 
Department of Commerce and Labor. It is understood that the 
Homer will be ready for service by May 15, proximo. Assistant 
Agents Judge and Clark will accompany you to San Francisco to as- 
sist you in the duties involved in the purchase of merchandise and the 
shipment of the same, and will proceed with you to the islands. De- 
tailed travel orders will be furnished separately. 

It is believed that Acting Agent Proctor, on St. George Island, will 
desire to return to the States for a short vacation, and by leaving 
there when the vessel first returns will be available for service in San 
Francisco in purchasing such supplies as will be required to be shipped 
on the second trip of the vessel. If, however, this arrangement can 
not be made, in the event of the impossibility of your communicating 
with the bureau, you will make such provision for the purchase of the 
summer's supplies as seems best in your judgment. 

2. Assignment of agents. — You will make such assignment of the 
assistant agents and other employees for the season as in your judg- 
ment seems best, notifying the department of your action hereunder. 



1184 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

At the close of the seahng season you will return to San Fran- 
cisco with Assistant Agent Chichester. After performing such 
duties on the. coast as are necessary in the way of shipping the skins 
onto cars and discharging the vessel, you and the assistant agent 
mentioned will return to the department in Washington for duty. 

3. Change of laws relating to seal islands. — You are informed that 
the act approved April 21, 1910, repeals that portion of the pre- 
vious law which required the Secretary of Commerce and Labor to 
lease the right to kill seals on the islands. The act mentioned 
authorizes such killing to be done by agents, officers, and employees 
of the United States appointed by the Secretary of Commerce and 
Labor. Copies of said act are herewith transmitted, and it will 
be your duty and that of the assistant agents and other officers and 
employees of the department to see that its provisions are strictly 
enforced. 

4. Agent in charge to have swpervision. — As agent in charge you 
will have general supervision over the killing of seals and foxes, 
the affairs of the natives, and all other interests of the Government 
on the islands. You should indicate to the assistant agents and 
others the nature of their duties and secure as far as possible the 
good administration of the laws and regulations pertaining to the 
islands. Should a difference of opinion arise at any time between 
yourself and any of the assistant agents, employees, etc., in respect 
to a matter of administration on the islands, your decision must 
govern. If desired, however, you should request the agent or 
employee to state his views in writing upon the question under 
discussion, which you should submit to the department, with a 
statement of your action and views thereon. 

5. Quota. — No specified quota of male seals to be killed for their 
skins will be fixed. The number killed, however, should not be 
fewer than the normal yield of the herd after exempting from slaughter 
a safe margin to insure a supply of males for breeding purposes. 

You are instructed, therefore, to cause the hauling grounds on 
both islands to be driven regularly, but not too often, until July 31, 
and to direct the Idlling of such male seals as may be found thereon 
having skins within the weights hereafter mentioned, excepting 
those reserved as breeders. Such skins as are secured by the meth- 
ods outlined should be salted, bundled, and prepared for shipment 
at the usual time, namely, about August 15. Care should be taken 
to exempt from slaughter all 4-year-old males and all females. 

6. Reservation of young males. — To insure the escape from the kill- 
ing fields of enough young male seals to supply the required number 
of breeding adults in future, you are instructed to release 1,000 
3-year-old males in the proportion of 800 on St. Paul and 200 on 
St. George. The seals thus released are to be marked in such man- 
ner as will make them readily recognizable throughout the season, 
and under no circumstances are they to be killed. 

The reservation of 2-year-olds for breeders is considered unneces- 
sary, for the reason that with supervision of driving in the hands 
of Government representatives the driving will not be too close, 
and that consequently enough 2-year-olds will escape the drives 
altogether to provide a sufficient number of 3-year-olds the follow- 
ing year. These will be in addition to those 2-year-olds escaping 
from the killing fields and having skins weighing 5 pounds and under. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1185 

The seals reserved for marking are to be of the best examples in 
the herd. No seal patently undersize or having any deformity 
should be included in the number so reserved. Wherever possible, 
experiments in selective breeding should be undertaken by reserv- 
ing for breeding only those giving evidence of the highest physical 
attributes. 

7. Event of international agreement. — The foregoing instructions 
respecting killing of seals and reservation of bachelors are predicated 
upon the assumption that no international agreement will be reached 
this summer putting a stop to pelagic sealing. In the event that such 
an arrangement should be reached before the end of the current season, 
doubtless you will receive additional instructions with a view of 
regulating the killing in accordance wdth any special arrangements 
made with foreign Governments interested. 

8. Sizes ofkillaUe seals. — No seals shall be killed having skins weigh- 
ing less than 5 pounds nor more than 8^ pounds. All skins taken 
should be weighed carefully and the weights, or a summary thereof, 
reported to the department. While it is understood that an occasional 
accident or error of judgment will result in the killing of a seal having 
a skin outside the weights mentioned, yet the greatest care should 
be exercised not to kill seals other than those specified as eligible. 

9. Killing season. — The killing season should begin as soon as seals 
haul in numbers sufficient to justify driving, but should cease on 
July 31 because of the approach of the "stagey" season and of the 
presence of adult and yearling female seals in the drives. You 
should use your judgment as to whether drives should be made less 
frequently at the close of the season to obviate the possibility of 
young females being killed by accident due to the difficulty in dis- 
tinguishing them from bachelors. The killing of pups for food for 
the natives, or for any other purpose, is not to be permitted. 

10. Seals for food. — Driving for natives' food should not begin 
before October 20, and care should be exercised at that time that the 
skins of seals killed be not "stagey" to a degree that would impair 
the commercial value of the skin. Drives for food should be made 
not oftener than the needs of the natives in that res])ect require. 
Drives for food on rookeries remote from the villages should not be 
made unless the carcasses are actually necessary for natives' food or 
for food for foxes, or for some other sound reason, and in any event, 
care should be taken to preserve for future use the carcasses of such 
seals as are not immediately disposed of. The number of seals to 
be kiUed for natives' food for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 1911, 
should not exceed 1,700 on St. Paul and 500 on St. George. No 
female seal, or seal having a skin weighing under 5 pounds, or more 
than 7 pounds, shall be kified during the so-cafied "food-killing 
season." Care shall be taken that no reserved or mark bachelors be 
killed in the drives for food, or at any other time. 

11. Driving. — The methods of conducting drives for skins here- 
tofore practiced should be followed. The time, place, and manner of 
conducting drives should be fixed by you or by an assistant agent 
assigned by you to that duty. A representative of the Government 
should be present on the killing ground in each instance to superintend 
the killing. 

12. Killing grounds. — As heretofore, you will establish on each of 
the islands killing grounds that can be reached by the shortest 



1186 SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

possible drive, provided, however, that such kilHng grounds must be 
at places sufficiently distant from the rookeries to prevent annoyance 
from the decaying carcasses. 

13. Counting sMns. — All the sealskins should be carefully counted 
into the salt houses in the presence of representatives of the depart- 
ment and of the native community, and a receipt in duplicate in the 
following form should be prepared, to be signed by each of said 
representatives : 

St. Island, 

, , 191—. 

We certify that there have been placed in salt in the salt house in our presence 
sealskins. 



For Department of Commerce and Labor. 



For native community. 

14. Receipts for sealskins salted. — The originals of the receipts pre- 

Eared in accordance with the preceding paragraph should be retained 
y the representative of the department for the files of the island, 
while the duplicates should be transmitted by you to the department. 
At the close of the season, when the sealskins are counted again and 
shipped on board the steamer, the usual annual receipts should be 
signed by the captain of the steamer and the representative of the 
department. 

15. Trading in sJcins. — Attention is called to the fact that section 
2 of the act approved April 21, 1910, entitled "An act to protect the 
seal fisheries of Alaska, and for other purposes," provides that "any 
and all sealskins taken under the authority conferred by the preced- 
ing section shall be sold by the Secretary of Commerce and Labor in 
such market, at such times, and in such manner as he may deem 
most advantageous." Care should be taken to prevent the disposal 
of skins of seals or of foxes by the natives or others to any person or 
persons except in the manner prescribed by these or other regula- 
tions. All trading in sealskins by the natives is to be strictly pro- 
hibited, nor shall the natives be permitted to do any trading in fox 
skins. 

16. Measures to prevent shipment of sTcins hy natives. — To avoid the 
possibility of seal or fox skins being surreptitiously shipped from the 
islands, you are directed to continue the practice of examining all 
goods to be shipped by the natives, including baggage and personal 
effects, and where barrels, casks, boxes, or other receptacles are used, 
they should be closed under your supervision, after an examination 
of the contents, before being placed in the warehouse. Any skins 
found concealed in packages to be shipped by the natives should be 
seized and held, subject to instructions from the department. 

17. Census of seal herd. — Because of the great activity of the pelagic 
sealers about the islands, it is believed unwise to disturb unnecessarily 
the breeding seals, thereby driving them into the water. For this 
reason, counting of the rookeries should be discontinued, except that 
necessary to make the annual enumeration of harems and breeding 
bulls about July 15. If you deem it advisable, the pups on Kitovi 
rookery on St. Paul, and North rookery on St. George, may be cou ted 
on or about July 31, to determine the size of the average harem there- 
on. At the close of the season and after tlie departure of the pelagic 



SEAL ISLANDS OP ALASKA. 1187 

sealing fleets an enumeration of dead pups may be made and such 
information reported regarding the cause of death as can be obtained. 
Should pelagic sealing be abolished by international agreement 
it is desirable to have made a thorough and exact census of all the 
seals of whatever class on each island, and definite directions to that 
end will be prepared in due time. 

18. Care of the natives. — The care and welfare of the natives should 
receive your close attention and, in fact, that of all the Government 
agents and employees on the islands. It shall be your duty to see 
that the natives are supplied, so far as funds will permit, with the 
necessaries of life to an amount sufhcient to maintain them in comfort, 
due regard being paid to economy and thrift. 

19. Compensation to natives. — The compensation to the natives for 
killing seals and for salting, cuiing, bundling, and loading the seal- 
skins has been 40 cents for each sldn during the lease of the Alaska 
Commercial Co., and 50 cents, and later 75 cents, during the lease of 
the North American Commercial Co. During the year 1910, when 
the Government took sealskins without the intervention of a lessee, 
the compensation for taking sealskins was $1 each. The sums real- 
ized from the taldng of these sldns were not sufficient for the support 
of the natives, and the amount lacldng was supplied as a gratuity by 
an appropriation of Congress of $19,500 annually. 

This annual appropriation has been discontinued by Congress.. It 
is the purpose of this bureau not only to secure the comfort and main- 
tenance of these people, as required by law, but also, ^\hile so doings 
to better their social and moral condition by doing a\\ay with 
gratuities and furnisliing them with the necessaries of life only as a 
return for labor performed. In other words, it is the intention to 
make the natives self-supporting through the earnings from taking^ 
seal and fox skins and other labor performed by them. 

With this object in view, a stipulated price to be paid for each seal- 
skin to be taken by the natives will not be fixed at tliis time, because 
of the impossibility of forecasting the total catch for the ensuing 
season. The total amount, however, which will be necessary to sup- 
port the natives for a year, and v\ hich is to be derived from tliis labor 
in taking seal and fox skins, is approximately $35,000. For this 
amount the natives should be required by agreement in writing to 
kill, salt, cure, bundle, and handle the sealskins, guard the seal rook- 
eries, repair roads, brand or otherwise mark such seals as are desig- 
nated to be reserved, to furnish the labor requisite in any experiments 
to feed seals or foxes, to repair their own dwellmgs, assist in trans- 
porting passengers and mail, and to do, in short, any other work that 
may be considered necessary and expedient in cormection with seals 
or i'oxes, or to promote the good of the community on those islands. 

The amount which the natives are to receive for taking fox skins is 
$5 for each blue and $1 for each white fox skin. At the end of the 
sealing season you will fix a rate of payment for sealskins which, vitli 
the amount which the natives will receive from fox skins, A\ill bring 
the aggregate of their earnings from both of these sources to S35,000. 

The taking of fox skins on St. Paul Island is not community worlc, 
but is done individually. It has been the custom on that island to 
credit each man with the amoimt due for the fox skins taken by him. 
It is be ieved that, following this custom, if fox skins were taken on 
St. Paul last Avinter the money thus earned by the natives has already 



1188 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

])een distributed. For this reason in compntinj:: the rate of payment 
for sepJskins under the forepicing instruction onh^ the amount earned 
from foxing on St. George should be taken into account. 

The money thus earned by the taking of sealskins on both islands 
and fox skins on vSt. George Island should be formed into a general 
fund, which should be divided among all the natives of both islands. 
Tliis fund, by agreement with the natives, is to be used for their 
support at the rate of a certain weekly amount for each family based 
upon the number of mouths in that familj'". The balance or remain- 
der of each native's allotment shall be paid to him either in cash or 
in merchandise as he may elect. 

The goods sold to the natives should be at an advance of 33J per 
cent over wholesale cost price. 

20. Paijments of rash for sundrij labor. — The system of payment of 
cash to the natires for miscellaneous labor (not in connection with 
the taking of seals and foxes) incident to maintaining the stations 
shall be continued. The labor for which they will be compensated 
hereunder should be such only as they may not properl}^ be requested 
to perform as a community under the arrangement in the preceding 
paragra])h. 

2). Coal supply. — The amount of coal which will be required on 
the islands during the coming year will be as follows: 

St. Paul: Tons. 

Government house 15 

Natives' use 250 

Other buildings 50 

315 

St. George: 

Government house 15 

Natives' use 115 

Other buildings 45 

175 

Total 490 

This coal should be of good quahty and sacked. You should make 
inc[uiries of the various dealers and purchase the coal at the lowest 
price for the quality desired. 

22. Dwellings of the natives. — Title to the natives' dwellings on the 
islands has been acquired by the Government. It will be the duty of 
yourself and the assistant agents to see that the natives keep them in 
repair so far as they can with the means at their disposal. Efforts 
should be made to obtain better sanitary conditions in these dwelhngs. 
Where more people are domiciled in a house than are considered 
proper, you should do what you can toward alleviating the condition. 

23. Schools for the natives. — As heretofore, the schools on both 
islands should be mamtained during eight months in the year, begin- 
ning on the first Monday in September and ending on the last Friday 
in April. 

Detailed suggestions as to the conduct of these schools having pre- 
viously been famished you in instructions supplementary to those 
annual instructions of 1910, it is not desirable to augment them until 
the result of their application has been learned. The principal 
church holidays ma}'' be observed, as on these days it is conceived that 
the attention of the children can not be directed toward solely secular 
matters. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1189 

24. Banlc accounts of the natives. — The practice of depositing in 
San Francisco suck funds belonging to the natives as they may desire 
to have formed into savmgs accounts should be contmued. The 
interest on such funds as are now on deposit in San Francisco should 
be collected and paid to the natives to whom it is due. A report upon 
the various transactions under this instruction should be made. 

25. Election of native chiefs. — The natives should be allowed to 
select their own chiefs without interference unless persons are chosen 
for these positions who are mamiestly unfit. In the latter case it 
will be your duty to interpose in the interest of good government and 
require the selection of proper persons, but such action should be 
taken only m extreme cases. 

26. Sale of intoxicants i^rohihited. — The law prohibits the sale of 
liquor to the native inhabitants of Alaska. It will be your duty to 
see that liquor is not sold to the natives of the Pribilof Islands from 
vessels touching there, or by anyone, and m case liquors are sold 
you should rse every effort to have the person selling such liquor 
apprehended and punished. Liquors should not be furnished to the 
natives except for medicmal purposes. 

27. Manufacture of intoxicants. — The brewing or distilHng on the 
islands of intoxicating beverages is prohibited. In the enforcement 
of this provision you are authorized to discontinue the issue of sugar 
or other articles entering into the manufacture of intoxicants to any 
person who violates this order or who is found to be intoxicated. 
Should intoxication become so general among the people as to inter- 
fere with good government and jeopardize the peace, j^ou are author- 
ized to discontinue altogether the issue of sugar and other articles 
entering into the manufacture of intoxicants for such length of time 
as may appear wise. 

28. Removal for cause. — Should natives or other persons become so 
unruly or immoral in conduct as to endanger the peace and good 
government of the people, they should be removed from the islands, 
and the Revenue-Cutter Service will be instructed to render such 
assistance as may be necessary for that purpose. 

29. Landing on the islands restricted. — No persons other than Gov- 
ernment officers and accredited representatives of the Russian Church 
shall be allowed to land on the islands unless they have written 
authority from the department or unless, in special cases, the landing 
be authorized by youreelf or the assistant agents. The permission 
granted representatives of the Russian Church to visit the islands 
may be suspended, however, when its exercise is attempted by an 
improper person. Visitors to the islands should not be permitted to 
inspect the rookeries except under proper supervision. 

30. Killing of sea lions to be limited.— The preservation of the sea- 
lion rookeries on the islands is higlily important. The killing of these 
animals should be limited to such numbers as are absolutely neces- 
sary in providing for the construction of bidarras or skin boats. 
S"a-lion pups should not be killed for any purpose. 

31. Information regarding affairs of the islands. — Information 
regarding the seals, or any other matter pertaining to the seal islands, 
is not to be given out by you or by any other person or persons on 
the islands. AU applications for such information should be referred 
to the department. 



1190 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

32. Guarding the rookeries. — Arms and ammunition have been 
placed upon the islands by the Government for the purpose of pro- 
tecting the seals and especially the breeding rookeries from marauders 
who may seek to land upon the islands and kill the seals. It will be 
the duty of yourself and the assistant agents to enforce as far as prac- 
ticable the laws for the protection of the rookeries and the prohibition 
against unauthorized persons landing upon the islands. To this end 
native guards should be maintained upon such isolated rookeries as 
are in danger of raids, and the native men should be drilled and other- 
wise instructed in the use of rifles furnished for the protection of Gov- 
ernment property. 

33. Mess. — It appearmg that conditions on the seal islands do not 
admit of regular housekeeping by the agents and employees without 
interfering with the transaction of the public business, authority is 
given for continuing the mess. 

34. Foxes. — It is believed that there is sufficient fox food remaining 
on St. George Island, with what seal meat will be preserved next sea- 
son, to feed the fox herd on that island without the necessity of buying 
additional food. If such is not the case, however, you will take such 
action as will provide enough food for the foxes on that island. 

The present methods of trapping foxes on St. George should be 
followed. The number to be reserved from tlie trapping as breeders 
on that island must be left to the discretion of the agent who will be 
in charge of the island during the coming winter. 

The apparent diminution in fox life on St. George which occurred 
during the winter of 1909-10 should be given the serious attention 
of the naturalist and of the agent on that island. Food should be 
exposed at the village or elsewhere in sufficient quantities to insure 
that the foxes are not suffering from lack of it, and careful watch 
should be kept to discover whether foxes are dying about the island 
in any unusual numbers. Whatever information can be obtained as 
to the cause of this decrease in the catch of foxes should be collated 
and reported. 

It is not considered advisable to give specific instructions as to the 
trapping of foxes on St. Paul. The subject should receive the close 
attention of the naturalist and the assistant agent in charge of that 
island during the ensuing winter. The efforts of the agents to feed 
the foxes on that island which have been partially successful should 
be continued with a view of combining the foxes into a herd upon 
which systematic methods of feeding and trapping may be practiced. 

35. Naturalist. — As set forth in the detailed instructions of July 27, 
1910 (all of which are hereby made a part of jn^esent orders and 
instructions), the naturalist will, under your general supervision, have 
immediate charge of all matters pertaining to the investigation, study, 
and management of the fur-seal herd, the blue foxes, and all other 
life on the. islands; advise with the agent in charge regarding the 
number of seals and foxes to be killed each season; exercise direct 
supervision of all educational matters and general supervision of. all 
matters pertaining to the health and well-being of the natives. The 
naturalist will submit to the bureau, through you and not later than 
the close of the season of 1911, a full and detailed report on the 
various matters with which he is specifically charged, together with 
such suggestions and recommendations as he believes will be for the 
good of the service. 



SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1191 

36. Begulations in re fur-hearing animals. — Your attention is called 
to the provision in the act of April 21, 1910, which places with this 
department all the fur-bearing animals of Alaska. The Secretary has 

Srornulgated a series of regulations (Alaska fisheries service, Circular 
To. 1) under which fur-bearing animals may be lawfully taken. It 
is desired that the agent, assistant agents, naturalist, and all other 
employees on the seal islands shall act whenever opportunity affords 
as special wardens for the enforcement of these regulations. Detailed 
instructions will be furnished later. 

37. Conclusion. — Should questions arise involving matters not cov- 
ered by these instructions, it will be your duty to report the facts to 
the department and to await instructions, except in cases requiring 
immediate decision, when you wUl take such action as sound judgment 
dictates. 

The instructions embodied in this letter are to remain in force until 
they are superseded b}" later ones, and in the event of 3^our failure to 
receive revised instructions for a subsequent season the directions 
herein given are to be followed for such season so far as they are 
applicable. 

Four additional copies of this letter are inclosed herewith, and you 
are directed to furnish one of these copies to each of the assistant 
agents and to the naturalist for their information and guidance. 
Respectfully, 



Commissioner. 
Approved. 

Charles Nagel, 

Secretary. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
Washington, April 8, 1911. 
The honorable the Secretary of Commerce and Labor. 

Sir: In the development of a practical method of accounting in 
connection %vith the business matters pertaining to the fur-seal 
service certain difficulties present themselves on account of the isola- 
tion of the seal islands and the unique character of many problems 
involved. 

It is believed that if the disbursing agent or some one in his office 
could visit the seal islands and acqiure personal knowledge of local 
needs and concUtions, the office would then be in a position to develop 
a system of accounting, including purchase of supplies, record and 
inventories of property on the islands, rendering accounts, submission 
of vouchers and filing of reports, which would be in the interest of 
economy and efficient administration. 

I therefore have the honor to recommend that Mr. G. G. Box, of 
the disbursing office, be instructed to proceed to San Francisco on or 
about April 15, where he will assist Agent Lembkey with th? purchase 
of the supplies to be sent to the islands this spring. This will give 
him an opportunity to become familiar with market conditions and 
enable him to advise intelligently as to the details of this phase of the 



1192 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

question. He should then accompany Agent Lembkey to the seal 
islands, where he mil have an opportunity to familiarize himself with 
the conditions there. He should visit both islands and return to San 
Francisco on the last trip of the steamer, which will be late in August. 
Respectfully, 

Geo. M. Bowers, 

ComTnissioner, 
Approved. 

C. N. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, April 12, 1911. 
Sir: I am in receipt of your letter of the 3d instant recommending 
that Mr. George G. Box, of this office, be instructed to proceed to 
San Francisco on or about April 15 for the purpose of assisting Agent 
Lembkey in the purchase of supplies to be sent to the seal islands 
this spring, and later to proceed to the islands for the purpose of 
installing a system of accounting for the better protection of the 
interests of the Government. 

After careful consideration of your recommendation and after 
conference with yourself and other officials of the department, I have 
concluded that the expense of this trip will be fully justified by the 
end to be gained. I realize that the isolation of the seal islands and 
the long intervals that must necessarily elapse between the agent's 
reports require that the system of accounting, inventories, etc., be 
both comprehensive and exact, and I therefore approve your recom- 
mendation to have the system installed by a representative of my 
immediate office, who is Imown to be thoroughly competent to under- 
take the task. 

Respectfully, Charles Nagel, 

Secretary. 
The Commissioner of Fisheries. 



travel authorization. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau op Fisheries, 

April U, 1911. 
Secretary of Commerce and Labor: I respectfully request that 
George G. Box, clerk, be authorized to travel, as indicated below, by 
the most direct or usually traveled route, the expense of such travel 
to be paid from the appropriation "Alaska fisheries service," there 
being sufficient balance therein in excess of liabilities already incurred 
for the payment of the expenses involved. 

From Washington, D. C., to San Francisco, Cal., and the Pribilof 
Islands and return to Washington, for the purpose of assisting with 
the purchase of supplies for the Pribilof Islands and inaugurating a 
satisfactory methoa of accounting in seal-fishery fiscal matters. 
(See further instructions, which will be furnished.) 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1193 

This travel to begin on April 16, 1911, or as soon thereafter as 
practicable. 

Geo. M. Bowers, 

Commissioner. 
Recorded. 

R. M. PiNDELL, Jr., 

Chief Clerk. 
Authorized. 

Ben. S. Cable, 

Acting Secretary. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, Ayril 15, 1911. 
Mr. G. G. Box, 

Department of Commerce and Lahor, 

Washington, D. C. 
Sir: There is inclosed herewith one copy each of letters of instruc- 
tion to agent in charge of seal fisheries of dates March 29, 1909, March 
31, 1909, and July 27, 1910. It is beheved that these will be of inter- 
est and value to you in connection with the inquiries which you will 
make on the seal islands this summer. You wnll see from them that 
we had already anticipated most of the difficulties wliich would arise, 
and had provided for putting the records in proper shape, as well as 
for making the necessary investigations. 

Respectfully, Geo. M. Bowers, 

Acting Commissioner. 

MEMORANDUM. 

Upon your arrival at the fur-seal islands you will be the personal 
representative of the Secretary of Commerce and Labor. Your work 
at the islands will be to study the conditions with the view of organ- 
izing and to putting into effect while on the islands a system of records 
and accounts to control the fiscal and store operations on the islands 
and to control and account for properties. You should address your- 
self to the work in such a way as to render an accounting at the close 
of each fiscal year in time to have the accounts transmitted to the 
Bureau of Fisheries on the steamer leaving the islands on the second 
trip. The details of these accounts will be left to your judgment, 
Mdth the mere suggestion that they should be simple and effective. 

Receive further verbal instructions from disbursing clerk and Com- 
missioner of Fisheries. Assist Lembkey in purchasing and shipping 
supplies. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, April 15, 1911. 
Mr. G. G. Box, 

Department of Com/merce and Lahor, 

Washington, D. C. 
Sir: To enable you to carry out the purposes of your visit to 
San Francisco and the Pribilof Islands, for which you have already 



1194 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

received travel orders, you will be governed by the following detailed 
instructions: 

1. While in San Francisco you will assist Agent Lembkey in pur- 
chasing the supplies to be shipped to the Pribilof Islands. While 
doing this it is desired that you give attention to all the details of pur- 
chase of goods, including desirability and practicability of securing 
proposals, rendering bills, delivery of goods at wharf, and loading of 
goods on steamer; also the matter of charter or purchase of boat at 
San Francisco or elsewhere. 

2. Upon your arrival at the seal islands you will be the personal 
representative of the Secretary of Commerce and Labor. While there 
you will study the local conditions for the purpose of organizing and 
putting into effect a system of records and accounts to control the 
fiscal and store operations on the islands and to control and account 
for properties. 

The system which you develop and install should be such as will 
provide for an accounting at the close of each fiscal year in time to 
have the accounts transmitted to the Bureau of Fisheries on the 
steamer leaving the islands on the second return trip. 

The details of these accounts will be left to your judgment, with 
the suggestion that they should be simple and effective. 

3. Concerning the scope and details of the observations and 
inquiries you will make while on the islands, the following suggestions 
are offered: 

(a) The Government property on the Pribilof Islands falls naturally 
under three heads, viz: (1) Property owned by the Government prior 
to June 30, 1910; (2) property acquired by the Government by pur- 
chase and transfer from the North American Commercial Co. on July 
1, 1910; (3) property (supplies, etc.) purchased in San Francisco and 
taken to the islands in the summer of 1910 and subsequently. 

An itemized inventory showing the amount and cost (or value) of 
property in each of these categories for each island has already been 
requested of the agent and should be made as of initial importance. 

Ih) Methods of handling goods from their unloading at the islands 
to their disposal to the natives or others. This will include: (1) Man- 
ner of conducting the store; number of days each week it should be 
kept open and the hours; character and amount of clerical work, 
including bookkeeping, involved and the clerical help necessary; 
(2) method of accounting for goods, including invoices, sales, inven- 
tories, etc. It goes without saying that this should include amount 
and cost of each article received, amount of each article sold, and 
amount received therefor (and perhaps to whom sold), and amount 
on hand at end of fiscal year. 

4. It is also desired that you give careful consideration to the 
matter of practicable, proper, and just mess arrangements. 

5. In short, you will give consideration to all matters pertaining to 
the administration of the business affairs of the fur-seal fisheries, and 
upon your return to Washington you will submit a full report thereon. 

6. Copies of these instructions will be furnished Agent Lembkey 
and his assistants. 

Respectfully, Geo. M. Bowers, 

Commissioner. 
Approved. 

Secretary. 



seal islands of alaska. 1195 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
Washington, Ayril 8, 1911. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 
Sir: The bureau has received from the Department of Agriculture 
six packages of seeds of various kinds for experimental planting on 
St, (jeorge and St. Paul Islands. Kindly see that these are turned 
over to Dr. Halm, the naturalist. 

Respectfully, I. H. Dunlap, 

Acting Commissioner. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, April 10, 191 h 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 

Sir: Your attention is again called to the questions of sanitation 
and education on the seal islands. 

It is understood that several of the houses occupied by the natives 
are either too small or otherwise ill suited as residences. It is desired 
that the various native residences be inspected carefully and that 
steps be at once taken to put them all in such condition as will render 
them not only sanitary but comfortable. Any that is too small for 
the family occupying it should be enlarged. 

The problem as to the type or kind of education that will prove 
most useful to the natives should receive careful thought and con- 
sideration. It is clear that the education that will best meet the 
needs of these people is that education wliich will best enable them 
to take care of themselves in a rational and sanitary manner and 
which will enable them to perform intelligently and efhciently the 
various household duties and such other work on the islands as falls 
within the limit of their abilities. 

Domestic science and art for the girls and women, such as cook- 
ing, sewing, housekeeping, care of cliildren, etc.; and mechanic arts 
or manual training for the boys and men, such as carpentry, masonry, 
metal working, boat building, care of live stock, gardening, etc., 
are among the subjects which should receive the greatest attention. 

It may be possible to train a number of the brighter girls and boys 
to do a part of the clerical work incident to the administration of the 
service on the islands, and it is desired that tliis matter be thoroughly 
tested. 

You will therefore confer with the naturalist, the doctors, teachers, 
and your other assistants regarding these matters and proceed to 
carry out these instructions as fully and rapidly as consistent with 
securing of satisfactory results. 

Respectfully, Geo. M. Bowers, 

Comm,issioner. 



1196 seal islands of alaska. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, April 13, 1911. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 
Sir: It is the desire of the bureau that the meat of the fur seals 
killed on the islands be utilized to the fullest piossible extent. 
The principal ways in which it should be utilized are as follows: 

1. As food for the inhabitants of the Pribilof Islands. 

2. As food for the natives of the Aleutian Islands. 

3. As food for foxes. 

Careful study should be made of the manner of preserving or pre- 
paring the carcasses for each of these purposes. Experiments should 
be conducted for the purpose of discovering and perfecting the 
method of preservation which will best fit the meat for each of these 
purposes. An abundant supply should be saved for fox food. 

Consider the desirability of placing a supply of fox food on Otter 
Island. 

Respectfully, Geo. M. Bowers, 

Commissioner. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, April 13, 1911. 
Mr. Walter I. Lembkey, 

Agent Seal Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 
Sir: Herewith is inclosed copy of a letter from the Secretary of 
the Interior in which it is stated that the sum of $200 has been set 
aside to purchase barrels for use in distributing seal meat among the 
destitute natives on the Aleutian chain. 

You are requested to purchase these barrels and to submit a 
voucher therefor to the Bureau of Education, Department of the 
Interior, for settlement by check. 
Respectfully, 

Geo. M. Bowers, 

Commissioner. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
Washington, April 13, 1911. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 
Sir: My attention has been called to what appears to be a practice 
more or less common on the part of the employees on the Pribilof 
Islands of sending unofficially or otherwise natural history specimens 
of various kinds from the islands to difl^erent parts of the country. 
In this way specimens and collections of considerable interest and 
value have found their way into museums and the hands of private 
parties, witliout any authority from the Government, or any knowl- 
edge By the bureau regarding the matter. In view of the fact that the 
Pribilof Islands are a Government reservation, that they and all the 
animals and plants and other natural products of whatever kind 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1197 

thereon are Government property, and the further fact that all the 
people on the islands are either employees or wards of the Govern- 
ment, it may be readily seen that such practice is not consistent with 
the public interest. 

You \\dll, therefore, in the future be governed by the following in- 
structions in matters of this kind: 

1 . Natural history specimens collected on or about a.nj of the islands 
of the Pribilof group, and intended for shipment from the islands, will 
be turned over to the naturalist who wil\, unless otherwise specifically 
authorized, forward them to the bureau for official transmission to the 
museum or party for whom intended. 

2. Requests from any source for specimens from the islands should 
be referred to the bureau. 

3. A careful record should be kept by the naturalist of all specimens 
sent from the islands. 

Copies of this letter are furnished for the naturalist, the assistant 
agents, and others. 

Respectfully, Geo. M. Bowers, 

CoTnmissioner. 



TRAVEL authorization. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

April 14, 1911. 

Secretary of Commerce and Labor: I respectfully request that 
Walter I. Lembkey, agent, fur-seal fisheries, be authorized to travel, 
as indicated below, by the most direct or usually traveled route, the 
expense of such travel to be paid from the appropriation '^Alaska 
fisheries service," there being sufficient balance therein in excess of 
liabilities already incurred for the payment of the expenses involved: 

From Washington, D. C, to San Francisco, Cal., and between San 
Francisco. and the Pribilof Islands as duties may require and return 
to Washington on the completion thereof. 

(Charges for excess baggage for personal wearing apparel of agent 
only will be allowed.) 

For the purpose of purchasing at San Francisco supplies for the 
seal islands and transacting other necessary business m connection 
therewith. 

This travel to begin on April 16, 1911, or as soon thereafter as prac- 
ticable. 

Geo. M. Bowers, 

CoTrmiissioner, 

Recorded. 

R. M. PiNDELL, Jr., 

Chief Clerk. 
Authorized. 

Benj. S. Cable, 

Acting Secretary. 

2403— H. Doc. 93, 6^1 75 



1198 seal islands of alaska. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
Washington, April 15, 1911. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 
Sir: Herewith are four copies of instructions issued to Mr. G. G. 
Box, which exphiin themselves. One copy is for each a^ent. You 
are instructed to give Mr. Box every assistance and facility possible 
for the purpose desired. 

Respectfully, Geo. M. Bowers, 

Commissioner. 



TRAVEL authorization. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

April 17, 1911. 

Secretary of Commerce and Labor: I respectfully request that 
Ezra W. Clark, assistant fur-seal agent, be authorized to travel, as 
indicated below, by the most direct or usually traveled route, the 
expense of such travel to be paid from the appropriation "Protecting 
seal and salmon fisheries of Alaska, 1911 and 1912," there being suffi- 
cient balance therein in excess of liabilities already incurred for the 
payment of the expenses involved: 

From Washington, D. C, to San Francisco, Cal., and thence to the 
Pribilof Islands, for the purpose of protecting the seal fisheries in 
accordance with detailed instructions which will be furnished him 
through Agent Lembkey. 

This travel to begin on April 20, 1911, or as soon thereafter as 



practicable. 

Recorded. 

R. M. Pindell, Jr., 



H. M. Smith, 

Acting Commissioner. 



Authorized. 

Benj. S. Cable 



Chief Cleric. 

3LE, 

Assistant Secretary. 



San Francisco, Cal., 

April 21, 1911. 

My Dear Commissioner: I was informed by Dr. Evermann before 
I left that the bureau had four rooms assigned in the new Federal 
Building here. I find this morning, upon calling there, that but one 
room is allotted us. It is a good-sized light room and plent r for the 
seal islands' service, but it occurred that perhaps 3'ou desired more^ 
space for other purposes— at least one more room. If so, you might 
try to get one more by communicating wfth the Treasury. 

The room has no furniture, but tiiis will be furnished by the cus- 
totlian. T made a requisition to-da;/ for such as I thought we needed 
and have aisked a'ou by wire to have it hurried up. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1199 

It will be absolutel.y essential to have the use of a telephone in buy- 
ing goods and cariying on the various business connected with getting 
the ship off with dispatch. It Avill not cost over $6 a month and can 
be discontinued after we have finished business here. As time is 
essential I will go ahead with arrangements to have it installed, and 
trust that you will approve the action. 

Homer Fritch has not been well. He made a proposition to-day 
that will save over $500 on the charter money and perhaps SI, 000. 
The whaler Belvedere will leave soon for the Kodiak whalmg grounds 
after whalebone and oil. She figures to have at least 500 barrels of 
oil as the result of her summer's work, not to mention what bone she 
may pick up. Homer has advanced her the coal she will burn. 

The Belvedere wishes to unload her whale oil at Unalaska to be 
brought down to San Francisco on a vessel touching at the first-named 
port. They ^\ill guarantee 500 barrels of oil at $1 a barrel and all 
over that at the same rate. The oil will be consigned to Homer and 
he will rebate the charter money by the amount of freight earned. 
As the Homer will have no cargo whatcA'-er on the first trip down, and 
only -the sealskins on the second trip, she could easily haul this 
freight without detriment. I trust I may have authority to take the 
oil if I find the ship mil not be dela;. ed thereby. 

Homer Fritch asks that liis daughter and her husband may go as 
passengers on the first trip. There will be no native passengers, so 
far as I know. I strongly recommend that she be allowed to go, as 
it will cost us nothing, be* a favor to Homer, and will result in a con- 
siderable increase in the quahty of food furnished the passengers. 

I understand from Homer Fritch that we can have wireless installed 
on the Homer for $150, first cost, and $75 a month maintenance, in- 
cluding operator. If this price can be confirmed I strong!}- urge that 
the plant be installed on the ship. The benefit will be obvious. After 
we leave the pass should any breakdown occur, the sliip with her 
skins will be at the mercy of the sea imless she be discovered. As she 
is out of the track of vessels she might drift for months. With wireless, 
the cutters or any passing vessel could be notified and aid furnished. 
It would be the best insurance M'e could procure. I ask you to advise 
me in the matter. 

As rumors have been circulated about the bureau to the effect that 
the bottom of the Homer is rotten, it would be a good move, when 
she is on dry dock, to have her hull inspected and passed upon by 
United States inspectors. I do not ask this on ray own initiative, 
as I know she is not rotten, but because statements to that effect have 
been made to the bureau, and it would be well to have them tested. 
Redpath is taking as much interest in the ship as if he were still 
charged with the duty. ,He is not at all well, but will, I know, 
improve wdth the imminence of a trip to Alaska. 

I trust the supply of stationery and the typewriter for which I 
asked before leaving the bureau may not be delayed. With my 
kindest personal regards, and my official respects, I am, believe me, 
Very truly, yours, 

W. I. Lembkey. 
Hon. Geo. AI. Bowers, 

Commissioner of Fisheries. 



1200 seal, islands op alaska. 

Department op Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Vi'ashington, May 2, 1911. 

Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

^■^New Federal Building, San Francisco, Cal. 

My Dear Mr. Lembkey: Your letter of 21st ultimo has been 
received and contents noted. 

Steps have been taken to secure additional rooms in the New 
Federal Building. It is noted that the one which has been already 
assigned to the bureau meets all immediate needs. 

The installation of a telephone for use as long as it ma}^ be required 
i^ authorized. You are also authorized to permit the Homer to bring 
down from Unalaska the barrels of oil, etc., which you mention, and 
on the terms mentioned. You may say to Mr. Fritch that it hfis 
given me pleasure to instruct you to arrange for Mr. Fritch's daughter 
and her husband to go as passengers on the first trip, and I ask that 
you do everything in your power to make the trip pleasant for them. 

Your suggestion that wireless be installed on the Homer is an ex- 
cellent one. It would serve a very useful purpose and might be of 
great value in case of difficulties while at sea. While the Govern- 
ment, of course, can not pay for repairs and improvements to prop- 
erty which it does not possess, it mil be proper for Mr. Fritch to have 
the wireless installed, the cost to be adjusted in connection with the 
rebate for transporting the oil. 

Regarding your recommendation that the Homer be inspected by 
the Steamboat-Inspection Service, you are advised that this matter 
was taken up on the 27th ultimo with the Supervising Inspector Gen- 
eral of the Steamboat-Inspection Service, and under date of May 1, 
1911, he informs this bureau that the Homer was inspected by the 
United States local inspectors of steam vessels at San Francisco. Cal., 
on May 14, 1910; that the certificate of inspection issued by the local 
inspectors at that time covered a period of one year, and that the 
owners of the Homer should, and no doubt will, make application to 
the local inspectors for the annual inspection of said steamer within 
the next few weeks. He further states that the local inspectors have 
been directed to submit a report of their inspection of the steamer 
Homier, both as to the inspection of the machinery and hull, to that 
office, and upon receipt of said report the same will be forwarded to 
the Bureau of Fisheries. 

I am pleased to know that Mr. Redpath is taking much interest in 
your work, and I hope that the trip to the islands will result in a com- 
plete recovery of his accustomed good health. 

Kindly keep me informed as to the progress of the work at San 
Francisco. 

Very respectfully, Geo. M. Bowers, 

Commissioner. 



seal islands of alaska. 1201 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
San Francisco, Cal., April 26, 1911. 
Commissioner of Fisheries, 

Washinfjton, D. C. 
Sir: I have respectfully to inclose herewith a copy of the charter 
of tJie steamship Homer, to cover the season of 1911. I am sending 
two other copies of the same charter under separate covers. 
Respectfully, 

W. I. Lembkey, 
Agent Seal Fisheries, New Gustorrihouse Building, 

Room No. 328. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
Washington, May 3, 1911. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Room 328, New Customhouse Building, 

San Francisco, Cal. 
Sir: Replying to your letter of April 26, the charter of the Homer 
is received and has been recommended to the Secretary for accept- 
ance. 

Respectfully, Geo. M. Bowers, 

Commissioner. 



[Telegram.] 



San Francisco, Cal., May 11, 1911. 
Commissioner Fisheries, Washington, D. C: 

OwTiig to delay in repairs, Homer wnW. be delivered on May 18 instead 
of 15. Can probably sail May 26. Purchases completed and wait- 
ing delivery vessel. Could have sailed 23d had vessel been deliv- 
ered as per charter. 

Lembkey. 

[Copy— original too faint for reproduction.] 
[Telegram.] 

Department of Commerce and IjAbor, 

Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, May 16, 1911. 
Lembkey, 

San Francisco, Cal. 
Your telegram not understood. No storekeeper authorized for 
St. George. You, Clark, Judge, Chichester, Hahn, and Proctor, be- 
sides schoolmasters and physicians available. It appears to me that 
detail can be arranged from among these persons. Answer. 

Geo. M. Bowers. 



1202 seal islands of alaska. 

travel authorization. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

May 18,1911. 

Secretary of Commerce and Labor: I respectfully request that 
Albert K. Brown be authorized to travel, as indicated below, by the 
most direct or usually traveled route, the expense of such travel to 
be paid from the appropriation "Protecting seal and salmon fisheries 
of Alaska," there beinp; sufficient balance therein in excess of liabilities 
already incurred for the payment of the expenses involved: 

From Washington, D. C., to San Francisco, Cal., and thence to the 
Pribilof Islands,"and on completion of the duty indicated to return to 
Washington. 

Traveling expenses and subsistence, both en route and on islands, 
allowed. 

For the purpose of reporting to W. I. Lembkey, seal agent, and act- 
ing as clerk and storekeeper as directed on the Pribilof Islands. 

This travel to begin on May 19, 1911, or as soon thereafter as prac- 
ticable. 

Geo. M. Bowers, 

Commissioner. 
Kecorded. 

R. M. Pindell, Jr., 

CTiief Clerk. 
Authorized. 

Charles Nagel, 

Secretary. 



Department of Commerce and IjAbor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
Washington, May 18, 1911. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

S28 United States CustomJiouse Building, 

San Francisco, Cal. 
Sir: This ofTice is in receipt of a voucher in favor of the Remington 
Typewriter Co. amounting to $92, with requisition and one bill 
attached. When articles are purchased and the items do not appear 
on the voucher, as in this case, bills must be submitted in triplicate. 
The certificate on all vouchers shoiild show the method of advertising 
or form of agreement under which the purchase was made. The 
voucher as it now stands will be passed in order to avoid further delay. 
Respectfully, 

Geo. M. Bowers. Commissioner. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1203 

[T.elegram.] 

San Francisco, Cal., May IS, 1911 . 
Commissioner Fisheries, 

Washington, D. C: 
Homer delivered to-dav, Donaldson master; sliip now at bunkers-, 
begin loadino; merchandise Monday; received your telegram 18th; 
thanks. 

Lembkey. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
San Francisco, Cal., May 22, 1911. 
My Dear Mr. Commissioner: I am mailing under se])arate cover 
several vouchers for coal and articles which have been delivered to the 
Homer. The vouchers have all been made out, signed by the persons 
from whom the goods were purchased and returned to this ottice, 
where they are held pending notice from the receiving clerk on the 
wharf that the goods have been dehvered. As soon as this notice is 
received vouchers will be forwarded to the bureau. 

As the terms in some cases are 2 per cent 10 days, in each of which 
cases I have taken advantage of the discount, although it will be 
impossible to make the payment in th.at time, I take the liberty to 
make the suggestion that Mr. Addison be instructed to push all these 
vouchers along to paj^ment with as little delay as possible. 
With kind regards. 

Sincerely, yours, Geo. G. Box. 

Hon. George M. Bowers, 

Commissioner of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 



[Telegram.) 

San Francisco, Cal., May 25, 1911. 
Commissioner Fisheries, Washivnfon, D. C: 
Brown arrived; Homer sails Saturday morning. 

Lembkey. 

[Telegram.] 

San Francisco, Cal., May 27, 1911. 
Commissioner Fisheries, Washington, D. C: 

Homer left for Unalaska this morning; will correspond from islands 
by wireless whenever possible. 

TiEMBKEY. 



1204 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

[Telegram.] 

St. Paul Island, Alaska, June 22, 1911. 

Commissioner of Fisheries, 

Washington, D. C: 
Homer arrived St. Paul 16th; Chichester and Ilalin drowned 31st 
from exposure following capsizing in sail boat; wives both men 
rescued after one hour in water, and now well. Both bodies go down 
on first return Homer accompanied by widows. Please ascertain from 
relatives deceased whether had insurance, and if so have proper com- 
panies instruct their agents San Francisco and the steps necessary for 
identification remains. Also have friends for funds get widows upon 
their arrival San Francisco; will furnish each widow with certificate 
death- and aflidavits witnessed. Figaniero on St. Georges Island 
physical wreck and leaves first trin on St. Paul. Morgan and Cdoidov 
with family leaves islands on fii\st trip to remain States. Bureau 
should provide physician and school-teacher St. Paul for second trip. 
Proctor and Campbell go down to buy goods. Wireless being erected 
St. Paul by Buflalo in probably two weeks; department can commu- 
nicate with islands via Nome. 

Lembkey. 



Part II. Communications Relative to Revenue-Cutter 

Patrol. 

March 10, 1911. 
The Secretary of the Treasury. 

Sir: I have the honor to request that at least three revenue cutters 
and, if possible, four cutters be detailed during the coming summer 
for active patrol duty in Bering Sea about the Pribilof Islands to 
safeguard the mterests of the Government and to prevent infractions 
of law in that vicinity. 

It is beheved by this department that the work of systematic 
patrol should begin not later than June 15 and should continue until 
all Japanese schooners leave the sea, which may be as late as Septem- 
ber 10. Beginning August 1, one vessel should give some attention 
to the 60-mile zone. 

In view of the probabihty of the necessity of furnishing the agents 
on the islands with amended instructions, it is desirable that mail 
be taken to the islands as heretofore at such times as it may arrive 
at Unalaska. Particularly should a vessel take from Unalaska the 
October mail, arriving at the latter place near the last of that month. 
It is desired also that transportation shoidd be furnished to employees 
of this department and natives of the islands when the same might 
expedite business or conduce to their welfare. It is deemed advisable 
that the jiatrol vessels be instructed to cooperate with the agents on 
shore to secure the greatest measure of protection to the interests of 
the Government on the islands and to remove persons landing thereon 
without proper authority. 
Respectfully, 

Charles Nagel, 

Secretary. 



seal islands of alaska. 1205 

Treasury Department, 
Office of Assistant Secretary, 

Washington, March 22, 1911. 
The Secretary of Commerce and Labor. 

Sir: By direction of the Secretary, I have the honor to state, in 
reply to your communication of the 10th instant recjuesting that at 
least three revenue cutters be detailed during the coming summer for 
patrol duty in Bering Sea about the Fribilof Islands, that three ves- 
sels, namely, the Manning, Talioma, and Rush, have been designated 
by the i resident to perform this service. 

The re\ enue cutter Bear, which is to make the northern cruise, and 
the Thetis, which will be on duty in southeastern Alaska a part of the 
season, will also perform such duty in connection with the Bering 
Sea patrol as their other duties will permit. 

It is noted in your letter that in the opinion of the Department of 
Commerce and Labor the systematic patrol should begin not later 
than June 15 and should continue until all the Japanese schooners 
leave the sea, which may be as late as September 10, and that begin- 
ning August 1 one vessel should give some attention to the 60-mile 
zone. Instructions will be given the commanding officers of vessels 
of the patrol fleet to perform the service requested in your communi- 
cation and to cooperate with the agents on tJie seal islands with a 
view to securing the greatest measure of protection to the interests 
of the Government and to remove persons landing thereon without 
authority. 

It is requested that this Department be supplied with a sufficient 
number of copies of the "Laws and regulations relative to fur-seal 
fishing" for distribution to sealing vessels that may be fallen in with 
during the season. These regulations should be in the possession of 
this department not later than April 1. as it is expected one of the 
vessels designated for the patrol duty ^vill leave Astoria, Oreg., for 
southeastern Alaska by the 10th of April next. 
Respectfull}^, 

A. Piatt Andrew, 

Assistant Secretary. 

May 10, 1911. 
The Commanding Officer, Bering Sea Fleet, 

Port Townsend, ^Vash. ^ 

Sir: 1. You are informed that the President has designated the 
revenue cutters Tahoma, Manning, Rush, and Thetis to cruise as far 
as may be practicable the present season in the north Pacific Ocean 
and Bering Sea, including the waters of Alaska, within the domain 
of the United States, for the enforcement of the act of Congress ap- 
proved December 29, 1897, and the Regulations of the Paris Tribunal 
of Arbitration decreed the 15th day of August, 1893, for the preser- 
vation of the fur seals. 

2. Under the provisions of the act of Congress above referred to, 
it is unlawful for any citizen or vessel of the United States to engage 
in pelagic sealing at any time or in any manner in the waters of the 
Pacific Ocean north of the thirty-fifth degree of north latitude and 
including the Bering Sea and the Sea of Okhotsk. You are therefore 
directed to seize any vessel of the United States found navigating 
the waters as above indicated, in violation of the law, and send the 



1206 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

same to the nearest or most accessible port of the United States; 
upon arrival there to be surrendered to the custody of competent 
authority having jurisdiction. 

3. Since, under the enactment by Congress above referred to and 
given in full in the "Regulations, Fur-Seal Fishing Season of 1910" 
(copies of which will be sent to you under separate cover), vessels of 
the United States are prohibited absolutely from engaging in fur-seal 
fishing within the geographical limits prescribed, it follows that the 
"Regulations of the Paris Tribunal of Arbitration" (embodied in the 
regulations above mentioned) are applicable only to British vessels, 
and that fur-seal fishing is prohibited to subjects of Great Britain at 
any time or in any manner within a zone of 60 geographic miles 
around Pribilof Islands, inclusive of territorial waters, and from May 
1 to July 31 in that part of the Pacific Ocean inclusive of Bering Sea, 
situated north of the thirty-fifth degree of north latitude and eastward 
of the one hundred and eightieth degree of longitude from Greenwich, 
until it strikes the water boundary described in Article 1 of the 
treaty of 1867 between the United States and Russia, and following 
that line up to Bering Straits. 

4. You will arrange with the senior British naval officer at Unalaska 
engaged in carrying out the provisions of the award, for the mutual 
delivery of vessels of the one country seized by officers of the other. 

5. The following instructions in relation to the enforcement of the 
fur-seal regulations are issued for 3^our guidance: 

(a) The terms of the award apply only to vessels of the United 
States and Great Britain. The first duty of the boarding officer is to 
satisfy himself by an inspection of her documents as to the vessel's 
nationality. Vessels boarded beyond the legal jurisdiction of the 
United States and found to be of a nationality not included in the 
award are not to be searched or detained longer than is necessary to 
establish the fact. 

(b) Long chases are not advisable. After a vessel is brought 
within reach of your guns, if she does not bring to, display the national 
ensign and open fire. Fire one blank and one solid shot as a warning. 
If she still neglects to come to the wind, aim to hit, and use the force 
at your command to compel her to submit to being boarded and 
searched . 

(c) A mere cursory or perfunctory search of vessels boarded is 
strictly forbidden. The search must be made by two commissioned 
officers, or one commissioned and one petty officer, and the necessaiy 
number of men who are required to remain on board, until ever)^ part 
of the vessel where a sealskin or a shotgun or rifle could be concealed 
has been searched. 

(d) Boarding officers are required to exercise courtesy and for- 
bearance and avoid all discussions. Offensive remarks or actions 
by members of the crew or others on board the vessel being searched 
are under no circumstances to be taken notice of. 

(e) Should a sealskin be found on board that bears satisfactory 
evidence of having been shot witliin the Bering Sea, or killed in any 
manner within the area of the award in the Pacific Ocean between 
April 30 and August 1, or within 60 miles of the Pribilof Islands, at 
any time, the vessel must be seized. 

(/) Any vessel of Great Britain found within the area of the 
award during the closed season engaged in fur-seal fisMng or fitted 



J 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1207 

for fur-seal fishing and not being provided wdth the special sealing 
license is ordered seized. When any licensed sealing vessel of 
Great Britain is found within the area of the award during the 
closed season having on board a seal-hunting outfit, she should be 
seized only if it be found that she was sealing or contemplating 
sealmg within the area at that time. If the boarding officer finds 
evidence of the recent use of her boats and sealing outfit, or that 
they were in readiness for immediate use for taking fur seals, the 
matter should be closety investigated, and, if the circumstances 
warrant, she should be seized. 

((/) Only sailing vessels are permitted to engage in fur-seal fishing 
during the period of time and in the waters in v, hich fur-seal fisliing 
is allowed. Any vessel propelled in whole or in part by steam or 
other motive power than sail found so engaged is ordered seized. 

(h) If a vessel which appears to be a sealmg vessel is found within 
the area durmg the period of time in vhich fur-seal fishing is for- 
bidden, you v,'ill ascertain whether she has been engaged in fur-seal 
fishing; whether she was carried there by stress of weather, by a 
mistake during foggy or thick weather, or is there in the ordinary 
course of navigation making the best of her way to any place. You 
must judge whether such vessel has been engaged in fur-seal fishing 
from the presence of sealskins or bodies of seals on board, or salt, 
and from other circumstances and indications. 

(i) If such vessel is found outside of the area of the award and 
it is evident that she has been engaged m fur-seal fishing within 
said area and has thus committed an ofiense, you will seize her. 
A vessel may violate the law by her boats fur-seal fishing \\ithin 
said area while the vessel herself is outside of said area. 

(j) When you make a seizure you will at the time thereof draw up 
a declaration, in writing, stating the conditions on the seized vessel, 
the date and exact place of seizure, giving latitude and longitude, and 
any additional data by which exact location may be determined and 
circumstances showing guilt. Arms or skins i'ound (the cause of 
seizure) as well as all papers must be examined on board the seized 
vessel and so marked as to be readily identified by tlie boarding offi- 
cers when produced in court or elsewhere. This is important and 
must not be neglected. 

(k) The seized vessel will be taken or sent, as soon as practicable, 
with all persons on board thereof, in charge of a sufficient force to 
insure delivery, together with witnesses and proofs, and the declara- 
tion of the officer making the seizure, if American, to the most con- 
venient port of California, Oregon, Washington, or Alaska and deliv- 
ered to the officers of the United States court; and if British to 
Unalaska and there delivered to the senior British naval officer pres- 
ent, or taken to the most convenient port in British Columbia and 
delivered to the proper authorities of Great Britain, or deliver her to 
the commanding officer of any British vessel authorized to receive her. 

(Z) A signed and certified list of papers of the seized vessel will be 
delivered to the master thereof, and duplicate copy transmitted with 
the declarations. 

(m) Any British vessel boarded and found not to be subject to 
seizure will be furnished with a copy of the "Regulations, Fur-Seal 
Fishing Season of 1910." 



1208 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

(n) Each vessel so boarded shall be given a written certificate show- 
ing the date and place of examination, the number of fur-seal skins, 
and the number of bodies of seals on board. A duplicate of said cer- 
tificate shall be preserved. 

6. You will also cause careful attention to be given to the matter 
of preventing raids on the Pribilof Islands and guard as far as possible 
the 3-mile territorial limit, and to this end you will cause the agents 
of these islands to be frequently communicated with in order that the 
commanding officers of the cutters may avail themselves of any infor- 
mation in the possession of the agents touching the movements of 
marauding vessels. The agents on the islands have received instruc- 
tions from the Secretary of Commerce and Labor that the cutters will 
cooperate -svith them to remove undesirable persons from the islands. 
You will arrange to have at least one vessel constantly stationed on 
patrol duty in the vicinity of the islands. 

7. Prior to August 1 the efforts of the vessels should be directed 
toward preventing raids on the islands. After that date when the 
Canadians are allowed to begin sealing one of the vessels should share 
with the British cruiser on patrol the duty of maintaining the 60- mile 
zone. As the Japanese fleet, however, vnW probably be most active 
in August, the patrol of the zone should be subsidiary to the protection 
of the island. 

8. The patrol of the Bering Sea should be continued until you are 
satisfied that every sealer has left the sea, and before the last cutter 
of the patrol fleet leaves the sea you will cause one vessel to make a 
special trip to the islands for the purpose of obtaining for the Govern- 
ment the latest information regarding the conditions thereon. This 
vessel should deliver at the seal islands all mail matter then at 
Unalaska, and take away from the islands all mail matter, awaiting, 
if necessary, for a space of 48 hours for its final preparation. 

Respectfully, 

Franklin JVIacVeagh, " 

Secretary. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. G. 
I concur in the above instructions, 

Charles Nagel, Secretary. 



Part III. Special Reports — Report of Harold W. Heath. 

February 1, 1911. 
Harold Heath, 

Stanford University, California: 
Your fur-seal report investigations nineteen ten is urgently needed. 
When can you send it ? 

'. \ 
Acting Commissioner. 



SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1209 

[Telegram.] 

Palo Alto, Cal., February 1, 1911. 
Commissioner of Fisheries, 

Washington, D. C: 

Seal report sent Thursday. 

H. Heath. 
10 p. M. 



special investigation of the ALASKA FUR-SEAL ROOKERIES, 

1910.1 

Under the act of Congress of April 21, 1910, embodying various 
changes in the administration of the Pribilof Islands and the seal 
fisheries, and providing for the appointment of additional officers 
and employees, it was decided that a naturalist should be designated 
to study and report upon the condition of the seal herd. Pending 
the selection of a permanent occupant of this position, to take effect 
July 1 under the law, the wTiter was sent to the islands as a special 
investigator to perform the naturalist's duties for the season which 
was already beginning. Observations were made on St, Paul Island, 
beginning June 29, the date of arrival on the island, and continuing 
until July 15, then for a week on St. George Island, and again on St. 
Paul until August 29. A report of these observations is contained 
in the following pages. 

I am indebted to the Government agents on the islands and to the 
officers of the revenue fleet for valuable data and many courtesies 
in connection_with my work. 

BRIEF SKETCH OF NATURAL HISTORY OF THE SEAL. 

As popularly applied the term "seal" includes a fairly large group 
of aquatic mammals, such as the sea lion and the fur and hair seals, 
all of which bear a superficial resemblance to each other. Strictly 
speaking, the last named are the only ones deserving of the name. 
Unlike the hair seal, tlie fur seal, or sea bear, is able to progress 
readily on land, is able to hold its head erect, and its fore limbs, finlike 
in form, are used in swimming. Concerning its life at sea, we know 
that the seals of the Pribilof Islands spend their winter months along 
the western coast of North America, the adult females extending their 
migrations as far as southern California. Early in May the adult 
males or bulls begin to appear on the rookeries, where each is sub- 
sequently joined by 30 females on the average, the height of the 
breeding season occurring about the 15th of July. Shortly after her 
arrival each cow gives birth to a pup, and after a sojourn of perhaps 
two weeks, during which time she is served by the bull, she puts out 
to sea on the first of several journeys in search of food. 

During this time the young males or bachelors are arriving, and are 
usually found in groups on the outskirts of the rookeries. It is from 
these young males that the land catch of skins is made. 

Early in August disorganization of the harems commences. The 
greater number of cows have been served, the active bulls accord- 

1 Note. — Uncorrected page proof; subject to verification. 



1210 



SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



ingly relax their vigilance, the idle bulls and those less mature wander 
about without serious molestation, the pups congregate at various 
points on shore or in the shallows, where they learn to swim, and as 
autumn advances the roving instinct becomes more and more appar- 
ent in all classes, finally leading to the abandonment of the shore early 
in November. 



THE ROOKERIES. 



In position and extent the rookeries have undergone but few changes 
since last year. The number of active bulls and the attendant harems 
have decreased slightly, but whether this indicates an actual decrease 
in the number of cows is doubtful, since the count of pups, as noted in 
a succeeding section, was made on one rookery only and the data 
derived therefrom are not perfectly trustworthy. The decline in the 
number of harems on St. Paul is most apparent on Gorbatch, the 
Zapadnis, and Tolstoi, where there are 55 less than in 1909. On the 
other hand there are 47 more on the Reef, Kitovi, Polovina, and 
Vostochni. On St. George the very slight increase noted on Staraya 
Artel and Zapadni is almost exactly counterbalanced by a decline on 
the North and East rookeries. 

This year the fleet operated chiefly about Northeast Point and to 
the south and east between vSt. Paul and St. George, but the results 
of their operations do not appear to be so distinctly reflected in a cor- 
responding decline of adjacent rookeries as in 1909. Such a definite 
effect requires that the seals put out to sea along radii centering in 
either one of the islands, but on numerous occasions I have watched 
cows, and especially bachelors, leaving the rookeries, and their course 
is far from being either direct or uniform. The problem, however, is 
of interest chiefly to the naturalist as matters rest at present, and is 
without any very practical bearing on the conservation of the herd. 



ROOKERY DEVELOPMENT. 

At present there appear to be no very definite problems associated 
with the development of the rookery, but following the custom 
observed for several years past counts of harems and cows were made 
whenever and wherever it was possible. Kitovi especially received 
attention and as far as practicable was examined at intervals of three 
days with 'the following results: 

Deoelopment of Kitovi rookerij, season of 1910, as shown bi/ counts of seals on different 

dates. 



Dates. 


Harems. 


Cows. 


Reserve 
bulls. 


Half 
bulls. 


June 30 


16 
32 
43 
47 
62 


27 
107 
326 
500 
929 


37 
24 
19 
14 
9 


6 


July 2 


14 


July 6 


7 


July 9 


10 


July 13 


10 







The past winter was unusually severe and long continued, delaying 
the breaking up of the drift ice, the melting of the snow, and the 
appearance of flowering plants for upward of three weeks. It is 
interesting to note, however, that this delay did not affect the sum- 



SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



1211 



mer resident birds, which put in an appearance at the customary 
time, though compelled in numerous instances to deposit their eggs 
on the snow. Nor did it hinder the migration of the seals, though 
several cow^s likewise took up positions on snow drifts, where they 
and the pups appeared to be unmindful of their unusual habitat. 



HAREM COUNTS. 



In accordance with the custom pursued in past years, the counts of 
harems were made as nearly as possible at the "height of the season," 
occurring July 12-16. Owing to stress of weather Sivutch, or Sea 
Lion Rock, rookery was not counted, but was estimated as containing 
61 harems, the number found last season. 

Summary of harem counts, 1910, and comparison with 1897 and 1909 J 



Rookery. 


1897 


1909 


1910 


Rookerj'. 


1897 


1909 


1910 


St. Paul Island: 

Gorbatch 


308 
33 

454 
102 
179 
139 
143 
01 
40 
233 
910 
458 
176 
114 
295 
98 
115 


120 
11 

184 
01 
55 
39 
42 
23 
19 
45 

184 

147 
62 
11 
87 
25 
12 


112 
11 

206 
61 
62 
41 
50 
20 
12 
47 

204 

118 

54 

7 

77 

29 

9 


St. Oeoige Island: 
Little East. 


46 
128 
133 

57 
196 


4 
65 
43 
42 
106 


4 




East... 


59 


Reef 


47 


Sea Lion Rock 

Kitovi 


Staraya Artel 

North 


48 
103 




Total .. . 




Polavina 


560 


260 


261 




Grand total 




Little Polavina 


4,418 


1,.387 


1,381 


Vostochni.. . . 




Zapadni 




Little Zapadni 

Zapadni Reef 

Tolstoi 




Tolstoi Cliffs 




Lagoon 








Total 


3.858 


1,127 
61 


1,120 
61 






1 








1 i 






1.06C 


1,059 









1 Figures for 1909 are Mr. George \. Clark's. 

Assuming that Sea Lion Rock is occupied by the same number of 
harems as in 1909 or neglecting it for both seasons, there are six fewer 
harems on St. Paul tliis year than last. 

Comparing the number of harems on St. George during the years 
1909 and 1910 there is one more, and when botl\ islands are consid- 
ered five fewer. As there is one bull to a harem this is another wa}^ only 
of stating that there are five fewer bulls tliis year than last; and obvi- 
ously such an estimate afl'ords no indication whatever of the actual 
number of breeding cows. 

ACTIVE BULLS. 

The number of active bulls, each in control of a harem, is as just 
noted, somewhat smaller this year than last (as 1,387 to 1,381); but 
it is tlie universal verdict that as a class they have lost none of tliose 
characteristics that make them successful masters. As usual tliere 
was considerable skirmishing among them as the harems were form- 
ing, but the wounds inflicted were comparatively insignificant and 
no deaths were recorded. Early in the season one dead female was 
found on Gorbatch whose wounds may have been caused by a bull, 



1212 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

and later six cows were seen on various rookeries that had been 
severely, though not fatally, slashed. 

In a few cases 3^oung bulls or ''quitters" were found with harems 
on various rookeries, but usually they held sway on the outskirts of 
the community and joined the females in the mad rush to the sea 
wlienever they were approached. It was the rare exception that 
they held a position in the more crowded portions of the rooker}^ and 
therefore were called upon to defend their cows against the attempted 
inroads on the part of more seasoned harem masters. 

By some autliorities it has been urged that this infusion of young 
male life into tlie general herd is beneficial, but in all probability its 
value is overestimated. It is not disclaimed that some animals are 
born with more vigorous constitutions than others, and that in all 
probability their offspring will be more hardy in consequence. And 
furthermore, it is a truism that in the struggle for existence it is a 
gain that the feeble are weeded out; but this is an entirely different 
question from the one relating to the efl'ects of age. In the case of 
the female a long existence may lessen the production of milk or alter 
its composition, and consequently inhibit the proper nourishment 
of the offspring, but with the male no such argument may be brought 
forward. In the case of the race horse, which has been studied as 
much as any other mammal, attempts have been made to show that 
it is desirable to breed young males, and again, with essentially tlie 
same data, such a position has been attacked. To-day we know far 
less about the seal, but at present it is a safe proposition to argue in 
favor of perpetuating, as far as possible, those fully developed males 
that are able to protect their harems. 

IDLE BULLS. 

These animals are victims of circumstances. Owing usually to 
an unfavorable location, they have failed to secure harems, though 
they are as physically able to control them as any of their class. 

Furthermore, the term "idle" is a misnomer, for no one who has 
watched them on the rookeries would ever accuse them -of being 
sluggish. On the other hand, they are aggressive in the extreme, 
and especially during the height of the season engage in frequent 
quarrels with the harem masters, from whom they usually pilfer a 
small number of cows before the close of the season. 

It can not well be doubted that an excess of this class of animals 
is more or less of a menace to the normal, or at all events what appears 
to be the most successful, type of seal existence. Claims have been 
made to the effect that for untold ages the seal has fought the battle 
of life successfully and that in the present time the hand of man is 
not required to control his destinies. The first part of this statement 
is undeniably correct, but the last is open to criticism, for it assumes 
that the seal is to-day leading a normal existence. Unfortunate!}' 
this is not true, for we know that the number of breeding cows is 
becoming alarmingly reduced. In the open Pacific the number of 
captured males and females may be approximately equal, but the 
Bering Sea catch, as past records show, contains from 70 to 80 per 
cent of females. Since, on the average, there is 1 male to every 30 
cows in the harem, there must inevitably result an excess of males, 



SEAL. ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



1213 



an unnatural state of affairs, and the belief that in cutting down this 
excess we are conferring a benefit appears to rest on a firm foimda- 
tion. 

This season the number of idle bulls was 219, not so great a number 
but that they are kept at bay until the disintegration of the harems 
had commenced, when they usually became the possessors of a small 
number of cows. 

YOUNG BULLS. 

Young bulls, otherwise known as "quitters'' on the islands, are 
usually 6 or 7 years old, and at the approach of man retire. They 
frequently haul out with the bachelors or form a shifting fringe about 
the group of breeding seals. In rare cases they controlled harems, 
usually on the margins of the rookeries, and in a few cases were seen 
in the act of copulation. 

An accurate count of these animals was not made, unfortunately, 
since a considerable number had hauled out with the bachelors and 
could not be numbered without interfering with subseq^uent drives. 
At the height of the season the number on the rookeries was 178, 
and at various times 386 in all were included in the drives. Some 
were doubtless driven more than once, but it seems certain that the 
actual number was at least 200, giving a total of 378. As the age of 
the male is 13 years, of which 5 are spent as harem master, the 
decrease annually of the present active list is 283. It is apparent, 
therefore, that Idlling in the past has not been too close and that 
there is a sufficient reserve at the present time. 

COUNTS OF IDLE AND YOUNG BULLS. 

The following counts of idle andjyoung'^bulls was'.made at the time 
the census of harems was taken. It was not possible, without causing 
undue disturbance, to enumerate members of the latter class that had 
hauled out with the bachelors on four important rookeries — Northeast 
Point, Gorbatch, the Reef, and Tolstoi. 

Counts of idle and young bulls on St. Paul and St. George Islands, 1910. 



Rookeries. 



St. Paul Island: 

Gorbatch 

ArdigTien , 

Reef 

Kitovi 

Lukaain 

Polovina 

Polovina Cliffs . . 
Little Polovina. 

Morjovi 

Vostoclmi 

Zapadni 

Little Zapadni., 
Zapadni Reef. . . 
Tolstoi 



Idle 
bulls. 



Young 
bulls. 



Rookeries. 



St. Paul Island — Continued. 

Tolstoi Cliffs 

I>agoon 

Total 

St. George Island: 

East 

Zapadni 

Starava Artel 

Nortli 

Total 

Grand total 



Idle 
bulls. 



Young 
buM. 



3 
3 


1 


142 


131 


20 
19 
17 
21 


i-- 

16 
21 
10 


77 


47 



178 



2403— H. Doc. 93, 62-1 76 



1214 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



BEEEDINGr COWS. 

While there is a steady increase in the number of cows hauling out 
on any rookery for a month after the middle of June, a seagoing stream 
soon makes its appearance, consisting of cows en route to the feeding 
grounds after their pups are born. Hence at the "height of the 
season," about the middle of July, the number of cows on the beach 
is no true indication of the total number, nor does it always bear a 
constant ratio to the whole. Under certain circumstances, possibly 
due to climatic conditions, nearly the full complement may be present 
at the height of tlie season, and again in other years not over 30 per 
cent of the community may be on the rookery. It thus becomes 
apparent that such counts, of varying character from season to season, 
must be used with extreme caution, if at all, in estimating the entire 
number of females on any rookery or the annual decline or increase. 
As has been pointed out by others, we may arrive at an approximate 
estimate only by a count of the pups, and under that heading an 
attempt has been made to show that even here we must use the results 
with the greatest care in making a census of the herd. 

During the height of the season counts were made on the following 
rookeries : 

Counts of cows on some St. Paul roolcenes during height of season, 1897, 1909, and 1910. 



Rookeries. 


1897 


1909 


1910 




1,319 
1,286 
1,049 

470 
2,436 

654 


281 
698 
137 
207 
892 
127 


229 


Tolstoi Cliffs 


646 


Zapadni Reef 


78 




218 


Kitovi ■- 


837 


Kitovi Amphitheater 


92 


Lukanin 


820 


Polovina Cliffs 






426 


Little Polovina 






421 












7,711 


2,413 


3.767 



COUNTS OF PUPS. 



Owing to the fact that all the cows are never present on the rook- 
eries at a given time, it is obvious that the only approach to an accu- 
rate census of the breeding females is to be made by counting all the 
pups on all the rookeries. Such a procedure is not only arduous but 
wasteful, since the cows in early August, when the counting is usually 
done, are readily driven into the sea and a portion must inevitably fall 
a prey to the pelagic sealer. Accordingly it was the custom for sev- 
eral years prior to 1906 to count the pups on a number of rookeries, 
and with such data estimate the entu^e herd. In more recent times 
the number of such pup counts has become gradually lessened until 
this year Kitovi was the only rookery examined, with the following 
result: Total number of pups, 1,966; dead, 62. 

The implication that Kitovi is a typical average rookery must rest 
upon the assumption that it stands between those in which the decline 
is great and those in which it is at a minimum. As a matter of fact, an 
examination of the counts of Kitovi during the past four years shows 
that in reality it has been remarkably constant so far as the cows are 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



1215 



concerned. Commencing with 1907, the number of pups each year is 
1,959, 1,960, 1,979, and this year there are 1,966. 

Last year there were 55 active bulls on Kitovi and 1,979 pups; this 
year there are 62 bulls and 1,966 pups. The average harem last year 
was 36; this year, 31.7 ; a dilTerence due almost wholly to the increased 
number of active bulls. And, furthermore, this slight diU'erence is of 
far-reaching importance when we come to* consider the application of 
these data to the estimate of the entire herd. With 1,369 harems, 
each numbering 36 cows, the estimate would be 49,284; if each com- 
prised 31.7 cows there are then 43,397 in the breeding herd, a diifer- 
ence of 5,587, or 11,174 when the pups are included m the count, due 
solely to the presence of 7 active extra bulls. 

Then, again, on the other rookeries an increase or decrease in the 
number of active males produces a corresponding rise or fall in the 
estimated number of cows. For example, on Vostochni there may 
be 6,500 cows and 200 active bulls. If 20 idle bulls, before the height 
of the season, secure 1 cow apiece, they enter the active list, and 
there are then 220 harems. As the average harem is 31.7, this 
increase affects the estimate to the extent of a gain of 634 cows, 
though in reality the number of cows has remained constant. At 
present this gain or loss in the active bull list outside of Kitovi is of 
relative unimportance, but it is conceivable that under certam cir- 
cumstances it may assume a more prominent role. 

I have in mind'the fact that in treating this phase of the problem 
we are, after all, dealing in generalities, but the results may become 
so general that they have little actual value. In my opinion it is 
highly desirable that a pup count on all of the rookeries be made 
during August, or even eaHy in September, in stress of weather, or 
possibly after the sealing fleet has left Bermg Sea; and again a 
simila/ survey should be made five years later, when the typical 
rookery could be determined and questions relating to the increase 
or decrease of the herd be settled beyond a reasonable doubt. 

ESTIMATES OF COWS AND PUP8. 

Assuming that the average harem comprises 31.7 cows, the total 
number in the entire seal herd is computed in the following table: 



Computation of cows and pups on St. Paul and St. George Islands, 1897, 1909, and 1910. 



Rookeries. 



St. Paul Island: 

Gorbatch 9,086 

Ardiguen 736 

Reef • 13,393 

Sea Lion Rock 3,009 

Kitovi 5,289 

Lukanin 4,100 

Polavina 4,218 

Polavina Cliffs 2,200 

Little Polavina 1 , 180 

Morjovi 6,873 

Zapadni 13,511 

Vostochni 26,845 

Little Zapadni t 5,192 

Zapadni Reef I 2,200 

Tolstoi 8,702 



1897 



1909 



4,320 1 

353 

6,624 

2, 196 

1,979 

1,404 

1,512 

828 

684 

1,620 

5,292 

6,624 

2,232 

319 

3,132 



1910 



3,487 

349 

0.530 

11,934 

1.966 

1,268 

1,585 

634 

380 

1,490 

3,740 

6,467 

1,617 

222 

2,346 



Rookeries. 



St. 



St. 



Paul Island— Contd 

Tolstoi Cliffs 

Lagoon 

Total 

George Island: 

Little East 

East 

Zapadni 

Staraya Artel 

North 

Total 

Grand total 



1897 



2,891 
2,598 



112,864 



1,190 
3,766 
3,923 
1,681 
5,782 



16, 352 



129,216 



1909 



1,452 
693 



41,266 



144 
2,340 
1,548 
1,512 
3,816 



9,360 



50,626 



1910 



285 



35,188 



127 
1,870 
1,490 
1,522 
3,202 



8,211 



43,777 



1 Estimated. 



1216 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

In the above census it is to be remembered that the totals apply 
to cows or pups and that both together number 86,798. 

YEARLINGS AND 2-YEAR-OLDS. 

Of the various computations necessary to arrive at an estimate of 
the entire seal herd those concerned with the 2-year-olds and year- 
lings are the least satisfactory. And yet by restricting th3 quota to 
3-year-olds we could in a relatively short period arrive at a fairly 
close approximation, and at the same time settle other vexed ques- 
tions that ar°i in need of solution. At the present time we are com- 
pelled to base our estimates largely on the quota and those males 
dismissed from the killing grounds. 

In the quota this year 10,210 skins weighed less than 7 pounds, 
and 2,603 males were dismissed from the drives because they were 
undersized. Some of the latter were doubtless driven more than 
once, but even so it is })robable that the number was not less than 
1,800. Besides these, 337 2-year-olds were branded early in the 
season. This accounts for 12,347. That there are yet others is evi- 
denced by the fact that fully 700 bachelors of killable size appeared 
on the hauling grounds of both islands in early August after the 
'killing season, in addition to which there were probably other young 
animals in considerable numbers, though how many is uncertain. 
And it is probable, also, that some were at sea, but here again we have 
no exact information. A conservative estimate of 2-year-olds is 
therefore 13,000, which is also the number of virgin 2-year-old 
females that during the late summer arrived at the rookeries. 

It appears to be the general belief that in 1909 there were 12,000 
yearlings of each sex, and judging from estimates based on pup 
counts and the quota, the herd appears to have been stationary for 
the past three or four years. Hence we might suppose that the num- 
ber of yearlings for this year is approximately the same as last. 
However, it is possible that the estimates based largely on Kitovi are 
misleading and that the quota was maintained by closer and closer 
killing. Future observations alone will settle this question. In 
order to be on the safe side we may assume that a shrinkage of 10 
per cent has taken place and that accordingly the number of jenT- 
lings of each sex for the year 1910 is 10,800. 

THE RESERVE. 

For six years prior to 1910 two thousand 2 and 3 year old males 
were reserved annually, but as the brand, made by clipping the hair 
on the head, was not permanent we have no means of knowing how 
many of these were subsequently killed. If 1,000 were actuaUy 
exempted each year and there is an annual mortality of 10 per cent 
there should be between 500 and 600 this year remaining of the 
reserve of 1905. And if the decline of the present number of active 
bulls is approximately 300 there should this year be an increase of 
over 200. As a matter of fact there is a slight decline, so that it 
appears that males exempted one year were killed the next. In 
reality, if we may judge from the records of past years, there is no 
necessity of reserving annually a number greater than one-half of the 
total number of active bulls, but these should be chosen from the class 
that will be wigged next year, or branded with a permanent mark. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



1217 



Tliis year 1,271 males were set aside as a reserve; very nearly 1,000 
4-year-volds and older v/ere dismissed from the drives, and as some of 
these were doubtless driven more than once it is assuredly safe to 
conclude that 600 were actually present. In addition there were 
others on the water front and in the water to the number of at least 
100, and finally there were 397 idle and half bulls. This gives a 
total of 2,368, a number considerably in excess of th'^ recjuirements. 



ESTIMATE OF ALL CLASSES. 



The following is an itemized census of all of the seals forming the 
herd in 1910: 

Census of seal herd in 1897, 1909, and 1910. 



Classes. 


1897 


1909 


1910 




■4,418 
129,216 
129,216 
5,000 
10, 000 
2,000 
20, 000 
20,000 
30,000 
30,000 


1,387 

£0, 626 

50, 626 

189 

324 

4,114 
14,368 
15,000 
12, 000 
12,000 


1,369 


Breeding cows 


43,399 




43,399 


Idle bulls . 


219 




178 




2,368 


2-year males . 


113,000 




13,000 




10,800 


Yearling females 


10,800 






Total. .. . . . .. 


402,850 


156, 520 


138,532 







1 Of the 13,000 2-year-old males in the herd at the beginning of the season of 1910 about 7,500 in round 
numbers were subsequently kUled on land for their skins, reducing the total of 138,532 to practical agree- 
ment with the total shown by the agent in charge, Mr. AV. I. Lembkey, in his report, which apphes to the 
end of the season. 

The figures for 1909 are those of Mr. George A. Clai'k, special representative of the Bureau of Fisheries on 
the islands that year. The varying categories to wlilch different authorities assign the seals, the dllTerent 
dates when counts were made, "and the dillerencc in bases of estimating from such counts, are illustrated 
in this instance and appear in all comparisons of figures. Even the harem counts do not exactly agree. 
Mr. Clark's classification and enumeration are, for these reasons, not fully compai-able with the report of 
Mr. Lembkey for 1909. 

It will be noticed that according to this estimate the herd has 
diminished by 17,688. Wliether this is a just conclusion must be 
decided by computations to be made during the next few^ years. 
Accuracy is impossible so long as the present methods are employed. 
During late years it has been assumed that the error is not greater 
than 12 per cent, and this is probably a fair conclusion. Last year 
the herd numbered between 150,000 and 160,000; this year it seems 
to fall between 135,000 and 145,000. 



THE QUOTA. 

In 1897 it was estimated that the ratio of bachelors to the entire 
herd was- 1:20; this 37^ear it is approximately 1:10. The conditions 
that have brought about this change are matters largely of conjecture, 
for our knowledge of the seal is too imperfect to warrant a satisfac- 
tory^ explanation. It is reasonably certain that the mortality among 
pups is less than formerly and, as Mr. Lembkey states in his report 
of 1909, this would insure"^a proportionately larger return of yearlings, 
males and females, and subsequently of breeding cows, both of which 
are factors tending to the increase of bachelors. Then, again, the 
death rate of the young, estimated to be 50 per cent during the first 
year, may have been excessive and the proportion of bachelors to 
the entire herd mav have been greater than was estimated in 1897. 



1218 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

But even if these problems were solved to our complete satisfaction 
they do not bear directly on the question of the conservation of the 
herd. As noted in another paragraph, the essential point to be set- 
tled is regarding the reserve. If it is sufficient to supply the requisite 
number of males, as the active ones disappear, then it appears to be 
the best policy to kill those remaining. The herd is declining or at 
best stationary. The pelagic sealer is hovering about the islands 
and close killing diminishes his catch. That the quota should con- 
sist of the skms of 3-year-olds is obviously the most economical plan, 
but from a purely zoological standpoint this is a matter of detail and 
relatively unimportant. 

This year 10,749 skins were taken on St. Paul and 2,834 on St. 
George, a total of 13,583, or 785 less than in 1909. The weights of 
these, together with data relating to the drives and numbers dis- 
missed, are given in the report of the agent in charge. 

CONSERVATION AND SOME INVOLVED PROBLEMS. 

It has been seen from the foregoing paragraphs that the number 
of males for breeding purposes is sufficient, and this has been so for 
many years. On the other hand, the number of females has been 
decreasing steadily, and there is no question but that the pelagic 
sealer is, and has been, an important factor in producing this decline. 
Furthermore, another fact is evident, that with the conservation of 
the females on land and the setting aside annually of a sufficient 
male reserve no additional care will add one jot or tittle to the number 
of cows. It is perfectly true that the elements involved in the prob- 
lem of the male reserve are intricate and some are not clearly under- 
stood, but in the last analysis the important question to be answered 
is this: Is there a sufficient number of males to take the place of those 
active on the rookeries ? and every year the answer has been in the 
affirmative. On land, killmg may be close, and skins below the 
maximum value may be taken, but if the females are protected and 
the male reserve be adequate other questions sink into a position of 
relative unimportance as the seal problem now presents itself. 

The foregoing paragraph is written from a purely biological stand- 
point, having in mind only the conservation of the herd, but there 
are other questions of a more practical bearing that should be settled 
before the sealing business can be conducted on the most economical 
basis In the first place it is highly desirable that the number of 
pups bom annually be more accurately determined, reducing the 
possible error below 7,000, where it stands at present. In 1896 the 
error was estimated to be about 6 per cent, but last year and this it 
is probably twice as great. With the herd approaching the vanishing 
point accuracy is more than ever a desideratum and should be had 
even at the cost of an unusual amount of labor. 

Again, we have no information, \vithin narrow limits, of the number 
of males or females returning at the close of the first year, or if this 
be beyond computation, then of the number returning the second or 
even the third year. This, as the sexes are of approximately equal 
numbers, will give more nearly than any other practicable method 
the number of females taking tlieir places on the rookeries. Beyond 
this time observations should be made to determine the number of 
reserved 3-year-olds that appear the next year, and finally the 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1219 

percentage that ultimately becomes active on the rookeries. From 
such observations the reserve of males may ultimately be made with 
an accurate knowledge of facts, and not with such hazy ideas as we 
have at present. 

It is highly desirable that the quota be taken from the males in 
prime condition, and I heartily agree with i\Ir. Lembkey and Air. G. A. 
Clark, who argue in their reports of 1909 for the killing of 3-year-olds. 
I am by no means convinced that even by the branding of every 
pup, and so destroying the fur to some extent, we can, by this means 
alone, reduce the value of the skin to such a degree that the pelagic 
sealer will be forced out of busmess. It may indeed be a fact, but 
the brands made in the past were in some cases fatal and are sup- 
posedly about all that the young seal is able to survive, and yet not 
over one-tenth or at most one-eighth of the fur is destroyed. The 
resulting depreciation of value will probably not amount to more 
than $10, and two San Francisco furriers place it as low as $5. The 
price of skms is gradually advancing and on the other hand we do 
not know what returns will pay the schooner owners to keep a ship in 
the sea. The crew, averaging 35, receives $5 per man each month 
(Capt. Quinan of the revenue cutter Talioma says $2.50) and \2h 
cents goes to each man for every skin taken by his particular row- 
boat. Let us suppose each schooner is out six months, and, judgmg 
from past records, 8,000 skins will be taken this year, or 320 per 
schooner. If the price per skin were only $15 ($30 was the price 
they received last year) $4,800 would certamly be a paying invest- 
ment. 

On the other hand there is another factor making toward the 
reduction of the sealing fleet which, together with the partial destruc- 
tion of the skins through branding, may pos.ibly put the pelagic 
sealer out of business or, more probably, so limit the number of 
vessels that an equilibrium of the seal herd may become a fixed 
feature. This element is competition. With 25 schooners in the 
sea, rivalry must tliis year have been very keen, and with a diminish- 
ing herd some competitors must sooner or later leave the field Any 
depreciation in the value of skins must hasten the desirable result, 
provided — and here an unknown factor enters — that the price of 
skins does not advance. But with the decline of the number of 
skins it is probable that prices will advance, and it appear, very 
questionable whether branamg and competition will drive away all 
of the pelagic fleet for many years to come. It may, however, make 
it possible for the herd to remain practically stationary until some 
form of treaty insures more perfect conservation. 

The branding process may be made to include the male pups, but 
as the pelagic sealer secures but few bachelors this would greatly 
destroy the value of the land catch mthout giving adequate returns. 
It is possible that the males dismissed from the drives might be 
penned up for a month or so, but unfortunately I can not speak with 
authority regarding tliis plan, that was once put into execution several 
37"ears ago. Some advocates claim that it is entirely possible; that 
after a few days the captives show no sign of restlessness in their 
unnatural surroundings. Others are equally certain that the experi- 
ment was not a success, as several of the larger animals broke through 
the barriers and some less fortunate became restless in the extreme 
and finally died of exhaustion. Furthermore, it is reported the 



1220 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

bachelors ordinarily put to sea from time to time in search of food, 
and it is difficult to see how food would be forthcoming even if they 
desisted from their attempts to escape. The fact that placing animals 
in captivity would prevent redriving does not appear in itself to be 
sufficient reason for carrying out the plan. If by these schemes we 
hope to drive the pelagic sealer from his elected calling, then it seems 
to me they will not succeed, but that they may increase the value 
of the land catch is possible. 

THE QUESTION OP AN EQUILIBRIUM OF THE HERD. 

The question of an equihbrium of. the herd is one of very liigh impor- 
tance. In 1897 the Fur Seal Commission agreed that such a state 
of affairs would ultimately occur, and in 1909 Mr. G. A. Clark argues 
in favor of the possibility that there is now an equilibrium. Unfor- 
tunately, in the present year a sufficiently large pup count was not 
made whereby to settle the question. The estimated decline may 
be approximately correct or it may be due to the methods of taking 
the census. If an equihbrium does exist, it means that if the number 
of guards stationed on the islands is sufficient to prevent poaching 
the entire land catch may amount annually to something in the 
neighborhood of 10,000 skins and the herd would be in no danger of 
extinction. If instead of allowing matters to rest as they are the 
Government orders the branding of female pups, then some of the 
pelagic sealers may be compelled to abandon their calling, and 
the herd would probably increase, but there is nothing to prevent 
the return of the entire sealing fleet when the herd is larger and a prof- 
itable catch may be made even though each sldn is much reduced 
in value. 

As matters appear there is one way only whereby the pelagic 
sealer may be driven away entirely, and that is by the further reduc- 
tion of the seal herd. This is at best a cold-blooded proposition and 
will probably not meet with general approval, but there seems to be 
no other way to destroy the activity of the fleet. 

The question now stands. Shall the pelagic sealer be driven from 
the sea and the financial gain from the then highly diminished herd 
be reduced to a minimum, or is it better policy to place the business 
more nearly on a paying basis though the pelagic sealer share in the 
returns ? Until pelagic sealing is discontinued by an agreement with 
the countries concerned the revenue fleet must be kept about the 
islands, under any circumstances the natives must be cared for, and 
in various ways a heavy financial outlay must be made annuaUy. 
Personally I favor the latter plan, reaping as large a harvest as is 
compatible with the conservation of the herd and at the same time 
leaving as little as possible to those on the liigh seas. 

THE PATROL AND PELAGIC SEALING. 

The revenue fleet maintained throughout tlie season of 1910 a 
most thoroughgoing and careful patrol about the islands, where reefs, 
and sliifty currents, and impenetrable fogs arc of the most treacherous 
character. Three cutters, the Tahorna, Capt. Quinan, commanding; 
the Manning, Capt. Cardin: and the Perry, Capt. Haake, constituted 
the fleet, with Ca])t. Foley at Unalaska in conmiand. Prior to July 
26 each vessel remained 12 days in the vicinity of St. Paul, and after 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1221 

5 days returned from coaling at Unalaska. On the date named the 
Perry, during a dense fog, went asliore at Rocky 3r*oint on St. Paul and 
was never floated. The dutieo of the remaining vessels became cor- 
respondingly increased, but so far as known no schooner pushed in- 
side of the 3-mile zone after tliis accident, and generally speaking the 
infractions of the law throughout the season were of minor importance. 

Pelagic sealing, on the part of the Japanese, continued \vith un- 
abated vigor. During this season 2.5 vessels were reported, 7 more 
than in 1909, and the reports in Capt. Foley's ofhce in Unalaska show 
that each schooner carried approximately 25 to 40 men and from 5 to 
10 boats. Furthermore, several of these ships cleared from Japan 
early in the year, and, arriving at various pomts from California to 
Sitka, followed the herd to the breeding grounds in Bering Sea. In 
the vicinity of St. Paul Island none ventured, so far as known, 
within the 3-mile zone, but in one or two instances violations were 
reported by the natives on St. George, where the revenue-cutter 
patrol is far less vigilant. On June 28 the ToJcai Maru was seized and 
fined for violation of the alien fishing law, and on July 25 the Toro 
Maru was seized and fined for violation of the custom laws (sec. 2773 
of the Revised Statutes). On July 18 two rowboats were sighted in 
the vicinity of Zapadni, on St. George, so close to shore that one was 
seen to contain at least one unskinned seal. And again during foggy 
weather on July 30 two boats" crews from the schooner HoJco Maru 
landed at Northeast Point and Lukanin, respectively, and the next 
day four sailors from the Toro Ma,ru were captured en route to Za- 
padni. Though pleading stress of weather, all were taken into custody 
and were subsequently tried in Unalaska. 

Generally speaking, the fleet operated to the east and north of St. 
Paul, presumablj^ in the path of the seals leaving the Reef, Kitovi, 
Lukanin, the Polovinas, and Northeast Point. On July 10 the 
steamer /Zomer reported at least a dozen schooners \\dth their attend- 
ant boats, which had formed a great circle between St. Paul and St. 
George and were slaughtering the seals compelled to cross the line of 
fire at two points. Altiiough the nearest of these vessels was at least 
8 miles from the shores of St. Paul, the reports of the shotguns could 
heard distinctly on land, and a count I made on that day from 11.20 
to 11.50 a. m. showed that 22S shots were fired, an average of 7.6 per 
minute. 

In this connection it may be mentioned that on certain days, owing 
to meteorological conditions, sounds travel amazing distances. Ac- 
cording to Capt. Quinan, shots were heard one day in July seemingly 
well within the 3-mile zone, but with the lifting of the fog the nearest 
boat was fully 7 miles distant. Somewhat later in the month a fusi- 
lade was -distinctly heard on St. Paul, but with the clearing away of 
the mists not a single boat could be detected even with powerful 
glasses used from the top of a 70-foot hill. It thus becomes apparent 
that alleged transgressions, based on this species of evidence alone, are 
far from being trustworthy. 

To an outsider the practice of having Japanese stewards aboard 
the cutters is not above criticism. They must inevitably come into 
possession of valuable information that may be of service to Japanese 
prisoners, for whom they act as interpreters, if I am informed cor- 
rectly. Furthermore, the Japanese detained for 10 days on St. Paul 
this vear were in constant communication with the natives of the 



1222 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

village, and it was no fault of theirs if they did not learn more of the 
islands than is disclosed by the chart. One has a certain amount of 
sympathy for the pelagic sealer, who receives a mere pittance for his 
services and is the only one who suffers when his boat is captured; but 
his imprisonment is not a serious hardship, especially if he be allowed 
to work on the coal pile at $2 per day and is ultimately sent back to 
Japan. 

These are, after all, matters of comparative unimportance. The 
arrest, and even the severe punishment, of such offenders do not 
seriously interfere with the activities of the schooners and their 
owners. Such devices as branding to partially destroy the value of 
the skins, and of penning up male seals released from the drives, are 
not complete preventives, so that until an agreement is consummated 
the international struggle between watcher and watched must forever 
go on with all of the attendant aggravating features. It is possible 
that the herd is not in a state of equilibrium, but is actually dimin- 
ishing. If this continue the hunter on the high seas must ultimately 
vanish from the scene of his pernicious activity; but is the Govern- 
ment of the United States compelled to place the seal herd on the 
altar of sacrifice in order to bring about this desired result ? 

If this, indeed, be true then we must decide, and that right early, 
whether this be a lesser evil than the other, hj^pothetical to a certain 
degree, of branding the females, which form the greater portion of 
the pelagic catch, and by the depreciation of their skins, making it 
necessary for a greater number than at present to be taken with profit 
by the pelagic sealer. At the same time this would render it possible 
for an increased number of cows to escape and breed on the rookeries, 
and so add materially to the bachelor herd and consequently to the 
land catch. 

THE PELAGIC CATCH. 

Regarding the pelagic catch of this year, our evidence must rest 
upon a very slender reed — the reports of the Japanese themselves. 
According to these, 4,213 skins were taken prior to August 15, of 
which 2,098 came from Bering Sea. Last year the reported'Japanese 
catch up to August 15 was 4,954 skins. As a matter of fact, it was 
then probably twice as large, for the entire season's catch, as reported 
from the London market, was 10,561 skins. This year it is safe to 
predict that there will be at least 8,000. 

cows IN DRIVES. 

During the killing season proper, closing August 1, the discipline 
maintained by the active bulls on the rookeries was very strict, and 
accordingly a very insignificant number of cows made their way mto 
the neighborhood of the bachelors and were driven to the sealing 
grounds. Such as did so, of course, were subsequently released. 
During a food drive on August 10, when the harems had commenced 
to disintegrate, several cows appeared m the drive, but I was unable 
to find a single one among the dead on the killing grounds. Doubt- 
less females may occasionally be clubbed accidentally, but this year 
I can testify that the greatest care was exercised, and I know of no 
occurrences of the kind. 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1223 



FEEDING OF PUHS. 



For various reasons, no attempt was made to raise pups. The 
pair handled successfully by Boatswain Thurber had shed the first 
coat and were fully 3 months old; he was unsuccessful with the 
young, black pups. These last named may possibly be reared if food 
of the proper character be fed, but at the present time we are ignorant 
of the composition of seal's milk. In any event one must have not 
only a large store of patience but an abundance of time, and what- 
ever may be said regarding the first requisite the latter is not forth- 
coming durmg the summer, when one is concerned with numerous 
other matters pertaining to the herd in general and must leave the 
islands in August. 

CAUSPS OF DEATH. 

Under normal cii'cumstances the life of the seal of either sex is 
probably from 12 to 13 years. Smce the bulls are active for not 
more than five seasons, one-fifth of the active list dies each year, 
and as the cows are believed to breed during ten seasons one-tenth of 
their number disappears annually. 

Judgmg from the reports of former years, the season of 1910 was 
one of comparative quiet. No fatalities due to fighting were noted 
among the bulls, and only one cow was discovered whose death may 
be attributed to rough handling on the part of a bull. 

On the killing grounds between 20 and 30 bachelors were found 
with from one to three buckshot embedded in various parts of the 
body. Some of the resulting wounds were severe, but no deaths 
were directly traced to this cause. 

In earlier times the ravages of the parasitic worm, uncinaria, were 
especiallj^ noticeable on the Tolstoi sand flat and portions of Zapadni, 
but in recent years, due to the slirinkage of the herd, these areas 
have been abando'ned. Very few cases were noted by Dr. Chichester 
in 1909, and not one was detected tliis year. The dead pups dis- 
sected were seemingly in a perfectly normal condition, their ema- 
ciated appearance and empty alimentary canal mdicating death from 
starvation. 

AGES OF SEALS. 

Last year 34 branded cows that had been marked as pups not 
later than 1902 were observed on the rookeries. This year 11 were 
seen prior to August 1, but during this time there is little opportunity 
to examine the cows critically, and later in the season such an exami- 
nation would produce an unwarrantable disturbance on the rookeries. 
However, the fact is established that there are branded cows in 
existence, and the time of their disappearance and their possible 
age may be decided at a later date. It is interesting to note that two 
cows on St. George bore the T brand of 1899. 

Practicall}' every active bull on both islands was examined critically, 
but not a single brand was seen and none was reported by the Gov- 
ernment agents or the natives. The branded bull on Kitovi, that 
last year completed his fifth season, has disappeared. Another 
bull, blind in one eye, occupied a site on Kitovi for the third season. 
In other years bulls with scars or other distinguishable marks have 
been seen at various stations, but these have rarelv continued on the 



1224 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

active list for more than three or four seasons. It is therefore an 
estabUshed fact that under ordinary circumstances the male becomes 
active at 8 years of age and hves three or four years thereafter. 
Tlie age of the female is not known with the same degree of certainty, 
but is commonly believed that she lives to the same age. 

Appendix — Exteact from Field Notes. 

Commencing early in August, the harems begin to show signs of 
disorganization; the majority of the cows have been served and are 
free to come or go without serious let or hindrance; the idle and half 
bulls roam about at will and the breeding season thus passes into its 
last stage. From this time on observations producing no unwonted 
disturbance are to be made only from some place of concealment, 
such as are supplied by the cliffs of Ai'diguen or Lukanin. To these 
two spots I repaired practically every day in August, and for varying 
lengths of time watched the life of the seal herd. It is unnecessary to 
detail observations that have already been recorded by several stu- 
dents of the subject, but I may voice again the general verdict that 
such a show of mammahan life is to be met with nowhere else on the 
face of the earth, and from several points of view it would indeed be 
a calamity if the seal meets the fate of the manatee, the sea otter, or 
the buffalo. 

Concerning other Kfe on the islands, much has been said and much 
remains to be investigated. For many years the bird hfe has received 
the attention of the ornithologist and the more important phases of 
the problems involved have probably been settled; yet there are 
other matters of minor detail relating to stray migrants, nest mate- 
rials, and construction and feeding that well deserve attention. 

The insects of the islands are numerous and of all the animals or 
plants doubtless afford some of the most important and interesting 
problems, if not the very greatest, of purely scientific character re- 
maining to be solved. Owing to the brevity of the summer season, 
some of the stages in the life history are completed in a surprisingly 
short space of time, and a comparison of the life histories of related 
insects in adjoining regions would be interesting to say the least. 
Furthermore, the conditions under which they survive the winter 
wiU also be an interesting chapter in the life of the island organisms. 

The flowering plants have been the subject of much study, and it 
is doubtful if many novelties will be recorded in the future. To a less 
extent tliis is true of the lichens, but there are unquestionably small 
species that have escaped detection; and again there are modifica- 
tions due to habitat that make it altogether possible that superficially 
similar forms may in reality be distinct species. Among the fungi 
there are certainly new forms. On some of the upland slopes in the 
early season I have found species that do not correspond to any 
described in the reports of the region. 

It is highly desirable that a museum be installed on the islands, 
containing, so far as is practicable, sDecimens of all the animals and 
plants. And equally desirable is a library, comprising all works that 
in any way arc concerned with the biology of the country. 

Finally, one word relating to the natives. Considering their ante- 
cedents, and es])ecially their former mode of life and lack of advan- 
tages, these peo])le have made truly i-emarkable strides, and yet there 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1225 

is obviously room for improvement. By nature conservative, they 
are somewliat nonplastic, but at heart they are anxious to better their 
condition, and they do respond with comparative readiness to all 
uplifting influences. In matters relating to personal hygiene there is 
much to be desired, and, improved, their span of life will doubtless 
be lengthened to a very noticeable degree. And, again, it is highly 
desirable that during the long and corrfining winter both the men and 
women have something to occupy their time^ — something profitable 
and yet agreeable, and if possible with a resulting value in some 
larger communit}^. It is difficult to decide what is best. Numerous 
plans have suggested themselves, but none of them are free from cer- 
tain inherent difficulties, and I earnestly hope that those more com- 
petent may give the subject their serious consideration, for certainly 
this species of missionary work carries a rich reward. 

In addition to the questions here outlined are others of dee]> import. 
Years ago Darwin called attention to tho remarkable similarity of 
the animals on the Galapagos Islands to those on the western slope 
of South America, and on the basis of this likeness formulated his 
theory of evolution. Doubtless on the Pribilof Islands the same 
conditions exist when compared with others of the mainland. 
Extensive breeding experiments are being carried on in several 
sections of our country, but it is b}' no means certain that new species 
are created in the period metisured by a man's life, or even in a 
hundred j^ears. On the islands, however, in a normal habitat, evolu- 
tionary agencies have doubtless made their influence felt, even though 
the islands are geologically young. It seems thsrefore wise to make 
extensive collections of the island fauna and flora, to study these 
critically, and, finally, to compare them with related species on the 
mainland. These results might be very interesting when considered 
in connection with the newly formed island of Bogoslof. On this 
body of land, forced above the sea mthin the memory of man, we 
already find plants thriving, and there are doubtless animals on the 
land or along the shore. Even if there are no visible differences 
apparent between organisms on this island and those of the Aleutian 
chain, we may gain some insight into the means whereb}^ their trans- 
portation has b.^en accomplished, and if collections and careful notes 
are kept in the near future the evolutionary side of the subjects may 
be studied sometime in the years to come. 



Part IV. Communications Relative to Supplies and Accounts. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, January 10, 1911. 
The Commissioner of Fish and Fisheries, 

Washington, D. C. 
Sm: In submitting the inclosed return of ordnance, requested by 
the chief clerk of the department, it is respectfully stated that when 
the several articles mentioned thereon were received on the islands, 
it was not known that they were to be accounted for by a formal 
return, and no copy of the invoice was retained. It is not possible, 
for this reason, to state the totals of the various amounts of ammuni- 



1226 



SEAL, ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 



tion furnished the islands. A careful inventory has been made of the 
ammunition on hand, and the amounts placed at the foot of the 
appropriate columns in the inclosed return. By contrasting these 
with the amounts furnished (which, for the reasons stated, can not 
be supplied) it can readily be ascertained what has been expended on 
the islands for target practice and otherwise on official business. 
Respectfully, 

W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent Seal Fisheries. 

Equipment for Hotchkiss mountain gun, caliber 1.65 P. E. 



Hotchkiss mountain guns, caliber 1.05 

Carriages for Hotchkiss mountain guns, caliber 1.65. 

Brushes and rods, sponge 

Brushes, cleaning 

Covers, breech 

Cans, oil 

Haversacks, gunners 

Screw drivers, 5-inch, electric 

Extractors, hand 

Lanyards 

Pliers. 



On hand 
from last 
return. 



Tompions 

Pins, dismounting 

Wrenches, face-plate 

Breech sights ^ 

Shafts (pairs) 

Drag ropes 

Paulins, 6 by 10 fegt 

Extractors 

Pins, firing 

Main springs 

Stop bolts 

Implements for Gatling guns, caliber .30, model 1897: 
,^ Gatling gun, long, 10 barrels, caliber .30, model 1897 

Metallic carriages for machine guns, model 1890 

Metallic limbers for machine guns, m.odel 1890 

Can; oil 

Cascable wrench 

Drift 

Feed guides, Bruce 

Gun cover 

Lever axis-pin nut wrenches 

Lock screw drivers 

Pin wrenches 

Rear guide nut wrenches 

Shell drivers 

Screw drivers, small 

Screw drivers, T 

Wiping rods 

Paulins, 12 by 12 feet 

Axis pin, washer, and nut 

Binder boxes, plates, pins, screws, washers, and keys 

Extractors 

Extractor screws 

Firing pins , 

Firing-pin nut pins , 

Firing-pin bushing screws , 

Locks, complete 

Mainsprings 

Pointing levers 

Ammunition, etc., Hotchkiss: 

Shells, cast-iron, fixed, 1.65 Hotchkiss mountain gun 

Metal cartridge cases for Hotchkiss mountain gun, caliber 1.65, primed 
and filled 

Felt wads, Hotchkiss mountain gun, caliber 1.65 

Spare parts for United States magazine rifles, caliber .30, model 1898: 

United States magazine rifles, caliber .30, model 1898 

Screw drivers, model 1897 

Bayonets, rifle, model 1898 

.Small-arms oilers 



Total. 



On hand 

to be 
accounted 
for on 
next re- 
turn. 



60 


60 


12 


12 


47 


47 


49 


49 



SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 1227 

Equipment for Hotchkiss mountain gun, caliber 1.65 P. E. — Continued. 



Spare parts for United States magazine rifl&s, caliber .30, model 1898— Con. 

Front sight and muzzle covers 

Cleaning rods, second and third sections 

Cleaning rods, first section 

BaiTack cleaning rods 

Breech covers, caliber .30 

Bolts 

Bntt plates 

Butt plate caps 

Bu tt plate cap pins 

Butt plate cap springs 

Butt plate cap spring screws 

Butt plate screws, large 

Butt plate screws, small 

Butt swivel plates, complete 

Carriers 

Cut-offs 

Ejectors 

Ejector pins 

Extractors 

Extractor pins . . .- 

Extractor rivets 

Extractor springs .' 

Firing pins 

Followers 

Follower pins 

Front sights 

Front sight pins 

Gates ; 

Guard 

Guard screws, rear 

Guard screws, front 

Hinge bars 

Lower bands 

Lower band pins 

Lower band swivels 

Lower band swivel screws 

Rebound levers 

Rebound lever springs 

Rebound lever spring pins 

Side plate screws 

Stocks, right 

Stocks, left 

Stock screws 

Triggers 

Gun slings, rifle, model 1898 

Cartridge belts, infantry, caliber .30 

Rifle cartridge belts, caliber . 30, model 1903 

Bayonet scabbards, model 1899 

Bail cartridges, rifle, caliber .30, model 1898 

Revolver ball cartridges, caliber .38 

Powder, saluting (pounds) 

Percussion primers, 20-grain, No. 3 

Reloading tools, 1.(55 Hotchkiss mountain gun (sets) 

Arm chests 

Fasteners for rifle cartridge belts 

Cartridge belt suspenders '. 

Magazine springs 

Mainsprings 

Safety locks 

Sears 

Sear springs 

Hand guards 

Side plates 

Side plate screws 

Sleeves 

Stacking swivels 

Stacking swivel screws 

Stocks 

Strikers 

Trigger 

Trigger pins 

Upper band 

Upper band screws 

Rear sight fixed base 

Rear sight movable base 

Rear sight base screws, front 

Rear sight base screws, rear 



On hand 
from last 
return. 



Total. 



On hand 
to be 

accounted 
for on 
next re- 
turn. 



2 

4' 

4 

4 

8 

4 

4 

4 

4 

4< 

4 

4 

4 

ti 

4 

2 

2 

2 

4 

4 

2 

4 

6 

3 

3 

2 

8 

4 

4 

2 

4 
43 



43 

til 

8,604 

1,541 

203 

60 

2 

8 

25 

25 

8 

4 

4 

2 

4 

4 

2 

4 

4 

4 

6 

20 

4 

2 

2 

2 

4 

2 

2 

4 

4 



1228 SEAL ISLANDS OF ALASKA. 

Equipment Jor Hotchkiss mountain gun, caliber 1.65 P. E. — Continued. 



Spare parts for United States magazine rifles, caliber .30, model 189&— Con, 

Rear sight base screw washer 2 

Rear sight base springs 6 

Rear sight base spring screws 

Hear sight leaves 4 

Rear sight leaf slide bodies 6 

Rear sight drift slides 4 

Rear sight drift slide pins 4 

Rear sight joint pins 4 

Rear sight binders 4 

Rear sight binder screws 20 

Rear sight friction springs 4 

Spare parts for Colt 's revolvers, caliber .38, model 1901: 

Colt's revolvers, caliber .38, model 1901 24 

Screw drivers for Colt's revolvers, model 1901 40 

Crane locks 2 

Crane lock screws 4 

Cylinder bolts with spring assembled 

Cylinder bolt springs 4 

Ejector rod heads 4 

Hammers with strut, strut pin, and strut spring assembled I 2 

Hammer stirnips \ 2 

Hammer stirrup pins •. j 2 

Hammer strut springs I 4 

Handsprings I 4 

Latch pins 2 

Latch springs I 4 

Locking levers ! 2 

Locking lever screws ! 2 

Mainsprings , 4 

Mainspring tension screws 4 



On hand 
from last 
return. 




On hand 
to be 

accounted 
for on 

next re- 
turn. 



20 



Serial numbers of United States magazine rifles, caliber ,30,, model 
1898, on the Pribilof Islands, Alaska: 

On St. Paul (.37): 212816, 373362, 379693. 380895, 382619, 374209, 380694, 383337, 
379908, 379688, 212422, 372870, 378700, 378644, 382828, 379607, 332876, 380106, 379608, 
379070, 382059, 379992, 212444, 208449. 213315, 374749, 214881, 206711, 378374, 213306, 
378908, 211369, 213843, 381257, 380119, 212755, 2148-52. 

On St. Georee (23): 436488, 380734, 435351, 376997, 380906, 379865, 380689, 380448, 
380737, 381134,' 380167, 376-398, .379722, 436018, 43-5128, 380427, 212242, 43-5449, 214126, 
380122, 213615, 2J 1.338, 211711. 

Serial numbers of Colt's revolvers, caliber .38, model 1901: 

On St. Paul (1.8): 1271, 2255, 1859, 1942, .562, 1393, 1238, 1337, 9412, 1224. 2180, 
5555, 1271, 97, 6219. 815, 3717, 5069. 

On St. George (6): 3446, 3661, 6604, 7213, 7618, 9933. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington', Fehruary 11, 1911. 

The Secretary of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C. 
Sir: I have the honor to bring to 3^our attention the matter of 
providing a vessel for carrying supplies to the Pribilof Islands during 
the coming season, and respectfully remind you of an informal 
discussion of this subject at the House Committee on Appropriations 
at which the opinion was expressed that a Government vessel should 
be obtained for this purpose. 



SEAL ISLANDS OP ALASKA. 1229 

In the opinion of this bureau it is improbable that any vessel now 
owned by the Government is available or can be made suitable for 
this service for the present season; .but it is suggested that the depart- 
ment may wish to take the matter up with other departments in 
order to be assured that there is no approjniate Government vessel 
now on the west coast that may be assigned to this work. 

Vessels of the Revenue-Cutter Service and the Navy are not pro- 
vided with facilities for carrying cargoes, lacking both space and 
hatchways of suitable size ; and if the use of such a vessel were desired 
it could not be adapted for our purposes without the expenditure of 
considerable time and money. A cargo capacity of at least 500 tons 
of crated and boxed stores is necessary. 

Should the department be unable to secure for the current season 
a vessel from some other branch of the Government service, the bu- 
reau requests that it be allowed to arrange for the charter of a mer- 
chant vessel, following the plan that was adopted last season. 
Respectfully, 

H. M. Smith, 
Acting Commissioner. 

Charter with option to buy, applying charter money on purchase 
price. 

C. N. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
^Yasllington, May 2, 1911. 
The Secretary of Commerce and Labor, 

Washington, D. C. 
Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith for acceptance a char- 
ter, in triplicate, covering the steamer Homer for the Alaska fisheries 
service for the ensuing season. This is similar to the charter entered 
into last year for the same vessel. 

Respectfully, Geo. M. Bowers, 

Commissioner. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

• Washington, March 23, 1911. 

Memorandum to assistant in charge Division of Scientific Inquiry. 

Inclosed for your information is a communication received from 
the chief of the Division of Supplies relative "to material to be shipped 
to the Pribilof Islands, which explains itself. Please see that the 
fur-seal agents thoroughly understand this matter and are governed 
by the request of Mr. Fowler. The reason for this request is obvious. 
^ It is also called to your attention that if there are any further sup- 
plies to be ordered through the department the requisition should be 
sent in without delay. 

I. H. DuNLAP, Chief ClerTc. 
2403— H. Doc. 93, 62-1 77 



1230 SEAL ISLANDS OP ALASKA. 

[Copy.] 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Division of Suppijes, 

Washington, March 22, 1911. 
Chief Clerk, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Department of Commerce and Labor. 

Dear Sir: Inclosed are invoices for all supplies requested by requi- 
sitions from your bureau, same to be shipped to the Pribilof Islands* 
These invoices cover all the goods for which you have made requi- 
sition, and it is earnestly requested that the fur-seal agents be im- 
Eressed with the duty of receipting these invoices and sending them 
ack by the first boat from the islands. This request is made for 
the reason that the invoices represent a value of about $1,230, and 
in order to get reimbursement from your appropriation it is necessary 
for me first to have the receipted invoices. 

The safe will be shipped from Toledo, Ohio, and the ammunition 
from New York City this week. 
Very truly, yours, 

(Signed) Wilbur W. Fowler, 

Chief of Division. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, March 23, 1911. 
Chief, Division of Supplies, 

Department of Commerce and Lahor, 

Washington, D. C. 
Dear Sir: The receipt is acknowledged of your letter of March 22, 
inclosing invoices of suppUes to be shipped to the Pribilof Islands. 
Inclosed for your information is copy of a memorandum addressed 
this day to the Chief of the Division of Scientific Inquiry of this 
bureau which is self-explanatory. 

Very truly, yours, I. H. Dunlap, Chief Cleric. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Office of the Chief Clerk, 

Washington, April 12, 1911. 
Sir: Replying to j^our letter of the 5th instant, I beg to state that 
it is desired to render accurate returns to the War Department of 
ordnance with which this department is charged, including that on 
the Pribilof Islands. 

In order to accomplish this end it is requested that as soon as 
practicable after reaching the islands the agents make another inven- 
tory of the ordnance in their charge, maldng particular search for the 
magazine rifle and the various small parts mentioned in my letter of 
February 25, 1911. ' 

In order to avoid error it is further requested that the agents give 
their personal attention to the takmg of this inventory and forward 
the same to the department by the first mail. 
Respectfully, 

RoBT. M. Pindell, Jr., 

Chief Cleric. 
The Commissioner of Fisheries. 



seal islands op alaska. 1231 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, April 13, 1911. 
Chief Clerk, 

Department of Commerce and Labor. 
Sir: The receipt is acknowledged of your letter of April 12, relative 
to accurate returns to the War Department of the ordnance with 
which the Department of Commerce and Labor is charged, including 
the Pribilof Islands. The necessary instructions have been issued to 
the chief of the division who is charged with the Alaska fisheries 
service to carry out the department's wishes. 
By direction of the commissioner. 

Respectfully, I. H. Dunlap, Chief Cleric. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, April 13, 1911. 

Memorandum to Dr. Evermann. 

Herewith is copy of a letter from the chief clerk of the department, 
which explains itself, relative to accounting for ordnance stores belong- 
ing to the War Department with which this bureau is charged. Please 
give the necessary instructions to Mr. Lembkey and the clerk of your 
division who has charge of keeping account of property. 

I. H. Dunlap, Chief Cleric 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, April 17, 1911. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent Seal Fisheries, New Federal Building, 

San Francisco, Cal. 
Sir: Regarding your request to have the Remington typewriter 
which is at this office shipped to San Francisco for your use, you are 
informed that it is not considered advisable to do so. You are 
instructed to submit a requisition for the machine you desire and 
make the purcliase in San Francisco. 

Respectfully, H. M. Smith, 

Acting Commissioner. 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
Washington, May 4, 1911. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

Room 328, Customhouse Building, San Francisco, Cal. 
Sir: There are being sent to you in to-day's mail to the above 
address five small packages containing orders on storekeepers for 
Alaska Fisheries Service. 



1232 SEAL. ISLANDS OP ALASKA. 

The entire lot of 200 was received at the office to-day and a few of 
these will be sent to you from day to day. 

Respectfully, H. M. Smith, 

Acting Commissioner. 

P. S, — Should mail be addressed to you as above or to room 328^ 
Appraiser's Building ? 



Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 

Washington, May 6, 1911. 
Mr. W. I. Lembkey, 

New Federal Building, San Francisco, Cdl. 
Sir: The stationery and miscellaneous supplies for St. Paul and 
St. George islands are now in the custody of the assistant quartermas- 
ter. United States Army, at Seattle, Wash., and will be taken up to 
the islands on the revenue cutter Tahoma. 

Respectfully, H. M. Smith, 

Acting Commissioner. 

Department of Commerce and Labor, 

Bureau of Fisheries, 
San Francisco, Gal., May 20, 1911. 
Commissioner of Fisheries, 

Washington, D. C. 
Sir: I have respectfully to state that Collector Stratton, the cus- 
todian of the United States Customhouse Building, called upon me 
recently and requested a decision as to the permanent occupancy by 
the bureau of room 328 now held by us, as well as of room 327, 
which the collector also ofl'ered to the bureau. I could tell him only 
that the matter had been submitted to the bureau, since which I had 
not been advised of any decision. The collector stated orally that 
he would appreciate inform^ation as to the bureau's intention con- 
cerning the occupancy of the rooms. I respectfully report the matter. 
Respectfully, 

W. I. Lembkey, 

Agent, Seal Fisheries. 

o 



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